Category: Events and Happenings

3 years ago today, we got our marriage license. In SC (as in many other states I imagine), you go apply for your marriage license, and a few days later you go pick it up. And 3 years ago today, that’s what we did. That also means our anniversary is coming up. So I guess I’d better start thinking of something to do…

Had a delightful Chinese New Year celebration at my wife’s boss’s house. Mostly people from the lab she works in, lots of good food. It’s become a pretty multi-cultural lab since my wife started working there. Where else can you go to celebrate Chinese New Year, and have a conga line and salsa dancing break out? A good time was had by all I think. It was a good start to the new year.

In a few days it will be the start of the Chinese New Year. It will be the Year of the Monkey (a Green Wooden Monkey at that). All over the world, anywhere there is a significant Chinese population, there will be celebrations, firecrackers, and dragon/lion dances. There will be feasts, and large family get togethers.
I remember as a kid, going downtown, watching the lion dances, and getting scared by the firecrackers and loud drum noises. So much excitement around. It was a fun time, and something I’ve missed since moving to the US. All of the places I’ve lived so far have lacked a significant Chinese population, so I’ve missed the festivities. Maybe this year I’ll find something.

My wife has developed a recent and inexplicable fascination with the rodeo. I think it must be related to her current obsession with horses. So tomorrow, we’re off to see the PBR Challenge at the North Charleston Coliseum for a rip-roaring boot stomping good time. Or at least to see some guys get tossed up in the air.
I wonder what would happen if I started rooting for the bulls…

Getting stuff ready to load up into the car so we can head off to the in-laws for the holidays. Holidays are always an interesting time at the in-laws. There’s usually some kind of silliness or drama going on. Our role is mostly as the family caterer, which is just fine by us because it keeps us out of the way, and we can boss people around in the kitchen. Mostly we’re telling people to get out of the kitchen though (at least while we’re working in it).
A few years ago, the annual family gatherings (Thanksgiving and Christmas) kept growing and growing, until one year we were confronted with cooking for 40 people, when we only expected 25. 40 pounds of turkey disappeared with no leftovers in sight. After that, we drew the line and told the family we weren’t cooking for that many people anymore. The next Thanksgiving they were on their own while we took in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York City (a very fun event, but many many people to deal with). Since then, the family gatherings have been much smaller and much more enjoyable.
So, I wonder what will happen this year…we’re only expecting 14 or so for Christmas dinner.