Yes you read that title right.

So, Mark was out on a rare guy's night out tonight while I relaxed at home. I was sitting on the couch shopping online (my friend Lori just introduced me to ebates - now it's tempting me to shop online more!!!). As I sat on the couch, I could smell something in the kitchen next to me. I went in - smelled all around - couldn't find the source and sat back down.

This smell kept getting stronger - a chemically, burning smell. I checked everywhere but couldn't pinpoint the location or source. Frustrated I called Mark to see if he could think of anything I was missing. He asked if I had checked out the cleaning supplies under the sink - I opened the cupboard and had to leave the room as my eyes were watering so bad from the smell.

I was happy enough to have figured out where it was coming from and assured him I didn't need him to come home. Well, I was stumped. Nothing was knocked over. There wasn't much in the cupboard - but I couldn't be within a couple feet of it for more than a few seconds without having to leave again to give my burning, watery eyes a break.

So I did what any independent, strong woman would do. I called dad.

My dad was stumped and wanted me to get this figured out so he suggested I go get one of my neighbours. Before I did that - I had to clean up! Moving some rags in this cupboard, I found it!

The rags were on fire! Not flames - but burning, smoking and BLACK inside this pile of rags. The rags that were right beside the can of spray paint that had the "highly explosive" label and the cleaning supplies.

So - I called Mark back to find out what was on these rags. He had simply used them to test some wood stain. Nothing major. My dad explained to me that it was simply spontaneous combustion. Certain fumes if in a confined space can ignite. He said houses burn down over something as small as this - and people are left wondering what caused it.

I can't even think about what might have happened. I found this at about 9pm. I was heading to bed early tonight - what if I hadn't found it before I went to bed?

Tonight, I'm going to go give my girls an extra big cuddle when I check on them and Mark an extra smack upside the head. Joking. It wasn't his fault. If anything - he'll get an extra big hug too. I'm feeling glad to be alive.

Tonight "celebrating life and love" has new meaning! kj

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