csix // chuck dwells here
clock management
February 18th, 2014
Now that valentine’s day is over, the expectations of it, and the expectations of the holiday season that came immediately before, are over.
And it certainly took long enough. Four months of the year with barely any breaks. For me there’s the Halloween birthday- and right after the turkey’s done it’s time to buy gifts for people you might not entirely care about, then record a perfectly celebrated new year’s eve (don’t forget the photo of everyone with a champagne flute), attend a series of lunar new year banquets (if applicable, including the withering cross examinations from relatives), then buy/receive a dozen roses and check into some fancy restaurants with someone attractive.
Because if people don’t see any of that then, hey, something must be wrong, right? Because we’re all supposed to go down that path, of happy holidays and pleased parents and good friends and settling down. And if you’re over thirty you better be on that path already because, well, the clock is ticking…
Assuming you weren’t exactly firing on all cylinders at the time, you did what you could in the face of those expectations. De-emphasize, compensate, change the subject, gently remind people that teasing you won’t help the process along. As a resourceful individual, you got by.
However, once all the national holidays which mandate being seen living the most idyllic and perfect life possible are over, suddenly nobody seems to care.
It’s time to take your time.
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in review
December 31st, 2013
Today being new year’s eve, I’m sure you’re already up to your neck in lists of “top 10 (insert category here) of 2013″. Meals, movies, bars, parties… I’m sure you’ve got plenty.
But let me give you mine (won’t take long, promise): Chuck’s top six of 2013 (a “top six” from me, csix, if you will). The categories are nonexistent, but stay with me.
6. Dine hard
It’s important to eat well when you can- especially in this city where new opportunities open up every week. Being able to entertain and appreciate good food & wine, from Purple Pig to Uchi/ko and Plumed Horse, is a privilege we have because we work so damn hard.
5. Thicker than water
I rarely see my family. I’ll admit I don’t make as much time to see them as I possibly could (or should), but found that bringing them together whenever I can, organically, works best. Especially when they freak out about how I paid for everyone already.
4. Grind
#AgencyLife is one of my favorite hash tags, and the grind of working on advertising campaigns, especially the travel aspect, is both stressful and rewarding. Lots of interesting opportunities and chances to add to my skillset have come up. I’ve learned a lot this year.
3. Distance
I don’t travel all that often, but the chances to expl