relaxing weekend

Beautiful weather this weekend. Saturday, we went to the famed "Cal academy of sciences". It is a bit expensive but the planetarium show and the tropical rain forest among other things were amazing experience. We all had a blast.

Sunday morning, finally took care of a few things in the backyard. Since the plants are beginning to get fruits (and the fact that rains are finally over), fixed the drip irrigation system so that the plants get water daily. Also, finally turned on the sprinkler system for the grass. Conserved water for the last few months. :)

Took the kids swimming to the gym in the late morning. Afternoon nap - i had almost forgotten what it is... :) Overall, it was a pretty good weekend.

Still haven't seen Avatar.... looks like the hype has died down now. Work is busy but planning to take a couple of days off and visit disney.. :) and show off my school to family. :)

The depth of Indian politics continues to amaze me (sarcasm intended in case you haven't noticed). I keep promising not to think about it but the bond is as strong as ever. Its true when people say that the country is thriving despite the political class. On the other hand, since I don't really live there, I don't want to comment much about the state of affairs. It should be "none of my business". :(

Week off

Finals were last week and were they brutal or what? Majority of the class was taken by surprise. Oh well... we are enjoying a week off before the next quarter begins. Next quarter promises to be quite interesting. :)

Recently, I got a 360 degree feedback survey (anonymous) done through the ETLP program at school and just last week I got the final analysis. I used a sample size of 24 people(managers, ex-managers, work peers, school friends, family and friends). It's a pretty decent sample size and the resulting 65 page report was quite an eye opener. I was reviewing the report last night and lots of actionable items there. :) I am happy I got this survey done. It underscores my firm belief that it is not only what you think about yourself, you also need to consider what other people think about you and this feedback is best solicited anonymously.

Today, I am one of the hosts for the Anderson alumni mixer. Expecting about 60 people at the event, which promises to be a great fun event. Even last night I was at another event (Panel) about social networking media and where things are headed from here... which reminds me that I need to check out a few things from last night.

Ciao till next time.

Hiking trip

Our group from work went on a Hiking trip to Mission peak last week. It was slightly overcast and windy but it was good fun. We enjoyed the hike and later had lunch at PF Chang. Here are some pics...

Pics from Hiking Trip

Yet another great Holi...

Happy Holi to everyone reading this blog. :) Due to inclement weather all of last week, this year's Holi plans were suspect at best. We had a volunteer to host the block party but it was predicted to rain on that day. So, the backup plan was a dry (gulal) Holi somehow. But when the day came (yesterday), it was bright and sunny.

I was still recovering from my hectic week and equally hectic Saturday at LA, when Ruchi woke me up and informed me that the plans had changed and we would be playing a wet Holi after all. Slowly but surely the news registered in my still groggy state of mind. Then in trooped Nalin and Shruti, announcing that they were ready to play and wanted their clothes changed right that instant.

First things first - I calmed the kids down. We took a stock of our super soaker, super blaster water guns from last year. Only mine had survived. I took pity on Ruchi and kids by quickly heading to Target (still in my nightsuit) to buy them water guns. Nalin tagged along since he wanted a "blue" one. Even the cashier at Target could sense our impatience to get out of the store. :) As we headed back, I recalled having informed our new neighbors Dhanraj/YTamini about the plans for wet holi (I could sense some hesitation in his tone --- heck he said "OMG"). I relished the fact that I had new prey to completely drench in color water. :)

Once home, we quickly changed, got some water balloons ready, picked up the food and promptly marched over to the party venue (neighbors backyard). The hosts had neatly laid out all the food, snacks, deserts etc on the tables but as soon as we reached there, gulal fight broke out. :) The hosts were seen scrambling to cover the food. What followed was 2-3 hours of good clean fun - water fights, gulal , food, music, thandai. People kept pouring in ... :) we all had a blast.

In the end, extremely tired, we walked home (our new Chinese neighbors looked at us in amazement), took a bath and went off to sleep. The tradition was continued this year as well - having a great time. Our Holi and Diwali block parties are always a huge success, each one better than the previous.

Note: After vigorous scrubbing and 2-3 baths later, today I am at work and people look at my face and a smile comes on their face. While I can hardly see the color on my face, they see it right away. :) I guess the residual effects of our party are still spreading smiles all around (indirectly). :)

Note2; This morning DM remarked that they had a lot of fun...he said they didn't play this much even when growing up in India. :)

Note3: Already there are three families volunteering to host the next Holi party at their house. :)