California Sunshine

I walked four miles today—walking from my car to my office and back more than once.
It all began last August, when Stanford raised the prices on their parking permits to almost $300 per year (for a C permit. An A permit costs almost $700.) Furthermore, massive construction projects on campus wiped out 800 parking spaces around the campus. I got myself a train pass to use the local commuter train when I can; but with my busy life, the train is simply not always the most efficient option. So I found a way to drive to work without having to pay for a parking permit. One of the streets on the edge of campus, Stanford Avenue, allows for free parallel parking. The only trick is the street is a mile away from the Hoover buildings, where I work. It’s a good thing I enjoy walking.

This morning I drove to work. I was very preoccupied with a project facing me when I got into the office, so I parked quickly and hiked to the office as fast as my legs could carry me. It was only when I neared Hoover that the question crossed my mind, “Did I lock the car?” I thought about the time it would take to walk back to the car to check and the urgency of the situation awaiting me at the office. I decided to finish my trek to the office, start the ball rolling on my project, then go check on the car as soon as I got a chance.

Half an hour later I was on my way out the door again, heading back to the car to check on it. I walked just as quickly as before because I didn’t want to waste any more time than I had to. It was warm enough that I left my jacket inside, yet a cool wind was blowing. Clouds drifted across the sky, clean, white and fluffy. The sun shone brightly in a vibrant blue sky and songbirds were trilling everywhere. I couldn’t help but enjoy myself as I made the hike back to the car.

Of course, the car was already locked when I got to it. The fact that I had remembered to lock it relieved me, but it made my mile-long walk pointless—but not useless. I walked back to work, drinking in the beauty around me. Work has been so busy lately that I rarely have had time to leave the office. I relished this unexpected treat.

At the end of work I walked back to the car and, once again, enjoyed the journey in the crisp air of sunset. My extra walk mid-morning really hadn’t been a waste of time. I got plenty of exercise for the day; I got a brief break from work. Most importantly I got to spend time in the sunshine of a beautiful California spring day. I honestly couldn’t ask for a better treat.