Thursday February 28 2019

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It’s late at night and I guess I’m just getting back from practicing or work. Driving in Chanticleer – of course I have to park far away from the apartment cause there’s no parking spots. As I’m walking up the sidewalk I notice they renovated an empty apartment into a Ramen restaurant/Asian convenience store. I pass through it and notice a huge line of people waiting for food. Outside I pass by Drew, DeeGee, and a few of their friends. I tap my hand on Drew’s shoulder to point out the new store they put in but he’s real heated in a political debate with his friends. A delivery car pulls up – it’s a black station wagon all decked out with a strange police-like red light and a fog machine going inside the car – looks like something out of a movie. Later, I run into Josiah who’s here to borrow a guitar from me. Jonnie is here too talking serious talk about kicking Bobby out of the band because of something he said a while back that was offensive. I question it, “Why would that constitute kicking Bobby out of the band?” Almost immediately, Jonnie gets emotional and starts walking away. It all seems like such a strange reaction. I follow behind and try to clear things up.

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Waking up at 10:45 a.m.


Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Irish Breakfast Tea.


Catching up on business. Running some errands.


Smoked Salmon Sandwich with Goat Cheese, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Beets. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.


Teaching lessons at Music Makers.


Immediately after, Ana scoops me up cause we got tickets to see Fred Armisen at the Norva. The guy is so down to earth and awkwardly funny. Even though he’s a celebrity after watching him he just feels like one of us. His parodies and jokes are wildly on point.


After the show we chill with friends on the dance floor while the line thickens to meet Fred. Ana and I dip out cause I’m supposed to make rehearsal with Ladada. On the way there, Ana is obviously being frantic and dealing with some kind of anxiety. I get angry and slam my hand on the dashboard cause she won’t calm down. Whenever one of us is out of sorts the other feels it. It’s a hard situation to figure out. Later, I explain how much I care about her. She goes off to enjoy karaoke with her girlfriends.


At Josiah’s apartment with Bobby and Jonnie. While sharing Hot Toddy’s (bourbon black tea) I regale the dream tale with the boys and we get a hard laugh out of it. At some point we manage to make it to the rehearsal spot and practice for a little bit.




Chamomile Tea.


Sleep 4 a.m.


[i] Image by me.

Wednesday February 27 2019

Waking up at 11 a.m.


Lara Bar. Earl Grey Tea.


Basketball at the Rec.


Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese. Popped Chips. Coffee.

Watching Creed II (2018).


Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Orange.


Back home. Ana and mom handle dinner: Falafels with Pita Bread, Cucumbers, Beets, Tomatoes, and Cabbage. A perfect breath of fresh air for a meal.


Later, Ana and I practice songs at the studio. We stay really productive. At moments we get caught up on parts for her to learn. Once I start critiquing she gets defensive, which I don’t like cause it’s not personal – I just want the song to be at its best. Any time we do music I want it to be the best.




Sleeping next to each other around 3:30 a.m. after a little lovemaking.

Tuesday February 26 2019

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Waking up at 11 a.m.


Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Irish Breakfast Tea.


Catching up on business.


Running errands with Ana.


Scrambled Eggs. Blueberry Bagel with Vegan Cream Cheese. Potato Chips. Coffee.

Watching Creed II (2018).


Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Orange.


Back home. Mom and I warm up dinner: Vegetable Soup with Kale and Bread.


Catching up on things.


Ice Cream.


Later at the studio practicing songs with Ana for a little bit.




Sleep 3:45 a.m.


[i] Image by me.

Monday February 25 2019

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Waking up off and on throughout the morning but officially at 11 a.m. Somehow I fell ill and my body aches like whoa.


Popping a couple pain relievers and eating an Orange with Earl Grey Tea.


Ana just got back from her swear-in ceremony to become a citizen. I know she’s relieved to finally get this done. She’s been living in this country since she was 5 years old and now it’s finally done. I’m happy for her.


I got mom to cancel/reschedule my lessons today so I can rest.


Tuna Salad Sandwich with Tomato Soup.


Doing my personal taxes/researching.

...

Getting very frustrated at the state of health insurance in America. Other countries provide free health care to all its citizens but here a healthy 34 year old has to fork out $500 a month forced on him by the Affordable Care Act. Fortunately, they took back the penalty for not having insurance in the upcoming tax year so now I can be encouraged to find my own affordable health insurance.


Mom made us a big pot of hearty Vegetable Soup.


Later on at the studio Ana and I practice some songs.


Corn Tortilla Chips. Chamomile Tea.




Sleep 3:45 a.m.


[i] Image by me.

Sunday February 24 2019

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Waking up at 10:45 a.m.


Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.


MMLIVE rehearsals all day.


PB&J Toast with Chips and an Ugli Fruit. Coffee.


Rehearsals continue until 6:30 p.m.


Devon and his wife, Raquel, invited Ana and I over for dinner. This isn’t something we normally do (go to someone else’s for dinner) often so it’s a nice change of pace. They live off Church Street in Norfolk, a nice townhome complete with a comic plastered bathroom wall (very impressed by this). Raquel made us Spinach and Mushroom Quiche with a Salad and Strawberry Sake drinks. Later on, we play Exploding Kittens, an exciting card game where you try to avoid the dreaded exploding kitten card to win.


On the drive back home we get into a deep conversation reflecting on the state of our relationship, its longevity, and how we can maintain a good quality connection.


I head to the studio to organize and practice some songs. I get inspired playing a few chords that turn into a melodic anthem.




Trying to sleep at 4 a.m. while Anthony is having a rowdy good time with friends in his bedroom.


[i] Image by me.

Saturday February 23 2019

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Waking up at 11 a.m.


Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.


Teaching afternoon lessons at Music Makers.


It’s been raining for the past 3 days – seems like it’s never gonna stop. Ana and I get some lunch at Commune: Egg Sandwich with Sweet Potato, Greens, and Pimento Cheese; Biscuit and Coffee.


Catching up on business.


Power napping.


Running errands – Kroger – setting up the rehearsal spot.


Warming up some leftovers for Ana and I.


Later at the studio we work on some songs. At some point she starts to show a lack of interest in what we’re doing. There’s some emotional things going on affecting our practice. I don’t really know what’s wrong. After some talking on my part she explains she’s been sad about everything.


Popcorn. Pear Tart.




Sleep 4 a.m.


[i] Image by me.

Friday February 22 2019

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Waking up at 10:45 a.m.


Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.


Basketball at the Rec. Not as fun as it was on Wednesday. No wins for my team and one of the dudes keeps harping on me every time I do something remotely off. You gotta encourage, not discourage!


Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese and Jam. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.

Watching David Blaine.


Teaching all my in-home lessons. I started teaching Jolin’s brother, Edwin, a feisty but very receptive 7 year old.

...

Then, on to the Kuz’s house.


Back home. Mom and I cook dinner: Chicken, Kale, Carrots, Onions, Peppers, Celery, and Rice. Ana arrives home just in time to enjoy our meal together as a family. Meanwhile, Elvis relaxes in my lap while we watch magic on my iPad.




Later on, I get the Music Makers business taxes done, about a 3 hour process because there were some confusing tax changes this year.




Sleep 4 a.m.


[i] Images by me.

Thursday February 21 2019

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Waking up at 11 a.m.


Lara Bar. Earl Grey Tea.


Running errands – Trader Joe’s – thrift store – found a lamp and an awesome Koosh bedroom basketball hoop to which I immediately install on the lesson room door at Music Makers.




Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Butter and Jam. Orange. Coffee. Popped Chips.


Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Banana.


Back home. Cooking dinner with mom: Brown Rice Quinoa Spaghetti Noodles with Mushrooms, Peppers, Onions, Broccoli, and Tomato Sauce. Ciabatta Bread.

Watching L.A. Confidential (1997).


Dark Chocolate Power Berries.


Catching up on business.


At the studio practicing songs with Ana. Afterwards, we get into a deep talk about her goals in life – wanting to go to school to study a skill. I encourage focus in her – writing down and setting aside time to attain her goals like in baking, music, art, etc.


Corn Tortilla Chips. Chamomile Tea.




Sleep 4 a.m.


[i] Images by me.

Wednesday February 20 2019

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Waking up at 11 a.m.


Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.


Basketball at the Rec. My team is undefeated today – all of us are playing good basketball. I’m making pivotal 3 point shots and not being afraid to run in the paint for a layup.

“MacBook be hooping today!” someone exclaims.


Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese and Poppy Seeds. Salt n Vinegar Chips with Avocado. Coffee.


Teaching lessons at Music Makers.


Back home. Ana made us dinner: Lentils, Onions, Celery, Purple Sweet Potato, Cauliflower, Carrots, and Quinoa.


Later on, at the studio Ana and I practice some new tunes no pressure.





Chamomile Tea.


Sleep 3 a.m.


[i] Images by me.

Tuesday February 19 2019

Waking up at 10:45 a.m.


Granola with Blueberries, Strawberries, and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.


Catching up on business.


Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Butter and Jam. Popped Chips. Coffee.

Watching High Flying Bird (2018).


Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Banana.


Leftovers for dinner.


Business.


Working through songs on guitar – constructing a rough draft a set list for an upcoming gig.




Sleep 4 a.m.

Monday February 18 2019

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Waking up at 11 a.m.


Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.


Catching up on business and emails. Running errands.


Smoked Salmon on a Bagel with Vegan Cream Cheese. Salt n Vinegar Chips with Avocado. Coffee.


Teaching lessons at Music Makers. Some of these kids are stressing me out today like whoa! But I press on and try to discipline and teach regardless.


Back home. I had a big pot of slow cooking Black Eyed Peas going. Cooking some Brussel Sprouts and Carrots to go with – and some Rice. Meanwhile, Elvis amuses us with his unique behavior.


Catching up on business and teacher homework.


Chores.




Sleep shortly after 3 a.m.


[i] Image by me.

Sunday February 17 2019

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Waking up at 10:20 a.m. Feeling rushed cause I didn’t set up the rehearsal room last night.


I drop into Three Ships thinking I could grab a coffee and biscuit but quickly realize upon arrival that it’s Sunday morning and there will be a long wait time. Chris Remaley happens to be here waiting for a biscuit for 15 minutes so I grab an ice cold Darjeeling fruit Tea to go. Later I eat an Oat Bar and Banana from 7-11.


MMLIVE rehearsals all day. We’re really being productive in most of the bands.


PB&J break at some point with Coffee.




After 7 all the bands are finally done. I head to Prosperity Bakery to pick up some Pizza slices and half off pastries.


Ana left a nice thank you note with a bunch of hearts drawn on it...




Catching up on all kinds of business. Relaxing.


At the studio organizing things.




Sleep 4 a.m.


[i] Images by me.

Saturday February 16 2019

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Waking up at 11:40 a.m.


Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.


Teaching lessons at Music Makers.


Grilled PB&J. Plantain Chips. Coffee.

Watching First Reformed (2017).


Chores.


Packing up the station wagon for the gig tonight.


At Colley Cantina in Norfolk for Ana and I’s Musicplayer gig. It’s our debut here. And we made quite a mark on the crowd – very receptive and engaging audience. As pointed out by mom we’re getting better and better every gig. Enjoying some Fish Tacos with Chips and Salsa.






After loading all the gear back into the cars Mom and I drive back home while Ana visits other events going on in Norfolk. I’m so exhausted.


Mom made Smoothies for a late night energy booster.


Sleep 4 a.m.


[i] Images by me.

Friday February 15 2019

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Waking up at 11 a.m.


Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.


Basketball at the Rec. Our team is a powerhouse squad – undefeated.


Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Butter and Jam. Salt n Vinegar Chips with Avocado. Coffee.

Watching First Reformed (2017).


Catching up on business.


Teaching in-home lessons over at the Kuzniewski’s. It’s a grand old time instructing these kids on how to play chords and motivate themselves.


Back home. Warming up leftovers for Ana, mom, and I. We decide to melt some chocolate chips in a pan and dip Strawberries in. Great idea.


The kitchen sink started leaking underneath behind the wall. Mom discovers water all over the floor. Just another issue in life we gotta deal with.


At the studio organizing and packing up gear – practicing some songs. I’m concerned about my voice cause it seems like for the past week it’s been forever recovering from I don’t know what.


Popcorn.




Sleep 4 a.m.


[i] Image by me.

Thursday February 14 2019

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Waking up at 10:30 a.m.


Ana and I hit up Three Ships for Coffee and a light breakfast. I choose the Jam Biscuit and she sticks to her Hazelnut Pop Tart. Afterwards, at Prosperity Bakery for pastries to take home. Next door is a popup floral called Wisps of Willow. I get my mom a rose for Valentine’s Day.


Catching up on the business of the day.


Scrambled Eggs. Cinnamon Roll. Plantain Chips. Coffee.


Teaching lessons at Music Makers. Mom just had her second chemo treatment today so she’s got Rachel helping out front just in case but she seems to be doing alright.

Orange.




After work mom, Ana, and I drive to Gringo’s Tacqueria for a delicious Valentine’s Taco dinner. The mojito guy who made us drinks gets into conversation with us and after hearing about what my mom is going through writes a little note on a Valentine heart about how he hopes she beats cancer’s butt. There’s so many sweet people out there who are very sympathetic to what she’s going through.




Later on, Ana and I practice music at the studio – preparing for the gig this Saturday.


Chamomile Tea.




Sleep 4 a.m.


[i] Images by me.

Wednesday February 13 2019

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Waking up at 11 a.m.


Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Earl Grey Tea.


Basketball at the Rec. On a team with good ball movement – knocking down shots right and left.


Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.

Watching Polar (2019).


Teaching lessons at Music Makers.


Back home enjoying dinner with mom and Ana. Someone at work made us a Vegan Chili full of hearty ingredients. We make Salads and Sourdough Bread to go with. 1930’s music playing on the radio inspires Ana and I to dance.


Later on, practicing music with Ana at the studio.


Banana Bread. Peanut Butter Pretzels.




Hitting the sack with Ana at 3 a.m. Elvis is all cuddled up in the pantry next to the bed. We try to get him out cause we know he’ll wake us up in the middle of the night. Before we drift off to sleep we feel the emanating heat off our bodies and enjoying lovemaking.


[i] Image by me.

Tuesday February 12 2019

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Waking up at 11 a.m.


Lara Bar with Irish Breakfast Tea.


Running errands with Ana. Going from one music store to the other, mainly in search for a bass amp for a student.


Sardines with Mustard. Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese. Coffee. Radish Greens.


Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Orange.


Leftovers for dinner along with a Sweet Potato Scone.


Ana and I attend the last part of the Veer Music Awards, a local version of the Grammy’s where Ladada got nominated for three different categories but we didn’t win anything. We mostly hang out outside talking with friends. Just about everybody we know in the music scene is here – it’s like a melting pot of all kinds of musicians.


Later on, Ana and I practice music at the studio.


Chocolate Power Berries. Chamomile Tea.




Sleep 4 a.m. 


[i] Image by me.

Monday February 11 2019

Waking up at 10:45 a.m.


Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Earl Grey Tea.


Ana and I go to the Princess Anne Rec. Ana’s able to use one of the exercise bikes for now. Because of her ear surgery she can’t do anything strenuous involving her head. Meanwhile, I run back and forth on the basketball courts.


Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Butter and Jam. Coffee. Navel Orange. Potato Chips.


Teaching lessons at Music Makers.


Back home. Mom puts together some Cabbage, Potato, and Carrot Stew after Ana prepped a bunch of the vegetables. Enjoying some quality time together at the dining booth.


Catching up on business.


At the studio changing guitar strings.


Popcorn. Chamomile Tea.




Sleep 4 a.m.

Sunday February 10 2019

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Waking up at 10:40 a.m.


Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Irish Breakfast Tea.


MMLIVE rehearsals all afternoon...


PB&J break with Coffee and a Banana.





...until 6:30 p.m.


For dinner with mom and Ana at Bangkok Garden: Chicken with Mixed Vegetables and Rice.


At the studio with Ana working through some songs – she’s acclimating to singing after having ear surgery last Thursday. It’s not so bad but she can’t exert a lot of energy just yet. We have a gig scheduled this Thursday so we’re hoping she’ll be 100% by then.


Cinnamon Roll.




Sleep 4 a.m.


[i] Images by me.

Saturday February 9 2019

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Waking up at 10:40 a.m.


Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Earl Grey Tea.


Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Banana.


Smoked Salmon with Sweet Potato, Spinach, and Sourdough Toast. Coffee.


Doing all sorts of chores around the house – laundry – helping Ana with whatever she needs. We took off the cup around her ear so now she just needs to watch the drainage.


Running errands – getting gas – Whole Foods – Trader Joe’s (Josh hands me a sympathy card for Ana that all of Trader Joe’s employees wrote in) – Prosperity for treats and a loaf of bread.


Making dinner for Ana and I: Brown Rice Quinoa Spaghetti with Peppers, Onions, Mushrooms, and Tomato Sauce – Kale – Tomatoes with Radish. We enjoy the meal I slaved away over. The noodles are just right, the perfect al dente.


At the studio setting up a bass and cleaning a couple guitars – practicing drums.


Setting up the rehearsal spot for tomorrow.


Chamomile Tea. Cara Cara Orange.




Sleep 3:30 a.m.


[i] Image by me.