Being reminded what is important in life often comes at the most unexpected times.

That was my experience last Tuesday as I flew from my home in Santa Barbara (Horny Toad) to Portland, Oregon (Nau & Lizard Lounge) when a terrible fire broke out.  I found myself on the phone as I landed talking my wife and two daughters through the list of “important” things to grab as they evacuated our house as the fire was turning our community upside down.

Getting back into our home this weekend with a new found appreciation for what really matters, I came up with the following:

Of course family, friends and pets can never be replaced and it sure feels great to have them all safe and sound.

Memories in the form of pictures, videos and those amazing art projects for Birthdays and Father’s Day will come in handy when the brain slows with age.

Community…firefighters and civil servants are true heroes and we all stand a bit prouder at how our neighbors supported each other through a very trying week.

Our team of Toads, Nauians and Loungers…from sharing in our star customer service Manager’s wedding on Saturday with ashes falling to getting right to work on a benefit concert and product donation plan for victims and firefighters, it was nice to be reminded we really do have a Family of brands.

And in the interest of full disclosure, during a reflective afternoon of surf with my wife and two girls yesterday, I decided holding on to a few toys that make life a fulfilling adventure is probably a good idea as well.