Dear Friends,
I had an important first today: I rode alone in an Uber for the first time! This is a big step for me.
To get to Tara’s neighborhood, and all the great cafes and restaurants around there, as well as Balboa Park, is a forty-plus minute drive. So it is a pain for Tara to pick me up then bring me to her neighborhood and then bring me home. And there is no direct bus or train. So the only feasible option is Uber or Lyft. They are expensive, but I do have some funding from my services to cover transportation. So I could do a rideshare ride once or twice a month.
I practiced a few times with my mom, and since I felt pretty calm this week, I decided to go for it on my own. My mom arranged the ride, and Tara met me on the other side.
It went smoothly and we had a great day! I love the coffeeshop we met at – it is a cool spot with great vibes. It is called Mnemonic, and it is one of my favorites. The two owners are so awesome. They cultivate a wonderful sense of welcome.
I wrote a poem and enjoyed a new-to-me type of tea. Then we walked in Balboa Park nearby and wrote some more. Then lunch at Ranchos Cocina, another favorite. Then we headed home before afternoon traffic picked up. I was so tired but happy.
Here is my little poem from the coffeeshop.
YUNNAN TEA ON ICE
Today I tried a new-to-me
Type of tea
In a coffeeshop
With a kind barista
Who smiled
As I shouted
My order
As if my voice were like
Music
Instead of embarrassment
This ability to have such a day is so empowering to me. It is the type of day that makes me feel alive and part of the community. I appreciate being able to do so.
Your Friend,
Danny
Danny With Words 