A little bit of nonsense and a whole lot of magic has intercepted me these past couple years.
A little over two years ago I had just begun my final year of undergrad study and was completely and utterly daunted by "the future". I guess every student about to graduate is. I was consumed by this idea that I absolutely NEEDED to land a job or internship immediately, a reckless pursuit that resulted in endless applications, 13 interviews in a week and 2 real-life mental breakdowns, not to mention a whole lot of extra stress I didn't need. I basically became completely unhinged. I cut classes, forfeited friendships, dated too many crazies in a row, and rejected going out to bars or parties. I forgot all about this blog, to be honest.
After my movie-montage-worthy dream of a European adventure last summer, working 3 jobs, helping run 2 clubs, and taking 20 units of upper division science courses back in LA just wasn't what I wanted to be doing. They tell you to only do what makes you happy, but come on, how realistic is it to become an ice-cream-flavor-testing, travelling, movie critic horse whisperer? I'd settle for one of those things. But, that's life. You put your head down and work hard, you do what you have to and you excel at it because you love the challenge. And at the end of it all, I graduated with a science degree from USC in 3 years. Unfortunately, my dream of returning to Catalina Island, where I studied and made the best friends of my life, was dashed when I made it to the final round of interviews for an education job out there and finished in second place.
The phrase "blessing in disguise" took on a whole other meaning however, when the day after I was rejected from the Catalina job I received an email offering me a role as an assistant on a research vessel- get this- doing dolphin research in Italy. So I packed up and went to live on a small sailboat for a few months. Incredible? Unreal? Once-in-a-lifetime? No words can do the experience justice.
I'm going to gloss over the time that followed my return to the States though, because they were a dark 8 months in which I worked in a cubicle at a solar energy company and wished I were unemployed instead.
LUCKILY, as fate would have it a series of happy coincidences led me back to Catalina after all this time. Now, I love my job, my little island house, my zany coworkers and friends, my hottie of a researcher boyfriend (that's right, you heard it here first- miracles do exist), and the life I've built for myself.
If I haven't bored you yet, stay tunes for tales of adventure from Catalina Island and beyond!
Saturday, November 26, 2016
Friday, May 23, 2014
Welcome Back
It's certainly been a while! A year and a week to be precise. Suffice it to say that a lot has happened in the past year, and that the person who is writing these words now is not the same one who blogged about summer some 372 days ago... I mean, physically it's the same person (plus or minus a few pounds) but emotionally, spiritually, metaphysically, and fortunately, I'm- as the Americanized Germans would say- uber different.
Not different enough that I won't go on about summer however. Oh ya, did I mention...?
IT'S SUMMER
AGAIN
Huzzah! I would be lying if I said I didn't miss this. Something strange happened this school year though. I was actually sad to see the semester end, for the first time ever. "Why?" you might ask, given that you're actually reading this and are actually interested. Why indeed. For a few reasons, actually:
1. I spent the semester getting my scientific scuba diving certification, conducting my own field research, taking sustainability courses, and generally enjoying life.. on the ever-gorgeous Santa Catalina Island. This basically means that I was completely and utterly happy for 99% of the semester.
2. As a result of the relative geographic isolation of the island, coupled with the company of truly GOOD people and the opportunity to pursue subjects which I'm extremely passionate about, I finally got over my ex. Just had to throw that one in... still smiling and patting myself on the back for it too.
3. In exactly 12 days, I'll be on an international flight headed to Germany to embark on a European backpacking adventure with my best friend of 11 years. Obviously, I couldn't be more ecstatic... but still, there's something magical about the excitement leading up to the trip that I'll miss once I'm back home when all is said and done. (But I'm still pretty freakin excited)
So that's just about where everything's at right now.
Not different enough that I won't go on about summer however. Oh ya, did I mention...?
IT'S SUMMER
AGAIN
Huzzah! I would be lying if I said I didn't miss this. Something strange happened this school year though. I was actually sad to see the semester end, for the first time ever. "Why?" you might ask, given that you're actually reading this and are actually interested. Why indeed. For a few reasons, actually:
1. I spent the semester getting my scientific scuba diving certification, conducting my own field research, taking sustainability courses, and generally enjoying life.. on the ever-gorgeous Santa Catalina Island. This basically means that I was completely and utterly happy for 99% of the semester.
2. As a result of the relative geographic isolation of the island, coupled with the company of truly GOOD people and the opportunity to pursue subjects which I'm extremely passionate about, I finally got over my ex. Just had to throw that one in... still smiling and patting myself on the back for it too.
3. In exactly 12 days, I'll be on an international flight headed to Germany to embark on a European backpacking adventure with my best friend of 11 years. Obviously, I couldn't be more ecstatic... but still, there's something magical about the excitement leading up to the trip that I'll miss once I'm back home when all is said and done. (But I'm still pretty freakin excited)
So that's just about where everything's at right now.
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.
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!
Monday, April 1, 2013
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Why I Hate Spring Break
Because it ends.
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.
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. |
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
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.
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.
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
Friday, February 15, 2013
Why People Are Afraid of Technology
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!
 |
| 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.
|
 |
| 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. |
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.
|
 |
| 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.
|
 |
| 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...
 |
| 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.
|
Monday, January 28, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Cool Stuff, Continued!
Follow the yellow brick road...
To more links!
Awesome Art
World's Best Roadtrips
Sculptures on Some Crazy Guy's Property in New Zealand?
... And also this fox
Stay tuned for Cool Stuff Parts III and IV!
To more links!
Awesome Art
World's Best Roadtrips
Sculptures on Some Crazy Guy's Property in New Zealand?
... And also this fox
Stay tuned for Cool Stuff Parts III and IV!
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!
Awesome Photography?
A Great Song?
Awesome Photography?
A Great Song?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)