and now for a topic near and dear to my own physical proximity: neighbors.

it appears that the neighbors next door [remember the sitting outside in cars and hanging out in the parking lot people? yeah, them] have taken to smoking in their apartment. which, in turn, means that i get to enjoy the aromatic qualities of disgusting revolting stale secondhand smoke that somehow seeps through the walls. hey, a note to all you smokers out there: seriously, it's disgusting. you're infringing on my right to clean air and frankly i'm freaking tired of it.

end rant one.

and the next next door neighbors moved in a couple of months ago. they have a dog. smallish, nothing scary. they let it shit on our shared lawn AND THEY DON'T PICK IT UP. mind you, our dumpster is in plain view of the scene of these crimes. with the right amount of momentum and velocity and weight and a tightly sealed bag, i'm certain you could get a nice high arc and launch it right over. seriously. hey, a note to all you pet owners out there: you are in charge of a living thing. living things have needs. take care of the aftermath of those needs. what is wrong with you?

end rant two. 

I love that we can explore the entire circumference of what it means to be human, to live in the already/not yet, and not have to worry about falling off the edge. That to me is the sovereignty of God, that he keeps us from falling off the edge.

- from meegs

go here for more thoughts on the emerging church from someone else who sometimes wonders why everyone has a stick up their ass about it.

the only thing worse than listening to highly synthesized cheesy muzak while on hold is LISTENING TO THE SAME MUZAK SONG OVER AND OVER AND OVER PLEASE LET ME DIE NOW.

craving a sugar-laden cafe d'orleans this morning, i was standing in line as my eyes adjusted to the indoor lighting. at first glance my brain registered "older woman in trenchcoat at the counter." after further review, i realized there was so much more going on. first, this was not a trenchcoat, but a short khaki-colored jacket, with a useless flap and button on the lower back, and matching trousers. i am tempted to use the phrase "business suit" but this would be an injustice to business suits everywhere. second, a bright blue shirt collar folded over said jacket. actually a nice shade of blue, but it did not fit into my vision of this safari outfit. third, the trousers were actually cuffed capris, about knee-length. and fourth, rounding out this pseudo-urban jungle wear, i notice the smooth and perfectly slightly scrunched black leather mid-heeled boots.

if only i had my camera.

For the last several years, I have been actively searching for ways to be as open and transparent as I can be with myself and with others. This is important to me because I want to love myself and the people in my life as truthfully as possible.

Love is such a gift. It takes an incredible amount of our energy, and sometimes our courage to give and receive it. I don't think it would be possible for me to love myself or for anyone else to truly love me without as much honesty as I can muster. ...

- from tb at soulgardening

truth and love and openness and affection... risky, daring, and SO worth it.