edmond’s got to grow

September 15, 2020 — Leave a comment

As the formerly self-proclaimed prince of Edmond, it’s well past time that I turn my focus from the comforts of living in suburbia to and begin to understand the extreme ~lack~ of those same comforts to citizens of said suburb who happen to have differing skin tones, nationalities, and socioeconomic realities.

I’m not quite the type to renounce my self-appointed title, so instead I’m going to use it, coupled with my white privilege, to shed some light on a very real problem and, hopefully, start to effect some change.

And like, to be quite honest, I don’t want to be the prince of this version of Edmond–the unfortunately very real version of Edmond.

The version where the umpteen college degrees aren’t enough to enlighten this population to the simple fact that other people matter.

It’s such a simple concept and yet, here we are.

The version where Black Edmondite, Isaiah Lewis, was murdered by an officer of the Edmond Police Department.

There is no body cam footage of the event.

DA Prater said in his findings that Officer Scherman “was acting pursuant to Oklahoma when he shot Isaiah Lewis to defend himself and Sgt. Milo Box.”

I’ll back up a second and offer this – I went to college with Mr. Scherman. I never found him to be an unpleasant person, in fact, he was pretty chill. I wouldn’t even call him a bad apple, but joining a police force that

allows

the murder of the citizens that same police force swears to “serve and protect” perhaps created an environment where he, a ‘good apple’, could spoil.

I used to joke that the $36 Million Edmond Police Department was truly our particular brand of police brutality but the truth of the matter, is, unfortunately, like everywhere else in the country, police brutality is our particular brand of police brutality.

Personally, I will never again vote for additional resources to be allocated to the police department.

I am 100% in favor of defunding the militaristic police forces at work in Edmond and the reallocation of those funds to policies, procedures, and persons actually trained in dealing with those with mental health issues, the homeless, the domestic abuse cases, the domestic disturbance cases, and many other day to day events which turn violent because of the presence of heavily armed police officers whose training for deescalating a situation pails in comparison to most customer service rep training.

We are seeing an interesting phenomenon right now across the country: a continuation and escalation of police brutality against the citizens those police officers swear to serve and protect, while those citizens are protesting the EXTREME and oftentimes senseless BRUTALITY perpetrated by police against, I’ll say it again, the citizens they swear to “serve and protect”.

Couple this with a dramatic and months-long refusal to enforce a mandatory mask policy during a pandemic in which 170,000+ Americans have died.

So, what? Why bring this up?

We have a duty to elect people in every position – municipally, county-wide, state-level, and national representatives who are committed to changing the way our communities are policed.

We also have a duty to elect officials who believe in science and do not bow to those believing whole-heartedly the solutions to all of today’s problems lie in the pages of a *v selectively* assembled collection of incredulously misinterpreted messages from random men with ~power complexes~ claiming to be from God which they refer to as the bible.

We have a duty to hold our elected officials accountable for the failures of the system and their failures to recognize the corruption in the system.

In Edmond particularly, I am calling on the reasonable to educate those less so. And to VOTE! Vote all the way down to the local level.

Make your voice heard, starting from your local greviences. City councilmen & women are surprisingly accessible and our first line of politicians close enough to us to listen. This link will take you to a Google Doc full of contact information for all of Edmond’s major politicians and city departments. Make your voice heard.

Get your parents, the doctors daddies, the lawgivers mommies, the judges, the business executives to advocate for change within the system. Urge your parents to listen without feeling attacked, to rise above their internalized prejudices and recognize them when they slip. Get them to intentionally hire people of color; get them to offer internships, externships, shadowing, etc. to people of color. Get them to challenge the systems that allowed them to prosper while keeping others from the same social mobility. Get them to ensure that the companies they own or work for are not perpetuating policies introduced out of bias: acceptance of natural hair and traditional dress, acceptance of vernacular English, observance of cultural customs, holidays, and traditions, etc.

On a personal level, lift up your friends of color. Become the networking lightening rod for the companies you know need talent and the talent that needs representation.

I’m calling on the reasonable to normalize being “wrong” and learning from it. We’re all growing, learning, and shedding biases we didn’t realize we had–and for some of us, those we actually 100% knew we had but have come to a new conclusion because they were given evidence in a manner which broke through to us.

Every day and every interaction is an opportunity to practice empathy for humanity and LEARN about the other people who occupy the planet with you, Don’t let those opportunities go to waste.

Change will only occur if we are intentional.

And, while I’m up here on this soapbox, I will say this:

‪If you support Donald, and intend to re-elect him, know that in NO UNCERTAIN TERMS THAT You are actively engaging in perpetuating lies to the American people, you are complacent in the destruction of the American Representative Republic & the Constitution of the United States of America. ‬

In my heart of heart, I hope most people understand the ridiculosity and danger donald represents, but I think truthfully too large a percentage of the population – including many that I know and am related to – are too ready to get down on their knees, suck whatever bullshit comes out of donald, and swallow it into their belief system.

If you are one of those people, read a fucking history book. Seek out two additional news sources with which to check what you hear on Fox News, and also grow some respect for humanity.

All of this to say, Edmond can’t tout that it’s a “Great Place to Grow” until it truly is a great place to grow for every single citizen & passerby of every class, creed, color, gender, orientation, hair color, eye color, etc.

-chasertheprince

**note: i do not own any of the above images and found all information online through multiple sources, all of which are hyperlinked in the article.***

26 shows to make that self-imposed quarantine fly by

March 20, 2020 — 2 Comments

Self imposed quarantine got you down? Here’s 26 of my favorite shows of the moment to help that isolation fly right by!

Suddenly, my superpower of being able to binge an entire series in usually just a couple of days has finally come in handy–and it only took a global pandemic to make it so!!

A COUPLE OF THINGS:

a) This post is part of an ever evolving list of my favorite television shows, documentaries, and limited series that consistently made me laugh out loud, cry, be super fuqqin angry, and super sad and super happy all at the same time.

b) For more of what to watch, check out my previous posts here:

In Honor of the 2018 Emmy Noms Here are the Shows You Need to Binge ASAP

What to Watch

c) Also, it’s late, but it comes at a BRILLIANT time. If you are even the slightest bit tuned into pop culture, there’s a good chance you’ve watched a lot of these already. At the very least “Fleabag”. If not, you’re in luck–you’re why I did this so study up, kid!

I did started writing this eons ago but wanted as complete of a list as possible for viewers of all flavors. Plus I just, I don’t know, got distracted? However, now with that virus hanging around and canceling plans left and RIGHT, I thought the time never more appropriate.

Get those streaming subscriptions ready and dive right in to these wholly entertaining series:

FLEABAG – (AMAZON PRIME)**

Absolutely hilarious. Absolutely real. Just fucking amazing to be honest. Nominated for a whopping 11 Emmys, this show is pure gold, people. It’s filling the void in my soul that VEEP left and for that I am ever grateful. I have loved Phoebe Waller-Bridge since I watched the seriously-robbed-with-only-one-season-though-i-know-the-whole-purpose-of-the-show-is-very-fleeting-and-temporary-so-it-makes-sense-“Crashing”. At the time I didn’t realize what a badass she was and I am actively obsessed with her to make up for lost time.

She is absolutely GENIUS. The show will take you on a ride that only your sense of humor will bail you out of.

DERRY GIRLS – (NETFLIX)

It follows 4 catholic girls & one English catholic boy who attend an all girls school in Derry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom during the end of The Troubles. It’s cool because that’s a conflict I didn’t know much about / couldn’t really imagine what it would’ve been like, and this show, while obviously not a documentary lmao, sheds light into what normal life would’ve been like for Northern Irish Catholics. Plus it’s stupid funny. It only takes like two episodes to grasp the pentameter and pronunciation and you’re like golden.

EUPHORIA – (HBO)

It’s the show everyone was talking about. First of all, if my high school experience was anything similar to this, I can’t even imagine the kind of boring person I would be now–i mean srsly what is left?! But this show is so brutal and honest and uncomfortable at times and completely uplifting for a moment and completely devastating–it’s quite the ride in every way but it’s worth it.

AVENUE 5 – (HBO)

I couldn’t find a poster that would work so I had to use this pic of the billboard lmaoooo. However–I really enjoy this series! Right now we’re only 4 episodes in but I’m into it. It’s a lighthearted space show which is nice because the galactic genre has always been so heavy. Not nearly as funny as VEEP but you can certainly pick up the similarities in the writing. Definitely worth climbing aboard and giving it like at least a two episode trial.

THE POLITICIAN – (NETFLIX)

Talk. About. Drama. And also, Gwyneth Paltrow is so good in general but like damn good in this as a billionaire mother (the role she was born to play in real life anyway). I also love that they never reference the fact that like in addition to doing all these extra curriculars and being hell bent on becoming the president and having a perfect grade point average and an enormous amount of money, he can also sing like really well, and he does a few times through the season. It’s definitely worth a spin.

HIGH FIDELITY – (HULU)

So, I’m giving HULU an extended spin and I am srsly into it. I love Zoe Kravitz so it didn’t take much convincing at ALL to click play on this show. I love it. It’s beautiful. It’s lonely. It’s healing? It’s raw. It makes me want to move to New York and be aloof and make therapeutic playlists. But it also makes me think of my 5 top heartbreaks and, well, really I maybe only have one?

MORNING SHOW – (APPLE+)

So I have no idea how many episodes Apple+ will let you watch without finally giving in and getting a membership, but so far I’ve watched 3 episodes of this bad boy and I’m hooked. I will say I’m not head over heels for Reese Witherspoon’s character, but legit I’ll love anything Jennifer Aniston does. The writing is solid, it’s all very believable and shot well…And I love the insights and position the show is taking on the whole scandalous world of morning talk show men and their shortcomings–and how they deal with them.

CATHERINE THE GREAT – (HBO)

I’m not in the business of lying so I will be upfront and say it’s a touch slow. However, it is a) fucking gorgeously costumed, wonderfully set, beautifully filmed, incredibly acted–I mean come on it’s Dame Helen Mirren playing my third fave historical figure, Catherine the Great–What more could you as a human want or need? PLUS it’s in English which is a plus considering the Amazon series I posted about in version 1 of Here are the shows you need to binge ASAP” was in Russian, German, and French.

KIDS BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP – (FOOD NETWORK / HULU)

Carlee and I are OBSESSED with this pinnacle of Food Network programming. 13 middle-school-aged children compete for the title of Kid’s Baking Champion by baking the challenge of the week: ie, splatter paint cakes, desserts that look like main course food but it’s all sweet and delicious, macarons (dude this just kills them all) and so much more. It’s hilarious. Everytime one of those awkward kids makes a mistake and starts crying I just fuqqin lose it.

But honestly, kudos to them because they are just like using their brain and their taste buds to create shit and I’m still, at 26 years of age, referencing the back of the chocolate chip bag to figure out how the fuqq to make cookies.

McMILLIONS – (HBO)

Well, really, all I have to say is that this shit is crazy on like every single level. Absolutely, without a doubt, hands down a must watch! It’s literally got everything–intrigue, drama, violence, sex, food, Italians–so many Italians. And also, it’s so simple. Like the whole thing–so simple, so easy to overlook.

THE BUSH YEARS – (CNN)

I found this particularly interesting because it’s insight into a political dynasty that’s very real, I mean the 2000 election was the first I remembered experiencing, and what a moment that was for the Bush family you know what I mean–everyone was involved in that–Jeb, George Sr. I legit thought they were just like some family from Texas and that is all she wrote. But let me just tell you–nope.

THE WINDSORS– (CNN)

You know I just can never get enough of anything having to do with the royal fam, and especially in these Megxit times, my interest is certainly PIQUED! It’s not revealing anything I didn’t already know, but new people talking about it, new video clips, etc. It airs every Sunday at 9:00 Central.

ATYPICAL – (Netflix)

Initially, I did not believe I would really be into this show–the dad isn’t one of my preferred actors, I don’t like uncomfortable situations in TV shows and I really can’t stand when people are bullied on TV and it’s passed like being funny, you know? I am all about the humor if everyone’s in on it. Anyway, with that all being said, I gave it a spin and had it on in the background while I was doing some menial tasks and actually quite enjoyed it. Admittedly I have only finished season 1 and then switched shows but I’ll make my way back ’round.

THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES – (HBO)

I’m going to throw this out there and say that this is probably exactly what it’s like in the houses of televangelists and those in charge of the megachurches. Sometimes I can’t handle it but other times I’m into it. Plus it’s just so comical to me because it’s so like Oklahoma christians.

LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE – (HULU)

I mean, the cast. Reese Witherspoon in late 90s prepware; Kerry Washington serving nonstop unobstructed views of her collar bones. Planned communities. I wasn’t like 100% convinced I really wanted to watch a show with such an intensely boring yet definitely smoldering underlying story line but I’m into it.

GENTLEMAN JACK – (HBO)

Okay I related to this show on another level. Coming from a real estate family, one day my job will be to collect some rent on the rentals we have–yes, lil ol’ frail ass ol’ me going around like plz sir will you pay me your rent haha oh you don’t have it oh I’ll come back? idk– Traditionally, this was seen as the Lord of the Manor’s job, the man of the family. Anne Lister (a real-ass bad ass woman) decided she would take on the role of collecting rents for her family’s inherited home, Shibden Hall. Things get a bit more prickly when she decides to take a wife–this is 1832 England, after all. We stan this trailblazing lesbian Lord.

END OF THE F*&#ING WORLD – (NETFLIX)

A little fucked up but so good. I am including this even though it’s featured in ‘the shows you need to binge ASAP” because I wanted to make sure people didn’t forget about it because season 2 dropped! It’s dark but so is the world, you know? . This is one of those shows where the ambiguous ending of Season 1 left was honestly perfect. It could’ve completely ended there or continued on, and, in my v humble opinion, they extended the story line beautifully with the addition of Bonnie.

ON BECOMING A GOD IN CENTRAL FLORIDA – (SHOWTIME)

Alligators. Mid level marketing. Pyramid Schemes. Pelicans. Water parks. Splashercize. Kool Aid. I think those pretty much sum this series up, and I am totally into it not even kidding. It’s a touch slow, but it’s honestly so honest about the world of product peddlers. And especially in this day of Instagram pyramid scheme wanna be influencers every other tap of our screen, it is pretty relatable.

VERY RALPH – (HBO)

When you think classic American luxury, only one name comes to mind. Ralph Lauren. With ‘Very Ralph’ we get a glimpse into the iconic Americana world of Ralph Lifshitz and the brand he built as Ralph Lauren. From US Polo Association to Polo, to Polo Ralph Lauren, to Ralph Lauren, to Green Label, to Black Label, to Purple Label. The advertising campaigns that watch like films–home films from the family beach house in The Hamptons. He has never shied away from having people of color wear his gorgeous garments in his international ad campaigns—something i think is iconically american at its most true center? So good.

AMERICAN STYLE – (CNN)

This is what we’re made of you guys. A very interesting lil series about tastemakers and game changers in the fashion world from this side of the Atlantic. It’s also very, very interesting to see how politics and war and religion and sex all combine in textiles and what we collectively go through as a people is then directly reflected in what we put on our bodies!! v interesting.

YOU – (NETFLIX)

I’ll say it: i’m normally way more of a comedy bitch, but something about a nice cocktail of dayquil, nyquil, a steroid pack, and some other medicinal components put me in a weird mood and I decided to indulge myself in a more stalkery reboot of Dan Humphreys. Let me tell you: I. was. enthralled. First of all, sure, Beck is cute but let’s be honest, that long wool tweed coat & her friendship with Peach are the best parts about her. And season 2?! Some next level shit, truly. I kind of think I’d fall victim to him pretty quickly too…(I’d love the attention to detail).

DON’T F$#% WITH CATS – (NETFLIX)

Normally I cannot handle scary things especially real-life scary things, so this was a bit left field for me as far as binging choices go. HOWEVER, when danger calls thrice, see if they’ll call a fourth and then definitely say yes. And there we were, 4 calls. So, I fuqqin answered. It’s insane. There are twists. There are turns. (and i’m not just talking about the stabbing technique of the asshole who killed cats and a PUPPY and also a human. A must watch, if only to realize the power of a few hundred websurfing wannabe Sherlocks doing daily post-work Pope & Associates-level intel-gathering.

SEX EDUCATION – (NETFLIX)

So, it’s kind of got the energy of Barbara Strisand in “Meet the Fockers” mixed with that Charlie Bartlett movie from a few years ago, and then poured over a steep glass of the British Isles to be honest. It’s exactly the same and yet a lot different than I expected it to be but funny and I definitely enjoyed it. 8/10 would recommend.

DAVE – (FX on HULU)

First of all, Lil Dicky’s “Earth” was one of my favorite releases of 2019. Second of all, I was a lil unsure that i’d be into the show since i tend to lean toward series with strong female leads. However, it’s really, really good actually. It’s funny, a lil poignant in its own way, and is like a pretty interesting mockumentary-type series about a c-level celebrity. I don’t really understand how they are doing the rollout but there are a few (like 4 maybe?) episodes available to binge now.

THE IT CROWD – (NETFLIX)

Not going to lie, it took me a couple go-rounds to actually get invested…or really to even like it but sometimes it is literally so funny and those moments gave me the faith I needed to tune in repeatedly. Like an actually funny ‘Big Bang Theory’?

And, last but certainly not least,

MEDICAL POLICE – (NETFLIX)

It is…so stupid. Occasionally, so intensely hilarious. It’s absolutely worth a spin of like two episodes and you’ll be more or less hooked to find out if they are, in fact, police officer-doctors or doctor-police officers. Plus the cast is honestly kind of a who’s who of off the wall comedy shows. If only they were in charge of soling this COVID crisis–we’d honestly probably be in the same boat but at least it would be funny.

So, okay, there you have it! Now that the ever expanding streaming universe is spitting out entire solar systems of new series, don’t fear–there’s enough streamable content to last us through this time of social distancing!

Stay healthy in there, okay?

-chasertheprince

A lil soundtrack for this gorgeous day

March 1, 2020 — Video — Leave a comment

IT IS SRSLY SO NICE OUTSIDE! Take advantage of the sunshine, spin this bop, and have a fuqqin fantastic afternoon.

-chasertheprince

O come O come Emmanuel

December 10, 2019 — Leave a comment

One of my favorite recordings we’ve done for our Christmas CDs is “O Come O Come Emmanuel” hands-down:

Carlee’s voice is so insanely good and takes you to a place where you’re really saying okay people Mary and Joseph need a place to STAY they’re having a BBY and he’s THE KING OF THE WORLD.

You know what I mean?

So that’s more exciting for some of you than it is for others.

Below are more links to listen wherever/however you stream music!!

Enjoy! Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! All the things! And all the happiness to you and yours this season!!

-chasertheprince

Two Days in PARK CITY

October 29, 2019 — Leave a comment

Okay people, we’re about to talk about one of my favorite places on the planet–a tiny mountain enclave of rustic luxury tucked just 2,774 feet above and to the east of Salt Lake City.

I’ve skied here a few times in middle and high school, but kept coming back for the CULTURE and the VIEWS and my COUSIN who, it just so happens, moved there a few years ago.

I’ve been there 4 times this year you guys. A minor obsession maybe? IDK I mean look how pretty though!!!

Anyway, below is a short list of my fave things to experience/do/see/instagram in Park City.

(duh) MAIN STREET PARK CITY:

Main Street is the old hub of this picturesque town, with shopping and restaurants galore, not to mention some hotels, trails, coffee shops, art galleries, fur traders, *free clean public restrooms*, I mean you name it and if it seems a little mountainy, a lot Western, and casually luxe, it’s probably here.

Atticus–The best coffee shop / book store / stop at the bottom of Main Street. Whimsical and fresh, Atticus has fun gifts, gr8 coffee (and matcha!), chill vibes, and I think they’ve already worked through the 7 years of bad luck for opening that umbrella indoors so that’s a plus.

Egyptian Theater–Hit up the Egyptian on Main for a show during your stay–comedians, musical acts, plays, musicals, movie screenings and more!

Banksy attacks Park City: The infamous Banksy made his mark on Park City thrice, though only two of those graffiti graphics are on display in the alleys they were born in. The third is actually on a former stage storage door for the Egyptian, but has been moved for safe keeping bc vandals are trying to destroy the vandalism!!! What monsters, tbh.

Daly Hike–So if you just keep walking up Main Street past like Grappa and stuff and just keep on trucking, you’ll eventually end up on a street called Daly. If you take that up some more, you run into this trailhead for this fun lil trail that takes you past some abandoned mine buildings and houses and stuff and then spits you out at the top for some pretty okay views.

Check out this site for other hiking with prettier views but less spooky cabins so idk take your pick i guess.

SUNDANCE RESORT:

So it’s pretty much non-stop-views from every angle in Park City HOWEVER, you simply must head to Robert Redford’s place of respite near the sky, Sundance Mountain Resort.

It’s insanely beautiful, incredibly rustic, immensely instagrammable (r.e. this gorgeous fuqqin babbling ass brook I saw in real life), AND only 40ish minutes from Main Street.

You can walk the grounds, hike the trails, chill out by the fire pit, go on a full moon ski lift ride, AND check out the famous Owl Bar. It opens at 4 and not a minute earlier, and ALL photography is banned.

I know this first hand because i was ACCOSTED by a waitress for taking this shot of my cousin when we went there for her birthday last January. Turned out to be a dope pic though, so you know.

They also have all kinds of seasonal activities going on for the whole family. They had this haunted playhouse area that led to the lifts for a Halloween-themed haunted lift ride. We didn’t go up (heights, as well as a world with no mirrors, are my biggest fear). But I did make my dad conquer one of his biggest fears (clowns) and take a photo next to one of the bizarre statues.

Check out the restaurants and the lodging here if you’re trying to truly immerse yourself in all that Sundance has to offer.

Mr. Redford says of his mountain top escape: “Sundance is an arts community, a recreational community, a community of people who appreciate the beauty of nature and feel the responsibility to preserve it.”

And let me tell you something, I am all about that shit.

OLYMPIC VILLAGE:

In case you’ve forgotten, Utah hosted the only profitable Olympic games in recent history (Mitt Romney’s main claim to fame). Many of the events were held in and around Park City, leaving a great amount equipment behind and available for non-Olympiads to give it their all.

There’s an Winter Sports Center with a lil museum and gift shop, a bobsled ride, a Nordic Jump for tubing, Discovery Zone for youngins, a place to watch professional skiers practice, and a zip line! All of these are seasonal, so make sure to double check that what you want to do is open!

SKIER?

Of course if you visit during ski season, you simply must take at least one spin on one slope! In addition to the aforementioned Sundance Mountain Resort, here are the other Park City options:

Park City Mountain: I’ve never skied this mountain but i think there is night skiing and that would be dope–definitely on my list for when I’m in a skiing mood.

Deer Valley I have skied this one in the past, and though it’s been a minute I do remember it was fun and pretty and the lodge had pizza that was good, so do what you will with all that info.

YOU HUNGRY?

Maxwell’s pizza– It’s been voted the best pizza in Park City several years in a row and let me tell you something, I know why. It’s good.

Squatters Roadhouse Grill– Gr8 breakfast and drinks!

Washatch Brew Pub– A legit brewery so they’ve got all kinds of exciting beers (bonus points if you try the jalapeno one–it’s v good) and great burgers, sandwiches, etc.

Grappa– For something a little fancy and a lot italian, try this beaut at nearly the top of Main St.

JavaCow– Seriously good ice cream, people!

Stoked Roasters + Coffeehouse– Cool coffee shop, great coffee. During Sundance Festival I was stationed there for a panel event and saw Ava Duvernay, Octavia Spencer, Sandra Oh and others speak (so that was cool).

AND LITERALLY SO MANY MORE ALL THE WAY UP & DOWN MAIN STREET, IN THE KIMBALL JUNCTION/PARK CITY AREA, AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN.

YOU TIRED?

Anyway, I think you may get the picture by now that I definitely recommend Park City as the next adventure for legit anyone. Bring an appreciation for the beauty of nature, a rustic-chic wardrobe, a couple pairs of cool sunglasses, and a spirit of adventure and you’ll get everything and MORE out of this gorgeous mountain town–and that’s a promise.

-chasertheprince

***Note–I own some of the images above but definitely not all of them and I’m okay with that***

TWO DAYS ON THE MONTEREY PENINSULA

July 24, 2019 — Leave a comment

I just got back from a lil jaunt up the coast to the Monterey Peninsula and let me tell you, I. was. mesmerized. By everything. There is so much to see it’s crazy so I have compiled a lil list of some things you simply have to do when you visit this magical place, okay?!

Of course, the first stop one needs to make on the journey around the peninsula is Bixby Bridge:

From there you can drive south to Big Sur (highly recommend–it’s nuts beautiful) or back around the peninsula, but no matter where you are, everything is beautiful, like literally everything:

For the purposes of this post, we are starting at the bridge and working our way north around the peninsula.

GOING NORTH: CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA

Downtown Carmel-By-The-Sea –

Hang out in downtown Carmel-By-The-Sea for a few hours: walk up and down really, seriously charming streets with lil shops and restaurants of all kinds:

((A fun game is taking a hit off of your vape pen every time you see a picture of or reference to Clint Eastwood throughout downtown Carmel)) (((He is kind of like a town elder?))) ((((remember his ex-wife’s show on E! a few years ago? It was based here….they ate at Forge in the Forest on the show and you can eat there in real life!!))))

ANYWAY

At the top of the series of hills that is Downtown Carmel, you may notice the police station where {SPOILER ALERT} The Monterey Five go to purge themselves of the lie:

Stop by Carmel Bakery for something delicious to snack on while perusing downtown. Founded in 1899, it’s the oldest running retail business in Carmel and the cookies are excellent, ok.

Carmel City Beach –

Walk all the way down to Carmel City Beach at the bottom of downtown and chill out as you watch the waves crash on the white sands of Carmel-By-The-Sea:

GOING NORTH: PEBBLE BEACH

If you’re a golfer, chances are Pebble Beach has been in a few of your more suggestive dreams. There are plenty of golf courses laid out around the north-western part of the peninsula. The best way to see it all? The 17-Mile Scenic Drive:

****bonus points if you roll the windows down, open the sunroof, and que up “No Bad Days” it’ll cure your blues!! ******but also bonus points if you’d like to wallow in some blues but also pretend like you’re a recent widow closing one chapter of your life and about to open a new one and blare “Ride” –or really Lana Del Rey’s entire discography–it’s powerful*********

From there, head around to–

GOING AROUND: LOVER’S POINT

Technically in Pacific Grove (“PG”), Lovers Point Park has walking/biking trails, park benches to chill and take in the scenery, coastal access, easy parking–I mean, what more can you ask for?!

MONTEREY:

Cannery Row –

It’s a little too touristy for my taste, but it’s an easy 20 minute walk around and see it all, check it off the list type of stop. Honestly, the hotels on the Row are the best part–they’re mostly all very pretty and have great dining.

City Hall –

It’s a nice stroll!

Friendly Plaza –

The corner of the block that city hall is on has been made into a little park commemorating the relationship between the Spanish, Mexicans, and Americans in the town since the 1800s. Plus, it has this tree that went to the moon once:

Downtown Monterey –

It’s your cute little by-the-bay kind of downtown. There are a bunch of shops and restaurants and a theatre and all the things, you know? Head from Downtown toward the Fisherman’s Wharf, and you’ll pass State Historic Landmark #1, the Custom House. Built around 1827 by the Mexican government to preside over their port on the Alta California coast, it’s the oldest government building in California.

Commodore John Drake Sloat of the US Navy came along a lil later and raised the American flag over the Custom House in 1846, claiming over 600,000 square miles of territory including what is now California, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.

so that’s kind of interesting! You can go in it but I did not, so you know. Walking through Custom House Plaza does it justice though I think.

Fisherman’s wharf –

If you like clam chowder you are in for a treat! Nearly 79% of the restaurants on the pier specialize in clam chowder which seems weird to me but I am not a clam chowder fan and also how can you eat something named clam chowder don’t you get grossed out when you hear the name? It sounds like Plankton served it at the Chum Bucket. But anyway, it’s pretty AND has a bunch of italian restaurants because Monterey was a hub for those Roman Reelers (there are bunches of statues commemorating them as well–the backbone of the community if you will):

There’s a great path that runs all along here connecting it all, so if you have some time and just want to stroll by the harbor I highly recommend it!! The views are so, so good.

But really, the views are so, so good everywhere on the peninsula so just hop in the car and find a scenic spot to pull over and stare in barefaced awe of the majesty of mother nature and the upscale elegance of the cities that dot this ridiculously pretty part of the California coast.

There’s so much more to do and see but this will get you started, ok?!

What are you waiting for?! Drop everything and head to the Monterey Peninsula today, ok?!?!

-chasertheprince

Two Days in SANTA FE

July 7, 2019 — Leave a comment

First of all, let’s start with this:

I found this incredible sweatshirt-cardigan at a thrift store years ago and have always wanted to wear it in Santa Fe. This cardigan is truly 61% of why Kennady and I went to Santa Fe in the first place, and you’ll see why:

Forgive my hair, it was a mess. But see what I mean? A total Santa Fe cardigan. I saved it for this occasion–legitimately I’ve only worn it twice in the years I’ve owned it.

And let me tell you, Santa Fe bitches loooooved it.

We Air BNB’d a cute little casita with the nicest owners super close to the Plaza so getting around was a breeze! The weather was perfect. We pulled into town late friday night, woke up Saturday morning ready to take on the town.

A couple Santa Fe Musts:

Clafoutis:

Charming French bakery and restaurant!! It’s a popular spot, so be prepared for a wait. It won’t feel like long though, as French phrases fly from the mouths of the owners and insanely delicious looking pastries pass by on trays and in hand. I had a crepe and it was great. just look at it:

Whatever you get, you legit won’t regret it.

Meow Wolf:

So, to be fair, I’m not a spend-all-day-at-the-museum type of person unless it’s a history museum. Meow Wolf is definitely not a history museum so that may give you an indication of where this is going. Don’t get me wrong, it was cool–i just don’t have the patience or the desire to figure out what happened at this place. I would definitely recommend it, but it was definitely different than I imagined.

There are a bunch of cool things to look at, though so that’s always good.

And honestly there’s not a great deal more to do in Santa Fe, so you might as well spend a few hours there.

A Spirits Tour of downtown.

I definitely recommend doing something like this, otherwise you won’t know where to drink or what to have. Our tour in particular began with a quest to meet this girl wearing all black and a grey backpack at the fountain.

She was chill. She had folders prepared for each of us with leaflets on local spirits (like booze not ghosts) and the hot late night spots. Stook us around to these bars and we had the following drinks peppered with light discussion on the rich history of the town:

Low & Slow: (a lowrider bar–lowriders are extremely popular here?) (I had to get clarification on what exactly a low rider was) (not just a jean cut)

we had ‘the last word’ which was like some kind of weird gin drink. We then dove into the first part of our New Mexican history lesson ((I sort of got in trouble with the group when i burst out laughing when she went into describing a conquistador’s ruthless ruling to cut the right foot off of the oldest male child from each family.)) (((i laughed similarly when the Pueblo Revolt came back to bite the spanish in the ass, though I did make a much more concerted effort to tone the laughter down a bit))) ((((Not because I’m heartless, because of the way she phrased it AND the reactions of those in our group who c-l-e-a-r-l-y did not know much about suppressing revolts. it’s not a humane business, people. it’s regrettable, but it’s life)))).

Tonic:

we had the ‘bliss behind your eyes’ and it wasn’t something I’d order again but I drank it because why? I’m a team fuqqing player.

Del Charro:

we had the ‘Silver Coin Margarita’ it was spicy and I was happy. Apparently, margaritas are some sort of specialty in this town, so honestly a margarita crawl would’ve been something a bit more my speed.

Cross of the Martyrs: We then rounded out our stay with a “hike” to the cross of the martyrs which is on a “hill” “overlooking” the city. The hike was paved and took ~7 minutes. The hill did overlook the city. The cross was about 1/6th of the size of Life Church’s in Edmond but you know, they tried!!

We then piled up in the car and said “see ya”.

Overall, I’m happy we stopped through there and I enjoyed the time we spent. If nothing else, Santa Fe is a chill place super easy to navigate. A weekend is the perfect amount of time here, promise.

-chasertheprince

*****I do not own most of the images above, but some of them I do*****

Listen to “NO BAD DAYS” NOW

June 28, 2019 — Video — Leave a comment

-chasertheprince

NO BAD DAYS X CHASERTHEPRINCE

June 24, 2019 — Leave a comment

NO BAD DAYS is officially out on ALL platforms!

I wrote this song a few years ago because I was so fed up where I was with life at the time. Everything seemed so mundane, routine, and every morning felt like a carbon copy of the one previous–coffee, shower, work, class, home. I was having a succession of bad days until one day I decided that the concept of a “bad day” was complete and utter bullshit.

There is absolutely NO such thing as a “bad day”. There are bad moments, for fuqqing sure, but those are fleeting. That’s what’s important to remember. There were moments in that day that were really good–when you saw the sunshine, the taste of coffee, that funny moment in your head, that funny moment you shared with someone you came into contact with, hearing music, seeing and/or talking to a loved one, that exceptionally good avocado toast, etc.

Those moments add up, people! How can you have had a bad day if the bad part was really only a small percentage of the day? Those bad moments, they really fuqqin sucked but it’s up to you to ensure your day isn’t completely ruined by some shitty slivers of your time. Now, I’m not saying you can’t acknowledge the fact that whatever just happened was total shit and sucks, but after you’ve acknowledged it, release it.

Just let those fleeting bad moments fly right on by.

Below are some links to “No Bad Days”, click it, save it, play it, and kiss all those bad vibes goodbye.

Give it a listen, tell me what you think! Create a “good vibes” playlist and add this baby to it and listen every time some shit goes down in your life and remember, there are no bad days, only bad moments.

-chasertheprince

******I own some of the images above and I don’t own the other ones, just FYI******

what to binge 2019

June 17, 2019 — 1 Comment

OK PEOPLE

A WHOLE NEW CROP OF SHOWS EXIST AND I. AM. LIVING. But Sunday May 12th I did die a little because VEEP came to an end. The 7th season reminded viewers that it was nothing short of one of the most fucking hilarious shows ever conceived.

Take a look at what I’ve binged / am currently binging and let me know what your show-of-the-moment is!

–VEEP (HBO GO)- It’s the end of an era, people. To be completely open, honest, and candid: I’m not sure I got the ending I wanted. It made sense I guess but it really left me questioning like, everything.

–Lunatics (Netflix) Chris Lilley is back and funny as fucking ever. His career is serious goals because he created it, wrote it, directed it, composed the theme music for it AND stars in it and he plays all of these funny ass endearing characters. I laughed and cried with Becky, Joyce, and Jana. I eerily identified with Quentin Cook (minus the attitude, the big ass, and I’m actually a good singer). I did have to fast forward through Gavin’s portions of the show, though.

–Special (netflix)- Listen, I love it. The episodes are 15 minutes long making it insanely easy to binge, and truly, it’s a good show. I really actually didn’t hate a single character except maybe the mom’s boyfriend.

–Now Apocalypse (Starz)- It’s bizarre. It’s very sexual. It’s kind of amazing? Definitely a must watch purely for the wtfs that will be flowing from your mouth at every crazy sexy plot twist.

–Santa Clarita Diet (Netflix)- I am d e v e s t a t e d by the cancellation of Santa Clarita Diet because it was so fucking light hearted and funny and I have a thing for Drew Berrymore even though she’s sort of terrible but her hair is a goal of mine. Hopefully Netflix changes its mind because hello at least 65% of their original shows are not even close to good.

-Barry (HBO) I really only started watching Barry because it came on right before Veep and right after Game of Thrones but I actually got into it quite a bit.

-Dead to Me (Netflix) – Binged in two nights, a definite must watch. It’s funny, it’s heartbreaking, it’s vulgar, as one tweet i saw described it: it’s about rich white people destroying each other’s lives by the beach,–it’s everything I love.

-Game of Thrones (HBO) – The final season of the biggest show on television, people! But I will say–the writing is a lil lazy? Not as dramatic as I expected? Not as…idk…convoluted as i expected? barely any nudity??

What / If (Netflix) – I love a good Renee Zellweger piece so i may be a touch biased but i was pretty into this show. Definitely different than I thought it would be and not funny really at all but kind of in the sense that it pretty much seemed like a more polished daytime soap opera most of the time.

I’m Sorry (Netflix) – Obsessed. Typically, shows that air on cable aren’t my total favorite because the vulgarity isn’t up to the level I normally love but I’m Sorry gets it done. I love Andrea Savage as Veep’s president Laura Montez and she just kills as a character loosely based on her real-life persona and Tom Everett Scott as Mike is a perfect foil.

The Other Two (Comedy Central) – Their little brother is famous and they exist. I love it. Is this how literally everyone in my family feels like all the time? 😝

Overthinking With Kat and June (Youtube) – I don’t watch much on YouTube but I tuned into this and I actually really liked it. It’s an easy watch, lighthearted and funny and I love a pretty ginger. AND I FuCkInG LOVED June’s dinosaur outfit are you KIDDING.

Out Of Practice (Prime)- A very ’05 sitcom about a family of doctors just like doing their thing. A typical divorce and lesbian sister and those elements. AND canned laughter. But it’s interesting to see Ty Burrell before becoming Phil Dunphy.

Chernobyl (HBO) – It’s intense. And intensely slow? It’s interesting to learn about (albeit through the lense of artistic liberties) such a crazy event in the history of the world. Like a whole area that’s just like nope, not a chance. So crazy.

Sideswiped (YouTube) – Kind of into it. They introduce each new character with a dating profile so that’s kind of cool. Easy binge, funny, solid show, you know. And they used the real price of a Trenta Iced Coffee from Starbucks so that’s dope.

Blackish (Hulu) – I think it’s hilarious. I love the characters, I love Tracee Ellis Ross, the kids are funny, I’m into it.

Succession (HBO) – I love a good wealthy family drama so it’s not shocking atall that I would like Succession. Each character is dynamic and well developed and they keep the semi been-there-done-that storyline Season two starts in August.

Grace and Frankie (Netflix) – New season alert, bitches. Hilarious as always–if I live that long I hope I have a dope beach house and friends.

Champaign Ill (YouTube) – I got sucked into a vacuum of YouTube originals one day and I really enjoyed Champaign Ill — it was funny and chill and lighthearted.

Black Mirror (Netflix) – Okay I’m not really a Black Mirror fan BUT Miley is in an episode of the newest season so I tuned in for her. I liked it! Weird but good. I ended up watching from that episode to the end of the season and you know, I was less creeped out than I thought I would be for sure.

Big Little Lies (HBO) – SeAsOn tWo MoTHa FUqQEr!! currently airing, it’s good. Meryl screamed! Laura Dern’s character may become likeable?! Big things are happening in the Otter Bay community.

Russian Doll (HBO) – A strangely addictive show–I went through an interesting roller coaster of really enjoying it and then also kind of cringing? You have to be a Natasha Lyonne fan because the whole show revolves around her and her three syllable pronunciation of “cock-a-roach”. The bathroom door in the first episode though is very dope.

The Newsroom (HBO) – I’m currently grappling with how I really feel about this show. Admittedly, I hated the first episode and that kept me at bay for a while but i decided to give it a whirl starting with episode 2 and it seems to have helped. I like the pace of the dialogue but I don’t know that I love the humor? And the concept of it being a fictional tv show about a fictional newsroom reporting factual, real-world news is very interesting.

House Of Cards (HBO) – Two words: Robin. Wright. I will admit that the season had a different pace, a different feel with the absence of Spacey. She does well to fill the vacuum and then some, but it was a weird feeling as a viewer to have watched this woman rise from running a charity like a Fortune 500 small cap huge corporation to the highest office in the land. Listen though, she wears that power well.

Chasing Happiness (Prime) – This. is. hilarious. All the drama of a boy band mixes with the brother aspect mixes with struggles with religion mixes with why did they live in texas and new jersey and like pennsylvania or something mixes with finally, the story of how the Jonas Brothers died the first time.

Guava Island (Prime) – Loved the music; loved the vibe; love every opportunity I get to stare at Rihanna for any given amount of time; it’s a solid watch. I was kind of surprised when it was over because I was like wow so short.

So that’s the newest batch of shit i’m watching!!!! I hope that this list will alleviate some of the ‘oh shit what is there to watch on literally any platform’ thoughts that will be plaguing you when you sit down to chill.

Enjoy!

-chasertheprince

***i do not own any of the above images***