Sunday June 30 2013

Broccoli House. Brock Davis.[i]

☼ ○ ▬

A man with hidden malicious intent is delegated a youth leader for a class of students. I'm one of them. He assigns everyone to write an essay but I don't have an idea for a prompt. As I ride an electric scooter down the street I consider using a question to start off the paper: What if oil and water did mix? I would build on the answer and find symbolism with the current state of political affairs. Eventually, I get lost in a neighborhood with an intricate system of walking paths. The tree roots protrude through cracks in the asphalt making it difficult for me to get by on my scooter. I pass five Mexicans napping on lawn chairs in somebody's yard. The scooter gives out and I'm forced to walk with it. I find a well-shaded boardwalk next to a harbor where other people have come to relax, drink a coffee, or read a book. I situate myself on a bench but fear some of the nearby street kids might try to rob me. 

▬ ○ ☼


Waking up at 11ish a.m.


White Peaches.


All day shift at China Wok.


Ahhh. I love cloudy days like this. No rain. No sun. Just nice.


Banana.


A guy in his early 50's orders for carryout: sweet and sour shrimp, crab rangoon, and the Chinese donuts. I recognize his lazy voice from the countless times he's ordered before. He had requested no sugar on the donuts. He arrives. He's a funny sounding man but very jovial. When making sure Ling doesn't add the sugar he comments, "I'm Pennsylvania Dutch, so..."

All his items were fried so I comment, "But you still gotta worry about all that oil."

Man: "Yeah we don't worry about cholesterol."

He smiles real big and chuckles.


Lentil Wrap with Tomatoes, Onions, and Hummus. French Fries. Honey Green Tea.


At one point I get very frustrated with my boss. Sometimes when being the only driver I lose orders to deliver because they're either in a different direction or I won't be able to deliver them on time. She'll send Ming, one of the cooks, out to drive. In this particular case it was unreasonable because I had just gotten back from a 20-minute run and maybe two minutes before I arrive she sent Ming out with two hefty orders that I know would've tipped me well. I speak my mind and let her know how I feel. I'm supposed to be the driver. I'm fast. I'm good at what I do. I can successfully deliver orders on time.

Me: "I don't need help, Cecily!"

I've always had trouble defining the line between humility and standing up for one's self.


The day moves on.


Vegetable Lo Mein.


Off work.


When I get out of the shower Ana is here. We suit up in jogging attire and go for a walk/run around the neighborhood. We perspire greatly. Eventually, we end up at the Friend's School, climbing around on the playground and rocking on the swings as we sing the "All I Have to Do is Dream" song acapella. We find a tree house structure and hop inside. It's very dark and shadowy with faint outdoor lighting from the house nearby. Our faces connect – we kiss and fondle each other's bodies – we become tree house lovers. Once again, like the magic bus experience, there's subtle role playing – pretending there are kids playing around in the sandbox but they can't see us nor do they know what we're doing. It's a secret but it's a thrill to know that at any moment someone could discover our sexual act.

Me: "Well, we did it in the bus over there. Now we had sex in the tree house. What's next?"

[Heh-heh]


Back at the house.

Sharing bowls of Honey Bunches of Oats with Milk. Then, lounging in the bed watching the first half of Midnight Cowboy (1969).


[i] Broccoli Tree House. Brock Davis.

Saturday June 29 2013

Buddy Holly and the Crickets[i]

Around 7:20 a.m. Ana is required to wake up and go to work. She takes a few seconds out of her rushing to get ready business to comfort me with a kiss and a bye. She makes it a point every time she spends the night and has to get up earlier than I.


Waking up for real at 11:05 a.m.


Cinnamon Raisin Bagel with Cream Cheese. Orange Juice.


All day shift at China Wok.


Ana shoots me a few after-thought texts from last night. I like that she does this a lot.

"Last night was a lot of fun. At The Iguana, I felt like I could see how you were performing your heart out. Even though I was sitting far away, I could feel how important it was to you. It made me melt a little and feel warm inside. You were in your zone, and you had our full attention. There wasn't much chatter while you performed. I enjoyed every single one of your songs, but  I wasn't going to tell you then and there because I didn't want to feel like smothering you. Thank you for letting me accompany you with your friends at Rick's. Singing with you in the car was an experience you know I'd like to have more of with you! ;) send me some of those songs please! I want to sing them! And thank you for sharing The Details with me. :) :)"


Strawberries.


Lentil Wrap with Tomatoes, Onions, and Hummus. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Honey Green Tea.


The day continues in a steady flow of orders. I crank up the oldies jams and let the melodies turn me all dreamy and haunted. I entertain the idea of learning an arsenal of songs from the 50's and 60's to perform at clubs and restaurants at the beach. I don't think it'd be hard for me. This kind of music has always touched me in a special innocent way ever since my dad introduced me to it.


Peach Greek Yogurt.


Fried Shrimp with Broccoli, Onions, Carrots, and Rice in Garlic Sauce.




Off work.

Vegging out.


A bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats with Milk.


Sleep 4 a.m.


[i] Buddy Holly and The Crickets.

Friday June 28 2013

The Details Poster.[i]

☼ ○ ▬

I'm lying back in the grass next to a swing set. This park in Emerald Point I've visited many times when I was kid. It doesn't feel like I'm dreaming. I'm the same age I would be in waking life. Sitting there listening to a girl talk to herself while she swings. I take note of every word she says and attempt to jot it down in my phone so I can quote it later in the blog.

▬ ○ ☼


Waking up around 2 p.m.


Sesame Bagel with Cream Cheese and Apple Butter. Orange Juice.


Cleaning up the back patio debris. Laron lends a hand.

Me: "You gotta do this every now and then."


Lentil Wrap with Tomatoes, Onions, and Hummus. French Fries. Honey Green Tea.


Kevin arrives home from work. He cleans up and hops into my car. I'm playing a Musicplayer show at The Iguana in Norfolk. Of course, Kevin will be assisting me with violin on that no-word song. It's not a heavy crowd whatsoever, maybe 10 or 15 people throughout the night. A teenager acoustic duo performs first, then Karen Estrella of Thanks, then me, then Saintseneca, a lively acoustic dreamy folk/pop band from Ohio.

...

Sharing with Ana the most delicious Veggie Burger I've ever had, with French Fries and a Bud Light.

...

Driving back to Virginia Beach while talking with Kevin about the pretension that comes naturally sometimes with lead singers.


Gathered at Rick's Café with Elliott, Ana, and Dylan Gilbert & band mates. They just played their own show at The Shaq. Sipping on Decaf and sharing Pancakes with Ana. Conversation and jokes abound over that protective cup baseball players have to wear. We start the "OlympRick's!" which consists of various table games like flipping the creamer cups or flicking the jelly cups into water glasses.


Back home.

Ana got me this old school calculator with a printing mechanism. I mentioned how I wanted one handy on my computer desk to calculate rent. She's the sweetest.


Cuddling in the bed with Ana and watching The Details (2011).


[i] The Details movie poster.

Thursday June 27 2013

Michael Jordan. Image source unknown.[i]

Waking up shortly after 1 p.m.


A bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats with Milk.


Watching NBA videos on Youtube.


Running errands: replacing a mirror for this wall frame I've had for years with plans to sell it next week, mailing some things off at the post office, and thrift store browsing.


Lentil Wrap with Onions and Tomatoes. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Lemon Water.

Watching Touching Home (2008).


Bamm Bamm practice at the storage unit with Josiah and Josh.


Quinoa and Brown Rice Mix with an Egg, Broccoli, and Mixed Vegetables.


Back to the unit to work on a set I'll be performing tomorrow for a show.


Home.

Dried Apricots. Red Tea with Honey.


A very systematic and blah kind of day.


Sleep around 5 a.m.


[i] Michael Jordan. Image source unknown.

Wednesday June 26 2013

1435 Hobbits (June 26 2013)[i]

☼ ○ ▬

Driving down the street I spot a gang of pre-teen hoodlums. One of them I notice is riding my mountain bike with the license plates between the spokes. I try to follow and end up hitting the backend of somebody's bike in the process. It's understood there's an older man recruiting kids like these and teaching them to be gangsters, doing things like stealing bikes. I file a lawsuit over the bike and the whole gangster conspiracy. In court I battle with their lawyer. Turns out it's only a small claims case and I'm getting sued $300 for hitting that kid's bike. If I win though I expose the underground pre-teen gangster kids. Oprah Winfrey is the judge. I end up winning the case. Oprah jumps off the pedestal and slips up her dress showing the crowd her underwear. Then she strips down and marches over to me. The crowd is in shock and litter the air with flashes from their cameras. Oprah stands there offering me something out of her hand as a congratulations gift.

▬ ○ ☼


Waking up at about 1 p.m.


Honey Bunches of Oats with Milk. Peaches.


Running errands with Anthony. Hot as balls outside.


Slurping up Watermelon and having a Skype meeting with Danny and Anthony about the movie we're gonna shoot.


Leslie drops by. We haven't really kept in touch much. There's a lot to catch up on. I drive us over to Thai Arroy on Birdneck for an A/C equipped place to chat. I order Thai Tea and Spring Rolls. She explains to me some of the dramatic run-ins with her ex-boyfriend. She's going through a tough transitory period in her life.


On the basketball courts. It's terribly windy causing me to change the direction of my shot aim. Leslie sits on the roof of her car while I shoot around.


There's lively commotion at the house throughout the evening because part of the gang is hitting the road tonight to travel across the country, hang out in California and such, maybe drift down into Mexico.


Practicing songs at the storage unit.


I get back home just in time when Ana arrives. There she is squatting on the ground next to her car door gathering all her baking supplies.

"Hey you need some help there ma'am?"

She makes that infamous smile of hers that I adore.

...

In the kitchen. While she handles baking the pumpkin muffins I prepare some dinner: Japanese Style Fried Rice with Broccoli. Sipping on a Miller High Life.

...

Ana starts asking where certain utensils and things are in the kitchen.

I reply, "Just use your womanly wits! Or intuition I should say."

...

Laron is walking around like a zombie, kind of sleepwalking I guess. But then he snaps out of it and describes a dream he just had, "I had this dream...I was with five people and we were walking through the woods. And it was getting creepier and creepier. There were all these creatures with white eyes and weird looking arms. So we kept going and going. Then I opened my eyes. All I knew is that I got home safely but everyone else didn't."

...

While indulging in the powdery Pumpkin Muffins the three of us strike up a conversation about religion and fundamentalism.


Later upstairs in my bedroom settling down in the bed, cuddling with Ana, keeping ourselves awake with conversation and sex.


[i] Image by me.

Tuesday June 25 2013

Drawing by Eibatova Karina.[i]

☼ ○ ▬

I have the power to morph a heavy rock into something lighter and more manageable. It's understood this rock is the entity of an important person in my life, maybe a spirit that directs my life path. Riding in the backseat of a car, Elisa Comer and another familiar girl in the front. I attempt to use my mind to make the car hover above ground in order to skip all the traffic. It works and so we go...

▬ ○ ☼


Waking shortly after 12:30 p.m.


Blueberry Bagel with Cream Cheese. Orange Juice.


Errands.


It's absolute hell on earth outside. This kind of heat makes people miserable, not peppy.


A bowl of cereal: Honey Bunches of Oats with Milk.


Shooting some hoops on the Lynnhaven Middle School courts. The gnats are plentiful.


Tilapia, Mushrooms, Onions, Carrots, and Potatoes.

Watching In Our Nature (2012).


Spending a few hours at the storage unit practicing music.


Back home.

Snacking on Popcorn and Peaches. Sipping on a Pomegranate Raspberry Michelob Beer.

Finishing the movie.


Sleep at some late hour.


[i] Drawing by Eibatova Karina.

Monday June 24 2013

Carine Brancowitz.[i]

Waking up at 11:10 a.m.


Peaches, Strawberries, and Banana Smoothie from Tropical Smoothie.


All day shift at China Wok.


Everything Bagel with Peanut Butter. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Honey Green Tea.


My eyes tend to wander while driving around the city, especially in the summertime, when eye candy is rampant along the sidewalk, most anywhere I turn. I can't help that females visually stimulate me. It's in my nature. It's okay to admire from afar.


On 57th Street where all those summer duplexes are. I pull up in front of an apartment but there seems to be an error on my ticket so I call the customer. Meanwhile, a short girl with a lit up face, a ponytail, and a small guitar strapped to her back is stepping out a front door to another apartment. She smiles at me as if we might know each other but we don't. She goes back inside. I walk over a few houses down to deliver the food. When I return to my car she comes out again and with that same smile.

Her: "Is that a Taurus?"

I pause to organize all the coin change the customer just handed me. I guess she's admiring the purple paint job.

"No. It's a Toyota...Camry," I reply.

Her: "I like it."

Me: "Thanks."

She paces onward through the grass but looks back and smiles once more. There was an energy happening I could've done something about, a movie-like scene that was missing a script. But I guess that little moment was only meant for that time and place – a missed connection that was meant to stay a missed connection. I like that.


Having to drive deep into Kings Grant, on Sir George Circle. I've already had to drive hella far with my other orders. This girl tips me $2. I've been getting this caliber of tips most of the day. Frustrated I talk to myself in the car as I drive off...

"Why do people think two dollars is a good tip? It's not ideal at all! It's mediocre, and one step away from being a shitty tip."


This heat is making me miserable.


Delivering an order to Latitudes Apartments. An attractive girl with dirty blonde hair, a jean skirt, and adorned with silver bracelets is standing near the front door of the apartment I'm supposed to deliver to. She's busying herself on the phone. The door is open.

"Do you live here?" I ask.

Girl: "Oh no. I'm just waiting for someone."

I announce through the door to an older man sitting in a recliner that I've got Chinese food. He comes over to settle up with me. Meanwhile, a tall muscular young white dude hastily demands the girl to come in.

"Get the fuck in here already!" he scolds and yells. "You're fucking frustrating me!"

The girl snickers, obviously a little embarrassed, a defense mechanism I suppose. His anger blindsided all of us except the older man I assume to be his father. This girl must be seeing the guy. I can't imagine that it's a sister-brother relationship. But God, what could she have possibly done to warrant such hostile words?


The night is dwindling. I can't wait for this day to end. It's a tad bit busier than usual for a Monday. The second driver, Cliff, even had to stay until 10 o'clock.


Home.

Egg Fried Rice with Mixed Vegetables.


James and Laron waltz into the house, and just in time cause I need help scooping up a free couch I found earlier tonight. It's a yellow old school one with a pullout bed. I grab James and we use every ounce of muscle we have to lug it from Wolfsnare to here, with my car of course. I snag some bagels from the dumpster too. We retire the gray couch and put in the new one. I didn't have it in me to replace the red couch, which has been with us for almost 4 years.


Sleep 4 a.m.


[i] Carine Brancowitz.

Sunday June 23 2013

The Cavalier (1927)[i]

I wake up with enough time to shower and prepare for the day. Ana dresses herself in a content attitude.

Her: "Usually I'm grumpy in the morning. I don’t know why I'm not right now."

Me: "That's cause we don't hate each other yet."

Ana: "Do you think we will?"

Me: "No."


Sharing fresh Mango. Coconut Water.


All day shift at China Wok.


Lots of tasks to complete today like prepping the bags, bagging the fried noodles, stocking the sodas.


Cinnamon Raisin Bagel with Cream Cheese. Honey Green Tea.


Deliveries pick up after 5.


Salt n Vinegar Chips. Peach Greek Yogurt.


Getting lost in nostalgic thought fueled by oldies jams, but not personal nostalgia, something on a more grand scale. I've got a few deliveries past 40th Street on the north end. The old Cavalier hotel still sits there in all its historic glory. While waiting at the stoplight right there on Atlantic Avenue I gaze up at the bell tower pondering what it must've been like almost one hundred years ago when it was first built. I can imagine back in the 1920's some kid daydreaming about the future. And here it is. It's the future to this kid. Here I am in that future he daydreamed up. It really hits me, the weight of time and how much of it has passed and how much has changed. I wonder how long that ancient building will survive. I hope forever.


Finally off work at 10:30 p.m.


Fried Shrimp with Broccoli, Carrots, Onions, and Rice in Garlic Sauce.

Watching At Close Range (1986).


Plucking on the guitar learning some oldie tunes, mostly The Crickets.


Sleep 4 a.m.


[i] The Cavalier (1927).

Saturday June 22 2013

Diego Gravinese.[i]

Waking up late five minutes before I have to be at work.


Everything Bagel with Cream Cheese. Orange Juice.


All day shift at China Wok.


White Peach.


Hot as ever.


Five Guy's French Fries with Ketchup. Honey Green Tea.


The day continues, business picking up dramatically into the night.


I'm lost in burdensome thought while driving around Hilltop. Whenever there's bad blood in the air I just can't move it out of my mental landscape until it's resolved. I hate when it exists and there's nothing I can do about it. I'm just waiting for resolve on the other end.


At a stoplight. A little girl from a car next to me sees the China Wok signs on my window and yells out, "Give me some sushi!!!"

The mother immediately corrects her, "They don't have that in China!"

She corrects herself, "I want waffles!"

I just crank up the stereo and drown that noise out.


Strawberry Greek Yogurt.


Finally off work around 11 p.m.

Broccoli, Snow Peas, Onions, Carrots, and Rice in Brown Sauce.


I get inspired to clean the countertops and the stovetop in the kitchen. Ana arrives on the scene with baking supplies again. She makes chocolate cupcakes while Kevin prepares his salads for tomorrow. I take a jog around the neighborhood to rev up the blood flow and burn some calories.

...

Earlier Kevin asked to borrow a capful of my olive oil. I look down at the pan and see that he added butter too.

Me: "Dude! You're using olive oil AND butter? Why?"

Kevin: "What? They go together like oil and water."

Me: "They don't go together, oil and water. What a waste of intellect."

...

I let myself go after all that pent up aggression and take it out on Kevin, in a mostly sarcastic attitude, criticizing him about the way he washes dishes.


Later, upstairs in my bedroom...

Lounging in the computer chair while Ana leans into my chest. I let her long black hair drape over my left arm. It's like seaweed when it gets caught on the limbs of your body after surfacing from the ocean. Our desirability for each other kicks in. Ecstasy on the chair. Agony, then ecstasy. That was how my day progressed.




I lie down next to the sleeping Ana. Before I even attempt to sleep she rustles up next to me, her naked limbs attaching and interlocking to me. More ecstasy is in order. No lights this time. Seeing with our hands. Only faint images of our bodies moving in the dark.
With heavy breaths I plead, "We have...to stop...at some point."


[i] Diego Gravinese.

Friday June 21 2013

the SOUL is in the KITCHEN (Wolves Den House Show)[i]

Waking up just before 2 p.m.


Blueberry Bagel with Butter and Apple Butter. Orange Juice.


Running errands.


Pad Thai Noodles.


To Norfolk. Meeting up with Anthony, Kelley, and Ana at The Naro for the 7 o'clock showing of Before Midnight (2013). I'm ten minutes late. I can't stand being late for a movie. This film is the third installment of a somewhat hyper realistic love story.

Me: "Well done, Linklater. Well done."

...

Afterwards, Ana and I walk down Colley Avenue. I notice a particular bounciness in her personality, as per usual with that big bashful smile on her face hiding behind her big black canvas of hair. Her keys are hanging from her bag and jingle with every step. I joke about how it reminds me of a cat with a bell collar.

Me: "That's you!"

She impersonates a cat by bobbing her head back and forth and says, "Hey I'm coming over to ya!"

[Ha-ha-ha]

We end up inside a Vietnamese restaurant for dinner. Sharing Spring Rolls and Ginger Sautéed Chicken with Rice.

...

Then, onward to the house show at the Wolves Den, a.k.a. Ben's house. Squeezed in the kitchen like sardines in a can, sweat stains develop on clothing, beers are chugged, and feet shuffle along the wooden floor. The line-up is Palindrome (John Flower's band), You're Jovian, Bamm Bamm, and Sink Tapes (from Jersey). With hardly an inch to spare I strap on the bass and vibrate the strings to the rock n roll tunes of Bamm Bamm. Outside people mingle and hang around on the porch. Some friendly neighborhood black dude with a blue pimped out Monte Carlo is blasting rock radio with his subwoofers mounted on the trunk. The whole scene everywhere is chaotic and comical. It's just another show that's come and gone.


the SOUL is in the KITCHEN (Wolves Den House Show)

the SOUL is in the KITCHEN (Wolves Den House Show)

the SOUL is in the KITCHEN (Wolves Den House Show)

the SOUL is in the KITCHEN (Wolves Den House Show)

the SOUL is in the KITCHEN (Wolves Den House Show)

the SOUL is in the KITCHEN (Wolves Den House Show)

the SOUL is in the KITCHEN (Wolves Den House Show)

the SOUL is in the KITCHEN (Wolves Den House Show)


Ana texts me after I get home, "I felt very comfortable with you today. That may explain the extra bounces in my movement. :)"


Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Uploading photos from the show.


Sleep 5 a.m.


[i] All image by me.

Thursday June 20 2013

Godzilla in the Clouds.[i]

☼ ○ ▬

It's about 20 years into the future. It's been discovered that Godzilla is not a myth or a made-up monster. He lives and breathes on the shores of a big city in Japan. They've recruited masses of people to deal with the situation. I'm one of them. Strolling through the subway system I'm told to take the Jamaica station to get there. While waiting in line behind an intricate system of automatic barriers I have a hyper realistic moment. I suddenly realize what I'm doing and where I am. And it’s hard to believe. I hop on the train. Then I'm there in the Japanese city witnessing a monstrous giant roar down below near the shoreline. Most of us are safe up here high in the cliffs. There's really nothing we can do.

▬ ○ ☼


Waking up around 1:45 p.m.


Cinnamon Raisin Bagel with Cream Cheese. Orange Juice.


Tweaking. Cleaning.


Egg Wrap with Hummus and Tomatoes. Honey Green Tea. White Peach.


As I'm preparing to ride my bike to the 17th Street shop so I can pick up my car James walks in. He brought his new road bike and offers to ride with me. We take the scenic route.


At the storage unit with Josiah and Josh rehearsing Bamm Bamm songs. We've got a house show tomorrow in Norfolk. When we roll up the garage door for a smoke/air break one of our unit neighbors takes up a seat and joins us. He goes by the name of R.L., he's missing a pinkie on his right hand, and he's hopped up on some kind of drugs and alcohol the kind of guy Kenneth probably knows, which come to find out Kenneth does know him quite well.

He looks over at Josiah and says outright, "Looks like you got some pussy and gained some weight! That's what it does to ya!"

...

In his raspy country street accent R.L. keeps saying, "I know I'm a nuisance. But do y'all mind if I listen?"

He sits on the futon while we practice and after every song he has some kind of numb-headed suggestion about this or that. It's a nuisance. So we escape to the Wawa for snacks and beer. Not too long after we arrive back from the gas station another wild face with the same off-kilter caliber walks in unannounced. It's Kenneth! He looks the same as I remembered him, with tons of gadgets and flair. Around his neck is a metal chain and handcuffs made into a necklace medallion. He takes a seat and watches us practice. Then, R.L. piles in with his black dog. We're just one big happy family.

...

Afterwards, we're packing up and chillin' outside. While R.L. educates Josh on the real history of Forrest Gump, Kenneth stands there with his bike offering words of encouragement, as he usually did so well back in the day at 1623.

Him: "I'm so proud of you dudes."

Then he quotes a Psalm, the one that mentions precious oils running down Aaron's beard. I laugh inside because this is the subject of a lot of the jokes between my housemates and I in regards to him, but in reality Kenneth is a respectable character with a good heart just trying to get by with the little he has.


Back home.

Roasted Eggplant and Tempeh with Mixed Vegetables and Rice.


Watching some game highlights from the NBA finals and eating some leftover Chocolate Cupcakes with Coconut Water.


Playing Unreal.


Sleep 5 a.m.


[i] Godzilla in the Clouds.

Wednesday June 19 2013

Kelly Thompson.[i]

Waking up just before 2 p.m.


Cinnamon Raisin Bagel with Cream Cheese. Orange Juice.


Attempting to mark off things on my to-do list.


Coffee.


Lentil Wrap with Sprouts, Tomatoes, and Hummus. Potato Chip Trio. Honey Green Tea. Banana.

Watching What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993).


I get called into China Wok for one hour. Leaving with $25. Not complaining. Before I head home I shoot some hoops on the Lynnhaven Middle School courts, as was my plan yesterday.

...

Quick stop at Kroger for a few groceries. On my route there I get pulled over for disregarding a stop sign. Bummer. I wasn't even going to go to the grocery store and re-routed myself around Donna Blvd. Little did I know a cop was on watch by the stop sign at Donna and Village. I tried pulling the Hey I'm in a hurry on the clock at China Wok card but it doesn't work. The respectful officer says, "Well you can use me as an excuse for being late now." Ugh.


Tilapia with Mixed Vegetables and Rice. Miller High Life.

Watching Blue Like Jazz (2012).


I head to the storage unit to practice and polish up some piano songs. After an hour Ana shows up and we sing together some of the cover songs we've been practicing. Eventually we'll be comfortable enough to perform. After we wear out our vocal cords she reclines on the futon. I hop on top of her. She persistently turns and hides her face while I attempt to kiss her. At one point we accidentally knock heads. Laughing at the clumsiness of the moment.


Back at the house. It's past 2 a.m. and not a sound from anywhere, nobody stirring except us. She brought over supplies to bake Chocolate Cupcakes using coconut milk and apple cider vinegar. I prepare a moist peanut butter crumble of sorts to spread on top of them. They turn out splendid, just splendid.

Me: "Wow. These are amazing. There's a hotness to them, a strong chocolatey flavor."

To the sounds of the 1920's we delight in our baked prizes.


Upstairs in my room we settle down in the bed. In the middle of explaining something I interrupt and immediately start planting kisses on her mouth. And thus begins a much needed sex session. I love being inside and surrendering in these moments.

...

Afterwards she lies down near the wall.

Me: "I love watching your naked body amongst the bed sheets."

We cuddle and interlock our legs until we fall asleep.


[i] Kelly Thompson.

Tuesday June 18 2013

Black Shadow Rockabilly Gang.[i]

Waking up just before 2 p.m.


Everything Bagel with Cream Cheese. Orange Juice.


Errands: Mailing my step-dad a letter of gratitude. Thrift store visit with Elliott. Groceries.


At the house Kofi cooks up Portobello Mushroom Ravioli and Eggplant. I have a little plate with Honey Green Tea.


It's been cloudy all day and it starts to get misty in the air. Not having really played basketball I'm determined to go shoot. So I grab the ball and drive up to the courts by Mill Dam. As I approach the intersection of First Colonial and Old Donation the light turns yellow. Thinking I could make it in time I speed up and pass under the light as it flickers red. Just as I pull into the parking lot for the basketball courts I see a car pull up behind and park next to me. A man in his late 40's gets out and immediately reprimands me for the stunt I pulled running that red light. A little blindsided I first react with a passive apology and accept the fault. But he continues on this rant like he's my dad, "If you were my kid blah blah blah..." Then it becomes apparent that he's treating me like a juvenile, like I'm just some dumb teenager being reckless on the road. It turns sour real quick. I'm offended and use profanities back at him. He gets on the phone and calls the cops attempting to report a citizen's arrest or some nonsense.

Me: "This is fucking ridiculous. I'm outta here!"

After reciting my tags to the person on the phone he narrates, "Now he's taking off." and then yells out to me, "They're coming after you!"

Are you serious right now? Who does this guy think he is? I'm a reasonable guy but under those circumstances I wasn't about to be treated like a kid. I do know that if I stayed and continued to talk with him I might've presented a more apologetic attitude and we could've settled the matter civilly. But the fact that he decided to involve the cops over the issue just repulsed me. The courts were wet and I couldn't have played basketball anyway.


Back home.

Chores. Trimming beard and stache'.


Chicken Wrap with Mushrooms, Carrots, Kale, Bean Sprouts, and Hummus. Strawberry Greek Yogurt Smoothie.


It's a bike gang night out with the boys. The rain's subsided leaving the air smelling fresh and crisp. Rolling 7 deep with Kofi, Kevin, Mike Fry, Richie, Skippy, and James. We lose Kofi somewhere along Birdneck Road. He's not used to the 20+ mile-an-hour pace. We continue as 6. Somewhere along the strip at the oceanfront Skippy's chain breaks loose. It's unfixable at the moment. Pit stop at Elliott's garage to switch it out for a beach cruiser. Onward we ride, zipping along the boardwalk, hyping up the atmosphere with playful heckles at the passerby's.

...

At the BP gas station I purchase some snacks: Crab Chips and Peanut Butter Crackers.


Finally the bike adventure is over and we all make it back home in one piece.


Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Watching What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993).


Engaging in countless rounds of Unreal deathmatch and capture the flag.


[i] Black Shadow Rockabilly Gang.

Monday June 17 2013

Keiichi Tanaami.[i]

Waking up at 11:07 a.m.


Cinnamon Raisin Bagel with Cream Cheese. Orange Juice.


All day shift at China Wok.


Slow Monday.


Egg Sandwich on Naan Bread with Hummus and Tomato. Potato Chip Trio. Honey Green Tea (God, I love this cold brew. I feel like I'll never fall out of love).


Catching up on writing.


Greek Vanilla Yogurt with Strawberries.


Introspective thoughts with Ana through Facebook. She's very connected and aware of the etiquette people should have in relationships. Apart from the minor insecurities she has dealing with her confidence, she's filled with so much positive energy. And I absolutely love it. It's a different experience than I 'm used to compared to some of the previous romantic relationships in my life that harbored such negative energies.

...

Her: "I want to share positivity to everyone. Negativity leaves this heavy weight on our minds. Negative thoughts take up unnecessary space."

...

Her: "I love this edification! Being able to experience the whole spectrum of stimulation with you is exactly what I want. I have no complaints whatsoever."


Slow business continues into dinnertime.


Vegetable Lo Mein.


Off work and home.

Watching a documentary called Waiting for Lightning (2012) about a pro skater jumping The Great Wall.

Danish Pancakes with Sweet & Sour Sauce. Milk.


Going for a night bike ride and shooting a little hoops at the Friends School.


Popcorn.


Sleep 5 a.m.


[i] Keiichi Tanaami.

Sunday June 16 2013

Before Sunrise.[i]

Waking up at 11:15 a.m.


Ezekiel 4:9 Sesame Toast with Apple Butter. Orange Juice.


All day shift at China Wok.


Peach. Five Guys French Fries with Ketchup. Honey Oolong Tea.


Just another typical day on the job.


Experiencing an insane thirst.


Tropical Flavored Coconut Water.


Finally off work.


Eating Hot and Sour Soup with Broccoli and Rice.


Ana kindly bought me a six-pack of Miller High Life. I needed this kind of bubbly liquid after such a hardworking day. We have a few plans for the night but first we have to drop Darren and Devon off at the China bus by Rick's Café. They'll be in New York for four days.

...

At home we spend a little time in Darren's room practicing songs together. "All I Have to Do is Dream". "Proud Mary". "Fell in Love with a Girl". All the while Jupiter runs around the room hunting and chasing down any hint of what he thinks might be a bug. Ana is a tad bit lacking in confidence but I keep telling her there's nothing to fear. She's musically inclined enough to be able to trust her musical instincts. I love her voice.

...

Sharing bowls of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal in the kitchen.

...

Then, settling down in the bed to watch Before Sunset (2004).

Me: "You're so lucky. You get to watch all three of these films in a one-week time span. Imagine being around in 1995 watching the first film and having to wait nine years to continue the story."

And then of course we'll be seeing the third and final installment later this week (nine years from 2004).


Before we go to sleep I ask Ana what time I should set the alarm for.

Me: "How's 7:15?"

Ana: "No. 7:10."

Me: "Wait. Why not five minutes later?"

Ana: "Every minute matters!"

Me: "Haha. I like that you didn't say every second counts. Minute matters is better."

Ana: "I like the alliteration."


[i] From Before Sunrise (1995).

Saturday June 15 2013

Kelley's NiGhT cLuB[i]

☼ ○ ▬

I've been drafted into a military force representing the country. A foreign counter-force is lined up to attack the city. It's in the near future. We're using these floating transporters to press forward in between skyscrapers. I scramble to attach time bombs to select balconies that way when the enemy comes by it surprises them. There's just not enough time. They're already pushing through the front lines. I decrease altitude as fast as I can and dip into the building on the first floor where a mall is located. It's almost like a video game now. I'm safe under this particular awning but as the enemy hovers over the building I'm supposed to aim my hands and shoot invisible photons at their ships. But for some reason I've ran out of juice. The photo energy has no punch. It does nothing. I wait until the coast is clear then climb up and join the chaos of people. It's understood the foreign enemy has seized the city by now. But there's a small bunch of people that are piling into train cars in preparation to escape. I'm wearing a hoodie jacket that covers up my military uniform. I hop into the last crowded car. But the enemy's troops are searching each car and discover who I am. They take me into custody. I finally get a close up view of who these infamous foreigners are. Their skin color is dark and brown, almost like a Somolian. 

I ask one of them, "Where are you guys from anyway?"

With a gun in hand he grins with pride and answers, "The Baltic."

▬ ○ ☼


Alarm goes off at 11:04 a.m.


Blueberry Bagel with Cream Cheese. Orange Juice.


All day shift at China Wok.


Every week or so I like to send Ana a text reminder, "Hey. I still like you a whole lot."

She replies, "I STILL like you a lot tooooooo! I don't have any complaints about your personality.  You're always oh so sweet to me, and I obviously find it hard to let go whenever I have to leave.. Like in the morning when I go to work or whenever i have to go. Thank you for sharing your food with me last night bytheway. I can't remember if I said thank you, so I want to make sure I did! If I ever change my feelings( which I honestly don't see myself doing because I already like you and when I decide I like something or someone then I don't really change my mind about it.)I would tell you! But you know this!  It is nice to get reassurance though."


It's one of those days where you jet off to deliver an order and when you return another order is ready. And so the ballad goes on all day, one order at a time. It's a trick that makes you think it's a busy day when in actuality I'm just driving more and not reaping the great tip benefits I usually would.


God, and this sun is killing me. I hide in despair under the checkered towel while I drive to avoid sunburn.


Night falls.


While delivering to Suhtai Court for the fourth time I discover the Pizza Hut delivery man is here. I see him all the time on the road as I'm sure he notices me too. We've never had a conversation. Having a little delivery-camaraderie. He complains about the dangerous potholes in this neighborhood that we always have to avoid. As I walk off to deliver my order he comments, "Hopefully you don't encounter an entitlement mentality."


Off work and home.

Fried Chicken with Broccoli, Onions, Carrots, and Rice in Garlic Sauce.

Watching The Gift (2000).


I take a peek in Kelley's bedroom to find a small crowd of people throwing a RAGER. I hang out for a few minutes with the camera and snap some photos.

Kelley's NiGhT cLuB

Kelley's NiGhT cLuB

Kelley's NiGhT cLuB

Kelley's NiGhT cLuB

Kelley's NiGhT cLuB

Kelley's NiGhT cLuB

Kelley's NiGhT cLuB

Kelley's NiGhT cLuB

Kelley's NiGhT cLuB

Kelley's NiGhT cLuB

Kelley's NiGhT cLuB

Kelley's NiGhT cLuB

Kelley's NiGhT cLuB


Taking a bike ride into the beautiful night – picking up some cereal and milk.


A little pep-talk/pow-wow with Kevin in his room.


Cinnamon Toast Crunch. 


Sleep 4 a.m.


[i] All images by me.

Friday June 14 2013

Bamm Bamm & Friends (June 14 2013)[i]

Waking up at 1:41 p.m.


Coffee with Honey and Milk.


Tweaking things in the car. Chores.


Banana.


Lentil Wrap with Hummus and Tomatoes. Tropical Flavored Coconut Water.


At the storage unit running through the Bamm Bamm set with Josiah and Josh. I learned two new songs on the bass just last night but they're fairly simple. Being an avid guitar player it's not difficult for me to pick up on the bass. 


Salt n Vinegar Chips.


Scooping up Kevin and Marianne, our French couch surfer, from the house. We head to Norfolk for the big rock show at The Iguana, formerly 37th and Zen. There's an indecision on who should go first out of the four bands. So Ross, of Keisha Parker (ex-Mas Y Mas), and I play a game of foosball to decide for us. Originally we agreed that whoever wins gets to have their band perform second but instead the winner gets the opposite. It's a battle between defending your honor or losing a preferred spot on the bill. We get down to the last point but he ends up winning. Keisha Parker up first. Then, Bamm Bamm. It's probably the tightest set I've ever played with them. Everything felt right and in sync. Then, Honorary Girl and a veteran math rock band called Boneske.


Bamm Bamm & Friends (June 14 2013)

Bamm Bamm & Friends (June 14 2013)

Bamm Bamm & Friends (June 14 2013)

Bamm Bamm & Friends (June 14 2013)

Bamm Bamm & Friends (June 14 2013)

Bamm Bamm & Friends (June 14 2013)

Bamm Bamm & Friends (June 14 2013)

Bamm Bamm & Friends (June 14 2013)

Bamm Bamm & Friends (June 14 2013)

Bamm Bamm & Friends (June 14 2013)


While one of the bands is playing I sit with Ana enjoying a Crab Cake dinner with a Salad, French Fries, and Bread. She helps with the consuming. I notice she's made of a certain kind of insecure sweetness. She's worried how drunk she might seem after having two beers and a shot. We can't hear each other's voices because of how loud the music is. So we type things on my phone.

Her: "I'm so embarrassed being in this state in front of you."

Me: "It's okay. You're cute."

Her: "I don't wanna be just cute."

Me: "I really like your black & white striped shorts!"

Her: "Heh. They are comfy."


Back home. Enjoying a small bowl of Strawberries and uploading photos from tonight.


Sleep at about 4:30 a.m.


[i] All images by me.

Thursday June 13 2013

Communist Party Songs[i]

Waking up just before 2 p.m.


Cinnamon Raisin Bagel with Cream Cheese. Orange Juice.


Chores.


Strawberries. Egg Sandwich with Tomato and Hummus. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Honey Oolong Tea.

Watching The Rainmaker (1997).


We're supposed to have Bamm Bamm practice at the storage unit but the power is out because of the wind storm. Josiah asked me to play bass for a show tomorrow and we desperately need to rehearse. I get called into China Wok for an hour and then we meet up at the house and conduct a soft practice.

...

Later...getting into an explosive debate with Darren, Devon, and Kevin over how much rent should be expected of the living room residents like Laron, and possibly Josh McHugh. It's a sarcastic, but sometimes fiery, battle as to what's the most logical and fair figure one should have to pay. And it just turns into an ego trip. Everybody speaks out of turn. There's yelling. It's exhausting and I just can't understand how anything constructive can come of conversations like these. 


Ana arrives. I take her on a walk around the neighborhood and vent about the stressful past few hours while smoking on a Djarum.

Me: "My house is like a mini-example of how America is run. Democracy doesn't work. Everything just gets so convoluted."


Back inside we share Danish Pancakes with Strawberries, Apple Butter, and Peanut Butter to the sound of jazz on the stereo.

...

While Ana cleans our dishes in the kitchen I skim through a book that's been sitting on the table for the past week called The Meaning of Communism.

She returns and comments, "So relevant right now."

"Yeah! So relevant," I confirm.

Ana: "This is like your book of the week."


In my room we settle down and watch Before Sunrise (1995). The plan is to watch the sequel another time soon and then go to The Naro to see the third and final installment.


[i] Image source unknown.

Wednesday June 12 2013

Strawberries and El El's NASCAR Birthday 4SQR Bonanza![i]

Waking up around 1 p.m.


Cinnamon Raisin Bagel with Cream Cheese. Orange Juice.


With Darren, Devon, James, and Laron. We all hop into my wagon and ride up to Pungo to pick strawberries. Talks in the car about Kevin possibly being an idiot savant and how backyard wrestling increases healthcare costs.


Strawberries and El El's NASCAR Birthday 4SQR Bonanza!

Strawberries and El El's NASCAR Birthday 4SQR Bonanza!

Strawberries and El El's NASCAR Birthday 4SQR Bonanza!

Strawberries and El El's NASCAR Birthday 4SQR Bonanza!


Back at the house. Marianne, our French couch surfer, baked homemade Lasagna for everyone. Enjoying a hefty serving.


Then we drive over to Elliott's house on 16th. It's his birthday and all our friends are gathered in his name. Driveway Party! Hula hoop and pogo stick theatrics. Working on a 6-pack of Michelob Ultra. Carpooling over to Motor World to fulfill one of Elliott's dreams, which is to race go-karts with all his friends. I can't even remember the last time I drove a go-kart. Two races are conducted, a qualifying and the championship. Elliott gets first place in both, which is expected because this is his turf; racing is his love. I manage to get second with Cameron in third for the championship. But it's not about who wins. It's about the experience. Despite the expensive price it was well worth it.


Strawberries and El El's NASCAR Birthday 4SQR Bonanza!

Strawberries and El El's NASCAR Birthday 4SQR Bonanza!

Strawberries and El El's NASCAR Birthday 4SQR Bonanza!

Strawberries and El El's NASCAR Birthday 4SQR Bonanza!

Strawberries and El El's NASCAR Birthday 4SQR Bonanza!

Strawberries and El El's NASCAR Birthday 4SQR Bonanza!

Strawberries and El El's NASCAR Birthday 4SQR Bonanza!

Strawberries and El El's NASCAR Birthday 4SQR Bonanza!

Strawberries and El El's NASCAR Birthday 4SQR Bonanza!

Strawberries and El El's NASCAR Birthday 4SQR Bonanza!


Afterwards, we head back to Elliott's and sit around the back patio drinking and being silly.


Strawberries and El El's NASCAR Birthday 4SQR Bonanza!


It's time for Four Square. We draw out lines with chalk on the boardwalk and engage in a long round of games. Sometimes a few strangers will join in. 


Strawberries and El El's NASCAR Birthday 4SQR Bonanza!


Back home. Most everyone dips out. It's just Ana and I. We're both hungry so I cook us a meal: Lentil Wraps with Onions, Peppers, Carrots, Tomatoes, and Kale with Honey Oolong Tea.


Up in my room. Sifting through all the hundreds of photos we took today. Lounging around on the bed – cuddling – massaging – sex.

...

Sharing an after-love snack: a small plate of Strawberries with Danish Pancakes.


Sleep 5 a.m.


[i] All images taken by Ana or me.