Today I got a good idea of what it is like to panic. Before I continue, I must tell you that I had already written most of today's blog before the day's events took a turn. I had written about the chilly weather, (55degrees,) and how I had the day off with Bradley, while Dan had to attend an 8 hour IV class so that he could be more proficient at something that he already knows everything about, and how I planned on spending the day doing mostly nothing. It is funny how things change in an instance, and hindsight can make you feel silly.
All that I am about to write happened in probably a minute and a half, at the most. I was sitting on the couch, reading a book after having given Bradley a bath. (Which was hard, by the way, because our shower head comes right out of the wall, without the capability of extending.) I began to smell barbecue, and I thought to myself, "hmmmm it is a little early to be cooking dinner, but it smells good!" This was right after 2pm. I looked outside and I saw large ashes floating through the air. Now my immediate, (and naive) thought is, "Oh my gosh, the volcano just erupted!" Why this is what popped into my head, I have no idea, and it really makes no sense. I put my book down and Bradley and I rushed to the porch to see what was going on. To our left, maybe 100 yards away, were HUGE flames coming from the apartment complex next to ours! Well, of course, this is when extreme panic sets in. I have never seen a fire before, except for in theme parks where they are contained and expected! I began to hear the fire trucks and I ran back inside, put on Braldey's leash, threw our important papers in a tote, grabbed my phone, shut all the doors and ran outside. Lets just focus on the the things that I did not do: I left my wedding ring on the counter, (since I had just bathed the dog), I left my wallet and my purse behind, and I am now standing outside in my pajamas! But, do not worry, for I did turn off the washer and dryer before I left and I shut all the doors in case the fire spread to our area. What is wrong with me!? It is strange the things that you do when your mind is in crises mode. I was so sure the whole time that there was about to be an explosion and I needed to flee quickly!
So now there I was, in my pjs and dog and papers in hand. I began walking towards the hospital because it was away from the fire and Dan was there. That was about the time Dan called and told me he was almost home.
When he pulled in, the fire fighters were in full swing and all of the big flames were gone. I brought Bradley back upstairs and went with Dan to see what was going on. All of our neighbors that were home were standing outside watching with us and telling their stories.
The firefighters worked very quickly and started cutting into the attic with chainsaws and knocking down the doors of the neighbors! Smoke was everywhere and burned our throats and eyes. Now, almost 2 and a half hours later, they have broken out the windows and started tearing down the walls and the roof. The fire spread so quickly and has destroyed several apartments. Dan spoke with one of the firefighters and he said that everyone got out OK and they sent one person to the hospital, (probably from smoke inhalation). Everyone was very lucky because the fire station is literally next door to the complex that caught on fire!
While all the mayhem was unfolding, we officially met our downstairs neighbor, (formerly, "knife man.") He is actually very friendly. His name is Lenny and he is from Puerto Rico. He is a freelance animator and has lived here for almost a year now. I told him not to burn our place down, and he laughed, but I was serious.
All that I am about to write happened in probably a minute and a half, at the most. I was sitting on the couch, reading a book after having given Bradley a bath. (Which was hard, by the way, because our shower head comes right out of the wall, without the capability of extending.) I began to smell barbecue, and I thought to myself, "hmmmm it is a little early to be cooking dinner, but it smells good!" This was right after 2pm. I looked outside and I saw large ashes floating through the air. Now my immediate, (and naive) thought is, "Oh my gosh, the volcano just erupted!" Why this is what popped into my head, I have no idea, and it really makes no sense. I put my book down and Bradley and I rushed to the porch to see what was going on. To our left, maybe 100 yards away, were HUGE flames coming from the apartment complex next to ours! Well, of course, this is when extreme panic sets in. I have never seen a fire before, except for in theme parks where they are contained and expected! I began to hear the fire trucks and I ran back inside, put on Braldey's leash, threw our important papers in a tote, grabbed my phone, shut all the doors and ran outside. Lets just focus on the the things that I did not do: I left my wedding ring on the counter, (since I had just bathed the dog), I left my wallet and my purse behind, and I am now standing outside in my pajamas! But, do not worry, for I did turn off the washer and dryer before I left and I shut all the doors in case the fire spread to our area. What is wrong with me!? It is strange the things that you do when your mind is in crises mode. I was so sure the whole time that there was about to be an explosion and I needed to flee quickly!
So now there I was, in my pjs and dog and papers in hand. I began walking towards the hospital because it was away from the fire and Dan was there. That was about the time Dan called and told me he was almost home.
When he pulled in, the fire fighters were in full swing and all of the big flames were gone. I brought Bradley back upstairs and went with Dan to see what was going on. All of our neighbors that were home were standing outside watching with us and telling their stories.The firefighters worked very quickly and started cutting into the attic with chainsaws and knocking down the doors of the neighbors! Smoke was everywhere and burned our throats and eyes. Now, almost 2 and a half hours later, they have broken out the windows and started tearing down the walls and the roof. The fire spread so quickly and has destroyed several apartments. Dan spoke with one of the firefighters and he said that everyone got out OK and they sent one person to the hospital, (probably from smoke inhalation). Everyone was very lucky because the fire station is literally next door to the complex that caught on fire!
While all the mayhem was unfolding, we officially met our downstairs neighbor, (formerly, "knife man.") He is actually very friendly. His name is Lenny and he is from Puerto Rico. He is a freelance animator and has lived here for almost a year now. I told him not to burn our place down, and he laughed, but I was serious.
Tomorrow is my first day on the unit, I can't wait to see what it is like. Dan has another class, but I think he will spend time on the floor as well. Tonight we will review fire safety and discuss our fire escape plan! (Don't worry, Mom!)
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