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Things You Don't Want to Hear When Brushing Your Hair...

This morning, I learned that "Did you know your building is on fire?" is one of those phrases you don't want to hear while brushing your hair.

Around 8:15 this morning, I was getting ready to leave for work and my cell phone rang. I was a bit puzzled because people don't ususally call me on my cell phone at 8:15 in the morning. And those most likely to do so are my parents, who were soundly asleep I assume, seeing as they are on vacation in LA.

It was my aunt, who asked where I was. I told her I was in my apartment getting ready for work. She then asked me if I knew that there was a fire in my building.

No, I did not!

Sure enough, I open my living room blinds and I see about a dozen fire trucks, ambulances and police cars and I can only see what's south of the building. Hmmm... how did those arrive without me hearing them? I guess when I was in the shower! While I live in a 42 story building, I am only on the 3rd floor. Not all that far from the street below. I certainly should have heard the commotion. I did hear voices and walkie-talkie squawks, but there are often maintenance men on the roof of the parking garage below my window...

I also should have heard fire alarms, I thought. Seeing as I didn't, I'm hoping they are zoned and not broken.

Anyway, seeing as I hadn't heard any alarms or had any firemen pound on my door, I kind of took my time getting out the door. I poured my coffee, put on my shoes, grabbed my bag and gym bag and headed down the stairs. (First time I'm glad I only live on the 3rd floor!)

Once outside, I ran into some friends who live in the building and who'd been outside for a while. They filled me in. Fire in 1609, contained to that unit but the one unit is pretty bad. A couple people had come out in stretchers and been taken away in ambulances. News crews arrived and even a news helicopter hovered nearby.

Satisfied that everything was under control, I had hoped to leave for work, but the street was blocked by the 3 dozen emergency vehicles. Eventually, they cleared out enough that we could leave...