As of right now, JS and I are staying at our wonderful boss’s house with Tonks. Tonks is just LOVING all of the extra attention from my boss and her son.  JS’s area was evacuated yesterday, and I’ve been out of my place since Sunday. I don’t know if my place is damaged or not, and it’s very unlikely that I’ll get back in any time soon.

My family is all OK. They’ve been evacuated to various parts of the county as well.

Over 300,000 people have been evacuated. It’s nuts.

It’s pretty surreal. Partially because, well, to be cliche, you never expect it to happen to you. And also because I was at the base of the fire when it started and didn’t think too much of it. I’m so grateful that I was able to call my cousins and aunt and tell them about what was happening before it got TOO out of control. I’m also grateful that I went home to gather my things, as sparse as they are. I really thought I was being overly cautious. But I grabbed my passport and birth cert and a few photos and what not.

Unfortunately, I didn’t bring many clothes. I’m already at the end of my clean stuff.

Last night I finally fell a part a little. I was just so tired and so tightly wound, that as soon as I crawled into bed I started sobbing and couldn’t stop. After some sleep, though, I feel OK. And knowing that my family and friends are safe makes a HUGE difference. My heart goes out to those who still don’t know where their family members are.

I know this is all very disjointed. I’ll post a few updates when I can (Internet is hit and miss). And I’ll probably write a reflective post when things are over.

Keep us in your prayers.

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The fires are everywhere. I’m worried about my family. Please keep us in your thoughts.

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JS and I were headed up to Julian today to take some fall foliage pictures. The leaves were supposed to be lovely. And in San Diego County, changing leaves aren’t common.

On our way up, I noticed some smoke. It kept getting heavier the more we drove. I kept thinking that if there were a big fire, that they’d stop us from driving…this must be residual smoke from a smaller fire they already put out. Obviously, I was wrong.

There was a roadblock about 10 miles from the town. We pulled over on the side of the road to survey the world. I took a few shots before I got too freaked out and waited in the car to leave.

Julian Smoke 1, originally uploaded by WonderSpot.

And then this one:

Julian Smoke 4, originally uploaded by WonderSpot.

I looked behind the car as we left and the flames were steadily coming over the hill where we had stopped, pushed by strong Santa Ana’s.

Even at home, about 30 or so miles away from the fire, ash is raining down and the smoke stings my eyes and throat.

The fire is not at all contained, and the winds aren’t expected to die down until maybe Tuesday. And it’s not the only fire in SoCal right now. Pretty scary.

Tomorrow I might actually empty my place out of a few of my more precious things and put them in my car, just in case. Pictures and what not. Maybe my TiVo.

Fall pictures will have to wait for another year.

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(I meant to post this earlier this morning).

 JS and I went to see Across the Universe last night. We’ve both decided that we like it more now than at the time. Part of the problem is that the sound was jacked up and we ended up missing nearly all the instrumentals of a musical. Details.

On the way home, though, JS looked at me and said, “Well, you know, it’s almost the same story as Hair.”

Me: “I’ve seen Hair. No, wait, I’ve seen Hairspray.”

Apparently there’s a difference.

It’s totally puppy season in SoCal. Seriously (sorry, I’m watching Grey’s Anatomy…side bar: Bad Ass Callie is BAAACK - I hope - !!!). I’ve seen about 4 people walking puppies about the same age as Tonks around. Including the people who live below me. Before? I felt neutrally about them. Fine neighbors. Not too loud. Not banging on my door at 9:59 because the TV is too loud and quiet hours start at 10:00.

But now? Now, I hate them. HATE. I hear a lot of this from down stairs: “Sit? Sit. Good girl!” or “Stay? Stay. Good girl!” They, on the other hand, hear a lot of this: “No bite! No bite! OUCH!! SHIT! NO BITE!” or, “FUCK! I’m going to give you to the farm! NO BITE! God, I need a drink. What? OK, fine! AnOTHER drink! STOP JUDGING ME. FUCK!”

I can’t honestly say which one would be annoying.

Still? I love my dog. Sure, I might have rabies now, and if she didn’t let go when I grab (gently, don’t worry) the scruff of her neck, I’d need stitches very soon. But she’s a baby. We’re working on it. I’m learning her excitement limits, which is when she bites the most, and then I just put her behind the baby gate in the kitchen. And she either plays with her toys, splashes her water dish all over the floor, or chews on her puppy training pads. I’ll give you 3 guesses as to which one happens the least.

As promised, here are some (more) adorable pictures of Tonks!

Here she is, getting her bath:

Here we are, post bath:

And here she is, chewing on her puppy training pad….maybe I should try and tell her “no” and give her a toy BEFORE I take the picture? Meh. Just leave it be….

Yeah, she’s cute. The nasty, scabby scratches all over my arms, on the other hand, are not.

In other, non-dog related news (how DULL!), I went to LA today for work. And I remembered why I don’t live in LA any more. The traffic is horrendous! But, there were a few fun parts. When I got to our post house (editors), they were holding auditions for a new horror film they’re doing, so the whole time I kept hearing blood curdling screams from women, followed by “Help me!” It was totally great. The editor and I just waited for the screaming to stop and then continued talking about the show. Good times.

The other funny thing happened on the drive home (and if ever I needed something funny, it was on the 4 HOUR drive home. FOUR. HOURS! For 90 miles!).  I was sitting in stopped traffic, playing with my iPod, when a motorcyclist sped past me. On a double take I realized why they had my attention; both riders were wearing coon skinned caps!!!! Coon skinned caps!!! I mean! C’mon! This is SoCal, not Alabama! But speaking of Alabama, this one time? When I was driving to work (in March, mind you)? I checked my rear-view mirror and there was a man in a pick up truck. Shirtless. Eating corn on the cob. Wearing a Santa hat. Totally. Awesome.

HA HA HA HA. Callie could totally kick Izzie’s ass. And she’d deserve it. Bitch. I used to like Izzie. Now? I can’t stand her. I hate her. HATE. She’s more self absorbed than I was in 7th grade. And that’s saying something.

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