"No, it's just-- I-- You know, I just think, right now I have *one key*, you know, everything I own is in the car, and I just... I like that; you know, I mean, I just-- if I get an apartment, that's two keys, if I get a job, you know, um, I might have to open or close, that's more keys... " Sex, Lies, and Videotape

A friend told me a long time ago that he would never own more stuff than he could fit into his car, or own anything he wasn't willing to give up. And I realized this week sitting in Au Bon Pain, that this kind of thinking is not unusual, in fact amongst my friends. In particular those at my church, it's the norm. Nobody really expects to stay here, it's just a waypoint on the journey to somewhere else. In the end you can't count on anyone to stick around.

I wonder if it's built into the character of my friends here. If it's a part of the ethos of this town.

Sometimes I take the train to work. As you can see above, through a fluke of geography it's remarkably close to my office. Less than 1000 feet from the train station.

Unfortunaltey it's quite a walk to go legally. Either I can walk along the highway, or cut through town and walk the long way around. Both of which add significantly to my trip.

I can however walk along the train tracks and get there in less than 10 minutes. Provided the snow's not too deep. However it's illegal, not to mention a bit dangerous to walk along train tracks. Trains don't stop for obstructions on the track, as a lot of people in LA have painfully learned.

In addition I can walk down the street onto a residential sidestreet and then cut through someone's yard. I haven't tried this one yet, but given the brush and the brambles, I doubt that there is that great a path through there. I do think I'll try it though.

However just having the option of taking the train to work and leaving my car at home is quite refreshing. Reminder of the reasons why I live in the city, and don't have to take my car to work all the time. Although I'm actually quite lazy a lot of time.

Forever Young

#1 Know your past, know who you are.
#2 Know your visions, know where you want to be.
#3 When God calls, be prepared to go.
Kevin Clouse

May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

Bob Dylan