Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Summer Thoughts Part #1

    


When I woke up this morning, I had butterflies in my stomach, no idea what I was going to do today, and an overwhelming craving for waffles; which for me, can only mean one thing:

IT IS OFFICIALLY SUMMER

Hallelujah! As I look forward to future adventures, unlimited beach time, pigging out EVERYDAY, and getting into that wondrous routine of no routines, there is one thing in particular that I'm looking forward to. That thing is (and don't judge me) reading, which has always been a huge part of my summers. 

Without intentionally sounding like a tourist or a rehabilitating war veteran, there's not much better than getting through a good book on the beach. So while I am more a fan of outdoor reading, this compilation of indoor reading nooks is getting me pumped to burn through more books in these next 3 months than I've read in my entire academic career. 

So without further adieu, and in the first installment of my "Summer Thoughts" series, take a look at THESE awesome reading nooks. 





Thursday, May 2, 2013

Where I Wish I Was Right Now:




Where I am...



Depressing, isn't it?

Where do you wish you could be right now?

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

ALMOST THERE

Hang in there! That's the best advice I can give all my fellow school-goers... we're. so. close.

Finish up those projects. Write those papers. Study for those exams. Just do it (sorry Nike). The harder you push yourself now, the better you'll feel once you're good and done. An trust me, I am counting the nano-seconds until I'm good and done. 

Tips... well you've heard it all before. Time management is everything, don't burn yourself out, avoid fun things at all cost, buy a yourself a personal coffee vendor, blah blah blah. What little advice I do have to offer probably won't apply to you in all likelihood to be honest, but I'm going to say it anyways. 

Tip #1: EXERCISE. I know it seems counter-intuitive when all you want to do is inject ramen and poptarts into your bloodstream and go 48+ hours without sleep, but it will help you settle your over-worked brain and keep your body from staging a mutiny against you in the long run (HA punny... long run, get it? No? Well then stop procrastinating and go back to work, lazy ass). Seriously though, working out is probably the most productive study break you can take. It will also remind you to shower when you've probably forgotten to do that during finals week too...

Tip #2: SLEEP. Once again, I know this probably sounds crazy and goes against all our innate tendencies as college students, but you literally won't be able to function without it. I checked. On the internet. Plus, we all know you won't be doing much of this once finals are over if ya know what I mean (PARTAYYYYY if you don't). 

Tip #3: EAT (or at least try to). This won't come naturally. In fact, if it does you aren't doing school right. Either way though, you need to keep a hold over your nutrients so you don't end up eating half a dozen boxes of donuts as soon as finals are over (whoops) or collapsing and missing out on the next three glorious months of summer vacation.

Tip #4: MUSIC. I'm talking motivational, inspirational, gives-you-the-energy-to-bust-out-four-papers-three-projects-and-three-finals-in-a-week music. If you're like me and get a little too easily distracted by lyrics (or if it's just me then disregard, I'm kind of a weirdo), try instrumentals like Land Observations, most STRFKR songs, Love Like a Sunset by Phoenix, Strobe by Deadmau5, some yoga playlist, foreign music like Pascal Pinon, or my personal favorite Ecstacy of Gold by Ennio Morricone so you're not tempted to sing along while you worl. <--- That, for instance, was the result of me listening to The Naked and Famous and attempting to type at the same time...

Tip #5: LET IT GO. You know what I'm talking about. It's different for everyone, but we all have that bad thing hanging over us that we use to blame our stress and failures on. Relationship problems, family issues, friendship strains, illnesses, death, anything. I know it sucks, trust me I'm currently experiencing all of the above, I know it makes you want to curl up into a lint-sized ball and cry tears of frustration to drown yourself (woah, that got a little darker than I intended it to, I apologize), but please don't quit. Prove to yourself that you can do it and forget about everyone else for once. Just buckle down and do well and you will feel buttloads better (that's a lot for those of you not familiar with the butt system of measurement). Reward yourself when you do well and don't beat yourself up when you don't; just being here and trying is something. 

Tip #6: SHAVE

OK so that last one was a little irrelevant, but my legs were starting to look like Chewbaca's face so hey, I'm just saying. Anyways, I hope that contained at least a semblance of helpful advice somewhere in there, I really do wish the best of luck to everyone. Now go kick your finals in the ass.

-Chase

P.S. I realize this must have been a hard article to get through without any pictures (I'm saving them for future pieces) so here you go. You're welcome.

 



Saturday, April 6, 2013

Feeling the Wanderlust


Click Here

Alright, this is getting bad guys. In classes, at work, when I should be doing homework- pretty much all the time lately all I think about is dropping out of school and travelling. I won't actually do it (probably), but I've never been outside of the U.S. for more than a few hours and I'm a grown adult for god's sake, it's about time I see the world. 

I'm a firm believer in the powers of travel, and think that everyone should get out there and see something new, especially if it's something they've always wanted to do. For me, that's backpacking in Nepal or travelling through Iceland, but I'll go anywhere the wind takes me... or anywhere I can afford.

 

Anyways, for those who share in my enthusiasm (and for those who don't) I figured everyone could use some pictures of amazing faraway places that get me all kinds of ready for summer, enjoy!

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Why I Hate Spring Break

Because it ends.

Well, at least it was fun while it lasted. My main qualm with the whole concept is that it just seems extremely negligent to give college students a week-long break and then expect us to actually go back to work afterwards. In my eyes that's just asking for trouble... 6 weeks of school left with no breaks and the heaviest workload of the semester coming up? Please, I was just in the desert killing a 5.10a rock wall, roasting weenies, peeing in the wilderness (like nature intended), scaring the shit out of tourists, and performing acrobatics that ended in self-brutalization (unintentionally, of course)- so pardon me if I'm not really in the mood to write an 8-12 page paper discussing the extent to which Women's Health Magazine is feminist at the the moment. 


 
Problem being, spring break is supposed to be some refreshing, rejuvenating lapse in school to give you the energy to finish out the semester without stabbing your eyes out with a pencil, but all it ends up doing is making me want to... stab my eyes out with a pencil. But even then, my professors would probably tell me that my braille comprehension skills are sub-par and I would have to find a more creative way to express my frustration.




It all comes down to what I like to call The Only Reason Worth Living: summer. If you can hold on for these last few (but exponentially painful) weeks, you're golden, Ponyboy. Then we're all free for 3 wondrous months during which we will do absolutely nothing of substance, and spend our time forgetting everything we pretended to learn about over the previous 9 months. And if you ever feel like you just can't make it any longer, do what I do and physically handcuff yourself to your chair until you get your work done (I'm kidding, I don't actually do that... but it's a brilliant idea). Base message: we're in the final stretch, and it's time to nut up or shutup.  So buckle down and put on your best focus undies: it's going to be a very uncomfortable ride.

I don't always rock-climb, but when I do I make stupid poses. Stay weird, my friends.





 
    

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

A Reason To Smile Today

I'm going to keep this short and sweet:

This man is one of my heroes. A musical genius with a damn good sense of humor (not to mention distinctly Russian good looks) if you will. I had a great time watching this music video... literally I was smiling and laughing and dancing (badly) in my seat the entire time. 

So go ahead and take a break today; this 2 minutes and 41 seconds will make your day that much better. I promise. 

I Spy- Mikhael Paskalev

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Preface: I am Not an Old Person

Let me repeat, I am NOT an old person. 

That being said, I have recently decided that I want a garden. 

Obviously not now while I'm living in quarters small enough to be mistaken for a dog kennel, but sometime in the future, I will have a garden- and it's gonna be a damn good one. 

No, I don't know anything about gardening per say but... you know... I'm kind of hoping it's not as hard as it looks (if a community of 80 year olds can almost grow a jungle, I think I can manage to sprout a few tomatoes... I hope). 

Basically, the idea of having a perfect, tranquil place to read and watch the sunset and do yoga sold me. I know it sounds lame coming from an 18 year old college student, but when you're living in the concrete cubical which is Los Angeles you learn to appreciate things like that. If you're still not sold, check out what others have done with a little free space and a green thumb, you'd be surprised just how inspiring a garden can be. 








Friday, February 22, 2013

If You Don't Want Your Trash, I'll take It.

No, not your used tissues you disgusting person, you. I'm referring to

PALLETS

One of my favorite sources of fuel and inspiration.

We're talking multipurpose as heck here; pallets can be used for (but are not limited to) bonfires, construction, DIY crafts, a crappy fence, makeshift vampire-killing weapons, even a vogue accessory if you're into that kind of thing.

What, my ideas aren't good enough for you? Fine then, take a look at what these guys came up with as their
35 Ways to Use a Pallet. I'm impressed. 




Friday, February 15, 2013

Why People Are Afraid of Technology


Ever wonder why more and more people worldwide are becoming weary of technology? Shocking studies reveal that the answer is not what you think. A legitimate concern- and for a good reason. For the full story, Click Here.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

The Wisdom of Chumbawamba

                              



Rejection sucks. I'm sure you didn't need any help from my infinite wisdom to come to the same conclusion, but honestly it's worth reflecting over. 

You put yourself out there. You do everything within your power to perfect yourself. You invest time, money, much-needed sleep, and a bottomless supply of stress. You savor the feeling of hope and excitement of the unknown. And then that moment comes where you're told that you're not good enough, and what little self-esteem you had to start with is duct taped, shoved inside a box, shipped to Kazakhstan, peed on by an overweight man, attached to about 9 pounds of C4, tied to a rocket, and launched into outer space where it becomes a black hole that eventually consumes your entire being. 

OK, maybe I'm being a little dramatic.
And to stave off any confusion, I'm not even taking about a boy. I know, right?

In the end, I see why so many people are unhappy with their lives though. They end up somewhere they don't particularly like doing something they don't love- they settle and then never leave their comfortable bubbles. I guess rejection is just part of the process of leaving your comfort zone, so in that sense I'm at least a little proud of myself. Then again, I'm also proud that I can recite the entire movie Transformers so take that as you will.

This is just life. As someone who has never really been denied anything important before this incident, I know I have a lot to learn about how the world works. We all hit these speedbumps (unless you happen to be Anne Hathaway or a dolphin), and the best thing to do is to put things in perspective: find out what really makes you happy, who your best friends are, or why you should love yourself. We tend to forget the big picture, but we shouldn't. It's the disheartening things like rejection that lead to the good things. At least that's what I keep telling myself...  



Thursday, January 31, 2013

Cool Stuff Finale!


Design for the home by L’Atelier d’exercices
http://www.handmadecharlotte.com/

In case you didn't catch the DIY page in Cool Stuff Part I, I shall impart upon you knowledge of this cute craft blog called "Hand Made Charlotte". A lot of it is parent-child based projects and activities but some of the ideas there are pretty clever, I definitely wouldn't mind having one of these Click Here! 

Meridith Dittmar

Despite the more radical website name, the art is so bizarre and dream-like I just had to put it up.  

Best Movie of the Century
That is, in my opinion. If you haven't seen- or at least heard of- Moonrise Kingdom, let me help you out from that rock you've been living under, because you've been missing out my friend.



There’s this place in Ireland where every 2 years, the stars line up with this trail on June 10th-June 18th.  It’s called the Heaven’s Trail
Pinterest
OK, not gonna lie but this one is a little selfish. Above is a link to my Pinterest boards, which are pretty cool if I do say so myself... don't judge me. 

Long Treks on Skate Decks
These guys are 3 of my heroes. If you appreciate adventure, comedy, travel, longboarding, idiocy, fun, or attractive gingers, give the series a try. It definitely won't disappoint. 


If you know what's good for you, you'll watch this.
I'm not even going to explain this one... it's pretty much the best finale I could come up with. You'll thank me later.

And that concludes my cool stuff series (for now at least). Thanks for keeping up, and make sure to check in next week  for the usual rants, complaints, inappropriate comments, etc!

-Chase 






Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Cool Stuff Part V

If I Ever Leave This World Alive

A little different than what I've shared before, but a great song nonetheless. It makes me happy :)
Best Photos of 2012

I look at a lot of photography... not to sound cool or anything  I'm mostly just really bored at work. Anyways, I really enjoyed this compilation of "Best Picture of the Day", looking forward to this year's!
Goodneighborstuff

Alright, I know I just showed you Medieval Dinner but come on. This stuff's funny.
 
Volunteer and Travel!

Anyone who knows me could tell you that my one dream in life is to travel. Volunteer opportunities like these are everywhere, and go to show that you don't need thousands of dollars to travel (and make some great memories and friends along the way!)
Google Street View

I happened upon this site and was amazed by the idea behind it. I never realized that Google Street View could be so beautiful, but I'm SO glad that someone else did.

I Love You All The Time

My newest musical obsession. If you like it, also try the song "Oh Be One" or "I Have No Sister"

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Cool Stuff Part IV

Medieval Dinner
These guys are hilarious. If you don't laugh during this video, you have no soul.

Picture of a woman at the Harbin International Ice and Snow festival, China
Best Winter Trips
Absolutely breath-taking. I hope to see all these places someday, the reason is pretty self-explanatory once you've seen these photos.
This photograph of a man giving his shoes to a homeless girl in Rio de Janeiro.
Pictures that will Restore your Faith in Humanity

It's not every day you see a random act of kindness, but when you do it definitely puts things in perspective. Real,  amazing photos of people doing things to make others happy for no reason.

This Head I Hold

As you allow your ears to take a gander at the energetic sound of this song, it might interest you to know that Asa Taccone, frontman of the band Electric Guest, is brother to Jorma Taccone (who you might know from Hot Rod, SNL or The Lonely Island). I had the privilege of seeing him live and instantly fell in love with... their music...




Feeling-mint-yellow-blue
Oh Joy Blogs
Don't be deceived by the picture, Oh Joy is not a clothing brand. It is actually a great blog that features many of my favorite things: food, interior design, photography, clothes, and lots of other cool stuff worth checking out!  


Sorry I don't really have a picture for this one... you'll see why though.



Thursday, January 24, 2013

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

As Promised...

Cool stuff, just like I said! Check out these awesome websites, and look out for even more eclectic fantasticness to come!

Into DIY Projects?  <-----Click hereFill a Mason Jar With Christmas Lights 




Awesome Photography?




A Great Song?  


Back for More


I know what you're thinking: where have I been??? You were probably worried sick. 



Well sorry for worrying you (although if you're reading this chances are that you are related to me... hi Mom). If you must know though, the prolonged absence was due to nothing other that the fabulous hiatus between semesters known as WINTER BREAK. 


Yes, this is winter is Southern California.

I couldn't even tell you what I did for those 4 weeks... not that it's a secret or scandalous or anything, I just can't really remember. Which should maybe be a concern. Anyways, what I do know is that I was infinitely glad to be home for more than 3 days, and seeing my family and childhood friends was awesome. 


All the festivities around Christmas and New Years felt great to just run around in stretchy pants, eat more than should be possible for a person of my size, hang out with everyone I hadn't seen since summer, and basically just relax. And sleep.





Of course there are downsides to coming back too, like a certain he-who-shall-not-be-named who chose this point in our lives to be a douche bag to me, but hey, what are you gonna do? It will never be easy to find out that your person isn't who they used to be, especially when you are on your own in a new place. That's life though. I realized that all I really needed was to spend time with people who actually love me, and seriously, it worked. My apologies for sharing this unsavory detail, but I think it's worth mentioning for anyone who's ever had their heart broken. 














On a happier note, I finally got to see snow! A family outing to Julian is never a bad idea; pie, candy, good food, and real weather. Oh ya, and that moment where your brother takes off his shirt and runs through a blizzard.

Besides that, my break was a lot of speculating. After a surprisingly successful first semester of college, I decided to apply to journalism school and I hear back next Friday (wish me luck!). If I don't get in, there might be a transfer in my future... actually even if I do get in there stands the same possibility, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.



I feel like I'm talking about myself a lot, so I'll wrap it up. You're welcome. 


I just want to let you know that whatever it is in your life right now, you can do it.

Also, stay tuned for less intimate, more cool-stuff-oriented posts this week! Thanks for reading :)




-Chase