Our long awaited long weekend vacation to Atlanta has come and gone. It was a good weekend and much needed time away.

So, early Friday morning, James and I headed out to the airport…for an action packed weekend. My friend Robin picked us up at the airport and we headed out to the Georgia Aquarium. The aquarium was nice, but not as ‘wow’ as I expected. Of course, I was impressed with the ‘big fish’ - Beluga whales and whale sharks, but mostly amazed at the amount of water in the place and that the building could hold that much weight!

By the time we finished at the aquarium, it was time to meet Robin’s husband and head over to Turner Field for a Braves Game. We were the last row up at the top behind home plate. I thought they were pretty good seats even if they were far away. It was my first MLB game, so I was excited. It was so freaking hot though!!! I had my ball park hot dog and my ice cream. However, when I was waiting in line for my ice cream, the Braves finally scored. I missed fireworks and a few waves get around the field. It was a really good time.

Saturday morning we drove out to Stone Mountain park. I had a lot of fun there. The carving on the side of the mountain was pretty impressive. There were all sorts of attractions. They had a train, a skyway to the mountain top, 4-D movie, and lots of other things. Again, was super hot…of course…it was Georgia in June! Lots to do for the 25 dollar ticket. Well worth it.

Sunday was my favorite day. We went back downtown to the World of Coca-Cola tour and the CNN Center. CNN was pretty cool. The tour took us to an observation window in the main studio. There weren’t any live broadcasts going on at the time, but it was interesting to learn more about the news behind the scenes. Too bad I don’t have cable anymore…can’t watch it with my new perspective!

The World of Coca-Cola was only a short walk across Olympic Centennial Park from the CNN Center. I loved Coca-Cola!!! There were a couple Norman Rockwell paintings on display, a dispaly on the ‘New Coke’ fiasco, a 4-D theater (which was a rocky ride), and a tasting room. There was also a mini-bottling ‘factory’. The tasting room was my favorite. There were stations for each continent. The flavors were all really different…some surprisingly good…some AWFUL! There was a last station just for drinks with ‘Coca-Cola’ in the name. Yeah, I was quite full of carbonation by the time we left. The gift shop was nice. James got some really good pictures of some of the displays. We each got a souvenier bottled coke made in their bottling room. Amazingly, both our bottles made it home in one piece in our checked bag.

We went to this place called The Varsity afterwards for burgers. Was pretty good, but still doesn’t compare to Mighty Fine here in Austin in my book!

We got up early Monday morning and headed back home. All in all it was a very good trip. My friend Robin is a very gracious hostess.


I’ll post some pictures soon!

…because the building’s on fire!!!!!

Yesterday evening was interesting to say the least. I came home from work a little early through the back gate of my complex…like I do everyday. I was running late to my monthly volunteer duty, so I quickly changed clothes and ran out the door about 5:05 pm. But, I ran out my door to witness the beginnings of a ’situation’ in the building next door, right next to the back gate I entered minutes prior.

I saw several people standing out in front of the building, heard the fire alarm going off, and saw people moving cars. Next thing, I saw smoke coming from the third floor at the far side of the building by the gate. I thought…”Holy crap! This can’t be happening…the building’s on freaking fire!”

I saw a woman watching and asked her if she knew what was going on. She lived in the apartment on the 2nd floor, under the one where the fire appeared to have started. She smelled smoke, thought the neighbors upstairs were bbq-ing (which they sometimes did - against the ‘rules’ of course), but it just got more intense. She looked out her window and saw smoke everywhere. She grabbed her daughter, ran out and called 911. Not a couple minutes after I walked out my door, there were fire trucks and emergency vehicles everywhere. There was about 7 around my building and the one on fire. There were at least 2 more on the street outside the gate. EMS showed up and several cops, as well…blocking off our section of the complex and parking right behind my car. There was no escape for me after that.

The smoke got darker, there was more of it and the wind was blowing it right on us. It was everywhere. My neighbor Kristen came out and found me and we just stood there dumbfounded. We were all covering our faces with our shirts or tissues. It was awful. Firefighters started going in with axes and hoses. I never saw any flames from my vantage point, but I suppose the full gravity of the situation didn’t hit me until they started busting out windows in the 2nd floor apartment and everything was just black.

My heart just ached for the woman I had talked to when it all started…knowing that her home was being destroyed right before her very eyes. Meanwhile the guys who lived in the apartment of origin were just hanging out like it was a picnic.

So, eventually the fire was contained and put out…probably took almost an hour or so, but things didn’t calm down until about 7:40…that’s when a lot of trucks finally left. The fire department was conducting their investigation, walking on top of the roof, searching the other units in the building, etc. Management took all of the building residents to the office to figure out arrangements and such. It was just so sad. When the excitement died down, as I went back to my apartment, I couldn’t help thinking how lucky I was that I wasn’t one of them.

Being curious, I went back outside at about 8:30 and there was still one truck left and someone wearing what looked like a Red Cross vest. There were clean up vans already there. They were escorting that woman and her family into their apartment to salvage things they needed. It was heartbreaking. I also saw the guys from the 3rd floor bring stuff down, too.

I felt guilty for wanting to blame those guys for what happened. They were young, looked kind of grunge and/or goth. I heard they were in a band together or something, and I heard more than once that neighbors were not surprised it started in their apartment. I was disappointed with myself for stereotyping and being judgemental…assuming from outward appearance that they would do something irresponsible to cause an accident like this to happen. ‘Meth lab’ went through my head at least once, but I didn’t hear an explosion, so I dismissed that theory. See…I’m an awful person!

I watched the news at 9:00pm and there was the story…finally, some information! Apparently, the cause was cigarettes…from the guy’s 3rd floor apartment. Investigators theorize that cigarettes were left on the balcony of the apartment on the 3rd floor and they fell onto the overhang right below. So, in the heat and sun, they ignited and caused the fire. Carelessness. I know accidents happen, but it’s careless to leave out flammables in the hot Texas summer sun. Carelessness caused a reported initial 200K in structural damage and an estimated 80K in property damage. Out of 12 units, 8 had fire, smoke or water damage. So, carelessness has forced 12 families out of their homes for who knows how long. Remember kids, only you can prevent forest (and apartment) fires!

Ok, I’m off my soapbox now. The best thing of all is that no one was hurt…no residents and no pets. A fireman ended up with a minor cut, but was treated on scene, according to the news report. I tend to search for lessons, good things or humor in bad situations. I was in luck…there were a few things amusing about this experience.

One: A cautionary tale this is and a lesson learned…this is a ‘good’ born of tragedy. I had no idea how many people do not think to get renter’s insurance. I heard more than once, “I’m calling tomorrow to get some.”. To me, having renter’s insurance is a no-brainer. I had mine lined up when I moved in over 3 years ago. I don’t know…it’s a risk living in a building with x number of people. You don’t know if they are smokers, forgetful and leave candles burning (which yes, I’m guilty of myself ), or don’t have irons with an auto shut off feature. Not to mention, just damage from weather, water leaks, fautly wiring, etc. So, I’m sure some insurance agents around town will be happy today, signing up new policies.

Two: I’m a freak who gets star-struck by any kind of celebrity. Even the celebrity of the local reporter variety. I don’t have cable and as a result, end up watching a lot of FOX, which includes broadcasts of FOX News Austin. It’s my local news source of choice. Well, who comes walking up to me and some of the other spectators, but one of the ‘in the field’ reporters. He asked us if we had any pictures or video of the fire while it was in progress. Unfortunately I didn’t…and I told him my camera was broken. Then, I tell him…”I love your broadcast. I watch it everyday.”. Yeah, I’m a fruitcake. He walks off and I say to Kristen…”Did I really just say that?”. Embarrassement prevents any further explanation.

Three: Irony…how ironic is it to watch people light up and have a smoke while watching firefighters battle a blaze in their very own building? I love blatent examples of irony. They amuse me and make me smile.

So, this is what I get for saying that I will start blogging about the mundane events of my life. Again…irony.

The little things I’ve experienced lately, like an expensive and unexpected car repair, a broken cell phone, or not getting a sought after job, all pale in comparison to something as devastating as a house fire. I’ll take these minor inconveniences or disappointments any day over what I saw last night. I feel very grateful today.

Next on my agenda…getting a safe deposit box!

I’ve decided to expand upon the original premise of my blog. Yes, I have this wanderlust, however, my life is not nearly as interesting and busy as I would have you believe! Can’t you see that from my frequent postings?!

Anywho, as is the case, I’d like to write more, so now the content of my posts will be more about the general and mundane things that happen in my life. Sounds riveting, huh? Well, hopefully with practice, I’ll get this blogging thing down and maybe increase my readership to more than 3 people.

I suppose a recap of the past month is in order. Hmmm…if only I can remember what I’ve been doing for the past month. Oh, yeah…well, we went to the Scarborough Faire Ren Fest a few weeks back. It was fun, but all the ren fests I’ve been to are now melding into one big ren fest experience…so, now I can’t remember what acts I saw where or when. Regardless, it’s all still entertaining…good times with friends, ‘fair’ food, and a freak show all combined into one. Can’t get much better than that!

I’ve seen a couple movies the past few weeks as well. Iron Man was much better than I expected. I really had no desire to see it at first, so I passed on the chance to see it opening night with James. So, after all the hype, he decided to see it again with me. I thought it was better than Indiana Jones. As for Indiana Jones, I love Harrison Ford…however, I didn’t like the whole supernatural otherworldly thing about the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Aliens freak me out…no idea why they disturb me. Yeah, I’m weird that way. Talk about an irrational phobia! Anyhow, the $5 dollar milkshake I had while watching it at the Alamo made me feel better. Next up is the Sex and the City movie. I’m going to see that with the girls. I’d hate for James to give up his man card and ask him to see it with me. It’s more conducive to a girl’s night out experience anyway.

That’s it for now…must get to work. All this typing gives the appearance that I’m being productive, but at some point, I will have to show proof of actual work.