First, there was the amazing football game from last night in which my Fighting Irish beat Miami, and then the entitle student body, several thousand spectators, most of South Bend, and my beloved Jersey Boy stormed the field.
(Jersey Boy was ushering the game and instructions were to "position themselves on the field in such a way to make sure none of the kids hurt themselves jumping over the side of the stands". One broken ankle and one panic attack were the results of Rich's section, but he assisted with his normal good humor and got everybody where they wanted to go without too much other fuss.)
My favorite parts of the game were nostalgia, the special guests, and the fact that I was able to watch the entire game from the comfort of my chair while occasionally jumping up to cheer cheer for my Alma Mater as I was taught all those years ago.
By the way...if Notre Dame does go on to win the National Championship, I'll be able to say that they won during my Senior year and then again during my "Senior" year of turning 60. Who's happier than me about that fun fact?
Today's drama came in the form of a fire, unfortunately. We were sitting here in recovery mode when I thought I smelled something burning, and immediately jumped up to do my normal "something's burning so I need to inspect every inch of every room and try not to go into panic mode" routine that drives Rich nuts. I heard my neighbor's smoke detectors going off and figured he must have burned something in the toaster, etc, but then I heard what I quickly realized was his fire suppression sprinklers going off and I went into action mode. I called 911, got myself dressed, told Rich to get dressed, grabbed Stewey, my jewelry box, and my go bag while talking to the dispatcher, and then went out and got my neighbors out.
I was actually fine until the response came...
Nine fire trucks, two ambulances, four police cars, and about 40 firefighters and first responders. I realize that they were just doing their job, and that the response was what it was because we are an apartment complex with lots of people here, but...my God how overwhelming it was.
We are all fine. Our neighbor below us lost everything, unfortunately. The poor guy is here temporarily working for amazon and doesn't know a soul, but within minutes, neighbors were coming out to see what they could do to help and the complex manager arrived to tell him they would make sure he would have housing, clothes, food, etc until they can get everything situated.
Our apartment didn't sustain any damage at all...just a very light smoke smell that is already almost gone. To say that we are grateful that nobody was hurt and that we are all going to be OK is an understatement! Will these blessings never cease?
Needless to say, my nerves are completely shot, so methinks it's time for a hot shower and bed.
So what's new with you?
