Game Day 2021

 It's Saturday in South Carolina!

First game back in a football stadium since the Iron Bowl.  I admit.  This seemed like a better idea in April when we were starting getting vaccinated and things seemed to be returning to normal.  I bought season tickets to the Gamecocks football games.  It was motivated by the Palmetto Bowl being held in COLA this year.  The week of Thanksgiving should be really fun.  The Gamecocks play Auburn at home (again - not sure how that schedule happened) the Saturday before Thanksgiving.  The Chins will be in Charleston for Turkey Day, which will probably be BBQ day.  Then the Saturday after Thanksgiving is the rivalry game for the Gamecocks!

This week though, it is the first home SEC game of the season for the Gamecocks.  The Kentucky Wildcats are in town.  It is a primetime match up on ESPN.  Demi cooked all day Friday to provide food for the tailgate and for The Boys.  Wings, chili, gyros, sandwiches and all the fixin's.  Caz and I drove up with it all.  We met Coco and The Boys at their apartment.  Then we loaded up 2 vehicles for the State Fairgrounds parking.  The Boys were very excited to have this old man at the tailgate.  Or at least that is what they said.  Kidding.  We really did have fun.  The game was very close and exciting as well.  It was a very good day for the Chin Boys.  

The Working Man

Caz completed his first week of work.  His first job out of college.  It wasn't the mechanical engineering role he pictured in his head.  But it could lead to that.  It allows him to apply a lot of what he was doing at Auburn.  And he really likes the company.

Hearing your child gush about work it really an experience.  I cannot even describe it.  It makes me happy that he is so passionate about the job.  This new start up company is giving him a lot of responsibility for not only a new employee, but a person fresh out of college.  It sounds like they are also giving him guidance and support.  That is heartening to hear as a parent.  

This is such a great start for the recent graduate.  It is fantastic that the job is here in Charleston.  Sure.  Technically, he is living at home.  But he is saving money.  He is not spending on rent or car at the moment.  This will let him get on his feet and get established.  What more can we ask for?

Twenty Years Later - Never Forget

 It is hard to believe it is twenty years after one of the most horrific days in history.  9/11 is a day I will never forget.  For so many reasons, it will be a day that most of our general consciousness will recall with reverence.  The confusion.  The concern.  The lack of information.  The lack of communication.  The lack of leadership in certain venues.  The sadness.  The relief.  The guilt of feeling relief.  All of these powerful emotions are felt as strongly now, as they were then.  

I remember rushing home to hold the boys.  I walked Coco.  I shielded Caz from the news on TV.  I slowly accounted for family, friends, friends of friends, loved ones, and casual acquaintances.  The next few days, the next few weeks were filled with so much uncertainty,

It is astounding the list of casualties is still growing.  All of those brave first responders are paying the price for their heroics, even now.  At the time, they seemingly did not give a thought to what may happen down the road.  They didn't hesitate.  They ran head first into danger.  For them.  For those we lost.  For their families.  We continue to remember.  We continue to honor them.  

Labor Day Weekend 2021

 What a weekend for the Chins.  We were not all together.  But I am happy all the same.  Demi and I got to spend a great day at the beach with family and friends.  The day turned out far sunnier and warmer than predicted.  The kids behaved very well.  There was no drama.  As always, there was no shortage of food or drinks.

What really made me smile?  The boys were together.  Caz drove up to COLA on Friday night.  I gave Caz my tickets to the Gamecocks game.  Primetime kickoff meant the boys had Friday night and all day Sat together.  I remember visiting my brother at college after I graduated.  It helped us bond even more.  I hope it does the same for them.