Fire! A real live fire made me reflect on my "what would you bring" list

You know the age old question, what would you bring if you had to leave because of a fire? Everyone knows their answers, usually kids, pets and personal items follow. Well, I've known my answer and my items are as such:
1. My husband or any other human with me
2. My phone, computer and camera
3. My purse
4. My photos (negatives and DVDs)
5. Financial files & important documents
6. My jewelry
7. My homemade quilt and other favorite blankets (green girl & westie)
8. An outfit (never know when you'll get back in)
9. Favorite pair of shoes

Sounds like a long list, and as I type it I realize it is a long list. But, last night at 3:30 AM I was truly tested on what I would haul out if someone yelled FIRE.

I was awoke by my apartment door buzzer, which immediately made me think "now I know why I hate living in apartments. Because the drunks come home and think it is hilarious to buzz everyone's apartments." As the thought passes through my head I hear a frantic, loud three knocks on my door. I was WIDE awake now and listening to several knocks all the way down the hall. Again, I thought it is only a group of drunk SuperBowl Steeler fans that just want to play a practical joke. Suddenly my ears perked up as I heard "FIRE, Evacuate NOW!" I hopped out of bed, ran to the door and peaked out. It wasn't a group of drunk boys, it was a nice blonde hair neighbor gal making sure all of us were safe. So, I closed the door to go back and "get my stuff."

In a quick moment I realized my darn list was TOO long. So, I put some boots on, grabbed my glasses, packed up my computer, put on my wedding ring, bundled up in a winter coat, flung my purse over my shoulder and I was OUT. I started towards the North entrance and as soon as I got to the stairwell I could smell the smoke. Thrust into full "fire drill mode" I cautiously, calmly went down the stairs (which I never thought I'D be the calm one), briefly touched the door handle. It wasn't hot so I proceeded. I went right out the door, but not without glancing down the hall of first floor. It was full of smoke.

Once we were outside it was only a matter of moments until the fire crew arrived. Thirty minutes later we were sent back into our apartments, with hallways filled with smoke residue and smell. I lied wide awake thinking, did I take all I said I would. NOPE. Not even close. Here is what I actually took:
1. Myself
2. My phone and computer
3. My wedding ring
4. My bedside photo of Mike
5. Jacket, purse and winter boots

I neglected several things on my list. I did think of them as I sat out in the cold, but nonetheless I realized that none of that matters. I got what was most important and ALL of us were safe. It wasn't a big fire, but thankfully to the gal who yelled FIRE we all were safe. Since the fire alarms weren't working, it was her caring for each of us that made me really smile.

And yes, I did call to get renter's insurance as it dawned on my that I didn't have it and I was totally borrowing my entire apartment. Yikes. No worries, I will have it by end of day.

Love you all and tata for now - remember, try to keep your "what you'd bring small, because it really doesn't need to be more."

Annie