Backstory: I’d forgotten about this one—how fun! I think the idea for this Nudge may have come to me when I checked out a new-to-me bookstore several months ago, when I ended up in a new-to-me neighborhood. Even though I live in a smallish city (San Francisco is roughly 47 square miles; for comparison, Los Angeles is 302 square miles), there is so much here I have yet to explore. Weather permitting, here is my chance to do just that.

What Happened: My city is home to several really cool staircases. Some are elaborately painted. Some offer incredible views or glimpses into “secret” gardens. For this adventure, I chose something closer to home: a staircase that I’ve driven past probably once a week for the last 10 years.

Early one morning this week, I and my loyal sidekick Louie hopped in the car and drove five short minutes to the base. We huffed and puffed up the steps, then recuperated by wandering one of the side streets. Back down, then right back up, followed by a trip down a different street, where we checked out gardens and got glimpses into interesting home decors. Down again, with a break through a different street and oohs and ahhs over interesting architectural details. Then one final climb and descent before we got back in the car and headed home.

As I look at this photo, the angle doesn’t look all that intense. But I’m here to tell ya, our butts were sore! 🙂

The Ah-Hahs: I often think “I don’t have time” to do things like this. But I do. Re-read that line about “five short minutes” away from home. Geez. And not only did I get a great workout, I changed up my usual gym routine, I got some fresh air, I got in the dog’s exercise (which is typically a separate workout from my own), and it felt a bit like going to a museum (checking out the different homes and gardens and getting inspired about what I might do with my own).

What did you discover this week?