This morning, I discovered the three most important material things in my life.
Around 7 this morning, I was awoken by the smell of acrid smoke.
I looked out my bedroom window and saw the neighbor's backyard engulfed in flames. The morons next door had managed to light the debris in their backyard on fire. The fire had spread to the wooden fence at the back of their lot. From there it would move to the fence between our yards, and then to my apartment building.
I called 911. They had a report of the fire, but not the address. I gave them directions and they were on their way.
Now, the fire was really raging. The smoke had gotten so dense and so black, it nearly obscured the flames. The fence between our lots had not caught yet, but there was a real possibility I would need to abandon my apartment. So, I began preparations to flee and started to gather what possessions I would be able to take.
Fortunately, the fire department arrived quickly and soon had the blaze under control. So the damage was limited to burning, stinging eyes that lasted about an hour.
I did learn, however, which possessions I prize the most. They are:
my cat, my computer workstation and my pants.
Feb 26 update: I've posted an update to this article.
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