The Perfect Summer Day

Posted on June 23, 2019November 8, 2019 Posted in Life Happenings, SurfingTagged Beach, Life, Nice, Perfect, Saturday, Weather1 Comment

The Perfect summer day

With the summer solstice recently passing and the beautiful days ahead of us in the months of July and August, I thought I’d share my secret recipe for a all killer no filler summer day. You probably could already guess some of the parts, but we are going to break it down from sunrise to sunset, and then some. Buckle up, let’s roll.

7AM

The timing on this one is tentative; if the waves are cooking it could be a little earlier. But factoring in all possible times I could wake up, I would say 7 o clock is the apex. Earlier and you might burn out during the day, and later you are just wasting away the day. While I don’t want to say my ideal summer day requires a hangover (because that sounds like signs of someone with a problem), it is always a little more fun reminiscing on the night before. Let’s say you went out and had a great time, and expected to unexplainably hungover, but came out unscathed and felt great the next morning. (If you are really hungover, check these tips.) Ideally, the next thing before immediately taking a dip would be acquiring some Joe. Most of the time, I make it at home, but if we were talking about the perfect day, I’d pick up an almond milk cappuccino from Vacancy Coffee. Great coffee a stone throw away from where I like to surf. Following after sucking down the nectar, it’s time to take a dip. The perfect situation is pumping toobies in some boardies. On a perfect day, this surf should cure any hangover left.

10AM

Post dip, its time to retreat back home and figure out the rest of the day. I’ll most likely just whip something up from my groceries for a brunch, but on occasion treat myself with something nice (probably a c’est si bon sandwich). After this we could be running it back for a second session if the waves are cooking or planning some sort of other outdoor activity. Most of the time it involves the beach, since it is so beautiful out this time of year. As the food settles, I get my scroll on and if it is Sunday I try and write something decent. On a perfect day, I write something good.

1PM

Now it’s time to hit the beach. While I am open to doing other things, it’s hard to argue against it. Maybe a skate or something we don’t do that often could substitute, but if I had to pick, we are hitting the beach. Ideally I’d be doing something that lets me tan but also not just be lying still, so maybe some bodysurfing or stand up boogie. I can’t think of the last time I went to the beach and didn’t try to catch a session, so boards are always at the camp. Now we just sit back and let the skin sizzle. On a perfect day, I don’t get burned.

4PM

Unless I am just locked at the beach, I either will return home and relax or try to go get a workout in. While it seems like this is a lot for one day, I’d rather always have something to do rather than thinking of things to do. It would definitely be a light workout, but it feels good to get a nice sweat especially if we hit it hard the night before. End it in the sauna and head on home. If no gym time is happening, I might lie in the hammock or rip some Skate 3 to pass the time. On a perfect day, I crush a workout AND have time to play some skate.

7PM

My favorite way to end the day is in the ocean. Nothing like surfing at sunset as the sun descends into the darkness. However, we have had ample beach time already this day, so I’d swap sunset surf with a sunset BBQ. After all this action throughout the day, I am going to need to refuel. While I sometimes just run it solo or with my roommates, I enjoy it most when we have a couple extras and just cook up a storm. Beers are optional, and I usually opt out depending on the amount of alcohol consumed over the weekend. On a perfect day, the chicken doesn’t get too crispy.

10PM

At this point I am either laying in bed on my laptop or fresh out the shower getting ready to start sipping. On a perfect day, I’ll take either option.

Random thoughts regarding desert da(y)ze.

Posted on April 15, 2019November 8, 2019 Posted in Life HappeningsTagged Coachella, Hiphop, Life, Music, RapLeave a comment

It is that time of year again. Thousands flock to the desert in search of good music and a weekend to let loose at. The outfits alone couldn’t even describe the hectic nature of it. Coachella 2019 is halfway over, and I am stepping up to the plate next weekend. The anticipation really didn’t start hitting me until early last week, when I was jamming out at work to potential acts I will see (if everything goes according to plan, which it never does). Oh, the stoke! It really is unlike anything else I have experienced, in so many different ways. That was super cliché. But I digress. What will follow this light introduction are some thoughts I have had stirring in anticipation to the desert days and wildness that will ensue.

…

Sick Sets (Not waves, which look like they will be good when we are dancing in the desert. Sad face.)

The best part about Coachella is how much good music is surrounding you. Last year, some of my favorite band sets were from bands I didn’t know, and ranged along a large spectrum of genres. This year will be no different most likely, but there are definitely some acts I am stoked to cross off my concert bucket list. First and foremost, Kid Cudi, who I have been listening to since my brother was my age and living in Red Bank, NJ. (Shout Preston). Along with him, I will cross Diplo and DJ Sanke off the EDM side of things, along with a slew of other electronic artists I like. I will see my guy Wiz Khalifa for the third time, and am also jazzed about Anderson .Paak since it is following the release of his new Ventura album, which is quite good. Also, Pusha T will be performing, and most likely dishing out those classic Daytona verses.

A True Test In Opportunity Cost

Do I stick with the crew or drift off into the abyss of people to go see someone I like but others may not? This is also a question, since there are so many conflicts and often a lot of people I may like way more than others. Last year I only adventured once solo, for French Montana (while he is one of my favorite artists, the set was sub par). This year, I am going to just go with the flow, but definitely see a couple more sets solo. While it is definitely different being alone than with a mob of 30 people, it is really cool to think you have thousands of others around you all connected because of one person’s music. That was pretty deep. But it’s true!

Great Company

The sheer amount of people that go each year is pretty ridiculous, and it is a great place to reconnect with old friends and also new ones. In a way it is similar to a family reunion, with much of my alma mater (Chapman University) in attendance, it will be awesome to catch up over great tunes, even if it requires yelling the same thing 3 times. I am also staying in a house with some of my closest pals, and will be bringing disposable cameras in the festival and around the house to document all the great moments that will ensure. (Scope this IG post to see a recap of last years. The lesson learned, use the flash since half of my exposure did not turn out.)

Gues(t)sing Game

One of the marquee features of Coachella is the amount of surprise guests that come out during performances. This is often something I think about when weighing out options of who to see. Last year, pedaling back to French Montana, he brought out Ty Dolla, who I had seen before. Kind of a bummer. This year, I am keen to see who comes out with certain acts. I swear the best surprise guests come out when you aren’t at that set. Hopefully this year packs some heavy hitters for on stage guest appearances.

Return to Form

Posted on April 11, 2019April 12, 2020 Posted in Life HappeningsTagged Balance, Life, Return, Time, Work3 Comments

TLDR(if 3 paragraphs is too long): I will be posting weekly on Sunday Nights.

I have not been writing. Not by choice, but by inevitable circumstance I (kind of) cannot control. I work 8-5 Mon-Fri, and then either surf or workout after work, eat, and then take time off and relax. Saturday comes around and I work and surf. So I decided to make Sunday my day to put pen to paper. This has been quite unsuccessful, considering I usually wake up a little hazy, take a dip in the ocean, and then hang at the beach all day. Come nighttime, I am at an all time high of friedness.

But I want to keep writing. Expanding the craft. I should be able to make time for something I like to do and cram it somewhere in between all the other things I like to do. While my life currently is very structured and time is allotted to the same things almost every day, I have much to talk about. Summer is coming around, Coachella is about a week away, and there is plenty going on in between to ensure that some words can be spat out that are at least a little bit meaningful or fun.

So this is my return to form. I will be jotting down words and phrases on Sunday and will try to keep it as consistent as possible. I woke up before the sun came up to pen this peasant piece, sipping a nice cup of joe on my left with a bowl of oats on my right. It feels good to be back. Hopefully I can keep up and stay true to my word(s). Look for a pre-coachella piece this Sunday

Disclaimer: No post 4/21- I will be in the desert dancing.

Sunday Scaries Turned Monday Motivation: The Case for “Working” 7 days a week.

Posted on March 12, 2019November 8, 2019 Posted in Life Happenings, RecommendedTagged Grind, Life, Nipsey, No days off, Seven, Work3 Comments

For most Americans, 9-5 corporate hustles take up the 5 days of the week people refer to as the weekday. We go in and out of the office, and sometimes even get productive before and after entering the building. Whether it is a gym session, surf, good breakfast, or a walk, it feels good to do something before or after work. When Friday hits, corporate America gets hit with two days of open agenda, and with it two nights of no restrictive wake up times. Some people hustle 7 days a week, some people work two jobs. For most, the grind never stops.

When someone hears working 7 days a week, the idea is often gawked at. “Everyone needs a break.” Do they though? Think of an athlete or entrepreneur. There is limited days off. Success is definitely not bred from laziness. Most people have it or they don’t. And it doesn’t even have to be literal work. Work 5 days a week then train hard for something Saturday and Sunday. Work 6 days a week and dedicate a day to the passion or skill you wish to excel at. Work 7 days a week and build that brand or sling your sales to achieve maximum success.

The proof is in the pudding. And the pudding tastes good. No matter how tired you can end up, there is nothing sweeter than knowing a day was spent well. A good night sleep and early bedtime are signals of squeezing all the goodness out of a day. And I am not saying ditch the late nights. Let loose Friday or Saturday (or both). Meet new people. Get a little reckless. Especially while young. Obviously try not to push it, but everyone needs a little vice in his or her life. You just have to promise one thing: this won’t stop me from doing what I planned the next day.

4 New Year’s Resolutions to improve your 2019

Posted on January 8, 2019November 8, 2019 Posted in Life Happenings, Music, ReadingTagged Books, Life, New Year, Reading, Resolution1 Comment

Every New Year, millions of Americans and people all over the earth pledge allegiance to a set of goals or standards for the New Year. While people shouldn’t wait for the calendar to change to adopt better lifestyle choices, I too am found guilty of every new year setting up some aspirations and ways to switch up or spice up the regularity of routine living. Here are 4 things everyone should do this new year to throw a curve ball in your usual daily tasks.

Move at least once a day

Getting the body in motion and being able to get a mind body connection at least once a day is a great way to spice up your daily routine. Just adding something in between that is unlike everything else being done in the day because you are moving makes the mind feel rejuvenated. As an avid surfer and just as avid gym goer, this is essential to every day of my life. I find just as much joy in both and sometimes do both in one day. While everyone doesn’t have time in their day for an hour gym session or 2-hour surf, everyone can carve out at least 30 minutes in the day to get up and shake those limbs. Walking, going on a bike ride, and just about any other outdoor activity will make you feel refreshed and also lets you take in your surroundings distraction free.

Pick up a new hobby

Most people have at least one or two things they are passionate about. It could be a sport, an instrument, a TV series, writing, drawing, the possibilities are endless. Sometimes we find ourselves so stuck to the normal and forget to broaden our interests with things that can take you out of your comfort zone. Switch it up. Become a novice at something this year and become more and more accustomed to it as the year goes on, gaining skill as well. You will most likely meet more people with the same interests that you can bond over, and also can give you a moment of clarity and a fun learning curve.

Hobbies queued up for 2019.

Expand your music taste

The soundtrack of my 2018 was definitely hip-hop. With the large amounts of music released every Friday, it definitely consumed my playlists and listening time. In 2019, I aim to switch it up and dive into some different genres. I’ve curated some playlists for reggae, slow/alt rock, and music that brings me back to my younger years. If you don’t listen to music as often, start 2019 listening to critically acclaimed albums of 2018 and try and add music to activities where it can be applied. With festival season approaching and the Coachella lineup released, it is a good time to get familiar with artists you might not have ever listened to.

James Giordano

Tag: Life