Stop Raining

I’ve been away for a while.  Took a little trip, and spent too much time at the workplace.  Daily routine and worldly obligations have been cutting large pieces away from the things I’d really like to be focusing on, but I think I’ll be back to normal from here on out.

I had a nice little block of three days off last week, and my parents lobbied pretty hard to get me to come visit them.  I had grand visions of trains, camping, climbing and general debauchery; but at the risk of being completely disowned by my family, I jumped on an overnight bus instead, destination McAllen, TX.  As much as I dislike the Rio Grande Valley, at least a three day trip was easily digestible.

The morning I arrived I visited with my grandmother, who had good cancer news for me.  That morning the doctor told her she’s finished with chemo treatments.  Definitely a big milestone.  The two newest Kietzer’s, my brother’s wife and my new niece, were also in the same room, which was a pretty cool reunion.  Six Kietzer’s had dinner together that evening at my brother’s house, and, for a little while, it felt really good to be there.  I spent the rest of my time mostly with my parents, and trying to dodge the flu virus that was floating around my brother’s house.  It was a good trip.

Coming back to Austin, even after short trips, has always been a good feeling for me though.  Driving up to my house on Friday made me smile.

My weekend was a little lackluster.  I spent a lot of time at work watching the sun shine through the windows.  The one social encounter I wanted to have never quite materialized, and for some reason it left me in a poor mood.  Sunday I met a new girl at work who left fumbling for the right words as I helped her find some climbing equipment.  Absolutely gorgeous, and she just couldn’t stop smiling when she looked at me.  That helped me quite a bit.

I have today and tomorrow off from work.  Unfortunately it’s been raining since early this morning…  The forecast says it will dry out by this evening, and I certainly hope so.  I haven’t climbed in over a week, and my fingers are itching for it.  The last ten days of November, Rami and I, and whoever else feels like an epic adventure, will be heading down to Mexico for some big multi-pitch climbing at El Potrero Chico.  I want to be a little stronger before heading down there…