Friday December 31 2021

 

Waking up around 12:20 or so. On my left is Elvis curled up perfectly against my leg. On my right is Ana all snuggled up.

 

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

 

Driving over to Elliott’s house in Norfolk to practice one time with his band Obscure Son along with Kyle and Taylor. We hole up in his decked out garage building running the set. It’s my first time playing bass on these songs with them and it honestly runs smoothly.

 

PB&J. Plantain Chips. Coffee.

 

At home preparing to leave the house. I gave Ana a time that we need to leave and now she’s stressing out about getting ready. She does this whenever we go out somewhere for an event – she gets overwhelmed and then declares she doesn’t wanna go. I have to be at the place early to set up the PA and all that.

 

At Cheeky Servo off 18th Street at the oceanfront. None of us have ever been here before. It’s run by a very chill guy named Dan – a motorcycle and auto repair shop by day but a hang out spot by night. They even have a grill and serve easy eats. The bands are here and I’m putting everything together right in front of this vintage truck. Gone goes on first, Nate’s band with another guy and Elliott on bass. Somehow Wes managed to scoop up Ana and get her here. It’s a shame Ladada wasn’t able to play. Bobby had to back out for Covid reasons. A lot of debate went into this show even happening up until now but we’re here and everything is fine.

Enjoying a Corn Dog with this Potato Tortadoe.

I get up to play bass in Obscure Son, Elliott’s side project from You’re Jovian. It goes over really well I’d say.

 

Afterwards, Ana and I link up at Wes’s place over off Mill Dam. He’s got a great pad. Derek, from The Sand Tones (Ronnie’s duo band), is here – he’s got two drum kits set up in the living room. Wes compiles a bunch of amps, guitars, a steel guitar, and an organ for all of us to jam, to which we happily do. Meanwhile, Jen and some girlfriends of hers hang out in the kitchen. Sipping on champagne and bringing in the New Year with music. Bye bye 2021!

 

Thursday December 30 2021


 

Waking up around 12:30 p.m.

 

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Egg Sandwich with Spinach and Tomato. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.

 

Organizing the Broadway photos and tweaking the website some more.

 

Teaching an online lesson and doing some stuff around the house.

 

Grabbing some groceries.

 

Ana and I eat leftovers for dinner and watch Death to 2021 on Netflix.

 

Later on, at Music Makers late in the night. While Ana practices guitar I pack up the pa and practice a few bass tunes for Elliott’s band.

 

Wednesday December 29 2021

Waking up around 12:30 p.m.

 

Cereal with Blueberries, Banana, and Almond Milk. Tea.

 

Juggling phones and dealing with Music Makers business – scheduling/texting/calling.

 

Taking care of stuff around the house.

 

Eggs. Black Beans. English Muffin. Coffee.

Watching Tiger King 2.

 

Sorting through and organizing all the Broadway photos from almost a month ago. There’s hundreds and hundreds of them so it’s a tedious task to downsize the volume.

 

Falafel with Hummus and a Salad.

 

Practicing bass at the studio.

 

Tuesday December 28 2021

Waking up around noon. Feeling much, much better today!

 

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

 

Catching up on business.

 

Taking a walk to Music Makers – Andrew is detailing mom’s truck and it’s looking all shiny.

 

Eggs with a Black Bean Quesadilla Ana got me. Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching a few virtual lessons in the 104 space.

 

Practicing some bass songs for Elliott’s band, Obscure Son.

 

Back home. Cooking dinner for Ana and I: Brown Rice Quinoa Spaghetti Noodles with Green Peppers, Baby Broccoli, and Garlic Bread.

 

Catching up on business in my room.

 

Practicing more bass.

 

Monday December 27 2021

Waking up around noon. Ever since I got Covid I always wake up feeling achy but as I go throughout the day it goes away.

 

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

 

Catching up on business and scheduling.

 

Tweaking more of the website.

 

Eggs. English Muffin. Spinach. Chips. Tea.

 

Stuff around the house and general stuff at the computer. Meanwhile, I hear Ana march up and down the steps in and out of her room – she’s exhuming her room at the moment.

 

Leftovers for dinner.

 

At the studio putting up new band/broadway photos and other printing tasks.

 

Sunday December 26 2021

Waking up real late after 12:30 p.m.

 

Cereal with Banana, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Tea.

 

At the computer catching up on business and things.

 

Periodically, writing cards for people.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Crumpets. Coffee.

 

Ana runs a bunch of errands while I hang at the house – I’m still supposed to be quarantining from Covid.

 

I spend a lot of time giving the Music Makers website a makeover – there are many things to tweak and update.

 

Ana cooked dinner: Lentil and Vegetable Soup with Potatoes. We share hearty bowls of goodness over an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

 

Chores.

 

More website editing.

 

Saturday December 25 2021

Waking up super late again.

 

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

 

It’s Christmas Day! Ana and I exchange cards and presents. She always gets me the coolest things like a calendar from 1984 (my birth year), a Tune Squad jersey, slippers, a tea box, and spatulas. Both our cards are full of emotion and meaning. I composed a little tale about two horses in the sky I know she appreciated.

 

We would’ve traveled to North Carolina to see my dad and stuff but unfortunately we both have Covid.

 

PB&J English Muffin. Popped Chips. Coffee.

 

Organizing things around the house and hanging out.

 

I go to Patient First to get officially tested – after waiting for a long time the doctor comes in and reveals it’s true. I figured as much but it’s good to have an official result in my hands now.

 

Back home. We enjoy some Indian food for dinner from Nawab.

 

Later on, I work on studying some harmonies for some ELO songs at the studio.

 

Fruit and Yogurt.

 

Friday December 24 2021

Waking up really late at 1:30 p.m. Glad to get plenty of extra rest.

 

Ana made us Waffles for breakfast.

 

After finding out she tested positive for Covid I’m pretty sure I have it also but there’s no way to tell till I get tested. However, I am experiencing shortness of breath and mild fluish symptoms.

 

Taking care of things around the house – running errands – grabbing groceries at Whole Foods cause most everything will be closed tomorrow.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Toast. Coffee.

 

Home. We FaceTime my dad and his wife and chat for a long time.

 

Catching up on things.

 

Warming up dinner for Ana and I: leftover Vegetable Soup with Sardines, Beets, and Quinoa.

We decide to open up one present from each other.

Then, watching The Matrix Resurrections (2021), highly anticipated by me.

 

Thursday December 23 2021

Waking up around noon.

 

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

 

Working out at the gym with Vlad.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Toast. Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Back home. Cooking dinner for Ana and I: Goat Cheese and Spinach Ravioli with Brussel Sprouts and Bread.

Watching The Harder They Fall (2021).

Earlier, she waited hours at Patient First to get tested and found out she is positive for Covid. She took the at home test and it was positive. But now we’re definitely sure. Her and I try to keep our distance from each other as to not spread it to me but it’s very likely I could’ve contracted it too, fingers crossed I didn’t.

 

Writing cards and chores.

 

Wednesday December 22 2021

Waking up around noon.

 

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

 

At the studio letting Anna, Megan, and Luke in so they can do a vocal rehearsal.

 

At the gym working out.

 

Eggs. Toast. Chips. Spinach. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Back home. Making a quick dinner for Ana and I: Vegan Sausage, Green Onion Pancakes, Rice, Kale, and Carrots.

We found out Ana has Covid, according to a home test she took this afternoon. We hope it was a false positive but we won’t know until tomorrow when she gets an in-person test. Trying to get a test these days is like finding a needle in a haystack.

 

We get into a few arguments throughout the evening.

 

Tuesday December 21 2021

Waking up shortly after noon.

 

Cereal with Banana, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Tea.

 

No time for the gym cause I woke up too late and there’s much business to deal with.

 

Taking care of things at the studio and running errands.

 

Eggs. Crumpets. Spinach. Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons.

 

Back home. I cook a big pot of Bean and Veggie Soup for Ana and I. She called out of work today cause she’s really sick – unsure if it’s Covid or not.

We share dinner and watch more of that Get Back documentary.

 

Cleaning up and catching up on business.

 

Monday December 20 2021

Waking up around noon.

 

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

 

Catching up on business – running errands – buying gift cards for people.

 

Eggs. Crumpets. Spinach. Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Afterwards, helping with the Modern Day Warrior band practice – they’re really jamming tonight in preparation for a big gig coming up.

 

Back home. I cook a quick and easy dinner: Japanese Style Fried Rice with Peas and leftover Veggies.

Ana and I share some bowls while watching some of the Get Back documentary.

 

Cleaning up.

 

Catching up on things.

 

Sunday December 19 2021

Waking up around noon.

 

Cereal with Blueberries, Banana, and Almond Milk. Tea.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Working out at the gym.

 

It’s a dreary cold and rainy day.

 

Eggs. Bagel. Spinach. Chips. Coffee.

Watching Curb Your Enthusiasm.

 

Writing cards and planning.

 

Chores.

 

Ana cooks dinner: Vegan Burgers with Veggies.

We start the first part of that new Beatles documentary Get Back.

 

At the studio organizing things and working on keyboard patches.

 

Saturday December 18 2021

Waking up super late around 1 p.m.

 

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

 

Working out at the gym.

 

I found out that Rebecca’s cat of 13 years, Aria, just passed away on her trip to NC. That is devastating for her and I feel terrible. She lived a wonderful life from what I saw and I know she was a good cat mother to her.

 

Leftover Pizza with Eggs. Coffee.

 

Running errands.

 

Cooking dinner for Ana and I: Vegan Sausages with Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Carrots, and Rice.

 

Ana’s been bugging us to take official Christmas pictures in the living room around the tree so we do just that.

 



After cleaning up I go to the studio to print cards and things – tweaking my keyboard rig.

 

Friday December 17 2021

Waking up around noon.

 

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

 

Taking care of so much business over the phone and at the computer.

 

Chores.

 

At Music Makers taking care of a few things – fixing the dead bolt on a door.

 

Running errands around Hilltop – traffic around here is ridiculous.

 

Later on, Ana and I grab dinner at Hearth at the oceanfront. They sit us right near the front in a uniquely designed booth where we’re “forced to sit next to each other” as Ana puts it, though this is exactly what she prefers whereas I prefer the across from each other position better. Enjoying good eats and wine.

 

Back home catching up on chores.

 

Ana uses Procreate to design a Christmas card, something we usually make every year. I help her color and arrange it but she comes up with the design.

 

Thursday December 16 2021

Waking up at noon.

 

Cereal with Blueberries, Banana, and Almond Milk. Tea.

 

Running errands. Stopping by Lemon Cabana – UPS – dropping my car off at the shop – the studio to water plants.

 

Eggs. Bagel. Spinach. Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Afterwards, Modern Day Warrior has a practice without Thomas so I fill in on drums for a while.

 

Bolognese Lentil Pasta with Kale and a Spinach Pastry.

 

Wes and I drive the truck to Ladada band practice with Josiah and Bobby. It’s quite productive in the music sense but also in the friendship sense. Wes has a lot of concerns about the systems in society we have placed.

 

Back home recanting tales with Ana and sharing Cookies.

 

Wednesday December 15 2021

Waking up around noon.

 

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

 

Going through all the figures and numbers from the Broadway show and budget – it’s quite an ordeal to double check everything. I spend most of my afternoon doing this.

 

Eggs. Bagel. Spinach. Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Afterwards, I meet with Carol, who’s been a dedicated parent on the Broadway production team. Throughout the session we’ve had a few things build up on her part that she needed to get off her chest and also needed to be encouraged by me. I rarely get to have a one on one with her so I think this discussion was really helpful in getting everything out on the table. It’s important when working in such a high stress environment such as this we take great efforts to be aware of others and make sure to show appreciation. Her and Haley have really put a lot into this program.

...

After Rebecca finishes up her ballet lesson with Haley then her and I have a discussion about the discussion. We’re really learning a lot about each other and what it really takes to have a successful program.

 

Back home. Eating some leftovers for dinner and catching up on business.

 

Writing checks and crunching more numbers.

 

Tuesday December 14 2021

Waking up around 11:50 a.m.

 

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

 

Catching up on business and scheduling.

 

Running errands – Target and Whole Foods.

 

Eggs. Toast. Spinach. Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Afterwards, having a post production meeting with Rebecca and Carol – discussing everything we learned from the last Broadway show and session – going over the budget. It’s a long but productive discussion.

 

Back home. Heating up some kind of Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with Sardines.

 

Cleaning dishes.

 

Crunching numbers and catching up on business.

 

Monday December 13 2021

Waking up around noon.

 

Cereal with Strawberries and Almond Milk. Tea.

 

Catching up on business and scheduling.

 

Eggs. Kale. Toast. Chips. Coffee.

 

Dropping the truck off for an inspection.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Leftovers for dinner.

 

ELO rehearsal.

 

Catching up on things back home – cleaning up the kitchen after Ana just baked some special cookies. She recants frustrating encounters from condescending customers at work.

 

Sunday December 12 2021

Waking up at 12:30 p.m.

 

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

 

Catching up on business and things around the house.

 

Studying some new ELO songs – listening intently to vocal harmonies and parts.

 

Eggs. Toast. Spinach. Chips. Coffee.

 

Later on, meeting up at the warehouse for ELO rehearsal – we go over new tunes we’re trying to add to the show like “Xanadu” and “Sweet is the Night”, both really nice tunes.

 

Dinner back at the house. Ana made Falafel with Quinoa, Roasted BBQ Cauliflower and Squash.

 

Green Tea.

 

Organizing stuff at the studio.

 

Banana.

 

Saturday December 11 2021


Waking up around 11:09 a.m.

 

Cereal with Strawberries, Banana, and Almond Milk. Tea.

 

Meeting up with Carol at the storage unit to put up some of the trees and things from Broadway – we also take a minute to clear up some misunderstandings.

 

Then, at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church setting up the Music Makers recitals. We’re running a 3:00 one and a 5:00 one. I’m running sound and making sure the mics and things are working properly. It’s mostly Addy and Rebecca’s students plus a select few of mine, Chase and Luke. Both of those boys continually impress me – almost had me in tears watching them inspire so many of the younger students and families. I loved seeing all the first timers as well. We congregate in the reception hall after each performance – everyone brought snacks and treats to share.

 

Later on, after Ana gets off work, we grab dinner at Old Beach Tavern. Stopping by the church cause I left some windscreens there. The cleaning lady is nice enough to let me in. I notice she has her kid helping vacuum the sanctuary – reminds me of when I was young and my mom cleaned churches at night. I’d always help her.

At the restaurant Enjoying some Fish n Chips while the Anthony Rosano band creates loud rock music in the background.

 

 

Then, a little down the street we stop into Queen’s Green Apothecary where Addy and Jordan are playing a little gig. I’ve never stepped foot in here before – it’s a 420 friendly place with an Alice in Wonderland theme with every corner and room decked out to the nines, completely psychedelic in here. It’s good to see the two of them play together – I haven’t really seen Jordan since the incident so long ago. They even play an ELO song dedicated to me.

 

Back home. Attempting to relax and catch up on things. But it’s hard cause there is still unrest between Ana and I. She starts up a stressful debate about the relationship.

 

Friday December 10 2021

Waking up around 12:30 p.m. from anxiety filled dreams.

 

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

 

Catching up on business and things.

 

At Music Makers test printing the recital programs for tomorrow. Meanwhile, Allyson is here running the front desk. After Lisa Walker’s voice lesson I meet with her and her colleague about how to move forward with a group health insurance plan for the business.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Turnips. Toast. Coffee.

Watching Curb Your Enthusiasm.

 

Driving out to Shore Drive to pick up the blank shirts I let the Work Sucks guy print but it didn’t work out. Stopping by the Lutheran church to meet with Addy to get a scope on the sanctuary we’ll be using tomorrow for the recital. Luke is here to practice playing his songs on the piano.

 

Then, at the studio again to print out programs and rehearse a song with Brittany and Rebecca that I’ll be accompanying the piano on. The three of us talk while folding and printing programs. At some point Rebecca expresses issues we had over some incidents during Broadway week. I get a better understanding of how certain things went down. It’s been such an emotional past couple weeks on all fronts for me and I’m glad we ironed stuff out.

 

Back home. Making a quick dinner for myself.

 

Catching up on business and chores.

 

Thursday December 9 2021

Waking up around 12:20 p.m.

 

Ana made Waffles. I have one with a Banana and Tea.

 

Working out at the gym with Vlad.

 

Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Back home. Ana made dinner: Vegan Burgers with Roasted Potatoes and Veggies.

 

Catching up on business. Green Tea.

 

Stressing out over some business confusion between coworkers.

 

Chores.

 

Wednesday December 8 2021

Waking up around noon.

 

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

 

Catching up on business.

 

Running errands.

 

Eggs. English Muffin. Spinach. Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Immediately after, I scoop Ana up from the house and we head to The Bunker for the rock show. Ladada is playing with Piranha Rama and Zack Mexico. We open up with a short and sweet 30 minute set.

Crab Cake Sandwich with Fries.

Enjoying all the familiar faces and truly professional bands on the stage.

 

Decompressing at home.

 

Tuesday December 7 2021

Waking up around noon.

 

Cereal with Banana, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Tea.

 

Organizing a few things and chores.

 

Eggs. Chard. English Muffin. Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Japanese Style Fried Rice with Vegan Sausage and Green Beans.

 

Ladada practice with Wes, Josiah, and Bobby.

 

Snacking.

 

Ana and I have been really going through a mess in our relationship lately. Sometimes I see she’s really trying like tonight when I go to leave her bedroom she marches over and offers a hug/kiss.

 

Monday December 6 2021

Awaking around noon.

 

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

 

Catching up on business.

 

At the gym finally after what seems like a long hiatus – mostly running on the treadmill though.

 

Eggs. English Muffin. Chard. Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

ELO band rehearsal – we all mostly discuss some critique and changes that we need to implement for next year’s shows.

 

Organizing things and cleaning up the Music Makers studio.

 

Back home. Catching up on things.

 

Later on Ana comes in the room emotionally exhausted with us as am I. She keeps talking about breaking up cause she feels attached to the relationship but wants to be free and independent. She can’t handle how busy I am all the time. There are many layers to this predicament that are hard to put into words. We eventually sleep next to each other.

 

Sunday December 5 2021

Waking up around noon.

 

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

 

It was a busy and full past three days – feels good to sleep in and not have any time constraints today. I catch up on all kinds of communication and emails.

 

Doing the accounting.

 

Eggs. Chard. Bagel. Coffee.

 

Doing chores.

 

Running grocery errands.

 

Cooking dinner for Ana and I: BBQ Chic Peas with Cabbage and Quinoa.

 

Finally doing the last repair to the dryer – haven’t had any time until today to finish it.

 

More work at the computer.

 

Relaxing. Snacking.

 

Organizing stuff at Music Makers.

 

Saturday December 4 2021

Waking up around 11:50 a.m.

 

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

 

Today’s another big day, Day 2 of “The Magic of Christmas”. At the Kroc Center setting up everything (the cameras, the mic packs, the computer station, etc.). We have tons of help everywhere, which is awesome.

PB&J. Crackers. Coffee.

I would say that whatever went wrong last night didn’t go wrong tonight and vice versa. Reid and I hold it down at the sound station calling cues and handling the music/sfx.

 

After the bows and finale, there are tons of people helping clear the stage and packing up. It’s incredible we’re able to do all of this in a matter of 30 minutes. Transporting everything back to the storage unit and Music Makers.

 

Then, Ana and I attend the cast party at Carol, Paul, and Haley’s house. There’s plenty of food and cheer. I’m so proud of this whole cast and production crew. It was an honor to be a part of it and help make Rebecca’s vision come to life.

 

Back home finally. Ana starts to tell me about her time going to that show in North Carolina. But she starts to get real emotional and lets out all sorts of stuff. We’re not on good terms tonight and I’m so exhausted.

 

Friday December 3 2021

Waking up around 11:15 a.m.

 

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

 

Catching up on business, mainly ticket related things for the show tonight.

 

Ana’s off to Durham, NC to see a show with Jordan.

 

Meanwhile, I’m off to the Kroc Center for tonight’s big Broadway show “The Magic of Christmas”. We had a dress rehearsal here yesterday and now’s the moment we’ve all been waiting on. Everyone is here getting things ready. I work on preparing all the mic packs and cameras. I got Anna and Olivia here to help usher people in when they arrive. Then, Allyson and a few of the parents help with the box office area. There’s so much to orchestrate it can get hectic.

 

PB&J. Crackers. Coffee.

 

But then the house lights dim and the show begins! Reid and I control the sound and light cues from backstage. I’m getting up and down to help move props and set scenes. We come across a technical issue with Kate’s mic, which causes us to announce a “technical hold” just to deal with it. But we get it back up and running in no time.

 

It’s such an honor to be working with this cast and witness all the talent and emotion that explodes on this stage. Can’t wait to do it all again the next day.

 

I give Anna a ride back to Music Makers. She’s been a big help today.

 

Back home. Catching up on things. Eating leftovers for dinner. Doing chores.

 

Uploading video footage.

 

Thursday December 2 2021

Waking up around 11 a.m.

 

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

 

Packing up some things in the car and driving out to the Kroc Center for the big Broadway dress rehearsal today. There’s much to do with all the backstage hands including myself, Rebecca, Reid, Carol, Haley, and all the cast members that come trickling in one at a time.

...

A lot of time is spent setting the props in specific places and marking spots on the stage where things will live. I focus on setting up Reid and I’s station for calling the sound/light cues. Then, putting batteries in all the mic packs and laying them out. It takes quite a long time to clip the packs on each cast member and tape up their mics. Then, setting up all the cameras.

 

PB&J. Crackers. Coffee.

 

At some point we actually do a run through and it goes over quite well – there’s always a few hiccups but it’s good we’re making mistakes tonight before the shows this weekend. It’s a highly stressful but exciting environment to be in.

 

Afterwards, we clean things up and reflect on all the things we need to fix before tomorrow.

 

Back home. Ana cooked a hearty dinner: Lentil and Bean Soup with Veggies and Quinoa with Garlic Bread.

 

I work on this footage from today at the same time doing chores – laundry and dishes.

 

Wednesday December 1 2021

Waking up a little before 11 a.m.

 

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

 

Rebecca and I ride over to the Kroc Center to bring a load of stuff for tomorrow’s dress rehearsal and figure out some issues with one of the curtains.

 

Handling some business at the studio.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Chips with Avocado. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Back home. Leftover Black Beans with Veggies, Sardines, and Rice for dinner.

 

Meeting up with the Ladada boys at the storage unit practicing a set for next week’s show.

 

Tuesday November 30 2021

Waking up a little before 11 a.m.

 

Cereal with Banana, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Tea.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Driving around distributing some Broadway flyers here and there – at Lemon Cabana I meet a nice lady who owns the place and gladly allows me to display them – I end up finding a nice Christmas gift for Ana – at The Heritage I run into Kate, a friend of Elliott’s mom Caroline, who was a fan of our B-52’s band.

 

Eggs. Bagel. Chips. Spinach. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Back home. Ana and I put together Black Bean Tacos to share with The B-52’s band. We’re all meeting up tonight to watch the video Bobby and I edited together from the Halloween show.

...

Even though I had a headache beforehand it’s a kind of therapy hanging out with all of them.

 

Later on, recollecting myself.

 

Peanut Butter Rice Cakes.

 

Monday November 29 2021

Waking up around 11 a.m.

 

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

 

Catching up on business – and there’s much to catch up on! It’s like Thanksgiving weekend happened and boom it was Monday – everybody is reaching out and trying to get things done.

 

Dealing with stuff at the studio.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Immediately after Haley’s lesson we all meet with Carol and Rebecca to go over any last minute Broadway business. Meanwhile, the band jam is happening – there’s always so much going on at once.

 

Back home. Ana cooked dinner: Vegan Burgers with roasted Veggies and Tomato Soup.

 

Green Tea.

 

We put up and decorate the new Christmas tree!

 

Sunday November 28 2021

Waking up around 11 a.m.

 

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

 

Catching up on business and things at the computer.

 

Eggs. Toast. Potato Salad. Coffee.

 

Running errands – picking up a piano from the warehouse and vacuuming.

 

Organizing some things at Music Makers.

 

After Ana gets off work we grab some groceries, stop at Target for a new Christmas tree, and pick up some things from the storage unit.

 

Back home. I cook dinner: Tempeh with all kinds of Veggies and Rice. Sharing the last of the Cookies she made.

 

Organizing some stuff at the studio.

 

Raspberries and Chips.

 

Saturday November 27 2021

Waking up bright and early at 9:30 a.m. Ana and I have to drive to Greenville, North Carolina.

 

Breakfast Bars and Tea.

 

We take turns driving down 17 until we arrive at my cousin Vikki’s house in Grimesland, North Carolina. This would be Thanksgiving Part 3 for Ana and I. My aunt Pansy and her husband Peter, my dad and Patty, Vikki and her husband with the boys, and a few others. It’s a beautiful home filled with all kinds of Southern spread and delicious desserts. The boys have really grown up now – at some point Ana and I get some skateboards out with Julian and ride around the neighborhood.

 

 

We talk to Vikki afterwards about memories of Aunt Delores and my mom, staying healthy, and things. She’s really got life all figured out.

 

Ana and I drive back home – stopping at some gas station for coffees – listening to music and talking.

 

PB&J. Fruit and Yogurt.

 

Catching up on things while Ana goes out with friends.

 

Friday November 26 2021

Waking up around 10 a.m. Grabbing some quick things at Kroger.

 

Dad and his wife Patty come over for breakfast. Ana makes Waffles while I cook up Country Sausage and Eggs to go with. My dad has to have his sausage.

 

Cleaning up and organizing.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Leftover Chicken Pad Thai with Spinach.

 

Running errands with Ana – mainly at Target investing in some household things like a new SodaStream so we can make our own sparkling water.

 

Back home. More organizing while Ana cooks and bakes in the kitchen.

 

Squash and Pea Hash for dinner.

 

Always cleaning. I’ve literally been Ana’s dishwasher the past few days.

 

Doing some repairs on the dryer.

 

Pineapple, Strawberries, and Yogurt.

 

Thursday November 25 2021


Waking up at noon.

 

Banana. Tea.

 

Ana and I pack up her car full of baked goodies and head to Norfolk for her family’s Thanksgiving gathering at Auntie Marley’s. All her cousins, aunts, uncles, and nieces/nephews are here. Enjoying a big spread of the usual. Ana’s homemade apple pie was a hit. Anna Sosa brought her violin – Ana brought a guitar that I hold onto – strumming whatever the family wants to hear – a few sing-a-longs and a game of limbo outside. We also take quite a bit of effort getting a group photo.

 

 

Afterwards, we then drive out to Williamsburg where my dad and his wife’s family and extended family are having a gathering. It’s in an apartment owned by Jesus and his partner Julio, two very jovial Puerto Rican dudes – a collection of Versace and Louis Vuitton everywhere. We of course bust out the guitar and sing a few songs for the group – a karaoke microphone is passed around for Disney songs – Jesus does his own rendition of that Hercules song and Ana does a Pocahontas song. Salsa and African dancing eventually in the kitchen too!

 

 

Back home in VB. I spend the rest of the night cleaning up the dining room and kitchen.

 

Wednesday November 24 2021

 Waking up around 11:30 a.m.

 

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

 

Seeing the chiro.

 

Working out at the gym.

Banana.

 

Eggs. English Muffin. Spinach. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers. It’s a light day cause most everyone is starting vacation early.

 

Back home. Eating leftover Pizza with Baby Broccoli and Carrots for dinner.

Watching Curb Your Enthusiasm.

 

Later on, after Ana gets home, we both stay busy! While she slaves away in the kitchen baking pies and cookies I’m doing chores (cleaning the guest bathroom, cleaning the dishes, laundry, taking the recycle out, etc.)

 

Tuesday November 23 2021

Waking up around noon.

 

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

 

Business.

 

Running errands.

 

Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Chips. Coffee.

Watching News of the World (2020).

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Back home. Warming up dinner leftovers for Ana and I.

 

Catching up on business. Meanwhile, Ana bakes up a storm in the kitchen.

 

At the studio putting out all the Christmas decorations and installing some guitar hangers.

 

Pineapple and Yogurt.

 

Monday November 22 2021

Waking up around noon.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

Catching up on scheduling and business.

 

Running errands.

 

Eggs. English Muffin. Spinach. Coffee. Chips.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Right after, there’s a band jam with Anna, Megan, Thomas, and Merrill. I stay around to play guitar with them.

 

Back home. Ana brought home Bangkok Garden for dinner. Chicken Pad Thai for me.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Then, troubleshooting the dryer. Turns out the heating coil broke, which would explain the dryer not heating. I’ve pulled apart this dryer so many times it’s become second nature at this point. I order some parts online in the meantime.

 

Sunday November 21 2021

Waking up around noon.

 

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

 

Catching up on business.

 

At the warehouse for Broadway rehearsal. It’s the cast’s last rehearsal in this room until the final dress rehearsal at the venue in December. So we’re here polishing up all the segues and rough spots. It’s always chaotic and stressful at moments but what a fun group.

 

Sneaking in a PB&J and Coffee.

 

Packing up everything and bringing it back to Music Makers.

 

Back home. Ana made a nice dinner of Vegan Sausages, Peas, Quinoa, and leftover Veggies.

 

Rebecca has to drive 4 hours to North Carolina for the week. I recap today’s rehearsal with her over the phone then catch up on business.

 

Doing laundry and chores.

 

Cleaning up some things at the studio.

 

Saturday November 20 2021

Waking up around 10:30 a.m.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

I drive Reid and I over to the Kroc Center for the big Broadway Tech rehearsal today. There is much to do as far as setting up the stage and preparing to run through the show. The whole cast is here along with Reid, myself, Carol, Rebecca, and two sound/light guys. It’s of course chaotic and hectic getting all these kids adorned with wireless headset mics and figuring out where all the props and set pieces need to reside between numbers. There were many issues but none we couldn’t handle and deal with. We essentially set up as if we’re running the show but then take time to correct any issues with the transitions.

 

Afterwards, packing up and transporting gear and things to the warehouse.

 

Then, I’m home! I snuck in a PB&J earlier but now I’m starving! Ana picked up pizza from Pizza Chapel. We enjoy some greasy slices and then finish watching Dune (2021) together.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Cookies.

 

Having serious talks again with Ana.

 

Friday November 19 2021

Waking up super late around 1 p.m.

 

Cereal with Banana, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Tea.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Working on things on and off at Music Makers.

 

Driving over to the Kroc Center to drop off some gear for tomorrow.

 

More maintenance things at the studio – talking with Allyson and Rebecca in between lessons going on about Broadway related things.

 

Later on, Ana and I grab dinner at Lovesong. The Snake Mountain Revival guys happen to be here also. Enjoying our favorite Mushroom Tartines and a few cocktails.

 

Vacuuming and cleaning out the living room.

 

Then, we lie on the couch to watch Dune (2021). A re-watching for me but Ana’s first. Meanwhile, Elvis plops into a perfectly fitting box.

 

Thursday November 18 2021

Waking up around noon.

 

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

 

Working out at the gym. I’ve been down to only going one day out of the week. I wish I could do more.

Banana.

 

At the studio doing some scheduling and whatnot.

 

Eggs. Toast. Kale. Chips and Avocado. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Running errands.

 

Ana cooked dinner: Vegan Burgers with Roasted Veggies.

 

Hitching a ride with Wes to Ladada practice with the boys. We have a good time jamming and running tunes.

 

Back home. Doing the dishes.

Enjoying Green Tea and Shortbread Cookies Ana made.

 

Catching up on business till 4 in the a.m.