It's close to 10 a.m. and I thought I'd take a break and go for a quick walk. Nothing like 15 minutes in the fresh air to reinvigorate the body, mind, and spirit.

When I opened the pushbar door to the parking lot, the sun and the heat reflecting off the cars and radiating up from the pavement were like a punch to the chest. I retreated to the air-conditioned conference room, taking my kindle with me.

I think it's summer, southern California-style.