One Year Later... A New Life In Virginia

In “The Book of Questions,” there’s a query that goes like this: “Which would you prefer: a wild, turbulent life filled with joy, sorrow, passion & adventure, intoxicating successes and stunning setbacks—or a happy, secure, predictable life without such wide swings of fortune and mood?”

It’s a question that has remained in my mind’s eye since I discovered the book in 1987. Ultimately, when I moved to New York City in 1995 for my dream job at Billboard magazine, I experienced the former. Life was crazy cool: so many highs amid a career that allowed me to prove my moxie as a writer in a forum that mattered—and apparently made a difference to the many artists I supported.

Among my roles there, my calling card was Singles Reviews Editor. I was the geeky pop guy that championed acts that seldom garnered kudos from the mainstream press. From Celine Dion and Jim Brickman to those 90s’ pop boom acts (‘N Sync, BSB, Jessica Simpson, 98 Degrees, Christina Aguilera, BBMak, Hanson), I became the de facto champion of “great melodies.”

I also had the opportunity (and the real estate) to amp newbie artists that deserved press from the industry’s “music Bible.” I recognized the power that BB’s team of veteran journalists possessed in an era when the mag still mattered—and man oh man, was it paid forward—through a lifetime’s worth of awesome memories (not to mention a robust Starfucker wall of grab & grin photos).

In 2009, when Nielsen was looking to sell the company, the recession presented an ideal excuse to excise Billboard’s veteran writers and lean up its bottom line. One by one, the talented scribes were laid off. March 25 was my D-Day. I was called in, fired—and yet had two interviews scheduled for the afternoon: a video

interview for billboard.com with Ashely Tisdale and a phoner with Lionel Richie.

Buck up, baby! I walked around Billboard’s East Village neighborhood for an hour after getting canned, shared the news with my work besties Kristina, Christa & Donna, whimpered a bit, and then put it aside to get on with business.

After the Lionel interview, I got an email from the label’s publicist that went something like this: “I don’t know what just happened, but Lionel said he had one of the best interviews of his career with you. Obviously, you got him—and he surely got you.” Well, then, a fitting finale.

The point of all this is to define life since then… and the details matter, because life was profoundly different in the years following. Suddenly, I was a “freelance journalist.” I know meeself: Give me an assignment and a deadline and I’ll deliver. I’m the ultimate minion. As a self-starter, um, not so much. I’m a fine writer but unfortunately, a less enterprising entrepreneur.

Thankfully, the U.S. Census came to my rescue. For nine months in 2010, I had the time of my life working with wickedly smart folks and learning to love my Brooklyn in a brand new way. I was there long enough to gambol through snowdrifts and then trod the streets with a summer flop sweat. Indelible. I also met Suzanne, a lifer friend.

In 2013, I finished renovating my Brooklyn Heights apartment. It took more than a decade and suddenly, I was… listless. Meanwhile, I tossed my own 50th birthday party the year before and recognized that… the times are a’changing.

Folks move on, lives change and friendships fade. Not to mention that NYC was no longer my bounty: no more wining & dining, free concerts, countless glamorous events or… most important… a concrete reason to be in the most expensive city in the nation. It didn’t help that my 10-year relationship came to a rather disastrous end in 2011.

And so: What the hell am I doing here?

In the summer of 2013, I began fantasizing about a new chapter. I sniffed out Las Vegas, Austin, San Diego, parts of Florida… I wanted warmth (the endless New York winters were exhausting) and space and a car and the ability to stretch out both arms without smacking a wall (in my 950 square foot apartment). I wanted my doggies Abby & Spencer to be able to RUN.

When I came to Hampton Roads that fall with life-long pal Trix in tow—staying with 20-year friends Bill & Mary—I was only “exploring” the area. I never expected to FIND MY FOREVER HOME. On September 13, 2013, I walked into this house in Norfolk and said: “I want to die here.”

On January 15, 2014, I began to LIVE here. That was one year ago today. And this is where I return to “The Book of Questions.” Highs and lows, indeed. First, this house is ridiculous… a 4,000sf mid-century modern “estate” that has maintained its aesthetic since it was built in 1962 (the year of my birth!). I am madly in love.

As soon as I hit Hampton Roads, I got busy: I’ve gutted two bathrooms, replaced all windows & sliding doors, installed a new HVAC system, ran a gas line, filled in a huge but sadly decrepit concrete pool… oh, and painted the front door red. That was among my only DIYs (I’ve learned over so many years to depend on the experts; I can’t cut a straight line with scissors).

I’ve worked the land, growing tomatoes, planting bulbs and harvesting sunflowers, I observe geese, seagulls, raccoons, squirrels, so many birds… and have witnessed sunrises & sunsets that foster a physical reaction that’s so warm & fuzzy you’d think I was experiencing my first kiss. Oh, yeah, and there’s that, too. I’ve even reignited that pitifully lacking aspect of my life (here in lil’ ole Norfolk). I've met new friends… and lost 25 pounds. (I’m particularly fond of the latter.)

Over the past year, there have also been challenges (here come the lows). Losing my beloved Schnauzers Abby & Spencer within three months, in August and October—with different illnesses—is the most difficult life event I have ever dealt with. I cannot understand it. My heart is still broken and I continue to cry.

In addition, when you’re 50, it’s not so easy to connect with newbies. And god knows when you work from home, it’s pretty much impossible to connect (duh). I’ve worked to put myself out there (I could do better, but couldn't we all?)—and there are a handful of wondrous new friends—but everybody has their established lives. I get it.

The good thing is that I am a writer. Is there any career that is more solitary? I think fellow journos will understand this: We are the ultimate extroverted introverts. Writing is wholly solitary. All of my life, that has been joyful. It’s just me and my beautiful words. We get along fine. And so… if I occasionally feel isolated in my new life here in Virginia, I step back and say to myself (not out loud… I haven’t reached that point yet)… “Damn, Chuck, you entertain the hell out of yourself.” So I guess we’re... uh... I’m happy enough. I happen to enjoy my own company immensely.

In all, ONE YEAR LATER, I am filled with joy each day to wake up with the sun rising through my bedroom window (drapes? hell, no!). Over coffee every morning (in the winter months), I open my iPhone weather App and compare Norfolk & NYC and utter a big “heeee.” Blissful weather!

Getting in a car on a whim and going anywhere… wheee!! Freedom! Taking a road trip to the Eastern Shore or Williamsburg… wowsah! Sniffing around Walmart, Dollar General, Big Lots, Dollar Tree and gargantuan grocery stores and paying next to nothing compared with $$$ in NYC... rah rah!! Even though I left NYC, I still live like a "depression baby."

And I have family here: my beloved Francie, and Mary & Bill, and that handful of new friends that I adore (more to come in 2015? I’m a fun guy, right?). My parents are now a 4-hour drive away.

Yes, I am fortunate to have this crazy cool home that I dig, indulge and truly treasure as a blessing. It's just plain fun. I know this is the kind of place that will "never be done," which, to me, is a beautiful thing. God knows I love a project. And right alongside, I am still in the midst of the grand evergoing project known as life. This still feels like a new beginning, with all hope for so much good to come. *

"Now my story has been told, time for the future to unfold..."—Junior Turner

NYC Arctic Blast: Coldest Day Since 1896

Oh, come on! One of the primary reasons I'm ready to dodge New York City is because I loathe the winters here... Not only are they tenacious (Spring? What's that?), but it's no fun to battle the cold when all one

can do is walk, take public transportation, walk... and feel the blast of consistently vulgar cold, snow and ice, with no escape. (See photo taken UNDERGROUND at an NYC subway station Tuesday.)

But Tuesday was ultimately ridiculous. Much of the entire nation was gripped by this wicked bitch of a blast—and in NYC, we broke a 118-year record amid the so-called "polar vortex." Temps reached 4 degrees, which was 2 degrees COLDER than this day in 1896.

Wind chills, meanwhile, hit minus 17 degrees. I believe it, considering that my teeth felt like they were going to fossilize into dust and my ears would snap off with another breeze along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Good god, get me the hell out of here... *

Deep Freeze: Temps To Drop 40+ Degrees Over 24 Hours!

This Monday morning it's raining lightly with a pleasant, unseasonably warm 51 degrees at 8 a.m. In 24 hours, the world is going into a deep freeze, as temps drop an astonishing 42 degrees, to 9. Mind you, add in a brisk lil' breeze and we've got a "Wind Chill" of -11. What the hell?

The bitter cold comes out of the Midwest, before spreading south and east. Already, Monday morning, wind chills in the minus 40s and minus 50s are sending much of Minnesota and North Dakota into a deep freeze. Weather.com is kind enough to note that at wind chills of 50 below zero, any exposed skin can suffer frostbite in as little as 5 minutes.

Daily record lows are possible Monday in at least two dozen major cities from Texas to the Midwest, including Minneapolis/St. Paul, Kansas City, and Austin, Texas.

Looks like I better get the doggies walked stat! Ain't nobody gonna be happy walking around windy Brooklyn Heights 12 hours from now. By 8 p.m. Monday, the wind chill in NYC will reach 19 degrees. Oh, happy day. *

UPDATE: This weather event has become such a nationwide phenom that they've given it a name: Polar Vortex. Coolio, man!

NYC's 'Arctic Blast' In November? Here's The Ultimate Solution

Good god, almighty, could we have not at least worked our way into January before it feels like February. Here we are before the middle of November, and the weather forecast is portraying an

"Arctic Blast" that personifies one of the primary reasons I am ready to flee the Northeast.

Tuesday night just after 9:30p, it's below freezing, with a "real feel" of 22 degrees. Oh, how lovely. So I am armed and ready, preparing my consummate "winter" comfort food: a giant pot of homemade chili, complete with kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, tomato sauce, plenty of spices—and this time, fresh STEAK chopped into bite-size pieces. Cheddar cheese is at the ready for the topping.

If it has to be this friggin' cold in November, I might as well enjoy the fruits veges of a bountiful winter feast. Saltines on the side, please. Brrrrr!

Post Hurricane Sandy: And There Was (Blessed) Light

The price tag from Hurricane Sandy’s damages in NY totals $42+ billion, according to the latest tally from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, including $33 billion to repair housing & infrastructure and $9 billion to protect transit systems, the power network and sewage treatment facilities from future storms.

While many neighborhoods continue to suffer, there’s solace in again seeing the bright lights of the Manhattan skyline from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, with this pic taken Friday just after dusk… quite a difference from the view just after the storm. *

Riding The Rails: Scenes From A Train

Returning from Lynchburg, Va., on Amtrak's Northeast Regional Wednesday revealed some beautiful countryside as I passed through the farms and fields of this majestic state. Here, a few stirring images of the autumn season.

After The Snowstorm: A Tree Falls In Brooklyn Heights

While Brooklyn Heights suffered comparatively little damage following Hurricane Sandy, the weight of the wet, slushy snow from Wednesday's snow took its toll. A huge mature tree that fell around 10 p.m. completely blocked access on Remsen Street between Montague Terrace and Hicks Street. That's for vehicles and pedestrians.

Three cars were impacted by the tree: The one closest to the downed trunk was apparently illegally parked (and seems to have suffered little to no damage), while one on the far side had its back windshield smashed.

As of 9 a.m. Thursday, no crews had yet come to start clearing the debris. The tree—which still had plenty of green leaves—was anchored against the edge of 33 Remsen Street; the building appears to be a-okay, although the scene where it uprooted is one dramatic eye-popping sight. Sadness. *

Oh, Come On! Snow? Seriously?

As New York City still reels from last week's weather bitch Hurricane Sandy, the promised Northeast snowstorm has arrived as predicted. Snow started falling lightly Wednesday afternoon... while after 4 p.m., a sopping, sloppy wet mix is falling now, with temps right at the freezing mark. Gross. *

Happy November: It's Already The Winter Of 2012

Well, isn't this great... just what we needed. As some folks continue to wait for power and water in New York City—not to mention heat—temps are dipping to 31 degrees tonight... not to mention the possibility of snow Wednesday night.  Oh, how I hate cold. How I detest Daylight Saving Time... Winter is here... only eight months to go until the Spring thaw in NYC. Abby & Spencer have the right idea: Hibernate until June. *

Best Facebook Quote Of The Day!

NYC: The Thin Line Between Light & Darkness

After four nights shrouded in darkness following Hurricane Sandy, Con Edison reports that power has been restored to much of the Lower East Side and East Village and parts of Chelsea. But Battery Park and the Wall Street area remain without electricity. The utility said it expects to have power back in the bulk of Manhattan’s blackout zone Saturday. This pic taken on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade at 9 p.m. Friday shows the obvious border between downtown’s darkness and midtown’s light. *

Life Goes On In Brooklyn Heights, But So Many Remain In Need

Such a feeling of helplessness... even guilt... is overtaking me, as so many friends continue to try and put their lives back together in Manhattan. Below 39th Street, they are still without electricity, water, often cut off from news about public transportation and the most important: when power will return (ConEd has offered assurances that the majority will have electric by the weekend).

Here in Brooklyn Heights, life is resuming... Kids were out last night for Halloween, businesses are again open, restaurants are packed with locals and people are out and about... relieved, thankful... We are so very fortunate.

Neighborhoods on both sides of me—DUMBO and Red Hook—were decimated by flooding, with businesses suffering millions of dollars in losses and faced with the time-consuming and painful process of rebuilding... Residential buildings were also flooded, cutting folks off from being able to navigate their way to food, shelter... to get out.

And of course there's the devastation in Hoboken and Jersey City and so much of New Jersey... and the 80 homes leveled to their foundations by fire in Breezy Point, Queens. Never has so much of the tri-state area been so impacted by a natural disaster.

Thank god for our strong and capable New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, and for President Obama's swift and capable leadership. God, where would we be if Romney were Prez? The very notion makes me shutter...

Back here at home, because of my ongoing living room renovation, which has turned my home upside down, I can't even invite my friends in need to stay with me, where they might recharge their phones, their laptops... and their lives. I have to say, even though I live a mere 10 minutes from Manhattan here in Brooklyn Heights, I have never felt so far away. *