My brother's Visit....

After 18 years of living in the USA, my brother came to visit me.

He was only here for 4 days. His company sent him over on a business trip, so he convinced them to let him come visit me. I think the trip was generally a good one. The kids had a good time with him - They only have one maternal uncle and they never really get to see him - unless we go and visit. And - he gave them one thing that can make any kid's day - money!

So - we didn't really do much but shop. Apparently, he could not go home without bringing His wife and kids specific things that they had asked for. So, we shopped - pretty much all the time he was here. After the malls closed, we hung out and talked. The family is pretty much the same - high maintenance as ever. Everyone has issues and opinions. Everyone disapproves of things someone else is doing. The fine art of minding your own business totally escapes Indians. I have no clue why one needs to have an opinion about other people’s choices in spouses, friends, hobbies, career choices, clothing etc, etc... But they do. Ask any one in my family - they will tell you very clearly why they don't approve of someone else in the family's wife, the fact that they like to dance, the clothes that they wear, the fact that they married people from a specific part of the country, their taste in friends, etc. etc.

Well - all I have to say is that the short and very mall-ish visit reminded me why I left the Country....Every one is generally very sweet - but cannot stop complaining about the most irrelevant and mundane things - constantly!

The trouble is - he really liked the US - so it looks like he actually might want to immigrate.... My American dream has the potential of turning into an Indian nightmare...

New shoes!

So - I got these new pair of La Sportiva Katana shoes - and they Rock! I am able to stick to stuff a lot better - and the fact that I am wearing 1 shoes size smaller than my street shoes really helps!

I climbed reasonably well last Wednesday - I was pretty much sticking to everything I put my foot on. Too bad my hands couldn't stick quite as well... I did go back on Thursday, climbed reasonably well - but started peeling off pretty early in the night. After three flappers, I gave up and went home...Had to skip climbing over the weekend - partially because it was Father's day and partially to give my hands a break. I ended up painting the kitchen instead. I am not so sure that the kitchen looks better. Will have to wait and see after the Family room is painted.

Lifeguard camp and such...

This week the kids started the Junior lifeguard camp. They seem to be doing well so far. It's only two days into it but they seem to like it a lot. About time they spent some time outdoors...

Ken went on his Everglades/ Florida trail walkabout again. Finished it this time - 33 miles or so in three days. Almost died of dehydration ( I do exaggerate a bit). But, he did lose about 10 lbs. Bastard! It took me two months to lose 3 lbs. And now he's climbing better too...

Kit's planning to go with Ken on a shorter hike next time, around fallish.

I bought these new pair of slinky climbing shoes - MadRocks Hottie - and don't you know it - they are too big! I hate it... I was supposed to be climbing a lot better in them - but they seem too lose for me. I can't stick to anything! And I can't exchange them - since I bought them at the REI in Atlanta...Darn it! So - I went online and ordered a pair of Katanas - LaSportiva. Looking forward to them (1 whole size smaller than my street shoes - so no chance of them being too big). Will report on those when they come in. I can't wait - I am convinced that the new shoes will solve all my climbing problems...

Laal got contact lenses - so no more four eyes. She is loving it so far. Oh, she also got her hair cut a bit - makes her look a bit older. :( my little girl is growing up....