April 20, 2008

And Then There Were Three

Posted by Charlie at 11:22 AM | Comments (0)

April 09, 2008

Vitra, Meet Chinatown Rooftop

Posted by Charlie at 09:27 AM | Comments (0)

March 26, 2008

Up Somewhere in Soho

Photo: KK

Posted by Charlie at 12:55 AM | Comments (0)

March 22, 2008

International Pillow Fight Day

Posted by Charlie at 05:58 PM | Comments (0)

March 18, 2008

Stamina: Gloria et Patria

~ Agathe Snow

Posted by Charlie at 12:04 PM | Comments (0)

March 10, 2008

The Drill Room

Last week I went the Park Avenue Armory to view the extension of the Whitney's Biennial, and let's just say I found myself falling in love with the architecture of the space almost a little bit more than the installations that were exhibited.

This is the Drill Room. The largest room I've ever seen in New York, the Drill Room spans the length of one avenue and resembles an airport hangar. Sometimes the best way to experience new architectural spaces is to first view them at night, when you have a greater contrast between light and dark. The dramatic shadows casted by the lighting installations gave the Drill Room a postulated preternatural quality. A religious experience.

Camera fun.

I enjoyed my time so much at the Armory that I decided to experience it again, two days later, in the daytime.

The Drill Room doesn't look as dramatic when everything is bathed in sunlight, although it is still a marvel in engineering.

Posted by Charlie at 12:49 AM | Comments (0)

February 19, 2008

While In San Francisco

Surrounded by a sea of cute Asian guys, Charlie can do nothing but sulk and shuffle his feet against the wooden floor.

Photo: Clark J.

Posted by Charlie at 03:26 PM | Comments (0)

February 14, 2008

Ahhh ... Zen.

A 30-minute bubble bath, a romp in the hay and 9 hours of sleep later, I feel like the winter's about over.

Posted by Charlie at 10:24 AM | Comments (0)

February 13, 2008

Eck.

Semi-drunk. At the office right now. Even though I should have left an hour ago. So, I'm the only one here. And, I have a date tonight. But, I don't want to be late. So much work to finish up. Yucky Ducky Doo.

(This has been my life for the past week, discounting the fact that I've been going to Fashion Week parties left and right. Charlie's going to need to take a break from drink and acting stupid and whoring his body to random strangers. It's not good for his psyche.)

Ciao.

Posted by Charlie at 08:00 PM | Comments (0)

February 07, 2008

The Japanese-Korean Ex-Model and Me

Posted by Charlie at 07:00 PM | Comments (0)

January 25, 2008

27th

MK said that I seemed happier than the last time I saw him, which is probably true, considering I'm not writing in this blog as much anymore, but I wonder if I really am that – happy.

Posted by Charlie at 09:29 AM | Comments (0)

January 01, 2008

January 1, 2008

I hate reminiscing. It distracts from the now. But, I am forcing myself to do because: 1) I haven't really been writing in this blog as of late and it will be a good chance to verbally articulate what I have been going through this past several months; and 2) that writing about 2007 will really help me come to terms with mistakes I've made and accept responsibility for them, because I feel I haven't really been a good person lately.

As the clock struck midnight and the people around us began cheering and kissing each other, I realized just how much happier I was then than when I was the year prior, staring at that exact same television, watching the ball drop in Times Square. One year ago I was happy to let 2006 pass on, like a tainted memory that can't be repressed. On the other hand, I found myself looking back fondly on the past year. No significant events have really bookmarked themselves into 2007 – I didn't date anyone; I kept the same job; I didn't really go on vacation; I went out and partied and had meaningless fun – and so the past twelve months have been one continuous blur, surprising me as to how fast time really flew. Must've been the friends.

If there is one word to characterize what happened in the past 12 months, it's 'Friendships.' I've made, lost, cultivated, prioritized, ended and renewed relationships with so many wonderful and amazing individuals. I'm not sure what drove me to reach out to so many people – boredom? horniness? companionship? loneliness? – I do not know. I'm not really good at holding onto friends, so one of my resolutions for 2008 is to really try to be a good friend.

I feel that this upcoming year will be one of big changes for me. I can feel it in my bones. That's what usually happens, when one year is pretty lull and content and routine, the next year will inevitably be one of evolution and redesign. I have a few tricks up my sleeve, but I won't write about them until later. The last time I felt like this was that moment I bought a one-way plane ticket to NYC, over two years ago. Now I'm feeling these emotions again, and I'm going to have to do something about it.

And so, without further delay, some resolutions for the next year. I was never really into the entire New Year's resolution thing as I've always deemed it to be like supermarket checklist, but hey, you can't have progress without a concrete plan, right?

1) Be more outwardly honest about my emotions.
2) Learn to break down the walls surrounding my real self.
3) Cry more.
4) Drink less.
5) Call my friends just to say hi.
6) Stop using self-deprecating humor as a defense mechanism.
7) Spend less money.
8) Love a guy.

God, I'm such a sap. (And I think by writing that I just violated #6? Haha!)

But anyway. It's getting late and I've been writing for almost an hour. It's time to sleep and go to work in the morning. Goodnight, y'all! Happy New Year.

Peace.

Posted by Charlie at 04:16 AM | Comments (0)

December 22, 2007

Cupid on Panton

Posted by Charlie at 06:17 PM | Comments (0)

December 02, 2007

Taking Advantage of the City

It's holiday season here in New York City, which means throngs of people out and about each and every single day, spending their hard-earned money on things to make their loved ones smile. Neighborhoods from Fifth Avenue to Little Italy have dressed up their streets and storefronts with pretty wrapping paper, and everywhere it seems I am constantly having to push my way through swarms of people just to get to the corner shop.

I sometimes forget that tourists plan and save their money several months in advance just for a chance to experience this city, albeit for a short while. I live in one of the most vibrant cities, and yet I would rather spend my weekends staying warm and playing video games than visit an exhibit or doing something 'New York-y.' I am several blocks away from the hottest museum in New York right now, but I have yet to trek out all the way over there. It's so sad.

Which is why this past weekend was all the more memorable. One good thing about having recent New York transplants as friends is that they're still wide-eyed and still not yet burnt out from the energy of the city, and they will drag you out even if you want to finish your video game. We went to Central Park, only my fourth outing there. I ate several hot dogs, snuck into the Met, had some fantastic dessert, had fantastic Cambodian sandwiches, and ended up somehow drunk on a friend's rooftop, laying in a hammock while watching the snow fall at 5 in the morning. Very New York, and so much more fun than video games.

Posted by Charlie at 06:35 PM | Comments (0)

November 30, 2007

I Spy With My Little Eye An Eye Sty

So, for the past two weeks now I have been playing host to some very lovely bacteria living in my right eyelid. A horrified co-worker informed me that it was pink eye, and I spent a quiet Monday morning working from home and enjoying the benefits of designing campaigns in one's underwear. It turned to not be pink eye, but rather a sty, which is much less serious, but still socially limiting nonetheless. I finally got the little bugger to pop last night, after a post-drink vomiting session at home. I looked in the mirror and it looked like I was crying blood. It was kind of a cool visual and I regret not taking a picture of it. So now, after two weeks of having what looks like a pimple on my eye, I am left with a scab that I'm desperately trying not to touch. So sexy.

Posted by Charlie at 03:04 PM | Comments (0)

November 28, 2007

Cold Nights

Winter is just around the corner, and yet once again I've decided to remain here in the city during the holiday season than fly home and be with family. It wasn't a hard decision to make – I hate traveling during crazy days – but knowing that I'll be alone again is kind of a sobering thought.

Posted by Charlie at 11:47 PM | Comments (0)

November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving

Posted by Charlie at 02:40 PM | Comments (0)

November 18, 2007

And, One Last Picture...

Posted by Charlie at 12:36 PM | Comments (0)

November 16, 2007

The Absinthe-Sponsored Office Party

Posted by Charlie at 12:05 PM | Comments (0)

November 09, 2007

Thursdays Are My Saturdays

Posted by Charlie at 02:36 PM | Comments (0)

November 02, 2007

Steve Plays Some Good Music

... and $200 in drinks later ... at my comfort club, also known as Hiro, the only place in New York where girls hit on me. Good times, definitely worth the massive hangover the next morning.

Posted by Charlie at 05:21 PM | Comments (1)

October 24, 2007

1-Year Anniversary

As of this writing, at 3:05PM, I have been here at my job for exactly one year. Where has time gone?

Posted by Charlie at 03:05 PM | Comments (0)

October 19, 2007

Someone I Know Just Died

He had an infectious laugh, a cute smile and a killer style (Vice Magazine profiled him as a 'Do' a while back.). He was a volunteer for a bike service that provided free rides home during late-night hours. Yesterday morning he was crossing the street on his bicycle when a truck ran into him. He died at the scene. It was 4:15am.

Posted by Charlie at 08:14 PM | Comments (0)

October 15, 2007

25 Short Tidbits From My Life This Past Month

01) I'm not dead; I have been busy as of late. With life. And watching Heroes.

02) Seriously. Watch Heroes. But, I have been enjoying the first season more so than the current one. Why is Peter Petrelli naked in like, 80% of his scenes? He's cute, but it seems overly excessive. However, can we get some Asian American chest up in there!?

03) But, not Hiro Nakamura's. As much as his character is loved, he's still a definite stereotype of how Asian men are viewed by the greater American audience. He's a sexless! harmless! childlike! anime-loving! otaku. I don't want to see him naked.

04) And, definitely not Ando Masahashi. He has a terrible Japanese accent. (Note to the Japanese translator to the show: You never, ever would address the head of a powerful corporation by anata. That's very very very rude.)

05) Am I the only one who is extremely happy to see that some of Yoko Kanno's albums have been released on iTunes? There are like four rare albums on there. I'm so happy.

06) It's hard to accept rejection gracefully from a very cute boy, especially when his tongue is in your mouth.

07) However, it's a lot harder to express vulnerability and emotion in front of a hot power gay, when aloofness and indifference are your habitual reactions in the face of possible perfection.

08) Speaking of which, Anderson Cooper is a lot cuter in person. Infectious smile.

09) Jude Law, on the other hand, not so much.

10) I'm really happy the weather is getting colder. If past experiences are any indication, I should be in a relationship by the time the mercury hits 40 degrees. And, out of one by the time February rolls around next year.

11) I've been buying new clothes for this winter's wardrobe, and after getting a ton of compliments on a new sweater I bought, I've become a huge fan of Henrik Vibskov. I have several items from his Winter '08 line already, and another one from some random boutique in Minnesota on the way. I may be broke this winter, but at least I'll look interesting.

12) I got photographed again last night by some Japanese photographer for some Japanese magazine, wearing items that are at least 5 years old. So, you can still be 'fashionable' even if you're not wearing the latest lines.

13) That last item will be the only blatantly, self-congratulatory thing I write in this post.

13) All the others will just be subtle.

14) I've probably cooked dinner only three times in the past month. All other times I've been eating out.

15) Hagi will forever and always have the best okonomiyaki in NYC. Kansai-style, just the way I like it.

16) I have a crush on one of the servers there. He's like a taller version of Joe Odagiri and gives me this intense stare every time I go in. I'm not sure if it's because he likes me or if he's jealous of my double-lidded eyes.

17) I don't know what to feel when an Asian/White guy tells me that I "could pass off as one of them." Privileged? Offended? Grateful? Sad?

18) I'm reading this book by Caille Millner. It's a memoir of sorts on her quest to find a 'proper' multiethnic, multicultural identity. It's an interesting read, so far.

19) I'm much healthier than I was a month ago. I'm happy about that, and have slowly started drinking again. I've become a light-weight.

20) The New New Museum is going to open soon. I'm *this* close to getting in with the people who run it, and if Lady Luck shines my way I'll be able to go to the opening party without shilling out the $1000(?) it costs to get invited. If I had the money I would have gladly donated some. But, I used up all my money on dinners and Henrik Vibskov clothes.

21) I met a flamboyantly straight white guy who owns several gay clubs in Bangkok. He's from Brooklyn but has lived in Thailand for the past ten years and speaks the language rather fluently.

22) My parents are planning a long trip to Thailand next year, and if I decide to go with them I'll probably ring him up, if only to get in the clubs for free.

23) But, I rather go to Hong Kong or Tokyo or Seoul. Never shit where you eat, as the saying goes.

24) Goddamn, I really want some okonomiyaki right about now. My stomach is screaming for some.

25) I think I'm gonna go get some now.

Posted by Charlie at 12:29 AM | Comments (2)

October 11, 2007

I'm Not a Good Person, People

I'm setting myself and those around me up for heartbreak and drama. But, this is what you have to go through, right? To find that right one? Filter out the not-so-good in order to find him...

Posted by Charlie at 03:22 PM | Comments (0)

October 10, 2007

A Short Vacation...

...to the Left Coast. 6 days to fit in 10 guys: can Charlie do it?

Posted by Charlie at 06:43 PM | Comments (2)

September 30, 2007

Dry

I resolved to stop drinking two weeks ago, cold turkey detoxin' style. This is only but a temporary measure, of course; I still love a good gin martini. But, after a full month of partying and 'networking' and emergency cancer scare visits to the doctor, I feel that at this point in my life I don't need extra baggage to my mounting woes. So, no more alcohol until further notice.

It's been weird. The hankering for alcohol isn't there when I'm out with friends anymore. I'm the only sober one at the club and I'm dancing the night away, which takes me back to my raving days. Maybe it's these prescription drugs I'm taking that somehow makes my body not yearn for alcohol. Back in college I was on these meds that somehow made the smell of cigarette smoke the most disgusting thing in the world, so this is probably the same thing.

I want to see how long this experiment is going to last. I was able to make it through three open bars without a drop; I think I can last for another three weeks. At least.

Posted by Charlie at 10:20 PM | Comments (0)

September 24, 2007

Being Whitewashed

A New York newspaper recently named Chinatown as one of the remaining neighborhoods in New York that has any 'soul' left, whatever that means. I'm inclined to believe that they meant that, no, Chinatown has not yet succumbed to gentrification and urban renewal.

They couldn't be more wrong. Because 1), I am here. The very fact that I'm living in an apartment that another not-well-to-do Chinese family can inhabit is a sign that they are being priced out of their homes, even if my rent is already so low. Another reason? Chinatown is gradually being whitewashed.

Slowly but surely, more and more people of obviously non-Chinese origin (read: young, white hipsters with disposable incomes and penchants for cultural insensitivities) are moving into tiny units that once housed a family of six. They've also started to claim this neighborhood as their own, refusing to call it 'Chinatown' and instead christening it 'Chinaside.' It's both a cool-sounding and an offensive name.

I'm not sure how I feel about this.

Posted by Charlie at 07:49 PM | Comments (1)

September 15, 2007

..And Life Takes Over

Imagine a deflated balloon, if you will, that has been covered with tiny dots. Now, imagine that balloon being slowly inflated with air. As it gradually gets bigger, all the tiny dots begin to move further apart from one another. My life kinda feels like that right now.

Posted by Charlie at 12:13 PM | Comments (0)

September 05, 2007

Free Drinks, Beautiful People And - Oh Yes - The Clothes

It's that time again in New York. Self-indulgent pretty people, suicidal rock bands, Viagra-carrying international editors with penchants for threesomes, coked-up underage models. Fashion Week is back.

Posted by Charlie at 12:32 PM

August 27, 2007

At Our Local AA Meeting

Posted by Charlie at 09:52 PM | Comments (0)

August 22, 2007

No Clothes for Me

I just realized that I'm going to miss my appointment with Prada because I'm too swamped with work to get out of the office for some shopping fun. Poo.

One more week, Charlie, one more week and you will have some breathing time...

Posted by Charlie at 01:09 PM | Comments (0)

August 18, 2007

Where I Am Now

This is where I am right now.

Posted by Charlie at 03:15 PM | Comments (0)

August 09, 2007

A Transient Family We Are

If there is one common denominator between me and the rest of my family, it is that we don't like staying still. My parents eloped to the States almost thirty years ago, and before my sister was born they were seriously considering moving us to Sydney. Now they are currently road-tripping it across the States, a month after coming back from a three-week vacation in eastern Europe, and although my meals when I was back visiting Seattle consisted mainly of frozen TV dinners and instant ramen, I was able to catch up with them, albeit for only an hour, while they were here in the city for the day.

While I don't have the luxury to travel around as much as they do, I'm starting to feel the anxiousness that comes from the comforts of routine and stability. How ironic is it that, living in the most vibrant city in the world, and you're already itching to move on to something more challenging, more exotic?

The only thing that is really keeping me here is my career. I love what I'm doing, but aside from that, I'm not tied down by a boyfriend, school or a mortgage. I can, like what I did when I moved here, buy a plane ticket on the spur of the moment and take off to another city to spend yet another two years deciding what I want to do with the rest my life. The luxury of prolonged youth and adolescence is wasted on me.

However, for the sake of my career, I'm going to stay stationary for the time being, for at least another two years. The occasional weekend trip to a New England town will satisfy my traveling needs for a while, but eventually NYC will become nothing more than a closed chapter in my life, as I move on to more challenging locales.

Posted by Charlie at 06:51 PM | Comments (1)

August 06, 2007

Ten One-Night Stands

1) Tweaked-Out Guy
I don't know his name or what he does for a living. We met at a party; he grabbed my hand and pulled me into the bedroom and before I knew it there was a condom on my penis. As I stared into his eyes I noticed that his pupils were dilated. I distinctly remember other people's hands probing my ass.

2) Muppet Guy
He took me to some amazing restaurants, ones I've been back to with other guys. One of the saner guys on this list, save for one kinda major factor which is why I christened him so... (see icon key below)

3) Dancer
He was only in the States for two weeks when I first met him, a recent migrant from Israel. Even though he was Jewish, he had German features: blond hair, blue eyes. He had a habit of saying "Awww, shit!" while in bed, which I found amusing and slightly endearing.

4) The Ex-of-My-Friend-Who-Was-Also-An-Ex-To-My-Ex
I was drawn to his personality because he reminded me of a good friend back in Seattle. Because his dormitory complex was empty, we switched to another bed when we got tired of the view. People from across the street could see us.

5) Dungeon Master
Argh. This guy was totally cute. There's something to be said about cute Asian guys who keep secret S&M rooms in their apartments.

6) The Name-Dropper
He had lunch with Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake during Fashion Week in Paris; he is good friends with Patricia Field and would always sit next to her during runway shows; he would point out his model friends to me up on the movie screen; he would only do it in the back seat of his Mercedes, in a secluded, somewhat neglected part of NYC.

7) The Rice Queen
He likes everything "Asian guy-spicy, not white-guy spicy, please" when ordering at restaurants.

8) Asian Hipster
Let's skip past this as the memory is still fresh in my mind (see icon key below).

9) The Huge Mistake
Our actions slowly but surely snowballed into something regrettable. I blame the booze.


10) The Closeted F.O.B.
Oh boy. He wouldn't let me kiss him; instead, he would hover his lips over mine without touching, his eyes closed an in apparent ecstasy. "Let's just be in the moment," he says. I kicked him out ten minutes later and, as he was ready to go he leaned in for a kiss, but didn't really make contact. His lips hovered within an inch of my confused face for ten seconds before he said, "Can you feel it?"

ICON KEY
He never returned my calls.

I never returned his calls.

I was totally drunk.

It was kinda bad, but hey, at least I got an orgasm or two out of it (except for #10, of course).

It was kinda good! I had a fun time.

This dick has its own zip code.

Most of our shenanigans happened outside.

Remember The Muppets by Jim Henson? Remember Gonzo? Go Google an image of him; his nose is exactly what this guy's penis looked like.

There was a piece of toilet paper stuck to this guy's ass. At least I wasn't sober enough to care. I still can't get that image out of my head.

Nothing really happened between the two of us save for a little mindless kissing.

I never got this guy's name. What was it again? I can't remember.

Posted by Charlie at 12:14 AM | Comments (0)

August 04, 2007

15 Seconds of Empire State

Posted by Charlie at 05:11 PM | Comments (0)

August 03, 2007

Koreans in My Bed

Posted by Charlie at 03:06 PM | Comments (0)

July 21, 2007

Afloat Among the Clouds

Soon, very soon, I will be above the clouds staring down upon the tiny island of Manhattan. Work and life has me much too consumed to pay any attention to this journal, and I feel like a bad parent for neglecting it so. In the coming days get ready for a flash flood of thoughts and reflections from the past several months. Life has been a whirlwind of mini emotional dramas as of late, and I guess now is as good as ever to start articulating what I've been going through since we last spoke.

A friend is getting married in a week, and even though she lives here in NYC, she decided to have her wedding in Seattle, where her family is. It's going to be a extra-luxe black-tie affair, the ne plus ultra of Seattle weddings. I bought myself a nice new suit that was on sale for 50% off and yet cost more than my monthly rent. It's formal enough for a fancy shindig, yet casual enough for the jacket to be paired off with jeans. Life's good.

So yes, soon I will be flying home.

Posted by Charlie at 10:51 PM | Comments (0)

July 08, 2007

Back Home

I think it's about 90% set that Justin and I will be making the trip over to Asia this winter, and while we won't be in Tokyo for another five months, I'm already scrambling to make sure I'm in top form – physically, mentally and financially – so I won't encounter any hiccups while I'm over there. There will be languages to remaster, maps to study, dollars to save and muscles to regenerate. It's been a very long while since I've been back to Asia – almost ten years, in fact, and it will be quite the refreshing change this time, since I will be on my own and not chauffeured around by the family driver. The countdown begins...

Posted by Charlie at 09:21 PM | Comments (0)

July 07, 2007

WORKWORKWORK

Workworkwork has me consumed 24/7 and now I am at a cafe in Soho catching on some other shit that was overdue and it just won't stop but I don't really mind it because my life as of late has been like this so I don't see myself stopping anytime soon because productivity is mentally fulfilling and my design chops are improving but fuck I think I need to slow down before I collapse.

Posted by Charlie at 02:23 PM | Comments (0)

June 26, 2007

Pride 2007

Every year Pride seems like, to me at least, another reason to turn in early on a Saturday night and avoid the crowds outside. I guess I wasn't in as a festive mood this year as the last, and thus I spent last weekend being relatively low-key. Of course, by 'low-key' I mean staying out until 5AM Friday night; sleeping out on the rooftop in my briefs for three hours Saturday; spend 5 hours watching the parade march by, right to the very last float. So yes: Aside from seeing the guy I sorta/kinda dated brandishing his rainbow flag like a high school prom queen, it was relatively low-key this year.

Posted by Charlie at 11:56 PM | Comments (0)

June 17, 2007

Coolness

One of the worst times to ever be in New York City is during the height of summer. With temperatures hovering around the mid-90s during the nighttime and humidity levels so high one can become drenched in sweat after spending five minutes outside, New Yorkers typically spend their days inside an air conditioned room or vacationing outside the city, leaving the streets of the Big Apple to the devices of tourists.

After suffering through several heat waves back in April and May, I finally broke down and purchased an a/c unit for my bedroom. Unfortunately, the windows in this tiny apartment were not constructed to be air conditioning friendly, so my unit sat on my kitchen floor looking rather lonely for several weeks, neglected and unused. I was too afraid to install the thing myself, having visions of the unit falling off my sill and onto the head of some poor, helpless sap seven stories below.

But desperation overtook pragmatic thought today, and as the mercury inched closer to 90 I did what any in my situation would do: I went out and scavenged some bricks from the construction site near the park, created a makeshift ledge to level the platform, and stuck the damned a/c unit onto my window sill. I turned on the machine, set the dial to high, and breathed out a sigh that had been collecting for the past two months.

It has been well worth it. And, I'm never leaving this apartment again until the mercury drops back down to 70.

Posted by Charlie at 07:38 PM | Comments (0)

In Other News

Absolutely no more drinking/partying for me for the next two weeks. My body's in disarray!

Posted by Charlie at 12:36 PM | Comments (0)

June 08, 2007

This Is Why I Love NYC

So, before I forget (as I'm kinda tipsy as I'm writing this), I just came back from a club where a dancer put on a 'performance' by pulling anal beads out of her vagina and anus. I had a front row seat and it was an amazing sight.

Posted by Charlie at 02:38 AM | Comments (0)

June 03, 2007

Kyoko the Caucasian Asian

"I'm Filipino, bitches, so eat my grapes! Eat them!"

Posted by Charlie at 07:05 PM | Comments (0)

May 29, 2007

May Day Song

The heat is starting to get to me. My appetite is suppressed and my attempts at doing any work outside the office are met with 2-hour naps. Summer has arrived, a month early, and in between frustrating attempts at trying to install an a/c machine in my room, I made sure to go out and have a little fun this past three-day weekend. The clubs and bars are great, but lately I've been having much more fun just drinking out of a soda bottle and sitting on some random corner in Manhattan with a friend, talking the night away about nothing in particular. Weekend highlights and lows include, in no particular order: Taking a picture with New York City's most famous ass (see previous entry); saying my goodbyes to a special friend; getting dark on the top of my apartment building; realizing that my apartment window probably isn't compatible with any a/c units; getting silly at a "BBQ" (see above).

I should be working now, but I can't. It's too hot.

Posted by Charlie at 09:55 PM | Comments (0)

May 26, 2007

Assssssss

Last night: My first date with an ass who was actually kinda nice!

Posted by Charlie at 01:34 PM | Comments (0)

May 22, 2007

ICFF: High Design, High-Quality Liquor

If this year's ICFF has taught me anything, it's that if you decide to consume copious amounts of free liquor at fabulous beautiful people parties, make sure said liquor is of the highest quality and make, for even if you end up vomiting all over your bathroom floor, you can still wake up early and hangover-free. Just another tip from Charlie to you.

Despite this year being the biggest ICFF thus far, I left feeling rather uninspired from what was exhibited this time around. Most of the furniture that debuted this past weekend felt like regurgitations of past collections, only in a different color or reupholstered fabric. Few standouts include student work from the Georgia Institute of Technology(!); an amazing geometric chair from Buchegger, Denoth, Feichtner; Tom Dixon's lighting collection; and solar-powered LED garden lamps from a pair of Asian Americans.

But of course, most of the people that flew out here for ICFF were more interested in getting into the parties and mingling with the snooty design freaks (like myself). Like any college mixer, this weekend has been all about socializing and networking. And, while I have met some really colorful characters this time around, this experience has reminded me as to why I will always have a love/hate relationship with those working within the design community.

And, if you decide to down half a bottle of (free!) rum, make sure it's top shelf. No hangovers!

Posted by Charlie at 12:05 AM

May 17, 2007

When I Feel Cocky and Snobbish

The International Contemporary Furniture Fair is just around the corner, which means an entire weekend of socializing and partying with beautiful people. A good friend from my interior design days is flying in, and together we will be conquering NYC nightlife like the way we used to. There will be sipping free champagne at the Moss party while discussing the rise of the green and sustainable design movement. There will be dressing up to the nines at the Ingo Mauer party with faux-supercilious attitudes turned on, critiquing the company's latest lighting offerings. There will be ass-kissing at The Apartment and futile attempts at infiltrating their so-cooler-than-thou company.

Oh, and like last year, there will also be a lot of furniture browsing. It is ICFF, after all.

Posted by Charlie at 12:20 AM | Comments (0)

May 11, 2007

Yanagi on the Rooftop

I've been spending a lot of time up on the top of my building, enjoying the view of downtown Manhattan whilst sipping on a glass of wine. It's been my personal escape from the city this past few weeks, and even though there are literally hundreds of tourists walking in the streets below, I can't hear any of the bustling traffic. It's just me, Yanagi and the city. Quite a nice combination, if I do say so myself.

Posted by Charlie at 09:57 PM

May 08, 2007

Shrink In?

Where can I guy like myself score a date with a cutie on Friday night? People say New York City is THE place to be if you're young and single, but I beg to differ. On the contrary, my life has been a dating desert for, say, about three months now, and it's starting to get ugly.

I could hump a tree.

I seem to have a hard time meeting new people. Wait, I take that back. While my social life doesn't leave much to be desired — I've been out almost every night for the past month — it's usually when I'm in company of an attractive guy that I either: 1) Freeze up and sulk in a corner, thereby coming off as aloof and arrogant; or 2) Start talking like there is no tomorrow, sometimes to no one in particular and always without thinking before stating something. These two particular reactions aren't really sexy, I think, and I will need to work on that. I wonder if there's a class on flirting here in the city.

The class is probably called 'Therapy.'

Which brings me to the point of this entry. I know quite a number of people who go to therapists in the city; they all swear by them, and until now I've never really considered the possibility of me actually seeing one.

I mean, I've always been a do-it-yourself kind of guy. I'm (obviously) extremely self-centered and self-reliant, to a fault sometimes. It takes a lot of effort for me to ask for help, even if it's from my parents, even if it's just a simple favor. I'm also pretty self-aware. I think I have identified most of my 'issues' – if you can call them that – though I may have not taken any steps to 'straighten' them out. Paying four dollars a minute to try figuring out what's wrong with you doesn't seem like healthy financial planning.

On the other hand, having an objective opinion could be a refreshing alternative to my friends' rolling eyes and biased answers. And, since my behavior is very uncharacteristic of my usual charming (ha!) and charismatic (ha!) personality maybe there are some thing I haven't tapped into yet. I'm always down for trying new experiences, and seeing one temporarily could be character building.

We'll see. I think I'm gonna ask a friend to refer me to his therapist, try him out for two weeks, and if I get a date by the end of my trial run I'll be a convert.

:-)

Posted by Charlie at 12:42 AM | Comments (1)

May 05, 2007

Margarita Madness

Free margaritas and some two drinks later, this is what you get...

...drunken pictures of me totally spooking off the cute clientèle.

Posted by Charlie at 10:16 AM | Comments (0)

April 29, 2007

Party Crashing

John Cho is beautiful in person, as are all the actors and actresses that appeared in West 32nd, a Korean-American movie I've never heard of before last night. Needless to say, an impromptu visit to Maru turned into an entertaining night of schmoozing with one of the fabulous actresses on the film while soaking up the slightly absurd world of the B-List celebrity.

Posted by Charlie at 07:12 PM | Comments (0)

April 23, 2007

Same Night, Different Jizz

Charlie's going on a hiatus from the New York nightlife. Don't expect to see him out and about anytime this week. Ciao bello!

Posted by Charlie at 01:04 PM | Comments (1)

April 22, 2007

The Ninth Night

I'm at a house party in Queens, surrounded by breathtakingly gorgeous Asian men of every make. In my mind I'm drooling at the sight of their gorgeous faces and bodies and cursing them at the same time for being so beautiful. I'm walking around, feeling uncharacteristically confident and thankful that I decided to make myself somewhat pretty that night. Then, almost two years to the day of my other last public humiliation, history repeats itself: I look down and my pants zipper was undone. I'm such a catch.

Posted by Charlie at 12:56 PM | Comments (0)

April 18, 2007

The Sixth Night

It's a typical Tuesday night. Some fashion editor from Elle Japan is slurring his life story into my ears. He's cute and looks entirely out of place given that we're surrounded by buffed Chelsea guys and he's dressed like he just popped out of a BAPE catalog. We're on the dance floor of B-Bar, a lounge that "turns gay" once a week. Everyone's just standing around, looking bored and cruising other guys. I'm quite bored myself.

"MY FRIEND'S A MAKEUP ARTIST FOR MADONNA! DO YOU KNOW SHE IS COMING OUT WITH A NEW ALBUM?! YES?! SHE IS THINKING ABOUT DOING ANOTHER TOUR, BUT NOT UNTIL 2009! NO KIDDING!"

Even though I'm not attracted to him the sound of his voice somehow makes me shiver. I guess it's been a while since I've had a cute guy screaming in my ear, and it feels kind of nice. I dance with my friend Ma-kun for a bit, then by 1:30am I feel I've sobered myself enough to walk home alone. I'm completely sober by the time I wrap myself up in my comforter.

Posted by Charlie at 04:19 PM | Comments (0)

April 17, 2007

Exhausted

My body's turned to sludge after five continuous nights of going out.

Posted by Charlie at 10:22 AM | Comments (0)

April 08, 2007

Best Ego Trip Ever

I have finally fulfilled my lifelong dream of being photographed for a Japanese hip-hop fashion magazine.

Posted by Charlie at 05:34 PM | Comments (1)

April 06, 2007

A Black Tie Affair

Anyone out there know of any good names in tuxedo design, and what the current style trend of tuxes are these days? I'm going to my first black tie in like forever and I don't think the tuxedo I have from my prepubescent days is going to fit me. Some names I can think up of include Prada, Zegna and Dior.

Posted by Charlie at 11:13 AM | Comments (1)

March 27, 2007

Breadsticks

Thank goodness for Bar 89. Because if that Soho lounge had not existed in my life, I probably would not have 5 pounds of bread in my apartment right now. It's going to be a long week (or month?) of bruschetta, hoagies and culinary experimentation.

Posted by Charlie at 01:07 AM | Comments (0)

March 20, 2007

Monday Evening

I'm staring at the large paper lantern on the ceiling of my bedroom, wishing it was a full moon and that I was lying under it on a bed of soft grass.

Posted by Charlie at 01:23 AM | Comments (0)

March 19, 2007

And What A Weekend It Was

I took on yet another design client this weekend, on top of the three I currently have going, but these guys came about quite unexpectedly.

You see, I was locked out of my apartment this weekend. After a fun night of dancing and drinking, I realized on my way home that I had somehow misplaced my house keys somewhere in Manhattan. I got off the train in Soho and wandered in the blizzard, drunk enough not to feel the cold, but wise enough to realize that, at 4 in the morning, with no roommate and no way of getting into my door, I was suddenly quite homeless. That was a sobering thought. I quickly went through calling my roster of contacts, praying that someone was up and awake at 4 in the morning. As I got answering machine after answering machine, the image of me spending the night riding the subway seemed less like a joke and more like reality. I started believing in God.

Well, God answered, her name is SueJeanA, and I was able to spend the rest of the night in a warm room, albeit not my own.

The next morning I looked in the Yellow Pages for any locksmithing services in NYC. There were tons! Apparently there are thousands of retards like me who get their stupid asses locked out of their apartments and thousands of companies devoted to getting those retards back into their homes. I wrote down five numbers, called one, and in about an hour two Israeli guys — hot! — were at my front door drilling a quarter-inch hole into the lock. Ten minutes and two inquiring Chinese neighbors later, the door was open and I was home.

Since the lock on my door was now mangled, the hot Israeli guys and I decided to do a little trade of sorts: I redo their company website, and they install a very expensive lock on my door. I may be breaking some rules in the lease, but in the end I have a new lock and weird-looking keys that can only be duplicated with the help of a key card, a slightly-wounded ego from all the emotional drama I put myself through and, most importantly, two new guys to dream about when I go to bed later tonight.

Just another weekend in NYC.

Posted by Charlie at 12:28 AM | Comments (0)

March 12, 2007

The Stars Have Aligned

I don't get it. While my love life leaves much to be desired, the stars up above must be in alignment because, within the span of two weeks, I've taken on two new freelance clients with a third on the way, interviewed at a marketing firm (which I probably won't get because I don't think I'm what they're looking for), and been contacted by a former boss about working at his company again. My professional life is as strong as ever, while the chances of having a date on Friday are not as good. Interesting...

Posted by Charlie at 10:59 AM | Comments (0)

March 05, 2007

Wii-ing It

My parents got me a Wii, something I totally do not need in my life right now, seeing as I'm completely tied up playing Okami at the moment. They know some people at Nintendo, and when the opportunity came up for them to snag a few systems, they didn't hesitate to get three, one each for them, my sister, and me. I've just been tinkering with it, but I don't think I'm gonna get any major use out of this baby until I have Game Night.

Posted by Charlie at 09:40 PM | Comments (0)

March 04, 2007

Eating For One

I've forgotten what it was like to be single. You don't go out to the movies as much. You don't split a bottle of wine between the two of you. You don't have to worry about getting him a nice birthday present (anymore). In short: you're saving heck a lot of money by staying solitary and by staying in.

I (sometimes) like this transitory period where you can focus all your attention upon yourself. Free from the self-mandated confines of the word 'relationship,' I've been at work securing and interviewing with prospective clients for my freelance work. I've been cooking quite a lot these days, and since I'm not currently kissing anyone at the moment I've been busy reincorporating garlic back into my daily cooking repertoire. I've spent the money I could've used with him on BAPE and Burton.

Although I may be officially back on the dating scene, I have no reason to rush back into anything. My friend Fawn says that NYC is definitely a singles city. Most people who move out here don't intend on staying here for the rest of their lives; it's more of a jumping to build up their resumes before heading off to some other city with cleaner streets and lower rents. And for many gay guys here, I can assume, what is the point at trying to find something lasting, if you're destined to be in another country in a few years? It's playtime for most of us. Just, not for me right now. I figure I'm okay-looking enough so it wouldn't take a lot of effort to get laid if I really have to.

Posted by Charlie at 06:52 PM | Comments (1)

February 26, 2007

Career Changes?

I think the universe is playing tricks on me. Either that, or I'm really kicking ass at bossing the other graphic designers around. I love having power.

Posted by Charlie at 08:47 PM

February 25, 2007

Gung Hay This, Muthafucka!

Westerners do not know how to celebrate the New Year like the Chinese do. It's a month-long party of good eats, dragon dances and hot Chinese boys littering the streets. Outside our front door right now there are tens of thousands of people, all gathered for the parade and the pig races. I love being in the middle of it all. Gung Hay this, Muthafucka!

Posted by Charlie at 02:42 PM

February 22, 2007

Happy New Year

Oh, and before I forget: Happy Lunar New Year!!!

Posted by Charlie at 01:09 AM

February 20, 2007

The Ambiguity of It All

So we had lunch together yesterday? And it was as awkward as most bad dates go? But I'd known it had been over for a long time, and I guess wanted some sort of official closure? Because I was never really sure where this was going? And so we finally brought it out into the open, and it was good to finally be honest about each other? And so I guess I'm technically a free man again? And strangely enough I'm not as sad as I thought I would be, even though I really liked him? Or did I? Because this relationship was just one big question mark anyway?

Posted by Charlie at 11:27 AM | Comments (0)

February 14, 2007

Noreaster '07

There's a blizzard outside and the office is playing classical music on the radio; I am contentedly happy.

Posted by Charlie at 10:16 AM | Comments (0)

February 06, 2007

Another Full House

My mom is coming over for a second visit tomorrow because she loves New York so much, and this time she's bringing my sister along for the ride. It's going to be another week of home-cooked meals and wonton-making parties!

Posted by Charlie at 10:16 PM | Comments (0)

February 04, 2007

Absinthe and Me

Weekends these days go by in a blur, but I don't really mind it since it's cold out and I want to save my money on bigger things, like maybe graduate school or dinner at Nobu. An invitation to a party in the Fashion District was extended last night, and I took it, mainly because it didn't require any money, and mainly because my dating life is on the fritz. The party turned out to be an Absinthe party, complete with mini sandwiches, fruit and fondue. It was all very European.

Posted by Charlie at 05:27 PM | Comments (0)

January 30, 2007

The Modern

Dating can be an expensive habit. Dating in NYC, however, can be financial suicide. We went to the Modern tonight, a big-name restaurant from a big-name restaurateur housed in a big-name modern museum. Every patron there was in his New York finest - Prada suits, Marc Jacobs dresses - and I felt so out of place there with my black sweater and designer jeans. It was a three-course affair, starting from trout croquettes and ending with some chocolate confection, with sirloin, soup and tuna thrown somewhere in the middle. I don't remember too much of the meal, mainly because I'm still drunk from the bottle of Bordeaux that we purchased as our dining tradition goes, but all I know is that I left the restaurant $130 lighter and wiser. It was all worth it, though. Yes, it was.

Posted by Charlie at 11:22 PM | Comments (0)

January 28, 2007

The Most Perfect Day

It was all ceremonial, really. He had come bearing gifts: four tiny cakes, each one sweeter than the next, each one with its own pink candle. There we sat, across the table from each other, our cheeks glowing from the flickering lights. I made my unspoken wish, blew out the candles, ate a cake and then got ready for bed. There, in the dark, we reached out for each other and held tightly, an insatiable thirst. It was then I leaned over and whispered my wish into his ear...

Posted by Charlie at 11:42 PM | Comments (0)

January 25, 2007

Worn and Torn

My mind draws blanks these days whenever I sit at home in front of my computer. I am so drained of any energy by the day's end that I can't muster any wit in composing my journal posts, and yet I find great ease in writing about not being able to write in my journal. I digress.

So what's going on with me these days? Nothing much, really. I wake up, go to the office and work until 7 or 8PM, come home and cook dinner, and then settle in for a couple of hours of Final Fantasy XII before turning in to sleep. And repeat, for five days until the weekend, which is usually spent indoors away from the bitter cold, game controller in hand and leveling up in the Nabudis Dungeon. Life is routine, but not at all comforting. I go through complex mood swings, mainly instigated by one person and the lack of a word to define us. Sometimes I'm happy; sometimes I'm sad; sometimes I'm... well, that's it.

The need for more exciting adventures is starting to boil up in me again...

Posted by Charlie at 09:39 PM | Comments (0)

January 19, 2007

An Idol Discovered

When you live in places like New York or Los Angeles, bumping into a celebrity on the street becomes less of a rarity and more of a daily occurrence. I've seen plenty of famous faces during my time here — Kanye West browsing over Italian furniture; Bette Midler shopping for Christmas presents in Chinatown; Taye Diggs ducking under an umbrella. Quite honestly I could care less about the celebrity — I hardly ever get star-struck — and so I acknowledge them with a half-second stare and get on with my day.

This morning, however, I spotted someone with whom I would sell my soul just to spend one day with. You might know her: her name is Toni Morrison. She writes books. Really, really, really good books. I was walking to work and there she was, being helped getting into a private limo. Her hair was instantly recognizable; her aura was commanding. My utter intimidation of her presence and intellect was the only thing that prevented me from running over to wrap my arms around her. Why must my fear keep me back from doing so many things?!

Oh, what I would do to spend an afternoon of tea and biscuits with her.

Posted by Charlie at 10:18 AM | Comments (0)

January 17, 2007

Party Planning

My birthday is in a few weeks, and I am in a partying mood this year. I think it's a good, proper way to kick-start the new year: to surround yourself with friends who'll drink a martini in your name. Haha. Anyway, I'm making a list of people to invite, but I'm going to have to trim a lot of names in order to avoid any unnecessary gay male drama. This should be interesting, seeing my pockets of friends all meeting one another.

Posted by Charlie at 10:32 PM | Comments (0)

January 15, 2007

Home is Where the Heart Is

Seattle feels different, this time. After not being there for almost an entire year and living the somewhat fast-paced life in New York, going back was a culture shock. Everything there moves much slower; everyone is a bit more relaxed, unconcerned about the way they dress and talk; the sky is perpetually blanketed with clouds; people actually stop at the crosswalk; stiff drinks can be had for less than two dollars. I didn't like it one bit. They say that home is where the heart is, and I'm afraid my heart is no longer in Seattle. I've definitely changed, and even my family notices it. I think I've become a little more headstrong, a little more bitter, a little more impatient.

Luckily there are people in Seattle to keep me laughing, and for that I am grateful.

Posted by Charlie at 10:53 PM | Comments (1)

January 04, 2007

Hiyaaaa!

So, like, I've been getting into this habit where every time I go out for dinner I — or should I say 'we' — would split a bottle of red or white; or we would bring in own bottle in and pay that damned cork fee even if it costed more than the bottle itself; and because no one enjoys the taste of old chianti we'd finish it between the two of us and wake up the next day in a hazy stupor and wanting a good cup of java; and who cares if my work has fair trade organic coffee from Kenya, I want to enjoy my latte in the city that put American coffee on the map; and so I make yet another impulse plane ticket purchase — paying an extra hundred dollars doing so — and by the weekend I'll be at my favorite cafe sipping on a big bowl of caffeine goodness.

Long story short: I'm heading home, kids.

Posted by Charlie at 05:27 PM | Comments (0)

January 02, 2007

A Happy New Year's to Me

I am going to swear off drinking for a month. 2007 started off on a quiet, somber note, an affair without the usual New Year's crew and midnight kiss (off in Japan for a month, curses!), but it was still a memorable experience nonetheless. I started off not having any concrete New Year's plans, but suddenly had three invitations drop into my lap 6 hours before the clock struck midnight, and ended up going to a Chinatown loft party that was only a five-minute walk from my apartment. The place was packed with beautiful Asian men and the people who love them, but I was only thinking of one person. I ended up playing with the host's dog, a little vicious terror that would allow no one but me to scratch its belly. Midnight came and went in anti-climatic fashion, and as the vomit began to spew I took my sober ass back home to an empty apartment, wrapped myself in my down comforter and drifted off to sleep.

Posted by Charlie at 12:40 PM

December 25, 2006

Lazy Days

We didn't leave the apartment until 4 in the afternoon, but we walked around for less than an hour before turning in. Seeing as it's Christmas today we probably should have done something momentous to celebrate the occasion, like attending some fabulous party, but laziness soon took over and we went back to bed where we had been all day today. It is raining outside, and he is going on his 15th hour of sleep, it seems.

Posted by Charlie at 06:55 PM | Comments (0)

December 19, 2006

Booga Elf

Posted by Charlie at 07:49 PM | Comments (0)

Washington Square

"Look into the camera, Charlie!"
"Where?!"
"The camera!"
"Where?!"
"What the hell are you looking at?!"

Posted by Charlie at 01:08 AM | Comments (0)

December 14, 2006

Lost in Time

Is today Wednesday? Or Thursday? I don't know anymore. My mind is tired, so very tired... I cannot wait for the weekend, for one very good reason.

Posted by Charlie at 09:54 PM | Comments (0)

December 13, 2006

Babble

It's past midnight here in the office, but we've finally launched our site. It'll be another hour of testing to make sure all the kinks are out of the system, but after that I can revert back to my 10-7 work schedule. I need a drink...

Posted by Charlie at 12:15 AM | Comments (0)

December 12, 2006

16-Hour Days

It's close to 230AM here on the East Coast, and I just got home after yet another grueling day at work. I am slightly delirious, partly from the impending lack of sleep I will be getting, partly from the four espresso shots I took earlier in the day, and partly from thinking about a certain piano teacher.

Posted by Charlie at 02:24 AM | Comments (0)

December 08, 2006

See This?

My life has been consumed mostly by work as of late that I don't have the time to muster up the energy and mental capacity to write in this journal as much. I feel like I'm neglecting it, and so now, on a Friday evening safe inside the warm confines of my apartment, I am going to force myself to write down an update as to what's been up with me.

After a week of blissful warm temperatures, the thermometer dropped some 40 degrees, seemingly overnight, and for the first time today it really felt like December. I had on just a scarf, light sweater and hat for warmth, but instead of freezing in my tracks I rather felt invigorated from the chillness. I guess I needed a reminder that I was alive, with what James Kim's death and Ojii-chan's heart failure occupying my mind this past couple of days.

No, I didn't mind the cold one bit.

Part of me is regretting not buying a plane ticket home for the holidays. Virtually everyone from Seattle is going to be back home then, enjoying cheaper drinks and warmer temperatures without my company. I had thought for a while about buying a plane ticket home without my friends' knowing and surprising them, but alas, tickets are way too expensive for my budget.

It should be an interesting time. Last year I didn't really miss anyone back home — partly because I had just moved out here, mainly because I was with someone — but this time it's going to be an entirely different situation.

Posted by Charlie at 06:38 PM | Comments (1)

December 06, 2006

Doggy Poop

Because most of my living and working life revolves around a 10-block radius, my world is therefore very much like a bubble. I see the same people almost every day, even if they're unnamed strangers on the street. I've become acquainted with an artist in Soho, and every morning on my way to work we'd give our salutations. He is a nice man, wearing uncharacteristically expensive clothing while selling humble yet beautiful pieces of art. This morning he gave me an early Christmas present.

What a wonderful gift! It came unnamed, so I will call it Doggy Poop. This piece is going to get framed and hung in the kitchen.

Posted by Charlie at 08:41 PM

December 03, 2006

Another Weekend

Another weekend comes to a close, and life is starting to settle slowly back to normalcy. My parents' visit has been short but not short of fulfilling; my cold is finally starting to abate; the closing sale at Tower Records has me buying a ton of Brazilian CDs; my makeout session reminiscent of a drunken high school party has me smiling at all hours. I'd say it was a great weekend.

Posted by Charlie at 11:18 PM | Comments (0)

November 28, 2006

I Miss Home

We had our first formal dinner at home last night. My parents did most of the cooking, making panang curry with shrimp, Chinese broccoli, barbebcued pork and white rice made from the brand-new microwave that they bought for me. It didn't seem like much, but it made me all the more wistful about Seattle and all of the comforts of friends and family that I would have kept if I stayed there. Of course, I would be nothing if not for my friends out here, although nothing beats home cooking. It's energy for the soul.

Posted by Charlie at 06:06 PM | Comments (0)

November 24, 2006

A Full House, Yes Indeed-y

My parents are jetting into New York in a matter of hours for a week of R&R. They're going to be staying with us, so for the entire morning I've been scrubbing, dusting, and vacuuming this tiny abode to convey the fact that no, we're not living amongst our own filth. The place looks almost habitable again.

Posted by Charlie at 01:59 PM | Comments (0)

Thanksgiving 2006

There was a turkey, several types of mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, salad, rolls, pumpkin cupcakes and an apple pie. It was a very traditional Thanksgiving, set upon some very untraditional circumstances.

Posted by Charlie at 12:50 AM | Comments (0)

November 18, 2006

Bitches, Watch Out

My voice drops an octave whenever I get sick. I like that, because normally I have to be extremely angry for that to happen naturally. I think it gives me a little more authority in my command giving. But canceled plans and outings aside, I'd say it was a pretty good weekend.

Posted by Charlie at 04:09 PM | Comments (0)

November 12, 2006

Reunions Old And New

Posted by Charlie at 09:27 PM | Comments (0)

November 08, 2006

You Win Some, You Lose Some

I got myself a nice Panton chair yesterday, but ended up misplacing my trusty Versace umbrella in a taxi cab. Either some higher power is making sure that my life remains in constant equilibrium, or I can just take responsibility and say that I fucked up and wasn't paying attention when I should've been. Oh well, I've had that umbrella for a good three years and it's served me well. Looks like it's time for an upgrade. Paul Smith, here I come.

Posted by Charlie at 07:58 PM | Comments (0)

November 05, 2006

Cooking for One

Two of life's greatest saviors here in New York City are Trader Joe's and Costco. There within lies almost everything you would want to fulfill your gastronomic tendencies — a mish-mash of frozen and fresh foods at your disposal, and at prices that are the stuff of urban legend. I've known this all my life, of course; I was practically raised on the stuff bought from those two places. I like to feel like I'm doing myself a service, saving up all this money by making all of my meals at home, but the truth is I just really like taking the time to prepare and create a meal that I can (mostly) call my own. Since there is no microwave in the apartment, patience is truly a virtue; defrosting chicken breasts have increased from several minutes to several hours. The simple act of reheating last night's dinner has become a balancing act with the gas dial on the stove. I'm preparing my lunches a day in advance, sometimes two. I don't mind it at all though; I get simple pleasure from the entire process.

Posted by Charlie at 12:47 AM | Comments (0)

November 01, 2006

Trick or Treat

Walking home through SOHO and seeing all those people dressed up in All Hallow's Eve's finest, Charlie just could not stay in last night with his current novel, the fifth installment in Stephen King's Dark Tower series. A rather fitting book, given the atmosphere of the holiday. He had no costume, but with a little impromptu eye make-up — his furthest venture into drag — Charlie was ready to fit in with all the crazies outside. Sixth Avenue was almost as bad as New Orlean's Bourbon Street on a Saturday night — almost. Drunk teenagers stormed the tiny streets of the Village as if it were a local mall, and the cops blocking off certain streets made navigating no less easier. Charlie couldn't catch a glimpse of the parade, but they were able to find a nice bar that was not crowded by tourists. Two pints of pumpkin ale later, a happy Charlie and Booga were aimlessly wandering around the Village, taking random pictures of costume extravaganza. They spotted a beautiful Asian guy who seemed as lost as they were, and so they followed — nay, stalked — him for a good part of fifteen minutes before he too became lost in the night. Charlie found some wings that someone had neatly folded and placed on the ground, and when he put them on he had finally made that transition from queerling to fairy.

Posted by Charlie at 07:49 PM | Comments (1)

October 22, 2006

365 Days Later...

After spending two hours today shopping for frozen groceries at Costco, and another two hours hauling them all the way up to my apartment, impromptu dinner plans had me scrubbing and cleaning and rearranging my apartment for my friends. It was a usual Sunday night dinner gathering: a small company of friends, a bottle of wine and some humble home-made cooking. I was so preoccupied having a good time that it didn't occur to me until later that as of tomorrow I will be living in New York City for exactly one year.

It was a little sobering to realize this fact. One year isn't by any means a short amount of time, nor is it long—it is, however, a perfect unit of time to reflect back on successes and failures. So much has changed in that one short span of time. There were many things that if I could go back and change I would. I think it's extremely foolish for one to say that he doesn't have any regrets. Everyone makes mistakes, and to not accept responsibility for them—that is, to not feel contrite about something—to me is a sign of failed growth. I've made many a stupid error since arriving here, and I do regret making them, but (I think) I've accepted responsibility for them and have since moved on.

I still feel that coming here was the best decision I've made for this stage of my life, this transitional period of self-searching and discovery. By coming here I established myself as a blank slate, unburdened by history and regret, and I was, for the first time in my life, able to really test my personal limits. New York City is the best place in the world to do this: every opportunity is within reach, everything you could ever want and need is at your fingertips. I've met a plethora of colorful personalities during my time here, established lasting friendships with some of them and became nothing more than a temporary distraction to others.

I don't know how long I will stay here. New York is wonderful, but it isn't everything. I still have to travel Europe, South America, Africa. I want to live somewhere in Asia for several years. I'm still young; I still have time to do all of this. But my current blueprint has me here, in the greatest city in the world, contemplating my next move.

Here's to another year... or five.

Posted by Charlie at 10:31 PM

An Americanized Taste Of China

It's close to 2AM and I can't sleep. ********'s snoring away on my bed and there is a woman sobbing across the air shaft, and all of this auditory distraction is doing wonders to my sleep cycle. So in light of my somewhat unfortunate and inebriate disposition, I am going to waste away my time on this entry writing about what I did today, which pretty much amounts to nothing.

Friend Chon calls to let me know that there is a street fair going on right outside of my apartment, a food sampling of sorts, of different restaurants in the area. I take a peek outside my window and, lo and behold, there are literally thousands of people filling up the streets. Apparently there is a festival going on called A Taste of China or some shit, or as I like to call it: An Americanized Taste of China. Noodles, fried rice, fried chicken and spring rolls can be had for only a buck, which was all I needed to know before putting on my warmest jacket and walking down the stairs for some good 'ol Americanized Chinese home cookin'.

I stocked up on a ton of $1-rice and noodle dishes like there was no tomorrow, and then went home to eat some with chicken I've been marinating for the past two days. A lot of people think of New York as this really expensive city to live in, but I'd like to differ.

Posted by Charlie at 01:37 AM

October 16, 2006

Illuminated

Although the holiday season is more than two months away, I've already made the tough decision to stay in New York, for the second time in a row, for Christmas and New Year's. All of the Sea-town crew will be back home partying it up New York-style, and although I'd made a few friends here who will also not be going home for Christmas, it will be rather lonely to walk through the streets of lower Manhattan by myself. Last year wasn't so bad because I was with someone, and New York was still fresh in my mind, but this year...

Posted by Charlie at 09:32 PM | Comments (1)

October 10, 2006

All Smiles, and a Glass of Shiraz

Yay, I just nabbed me a job, and an awesome one at that. Score! Now all I need is for that one potential client to accept my proposal and soon I will be able to afford that Random Light for the dining table.

Posted by Charlie at 08:34 PM | Comments (2)

Rotten, Spoiled

Staying up here in the Upper East Side has made it all the clearer to me why people are willing to spend crazy amounts of money to live in relative decency. I've gotten spoiled this past couple of days from cooking on top-of-the-line kitchen appliances, ordering in Chinese takeout, catching up on my HGTV and Food Network shows, and reading on the plush comfy couch. I'm paying pennies to live in the Chinatown apartment, and I cannot ask for a better living situation for this particular period of my life, but sooner or later I'm going to have to graduate to something much more luxurious and homey. For the amount spent on this studio apartment here, I could be paying off a mortgage on a 2-bedroom condo in the Belltown district in Seattle. But what you sacrifice in living space you gain in lifestyle.

Posted by Charlie at 02:37 AM | Comments (0)

October 09, 2006

Tiki Barker

For the past several days I've been contentedly sleeping over at an Upper East Side apartment, housesitting and taking care of a baby pomeranian. Tiki Barker is his name, and he is a little shit eater. Metaphorically and quite literally.

Posted by Charlie at 01:20 PM | Comments (0)

October 04, 2006

I Can Compliment You Well

Once again, without fail, my life has succumbed to waking up at noon, eating junk food, and watching bad daytime television. For the first time really since moving out here I have nothing to do during the daytime but live my life vicariously through my friends who have other, more productive and dramatic happenings going on. I've become a trust fund hipster from Williamsburg, but without the greasy hair, ethnic girlfriend, cocaine addiction, notebook of written poems and buckets of cash. I have interviews with prospective employers and clients in the next few days, so I guess it's not all that bad. My mini-break will probably come to an end soon, and I'll have to go back to the routine.

Posted by Charlie at 10:07 PM | Comments (0)

October 02, 2006

Goodnight, Ella

Posted by Charlie at 01:54 AM | Comments (0)

September 29, 2006

Home Alone

I am spending my first Friday night in as long as I can remember because I am now officially broke from what decorating my apartment and partying and—oh yeah—leaving my job. Being unemployed is starting to become less like a bad habit and more like a lifestyle. Luckily I have a somewhat big project coming up so I won't be knee-deep in the red for long. Ella is sharing my pain; I think she wanted to be in the apartment all by herself and now instead she's stuck with me and my baking of the chocolate chip cookies.

Posted by Charlie at 11:24 PM | Comments (0)

All Over The East Village

From an Italian mobster bar to Chinese karaoke to hipster central to sticking my head between a male go-go dancer's legs in order to get a drink, you'd think we'd make out with at least three numbers each, but instead we ended up making out with the one guy who ended up being kinda of a sketchy character. He wouldn't talk to us, and something told me that he would be rather stiff in bed, and not in a good way.

Posted by Charlie at 03:11 AM | Comments (0)

September 28, 2006

Reinforcements

Oona has generously offered to let us take care of her cat while she jets back home for a wedding, and although we are doing her a favor taking in Ella, she will most definitely be more of an asset than a hinderance. Her presence here alone will ensure that our apartment will be mice-free for the next several days, and if successful they'll be spooked out of our home for good. As of writing (130AM) she is slowly adjusting to her new environment, peeking out from under my bed every so often to make her rounds before darting back to her safe place. She doesn't seem to like venturing out my room yet, however. Whether she catches one mouse or five, it will be fun having a temporary pet.

Posted by Charlie at 01:28 AM | Comments (0)

September 26, 2006

Trial and Error

Per Marty Pant's suggestion I am going to document the growth/shrinkage of my ass as my life progresses while staying at this Chinatown apartment. Measure Count #1: 37 inches.

Posted by Charlie at 11:22 PM | Comments (0)

September 25, 2006

Asian Cops = Too Hot To Handle

There is a police precinct right down the street from where I live, but this is no ordinary precinct, I tells you. Because I live in Chinatown, and the majority of the residents that live here are Chinese, the cops that work here are—wait for it—CHINESE. The precinct is across the street from where I get my laundry did, and every time Laundry Day comes around I've gotten into the habit of slowing down my pace as I pass the front of the building, craning my neck just a little bit more each time to catch a glimpse of a hot cop or a nabbed hottie. These guys are definitely candy for the eyes, I tells you. Their muscular bodies are a product of actual work and not a narcissistic pursuit of beauty. Their uniforms scream out, "I am here to protect you from harm. Now come kiss me." I might just do.

Goddamn I love Chinatown.

Posted by Charlie at 11:19 AM | Comments (0)

September 24, 2006

Uninvited Sleepovers

It all started a few weeks ago. During a lazy Saturday afternoon, the water was boiling on the stove, the television was tuned to some weekend program, and I was busily cleaning up the apartment, as usual. It was one of those days where even though the weather was glorious outside and there were a million things one can do in New York, it was just content to stay in and be unproductive. I think I was in my bedroom readjusting my curtains when I heard a piercing scream coming from the kitchen. Booga had seen a mouse scampering across the kitchen floor. A small gray mouse. In our apartment. I screamed in unison.

We got up on our stools, screamed some more, and opened the front door hoping it would somehow run outside. There we were, standing on our stools, banging every piece of furniture with brooms, all while squealing like little girls. We were quite the amusing sight; just ask our next-door neighbors, who just happened to be in the hallway while all of this was going on.

Our apartment had officially turned into a war-zone. It was us against IT. I knew coming into Chinatown we would have to deal with mice and cockroaches on the streets; we aren't really living in the cleanest neighborhood in Manhattan, but like most everyone else I never thought that we would encounter a pest in OUR own home. We went out and came back with three kinds of mousetraps, steel wool and a bottle of wine to calm our nerves. For the next several weeks we slept with one eye open. The smallest sound would make us jump, and we've resorted to jingling our keys every time we climb the stairs in a futile effort to scare them off.

Cut to last night. I'm off having wine with Beh when I get a text from Booga saying that the mouse has finally been captured! Three weeks after the initial sighting and finally, FINALLY I can get a good night's rest. But as fate would have it, however, that was not to be the case.

I get home, giddy and drunk, and sure enough, the mouse is there, its dead eyes staring up at me as if pleading to be let free from its sad fate. I dutifully place him into the garbage can and then go to check on the other traps, ready to retire them back to the storage cabinet. What I find is another mouse caught dead in a trap. That one mouse that we saw all this time had actually been part of a pair! I shall call them Bonnie and Clyde. My drunk ass was too delirious to make sense of the situation, and so I promptly climbed into bed, not knowing what was to come.

So, this morning as I was making my weekly rounds at IKEA, Booga calls to tell me that yet ANOTHER mouse was found in one of the traps. Within the span of just a few hours we've gone from fleeing one mouse to killing three. Our apartment has become more than just a war-zone; it's become THE hangout for all the mice in Chinatown, and apparently there's a two-for-one drink special that I wasn't let in on.

Posted by Charlie at 09:17 PM | Comments (0)

September 21, 2006

No Scale To Measure...

Just to prove that I haven't been hiding under a rock all this time...

...some random pictures from the past month.

Posted by Charlie at 01:17 PM | Comments (0)

September 09, 2006

The Annals of Slutdom

What do a graphic designer, a medical student, a law professor, a cardiologist and a retiree/consultant have in common? Any takers?

Posted by Charlie at 08:38 PM | Comments (3)

September 07, 2006

Wealth and Privilege

Posted by Charlie at 01:10 PM | Comments (0)

August 28, 2006

Collapsing

Silly me and trying to save an extra $200 by doing all the moving by myself. I have about three more days to vacate the rest of my stuff from Williamsburg, and it feels as if I've been moving forever. My body is finally starting to shut down, and going out four, five times this past week has not really been helping one bit. Moving from a four-bedroom apartment to a two-bedroom one will be a great exercise in small-space manipulation, and although our place is huge compared to what other housing virgins can get in Manhattan, there is no oppportunity to sprawl out material possessions (I am going to have to hold off on getting that dream 30-foot Nakashima dining table for my next apartment). I have to take a cat nap everyday now in the afternoons. Thank goodness for Nouvelle Vague's new album or else I will get deliriously crazy from lack of sleep.

Posted by Charlie at 12:48 PM | Comments (0)

August 27, 2006

More Changes

I wrapped myself in a jacket for the first time in a very long time this past weekend. I felt a little less vulnerable. Autumn is just around the corner; I cannot wait. It's going to be an interesting next couple of months.

Posted by Charlie at 09:21 PM | Comments (0)

August 16, 2006

The Annals of Interior Designing

Creating a home, especially when working off a blank palette, is a long, patient process that requires weeks of planning and thought. The first time I lived out on my own my roommates and I were too lazy and busy to purchase any sort of furniture for our place, and thus the living room was left bare save for a pair of lawn chairs. I am not going down that same route this time. Living in a highly energetic and stressful place like New York City almost requires you to have a home that can service as a place of refuge and sanctuary from the toils of daily life. If I have to pay a premium for something because it will look and feel better in the space, then so be it.

Posted by Charlie at 09:29 AM | Comments (0)

August 12, 2006

And Then There Were Four

Posted by Charlie at 10:46 AM | Comments (0)

August 08, 2006

HELP!!!

I'm now sitting in front of a public computer at a Rutgers University dormitory in Newark, New Jersey, where I was coerced into spending the night. I've never been to Newark proper before, and just like drunken stripping in front of 300 dirty old men at the Web, this is something I only needed to do once. The area around Rutgers here is eerily quiet at night, devoid of any sort of human activity, illicit or otherwise. Walking through the deserted campus, I am reminded of my 3AM runs through the University of Washington. There's a certain kind of energy that permeates the air in places of academia. It's infectious and vibrant, and seems much more so when you're traversing at night. You can be all by yourself and still not be alone; you're surrounded by layers upon layers of history.

Posted by Charlie at 12:20 AM | Comments (1)

August 04, 2006

If You Build It, He Will Come

In an effort to change my bed karma, I've gone all out and bought new pillows, shams, quilts and bedding for my Alu. Seeing as we spend a third of our lives in bed, what is the harm in spending $200 for a pair of down pillows? We own pairs of jeans that are just as expensive, and we will only wear those for a few months before casting them off for the latest season's pair. My sleeping and sexing sanctum is a place of refuge and recuperation, and my body (and mind) deserves the best.

Posted by Charlie at 01:15 PM | Comments (0)

August 02, 2006

I Am A Typeface... Which You Have Never Seen Before

Would you look at that. Looks like last night's club-going crowd at Happy Valley got themselves into an orgy and left all their clothes on the gallery floor.

Posted by Charlie at 02:58 PM | Comments (2)

August 01, 2006

Back To The Motherland

My life has been a blind whirlwind these past couple of weeks, from hand holding to club hopping to Jersey cruising to apartment hunting. Daily routine has suddenly gone from repetitious to random and exciting. It's funny how during times when you least expect it the cosmic universe throws you a bone. While there's still a couple more weeks, even a month before things start slowing down for me again, I'm savoring this period of anxiousness and uncertainty.

I'm moving out of Williamsburg and into Manhattan. The apartment we settled upon is on a top floor of a seven-story walk-up in the middle of Chinatown. It's bright, quiet and just down the street from the cheapest good eats in town. I think I'm going to like it here.

So farewell, Williamsburg. I hardly knew thee. I will miss your pretentious hipsters, your sexy Boricuas, the greasy side-swept bangs, the $2 red-stripe beers, the coked-up girls with oversized sunglasses and striped shirt-dresses, the 3AM games of stickball, and the tourists from Manhattan and Jersey.

Chinatown, it's going to be swell getting to know you. I anticipate the days where I would only have to walk ten minutes to work, go next door for some of the best ice cream in NYC, greet the ultra-cute next-door neighbor every Saturday morning before heading down for dim sum, cancel my gym membership from all that stair-climbing, and host Sunday night dinners with friends.

But until that day comes... uncertainty. Anxiousness.

Posted by Charlie at 10:08 PM | Comments (0)

July 24, 2006

Thirty Years

My parents celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this past weekend. They were surrounded by friends and family at our house at Ocean Shores; I wish I was there to partake in the festivities, but I can't really afford the time to fly back home at the moment. I think I'm finally feeling my first pangs of homesickness, exactly nine months after landing in this crazy city. How ironic it is, seeing as in a week's time Ireneo will be here and, a week after that, Cynthia.

It's almost mind-boggling, really, the length of time my parents have been together. Thirty years. Where has time gone? Of course, like most marriages theirs wasn't perfect; it was far from it. They fight like most people, but unlike most relationships that do end in divorce, they forced themselves to work through it. And for them, it seems to be working. Thirty years is a long time.

Now I would probably want to blueprint my relationship/civil union/marriage like that of my parents. I think Madonna said it best—and I can't believe I'm quoting her on this—that when you meet the perfect guy, the perfect girl, you'd better turn around and run as fast as you can. The relationship that I want to be in is with someone who can push all my buttons, make me reassess what I want out of that relationship, make me think. Romance novels call it 'fireworks.' In other words, the imperfect guy. Because when you're contentedly happy there is no need for anything else, right? You stop learning new things, close your mind to the possibility of a new experience, and that, to me at least, is when you stop living. I've been with guys who were, on paper, perfect for me. But perfection, like Sam's* new lover, is one ugly, rude gay guy.

Here's to my parents.

Posted by Charlie at 12:05 AM | Comments (0)

July 23, 2006

ROXY

From one extreme to the next: the photograph above is what would have happened had I taken advantage of Roxy's $1 drink specials. Alas, I spent a grand total of $3 last night, and that was for the coat check. Damn you, Manhattan.

Posted by Charlie at 01:16 PM | Comments (0)

July 17, 2006

The Heat Wave

Kill me now, please. It's 11PM and it's close to 90 degrees out. Kill me. Now.

Posted by Charlie at 10:55 PM | Comments (0)

Lounge Chair Hunting

Years ago, when I was much, much shorter, the first thing I would do when I got home from school was to stretch out on my living room's loveseat for a nice afternoon nap. Those days are long gone, but I would still use that loveseat for those curling-up-to-a-good-book-during-rainy-day times.

Searching for the perfect lounge chair for my soon-to-be-fabulous apartment has been an arduous process in itself, and I have made things a little bit more complicated by expanding my options to include loveseats, assuming that my bedroom is large enough to accomodate one and my bed. A loveseat doesn't really take up more space than a single-occupency chair, nor does it cost substantially more. It's perfect for those solitary reading times as well as those double-occupancy cuddling times.

Back to hunting...

Posted by Charlie at 01:00 PM |