Around 9:00 PM on Wed. night I heard a smoke alarm go off in the entranceway to my apartment building. I went out to see what was wrong and noticed that there was a whole lot more than just one smoke alarm going off. Within what seemed like seconds I was about 50 feet away from my building watching the rear burn out of control. The firemen came fairly quick but the flames took quite some time to put down. I'd never wish standing shoeless on the streets of one of the worst neighborhoods in Boston watching your personal belongings being burned or saturated with water or both on anyone. I'd never wish rummaging through your things in total darkness trying to figure out what the fuck is salvageable and what isn't, either. It's a terrible feeling. I managed to get the things of sentimental value out. Pictures, CD's... but so many other things are lying on the floor in my old bedroom behind boarded up doors and windows. I went back to the building today and there was a sign on the door that read "this property has been condemned and deemed not inhabitable for humans".

These past two days have gone by incredibly quickly. I've been speaking with everyone from the red cross to insurance representatives to god knows who the fuck else trying to figure out exactly what in the hell to do.

Some individuals that I thought would've bent over backwards to help me in a time of need have dissapointed me. Others that I would've never considered to have given a rats ass about me have offered more than I am deserving of. It's funny what it takes sometimes, I guess.

Marissa has allowed me to sort of temporarily move in to her place for a few days before I move into my new apartment Sept 1st and I'd llike to publicly thank her for that here, even though she might say that it's not neccessary. I'm sure I've been not much more than a raving lunatic to live with these past few days and her ability to put up with me is more than impressive.

There's some other interesting and often humorous things that have come along with this little situation of mine.. and I'll be sure to let it flow when I get a chance... but for now, I need some rest. --