def METHOD_NAME(self, **kwargs):
    """
    Pings the Google Map API (DistanceMatrix).
    Returns the distance in miles.
    """
    origin = kwargs.get('origin')
    result = distance_api(**{'origin':origin})
    if result['status'] == 'OK':
        # return result['rows'][0]['elements'][0]['duration']['value']
        return result['rows'][0]['elements'][0]['distance']['value']
    return None