Off to Mumbai...finally

The bags are packed and the alarm is set. I am finally heading out of the country tomorrow.

Over the past several weeks, I am lucky to have seen all my siblings and their families, spent time with my friends, and hung out with my mom. I spent my last week (for a while anyway) in Las Cruces doing my favorite things: having coffee at Milagros; eating at The Hat, MVK, and IDs; drinking IPA and Irish Red at The Dirt; and hanging out with my friends. Plus, I have an awesome friend who threw me an awesome party attended by all my awesome Las Cruces' friends!

I will miss everyone so much. However, the summer was hectic as I jumped from place to place while thinking constantly about the seeminglingly neverending tasks that needed to be accomplished before heading overseas. Thus, my departure comes as a bit of a relief to me. So, for now, all I can say is:

Talk to y'all from the other side of the world very soon.

Parting is such sweet sorrow

This morning was so sad for me. I finally left my beloved cat with my sister’s family. Sombra is all settled in there, but I sure will miss her greeting me when I come home from work, curling up on my bed with me, watching me from the bathroom counter as I get ready in the morning, appearing from thin air as soon as I open her evening meal, and most especially giving me a hug and a kiss when I most am in need of one.

Of course, I’ll miss my sister, her husband, and their kids, too. However, I know I’ll see them in just a few months when they come to visit India. Besides, they understand why I left. Sombra will think I abandoned her. L

I very much enjoyed seeing my niece and nephew progress in their swimming lessons taught by this incredibly patient and observant former science teacher. My niece now is doing backstroke and my nephew is working on breathing correctly while swimming freestyle.

We also had a great time at the San Francisco Symphony concert at the Shoreline on July 4th. We picnicked while we listened. The program consisted of Disney tunes and several (E.T., Star Wars, Indiana Jones) excerpts of Disney films were projected on big screens as the SFSO played the theme songs. I was very impressed with the fireworks, but the kids who get to attend the show annually, thought the finale was below par. The only thing that marred this event for me is a couple hours before going, I managed to bash my foot into a little bench in the bathroom. OUCH!! I am happy to say I didn’t break anything, but my second littlest toe is a nice shade of purple right now.

The drive to Indian Wells was quite uneventful. I am still completely enthralled by the computer trip advisor. Not having to open a map and not worrying about taking the wrong exit is such a comfort. I am staying at the Mirage Spa & Resort. I meandered through the Mediterranean style paths and gardens to the pool earlier this afternoon, but haven’t quite made it to the pool yet. Hammocks, benches, and fountains are interspersed throughout the property to create a very serene atmosphere. The 115 degree weather does make it a bit difficult to enjoy the outdoors, so while I waited for it to cool off I headed over to Shermann’s Deli where I ate chopped liver and potato latkes. It should be a nice cool 99 degrees by now so maybe I’ll go check out the Jacuzzi.

Relaxing

Not too much to report these last few days except that I am happy to say that Sombra has finally emerged from hiding. Well, she IS underneath the dresser right now, but she has come out to say hello to everyone--even the kids--and regularly explores both the upstairs and downstairs. This morning she even wandered outside.

I took the kids to the San Jose Tech Museum a couple of days ago and they had fun showing me around. Most impressive was the computer program which allows each player to create a female or male character. The player chooses her/his character's appearance and then guides it to walk or fly through the landscape where it meets up with other players' characters. Each character can gesture and talk to the other characters. Reminds me of Tad Williams' Otherland series.

I also was impressed with the roller coaster exhibit. The kids first create their ride using a computer program choosing hill, corkscrew, or loop and determining whether the length and height will work. If not, the computer tells them to revise the ride. They could also choose the setting: desert, city or toyroom. When they were each finished designing the ride, they moved over to the the vehicle in front of a large screen, passed the barcode of their ticket over the reader, and enjoyed the ride. As a passenger of each of their rides, I can say: How Cool!

We finished up the afternoon with a bit of rock candy. Man, I haven't had rock candy in about 15 years. Pure sugar. How can you beat that?

Yesterday, I was able to watch the last 1/2 hour of the Tour. It is all a mystery to me this year as to who will grab the Yellow Jersey. I am relieved to still recognize a few of the names left in the race since Ullrich, Basso, and Beloki have said their goodbyes.

We finally made it out of the house around 3 pm and wandered over to a craft shop, Baskin & Robbins (mmmmm, can you say "Chocolate Chip Mint Milkshake"?), and Walgreens. Eventually we ended up at Soto's Japanese restaurant where we indulged in sushi and sashimi. It was the first time I saw a sushi train chugging around the sushi bar.

WARNING SPOILER.
This morning, I woke up early to grab a cup of coffee before I settled in to watch Stage 2 of the Tour. I am glad for George that he finally gets to wear the Maillot de Jaune, but poor Thor. Wonder what scraped against him? Still, I don't think it would've change the results even if he hadn't had that injury.

Today we head over to my niece's friend's to celebrate her birthday with a family BBQ. More food. Yum. I hear the hosts are Tour fans. Should be fun to talk to some fellow enthusiasts.