Sunday afternoon I went to the dog park with China to escape the oppressive heat that my apartment had collected throughout the day. We spent about an hour and a half lounging in the shade before I took China and headed to my car. As I was loading her in, a lady, about 50 years or so carrying a mat and a bag approached me.

"Could you give me a ride up the street? I'm really late for my yoga class."

Me: "Uhh.. "

Her: "What direction are you going? I'm headed towards Shattuck."

Me, not thinking fast on my feet: "I'm going towards North Berkeley (?)"

Her: "Oh, that's perfect!" (doh!)

Me: "Well.. ok, I guess" I figured if she tried to kill me China would be on her so fast she wouldn't know what hit her.

So, I made small talk with a stranger as we drove towards her destination, being very aware where my purse was, what valuables I had, and where her hands were.

Me: "So do you teach this yoga class?"

Her: "No."

Me: "Oh."

Well, she was nice enough. I dropped her off at the corner and she thanks me graciously. Then points her finger at me and lectures, ".. and don't you ever pick up another stranger again!" Amusing.