As a resident of Eastlake, I am one of the 600,000+ San Diego County residents evacuated due to the San Diego Firestorm 2007. I was one of the lucky ones, however, who could seek solace in my home away from home - the Blarney Stone Pub in Clairemont.
While dealing with a Southern California wildfire takes everything you got, taking a break from all your worries sure helps. That's where being a regular comes in handy. Even though I had to grab everything important to me (at least, everything that would fit in my car) I still knew I had a place to go. I could get away. I could evacuate both physically and mentally to a place where I knew I would have support, people in the same situation, and people who show their support by buying me booze. Not to mention some fantastic distraction in the form of live music.
If my worries ever drifted back to me, I could always just look up at the Blarney Stone Pub TV screen, make sure the fire was still headed towards my house and order another shot. All along the bar you could see our troubles were the same. I was glad to be where everybody knew my name.
The Lesson: Finding a home away from home, like the Blarney Stone Pub, is important. It's useful in emergencies, and it's always there when you just want to be somewhere else. I choose a neighborhood pub that makes me feel comfortable, but San Diego bars are definitely not your only option. Basically any place with friendly regulars will do. Churches, bowling alleys, coffee shops, and concert venues are all great choices. Just pick one and start building your refuge.
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