I’m at the end of a Tuesday that began at a disturbingly early hour. I woke this morning at 4:30 so I could begin seeing students on the East Coast in teletherapy at 7:50. For those of you who are math geniuses, you will realize that my alarm sounded only 20 minutes before I logged on with my first student. On early mornings, my morning routine is even more streamlined that usual. I wash my face, brush my teeth, fluff my hair or put it in a bun. If I’m feeling it, I may even put on blush and a touch of eye shadow. I cough a bit, usually whimper some, and then get down to it.

Starting my work day in the middle of the night meant I was done by 11 am. My last student was absent so I was able to get out for a walk by 10:30. I did the usual loop that Matthew showed me but then decided to go rogue and explore in a different direction. I stumbled upon the Valencia Community Center and just beyond it, the “Valencia Summit”. It is a trail that meanders through small hills between very expensive looking homes. The trail is paved and there were several trees that provided some unexpected shade. I was the only human on the trail but it felt like the kind of place I had been looking for. There was nature, elevation changes, a dried brook bed, and those precious trees. Unfortunately, there was also a sign welcoming pedestrians into the area that reminded us that there were snakes and coyotes out there as well.

I didn’t turn around immediately when I saw the sign which I feel took immense courage. I did walk dead center in the middle of the path and swept my eyes back and forth on the ground like I was looking for land mines. I was actually looking for anything long, coiled or rattling. I figured I could scare away a coyote and if necessary even fight one. The snakes though….shit, they are my kryptonite. I walked maybe a 1/2 mile up this trail and did not see anything but a few squirrels. I did decide to turn around after noticing some holes in the dirt banks on the sides of the path. I was tired and it was a unnerving thinking about what came out of those holes.

I went to CAVA for lunch which is this lovely food chain which allows you to fill bowls with delicious mediterranean dips, humus, rice, greens and an assortment of protein choices. I had an amazing bowl featuring chicken, roasted egglplant and the most yummy pickled vegetables and broccoli. After my healthy meal and long walk, I went back to the hotel feeling a little weary. It was hotter than yesterday and I had walked further. Even my new sneakers could not stave off some sore feet and toes.

I rested a bit (like 45 seconds) and then went to the hotel gym to use all the fun equipment. I was too tired to do much so I just pedaled the Peloton there which is badly in need of maintenance. I couldn’t really adjust the seat so my knees were coming up nearly chest level. I rode to 70s music with one of my favorite instructors and really enjoyed the music. The Cars, Dube Brothers, Journey—the songs all made me smile. I have spent the rest of the afternoon wondering if the music from the decade I was born is actually good or if hearing it just makes me nostalgic. I hear Bread or Michael McDonald and I am suddenly four, sitting in a booster seat in the middle of my parent’s bench seats in the station wagon. I am not wearing a seat belt, but the sun feels good on my face and life is simple. I felt safe in those moments even thought I was actually a meat rocket, listening to AM radio in the front seat as my mom drove me to the grocery store.