This is one of the driest places in the United States, if not the world, with humidity often hovering around fifteen percent. We heat the pool to eighty-five, which sounds like it would be lukewarm but it’s actually not at all. Due to the dryness of the air, the pool is just refreshing enough and actually quite cold when you get out of it.

After swimming for a bit, I dry myself off with a towel, which takes about a few seconds, and sit down with a book on the lounger. The cushion is incredibly soft and it’s curved to mold to the human body making it particularly comfortable. If there is such a thing as paradise, this is it.

When I first imagined going to California, I tried to brace my expectations. There is no way that it would be, or could be, as amazing as I had imagined it.

Yes, there would be sunshine.

Yes, there would be comfortable weather all year around.

Yes, there is not many bugs, nor is there any freezing black snow to clear off the car.

But everything couldn’t be that perfect, right?

Something would have to be off.

Little did I know how much more wonderful it would really be.

The food is better quality and the restaurants serve unique and delicious entrees.

The people are nice, and polite, and friendly.

Everyone seems happy.

It reminds me of one of the first days in May when it’s just warm enough for everyone to get outside and enjoy life and for that one brief day everyone in the city seems content and happy. Well, it’s like that here all the time.

When I get a little bit too hot in the sun, I change out of my bathing suit and grab my iPad. Our rental has a swinging chair in the corner of the backyard that is typically in the shade. It’s lined with pillows and a faux sheepskin rug.

I put my feet on the soft ottoman in front of it and swing myself as I read. Time passes slowly and yet quickly. Before I know it, it’s the afternoon and I’ve finished my book.

Later that evening, when the sun starts to set, I put on my running shoes and go for a little jog. Before I got here, I hadn’t run in years.

But the days are long and it’s nice to fill them with some physical activity. When I started a few weeks ago, I couldn’t even run a third of a mile but now I can do two.

My lungs are burning but I take my time and go as far as I can.

I used to get stitches in my sides, but not anymore.

I don’t run very fast but I’m proud of the work that I’m doing.