Saturday November 30 2019

 

 

Waking up at 11 a.m.

 

Dad and I get some brunch at Simple Eats off Shore Drive. Eating some French Toast with Eggs, Bacon, and Three Ships Coffee. My dad orders the Biscuits and Gravy. It’s nice spending time with him just the two of us. I know he’s sad about my mom’s condition. They were able to have a nice personal talk earlier this morning.

 

I’ve got the whole day off with no obligations of any kind so I spend it wisely catching up on business, emails, and whatever else I want to get done at the computer.

 

Eating some kind of Macaroni Salad from the fridge.

 

Chores and errands.

 

Kale and Carrots.

 

Ana and I drive out to Norfolk for The Lazy Dangers EP Release show at Charlie’s. A lot of friends that I haven’t seen in a while are here. Janks, Static Collector, and Elliott’s solo version of his band, Obscure Son, performs. There’s bubbles, candy, a piñata, and Jerry Springer footage. It’s a grand ole time with friends and dancing.

 

 

 

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Friday November 29 2019


 

Waking up at 11 a.m.

 

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

 

Basketball at the Rec. They got us running only one court today cause of Thanksgiving break to leave the other side open for the kids.

 

Dad is in town visiting at the house with mom and me while I eat lunch: Eggs, Biscuits with Butter and Jam, Sweet Potatoes, and Coffee.

 

At Elevation 27 getting ready for the big ELO show tonight (A New World Record). There’s been a lot of buzz over this show tonight. We get the advantage of tapping into the Thanksgiving crowd when all the people are home from elsewhere and are mostly off work. It’s such a huge production but we basically have our system down. Sound check goes smoothly cause we’re all able to use our devices for monitors, which makes it easier when adjusting levels in our ears throughout the night. 

 

 

 

Hanging backstage and mingling around the venue. Eating a Tuna Steak with Potato Latkes and Coleslaw. Tristan Stewart, Bobby, Ana, and my dad are here.

 

 

 

The venue fills out well with all the ELO fans, mostly the older generation totally stoked to see the music from the 70’s. But there are definitely a few millennials out there too. I’m proud of our performance. There’s always a few flubs here and there, mainly on “Do Ya”. Something happened in the arrangement of the first chorus that almost got us out of sync with the tracks but luckily we managed to get back on it. I felt good about all my keyboard parts.


 

 

Afterwards, hearing all kinds of compliments from friends and strangers.

 

After transporting all the gear back to the studio I make it home to enjoy some pie and conversation with Ana. I visit with mom in her room. She wasn’t well enough to be in a loud and energetic place like tonight. We catch up on things. She talks about seeing my dad earlier today.

He was the love of my life. Always has been. We had a good marriage. We just made mistakes.

I enjoy hearing about the relationship between my mom and dad. Even though I grew up in a divorced family both my parents made great efforts to make sure I was raised right.

 

 

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Thursday November 28 2019

 

Waking up around noon. Needed to sleep in.

 

Granola Cereal with Almond Milk and Banana. English Breakfast Tea.

 

Ana and I take care of Thanksgiving preparations. Lately, since the radiation has been over, mom has been so lethargic and without energy. There’s not much she can do. Even though it’s quite a process we’re able to get her in the car so she can come with us to Norfolk.

 

At one of Ana’s aunt’s house. We brought biscuits from Three Ships – pies and rolls from Plaza Bakery. I remember this house from a few years back. The spread on the table is getting crammed from all the food brought in. Most of Ana’s family is here. Before we eat Auntie Marley encourages everyone to share things they are grateful for in 2019. We go around the room.

Mom is able to speak quietly and hoarsely explaining, “I’m coming through this year cancer free and I’m believing God for that. I think the roughest time is always at the end of the journey. And it’s really been rough but I’m believing that I’m a survivor.”

 

 

I fill up a plate of anything and everything.

 


 

At some point we gather around with guitars, violins, and keyboards singing songs. Miggy, Ana’s brother, sort of takes the lead on vocals – he’s got a great voice full of character and soul.

 

Back home. With Ana and mom in the living room cuddling up on the couch watching Toy Story 4 (2019). Eating leftover Black Beans with Rice and Spinach. So impressed with how they’re able to make a great Toy Story movie every time.

 

 

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Wednesday November 27 2019

 

Waking up at 11:10 a.m.

 

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

 

Basketball at the Rec.

 

Scrambled Eggs. Sweet Potatoes. Bagel with Butter and Jam. Spinach. Coffee.

Watching Gemini Man (2019).

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers. It’s a low key day cause of Thanksgiving Eve.

 

Back home. Warming up leftovers for dinner: Black Beans, Rice, Broccoli, and Onions.

 

Later on, being a kitchen witch – washing dishes – prepping a turmeric and ginger concentrate. Ana comes home and makes a chocolate silk pie for tomorrow.

 

Running late night errands.

 

 

Doing more stuff in the kitchen with Ana.

 

Sleep 4 a.m.

Tuesday November 26 2019

 

 

Waking up at 11 a.m.

 

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

 

Catching up on scheduling and business.

 

Running errands – ordering rolls from Plaza Bakery and picking up groceries from Whole Foods.

 

Egg Sandwich with Sweet Potato and Potato Chips. Coffee. Raspberries.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Back home. Making dinner with Ana: Black Bean Tacos (cause it’s Taco Tuesday) with Cabbage, Guacamole, and Corn Tortilla Chips. Sharing Cannolis afterwards.

 

Hanging with Ana and the cat talking band drama.

 

At the studio restringing a guitar and hanging new band photos.

 

 

Sleep next to Ana after 3 a.m. – making a little fire into the night.

Monday November 25 2019


 

Waking up at 11 a.m.

 

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

 

Catching up on business and scheduling.

 

Chores.

 

Scrambled Eggs. Bagel with Jam. Potato Chips. Spinach. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Baking some frozen Chicken Pot Pies for dinner. Mom and I sit at the table. She’s still struggling with eating and overall feeling like shit. I feel bad cause there’s only so much I can do. We’re hoping that soon enough she’ll start getting over this radiation.

 

Finishing It Chapter Two (2019).

 

Chores.

 

Chilling with Ana and the cat. Elvis always gets a wild hair when I enter the room. Ana teaches me how to properly caress her leg.

 

 

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Sunday November 24 2019

 Waking up late around 12:30 p.m. Definitely needed the extra sleep to let my body heal.

 

Even though we originally wanted to make waffles, instead Ana and I pick up some Biscuits, pastries, and Coffee at Three Ships.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Running errands – getting groceries.

 

Egg Sandwich with Sweet Potato and Spinach. Potato Chips. Black Tea.

 

Having an early evening ELO rehearsal in preparation for our Black Friday show.

 

Making dinner: Tuna Steak with Broccoli, Onions, and leftover Rice/Quinoa.

Watching It Chapter Two (2019).

 

Cannoli.

 

There’s still a squeak happening in the dryer. I finally figured out that it just needs lubricant! Duh! I take it apart, something I’ve done many times I could do it in my sleep. Add on some lube to the bearings and idler pulley and voila! No Squeak.

 

At the studio vacuuming and cleaning.

 

OJ.

 

 

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Saturday November 23 2019

 


Waking up at 11 a.m.

 

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

 

At Music Makers teaching afternoon lessons. Mom is here but still not feeling so great. The radiation therapy has done a number to her body – she still feels sick and lethargic.

 

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

Watching Executive Decision (1996).

 

Packing up the vehicles and loading up for the show tonight.

 

At Pizza Chapel early to set up in our little corner for the Musicplayer gig. I’m sneezing and having to blow my nose constantly – the soreness in my throat has gone and moved to the sinuses but I’m still able to sing. Our set is an interesting one tonight. At some point the Kuzniewski’s pop in to visit. Anna, one of the daughters that I teach, guest sings on “Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” and “Stay”. A couple of loud bar patrons have a ball watching us and consistently sing out of key for all the songs. At times it’s hard to hear our own voices but hey, we’re here for them I suppose. It’s a good time. A random guy named Carlos takes the guitar and we do a jam. Tristan appears towards the end. One girl talking to Ana after the show says she heard the music from outside smoking a cigarette and it drew her in. Originally, she was in some sort of bad mood but we uplifted it. It’s nice to know we can inspire.

 

 

Packing up and loading out. The rain consistently pours but with the help of Tristan we’re able to get everything in the cars and back to the studio.

 

My head feels like a balloon! Chilling out in the dining room with mom and Ana. Struggling to be patient with each other. Sipping on Juice and Elderberry.

 

Friday November 22 2019

Waking up at almost noon. Really needed the extra sleep cause of this sore throat.

 

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

 

Replacing the pulley in the dryer. Lately, it was squeaking really loudly into the night. But now it’s fixed.

 

I was gonna go teach a few piano lessons but I get caught up in business on the computer – signing up new students – blog editing – photo organizing.

 

Sweet Potato and Egg Sandwich. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Green Tea.

 

Restringing my acoustic guitar.

 

After Ana gets off work we enjoy a nice dinner at Nawab, the best Indian joint in town. Next door, we finally check out the new gelato place, Gelati Celesti. It’s quite a contrast from where we were to here. The place is crowded with teenagers and families – ice cream social!

 

Bringing mom home some leftovers.

 

Later on, Ana and I practice music at the studio – preparing songs but also having fun.

 

 

Sleep early at 3 a.m.

Thursday November 21 2019


Waking up at 11:30 a.m.

 

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

 

Catching up on business at the computer. Chores.

 

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

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Vacuuming and cleaning the store.

 

Back home.

Enjoying leftovers for dinner: Lentils, Smoked Salmon, Broccoli, Rice, and Quinoa.

 

 

Going through old photos stashed in cell phone folders on my computer. Meanwhile, chatting with Becca online about the importance of keeping all these articles of the past.

 

Later on, Ana and I practice music at the studio. Beforehand, we get into a little heated episode in the car sparked from her getting very defensive over something I said. In the end, we all want respect and 100% support from each other, which we always try to give.

 

Back home. We discover Tristan Stewart in the house. He just got off a plane today with plans on moving back to Virginia Beach.

 

 

Sleep 4 a.m.

Wednesday November 20 2019

Waking up at 11:15 a.m.

 

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

 

Basketball at the Rec.

 

Scrambled Eggs. Sweet Potato Biscuits with Butter and Jam. Spinach. Coffee.

Watching The Pelican Brief (1993).

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Back home. Ana made us dinner: Pumpkin Soup with Cauliflower, Onions, Mushrooms, Kale, Carrots, and Naan Bread.

 

Cookies and Green Tea.

 

Ana and I practice hardcore at the studio in preparation for a gig this weekend.

 

Popcorn and Chips. OJ.

 

 

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Tuesday November 19 2019

Waking up at 11:18 a.m.

 

Date and Almond Bar. Black Tea.

 

Catching up on business. Running errands – picking up the water jugs from The Watering Hole place. The old guy there has been giving us the water free of charge out of sympathy for my mom.

 

Back home. Pastor Rick and Diana are here praying over mom. She’s been very tired and still going through an uncomfortable phase but she stays strong.

 

Tempeh Bacon. Sourdough Toast with Butter and Jam. Potato Chips with Avocado. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers. Kay is here helping watch the front desk. She can’t always come every day but it definitely helps.

 

Off work Ana and I hit up Bangkok Garden for dinner. I enjoy a Chicken Pad Thai and we share Spring Rolls.

 

At the rehearsal spot attending the first Wall rehearsal in a long time. We’ve got a few new people added to the core band. There’s a big one-off show planned in January.

 

Later on, hanging out with Ana at the studio practicing music.

 

 

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Monday November 18 2019

Waking up at 11:27 a.m.

 

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

 

Basketball at the Rec.

While I’m standing there looking intently at my phone one of the dudes comes up, “You look like you just got into a car accident.”

“Heh. I’m dealing with stuff with my girlfriend actually. Almost the same thing,” I say.

“I feel ya.”

 

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

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Back home for a little while to enjoy dinner leftovers with Ana.

 

ELO rehearsal. Then, moving my keyboard rig a few doors down at the other rehearsal spot to set up for tomorrow night’s Wall rehearsal.

 

Snacking on Cookies, Popcorn, and Chamomile Tea.

Watching Don’t Let Go (2019).

 

 

Sleep 4 a.m.

Sunday November 17 2019

 

 

Waking up at 11 a.m.

 

Ana and I go on a brunch date to Commune. We haven’t been here in a while. It’s packed as per usual for a late Sunday morning. I order the Sweet Potato Egg Sandwich with a side of Pancakes and Coffee. Afterwards, we scurry over to Prosperity where they’re celebrating their 1 year anniversary. Stocking up on pastries, bread, and things.

...

Putting up flyers for the ELO show coming up.

 

Catching up on business and chores at home.

 

Running errands.

 

Grilled PB&J Sourdough. Blueberries. Oolong Tea.

 

Prepping things in the kitchen. Cooking.

 

Lentils with Carrots, Onions, Celery, Asparagus, and Quinoa.

Watching Angel Has Fallen (2019).

 

At the studio practicing some piano for an upcoming Pink Floyd Wall show. Wow, it’s been a long time since I’ve touched these songs.

 

 

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Saturday November 16 2019

 

Waking up at 11:17 a.m.

 

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

 

Teaching afternoon lessons at Music Makers. Mom is actually here helping out just so she can be in here. For the past two weeks she’s been absent from the studio cause she’s trying to get well at home.

 

After work I immediately scoop up Ana and music gear from the house – heading to Norfolk – snacking on Peanuts, Plantain Chips, and an Apple. Setting up on stage at O’Connor Brewing. Edwin’s here running sound. It’s a total friends-like lineup of bands. I’m doing a solo Musicplayer sort of set guest starring Ana on bass and Bobby on drums. Then, Community Witch, Ladada, and Shy Low. Eating a Crab Cake Sandwich with Chips and an enormous Pretzel. Sipping on Boysenberry Sour Ales and feeling social.

 

 

Back home. Ana and I hole up in her room making fire.

 

 

Sleep 2:30 a.m.

Friday November 15 2019

 

 

Waking up at 11:30 a.m.

 

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

 

Catching up on business. Running errands.

 

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese. Mustard Greens. Potato Chips. Coffee.

 

I decide to cancel some of my in-home lessons and workout at the gym – playing some basketball.

 

Back home. Ana and mom made dinner: Butter Beans, Turnips, Roasted Squash, Onions, and French Baguette. We decide to watch a movie the three of us. We can’t convince Ana into watching a happier family-like movie so we settle on The Dead Don’t Die (2019), the latest Jim Jarmusch zombie comedy flick, which turns out to be somewhat of a dud – slow pacing – corny humor but an all star cast. Immediately after, I put on the latest Lion King, which is what we should’ve put on in the first place.

 

Later on, practicing songs at the studio, first by myself, then with Ana. She makes some breakthroughs on the drums.

 

 

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Thursday November 14 2019

 

 

Waking up at 11:30 a.m.

 

Bowl of Granola Cereal with Almond Milk and Blueberries. Irish Breakfast Tea.

 

Ana’s mom is here – celebrating her mother’s birthday. We joke how she looks like she’s turning 23 and not 53. Ana baked her a special Chocolate Chip bread of some kind.

 

Catching up on business – cleaning the bathroom as best I can. Our shower walls have been a pain in the ass to clean cause they covered the tile walls with this rough layer that attracts mold and mildew.

 

Scrambled Eggs. Leftover Veggie Taco. Sourdough Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Ana and I grab some Chinese food at Jade Garden. Fried Tofu with Vegetables, Garlic Sauce, and Rice.

 

Ladada rehearsal with Josiah, Jonnie, and Bobby. Bobby’s brother just got out of jail – he’s here hanging out and observing. He’s a musician himself and a super nice dude.

 

 

Sleep 4 a.m.

Wednesday November 13 2019

Waking up at 11:14 a.m.

 

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

 

Playing basketball at the Princess Anne Rec.

 

Scrambled Eggs. Blueberry Bagel with Vegan Cream Cheese. Spinach. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.

Watching Death Wish (2018).

 

Full day of teaching lessons at Music Makers. Kay and Lou are here watching the front desk.

 

Back home. I make dinner: Falafels with Zucchini, Peppers, Onions, Quinoa, and Hummus.

Enjoying plates as a family (Ana, mom, and I).

 

Cookies.

 

Finishing organizing the photography from last Sunday’s show.

 

 

Sleep 4 a.m.

Tuesday November 12 2019

 


Waking up at 11:30 a.m. It’s unusually dark outside. Wind and rain rush through the air.

 

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

 

Working out and playing basketball at the Great Neck Rec.

 

Grilled PB&J Bagel. Potato Chips. Coffee. Grapefruit.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers. The harsh weather has effected arrival times for most students and even cancellations. I’m able to manage the front desk in between lessons.

 

Off work, meeting up with Ana at Gringo’s, our favorite local taco joint. Enjoying Two Baja Fish Tacos with Chips n Guac.

 

Back home. Chillin’ with mom over cups of tea. She describes all the miracles that have been occurring with her lately.

 

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

 

 

Sleep 4 a.m.

Monday November 11 2019

 Waking up at 11:20 a.m.

 

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

 

Catching up on business. Organizing footage and photos from yesterday’s show.

 

Scrambled Eggs. Bagel with Butter and Jam. Potato Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers. Got no one watching the front desk. I swing back and forth from the lesson room taking care of things with parents and scheduling. But it’s not so bad since most people have paid up and the schedule is pretty much set.

 

Stopping by Kroger for groceries.

 

Back home. Cooking dinner: Smoked Salmon with Broccoli, Carrots, Onions, and Quinoa. Mom attempts to eat some of it but she’s been really struggling coming off the morphine – there’s so many side effects from getting off it like dry heaving and upset stomach. I feel bad for her.

 

Later on, at the studio practicing some songs.

 

 

Sleep 4 a.m.

Sunday November 10 2019

 [i]

 

Waking up early at 9:30 a.m.

 

Grapefruit. Date and Almond Bar. Coffee.

 

Today’s the big day for all the Music Makers LIVE bands. I’m at Elevation 27 setting up the stage with Devon’s help. It’s noon to 2pm today, a little earlier than usual but we’re at the mercy of the venue’s schedule. Even with only three bands we rocked the house. So proud and impressed by all the kids and adults alike getting up there and, even when facing something challenging, just going for it no matter what. So many great and difficult songs! Mom was able to sit out in the crowd and enjoy the show. She’s been going through a terrible time coming off morphine.

 





 

After the show’s over I sit at a table by myself and enjoy one of those Beyond Meat Burgers with Fries.

 

Devon and I load up the cars and get everything back to the studio.

 

Back home. Power napping.

 

Catching up on business and chores.

 

Chicken and Dumplings with Kale and Carrots.

 

At the studio organizing things and practicing. Ana joins me later.

 

 



[i] All photography by Joe Justice.

Saturday November 9 2019

 


Waking up at 11 a.m.

 

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

 

Teaching a single piano lesson at Music Makers. Then rushing off to the rehearsal spot.

 

Today is the final rehearsals for these three bands. Tomorrow is the big show! So we’re preparing their sets as best we can.

 

For lunch eating some Vegetable Fried Rice and a Shrimp Egg Roll from Ming’s down the street.

 

Packing all the gear up after 6:30.

 

Heading straight to Norfolk for the Lava anniversary show. Community Witch and tons of other bands are playing. We’re all freezing our feet and fingers off but the fire pits are roaring and the socializing/music keeps us warm. Ana’s band recruited a fourth member, Rashie – her debut performance tonight. I stand in on guitar for one of their songs. Very proud of them.

 

 

 

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Friday November 8 2019

Waking up at 11:30 a.m.

 

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

 

Catching up on business.

 

Grabbing some groceries.

 

Tempeh Bacon. Bagel with Butter and Jam. Potato Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching all my in-home lessons. Always impressed with some of these kids and their musical drive.

 

Back home. Chicken and Dumplings leftovers with Brussel Sprouts.

Watching The Command (2019).

 

Later on, at the studio working on some music. Ana joins me later after work to work on this one Community Witch song.

 

 

Sleep 4 a.m.

Thursday November 7 2019

Waking up at 10:30 a.m. Attempting to sleep more but Elvis is scratching at the door and Ana’s tinkering on the phone.

 

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

 

Running errands.

 

Grilled PB&J. Plantain Chips. Grapefruit. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers. Kay is here holding it down at the front desk. It’s extremely nice of her to volunteer to be here especially on Lou’s birthday. It’s a hectic and full day of lessons in every room.

 

Back home. Mom made Chicken and Dumplings with Kale, Carrots, and Naan Bread.

 

At band practice with Ladada – it’s the transition between Ana’s band and ours.

 

Tortilla Chips. Chamomile Tea. Chatting with Ana about the day.

 

 

Sleep 4 a.m.

Wednesday November 6 2019

 Waking up at 11 a.m.

 

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

 

Basketball at the Rec.

 

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

Watching Human Affairs (2018).

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers. Kay is here to help out at the front desk, which is nice on days like these where I’ve got zero breaks in between lessons.

 

Back home. Hanging out with mom over dinner: Naan Pizza and Cabbage.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Practicing some songs solo at the studio – bringing back old tunes and new.

 

Orange Juice.

 

 

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Tuesday November 5 2019

☼▬

Riding a bike in a forest-rich city, possibly somewhere in South America. It’s very hilly. The bike is not my bike – I have to keep adjusting the handlebars to stay in place like I like them. I pass by friends I traveled here with – talking about how perfect the temperature is, not too hot or cold. I ride along exploring the city – now I’m in an industrial part of town. I see a few familiar people over by an abandoned warehouse. There’s some kind of show or costume event happening. Rachel Rephan suddenly runs out from a fence – she’s got a blue pacifier in her mouth, blindfolded, and with nothing much on. It’s understood to be part of some prank or challenge related to this crazy event. I shout out her name so she recognizes me. I see more people I know but don’t stay long. Continuing up the road I pause under a small tunnel/overpass to fix something. Suddenly it starts pouring down rain and it feels like a hurricane. I made it just in time.

▬☼

 

Waking up at 11 a.m.

 

Granola Cereal with Strawberries and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Fulfilling my civic duty and voting for senate, house of delegates, city treasurer, council, and public schools. I did some research on the candidates the night before. I love the aesthetic of this church that’s volunteered their space: Scott Memorial United Methodist. It’s kind of awkward as I walk into the voting room cause there’s about 20 volunteers and maybe two voters in the booth. Plus, I have to say out loud my name and address. A jovial black man shakes my hand and hands me the traditional “I Voted” sticker. “God bless you, sir!”

As I drive out the parking lot I can hear the church bells ring a familiar Christmas tune.

 

Scrambled Eggs. Poppy Seed Bagel with Vegan Cream Cheese. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Kale. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers. In between lessons I handle the payments and manage the front desk.

 

Back home. Ana and mom made a wonderful dinner: Pumpkin, Pea, Carrot Soup with Quinoa, Cabbage, and Naan Bread.

 

Later on, Ana and I play some music at the studio, something we haven’t done in a quite a while now. We don’t focus hard on anything in particular but try to have a little fun. I always turn into teacher mode at some point trying to help Ana with some barre chord concepts. She doesn’t always respond well to my insistent teaching method.

 

Popcorn. Chamomile Tea.

 

 

Sleep 4 a.m.

Monday November 4 2019

Waking up at 11 a.m.

 

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raspberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

 

Basketball at the Rec. I think it’s been at least two weeks since I’ve even set foot inside a gym. Ah, it feels great to be running up and down the courts. Also, running into (not literally) into Earl, an old friend of mine.

 

Grapefruit. Scrambled Eggs. Bagel with Jam and Butter. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.

Watching The King (2019).

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers. Mom still needs to be at home focusing on herself. I manage to keep everything together at the studio cause I have many breaks in between.

 

Back home after grabbing some groceries at Trader Joe’s.

 

Leftover Tuna Steak with Rice, Kale, and Carrots. Cookie.

 

Catching up on business and emails.

 

Chatting with Ana.

 

Practicing some music at the studio. It feels like it’s been a while since I just sat down and played music I want to play.

 

 

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Sunday November 3 2019

Waking up at 11 a.m.

 

Ana and I hit up Three Ships for Biscuits and Coffee.

 

MMLIVE band rehearsals all day. We’re officially over at the new spot, which is only one building over from the old spot. The ceiling is lower and the room is somewhat smaller but it is 100% climate controlled. We’re prepping these kids to be ready for next weekend when the big show is.

 

At some point I snack on fruit, Almonds, and Popcorn.

 

Back home. There’s always a moment at some point in the day when everyone in the house manages to be in the dining/kitchen at the same time. Good times.

 

Having myself a Your Pie pizza for dinner.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Running some late night errands to Wal-Mart.

 

It’s nice to have mom roaming about the house keeping things tidy and living somewhat normally.

 

 

Talking in depth with Ana in her room. She’s been frustrated with the lack of personal time for herself cause of her band practicing so much.

 

Sleep next to her at 3 a.m.