Background

Four weeks ago today, we had a fire. Not a catastrophic fire -- no one died or got hurt. But a serious fire. Our house is still standing, but it no longer has walls and is missing some floors. I understand that as of tomorrow, the stairs and most of the rest of the stairs will be gone. How crazy is that?

Our neighbors, friends and family were amazing on the day of the fire. I remember that. I was definitely in shock, but I do know that everyone has been amazing. The thing about fires is that you never think it will happen to you. And even after it happens, you still think that it can't have happened to you.

About a week after the fire, we moved into a one bedroom condo in downtown Raleigh. It is about half the size of what we are used to having, but we are adjusting. We don't really have much stuff, so it feels bigger than it is. It is filled with rented furniture -- a fire restoration company is busily working to save our furniture. We have some of our clothes back and a few plates/cups/etc., but otherwise, we haven't seen our stuff in about a month.

I bought a new camera tonight and have decided to keep a record of this crazy journey that started less than a month after I turned 30. Sorry, none of my pics tonight as the battery is charging. But I am providing some pictures taken by the firemen (yes, they take pictures at fires!)