Thursday March 21 2024

Awakening officially on the tour bus around 9 a.m. at a Love’s Truck Stop.

 

Gorging down a Bojangle’s egg biscuit and Tea.

 

After getting into Gainesville, Florida awaiting Antwan’s plane arrival, we decide to remedy the rumbling noise the bus is having. Dropping by a shop that can do a quick turnaround job repairing a u-bolt on the drive shaft. Meanwhile, a few of us take a 20 minute walk up the street through car dealership land. Eating some grub and coffee at a local diner called The Clock, a homey place with all kinds of clocks on the wall believe it or not.

 

 

At some point, we pay the mechanic and now we’re off to the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala!

 

Even though we arrive a little late we still manage to get everything set up and stay on schedule.

 

Lunch and dinner hospitality is on point.

 

Just outside I take a little break and go on a stroll around the park – kids playing pickup basketball and running around the playground – Mallard ducks and cranes living their best life in the lake – I try to take a moment and think on things. I’ve been sad lately and feeling deprived of things in my life. Firstly, I’m lovesick if I’m gonna be honest. I miss the dynamic Rebecca and I used to have, the romantic one. I don’t know where we’re at but I do know she’s still got her wall up. But I can tell she still cares about me and is interested in maintaining some kind of close friendship.

 

 

Time to get on stage and play the show – it’s basically a full house – second time performing here. A few flubs here and there but we elicit a great response!

 

 

Packing up and loading out – for some reason we’re not getting immediate help from the venue guys. That kind of slows us down but we manage.

 

Carlos drives us to the hotel in Lakeland (Baymont by Wyndham). This place turns out to be completely under renovation. Walking through the halls carpentry stuff is everywhere. Not what I expected when I booked the rooms here.

 

Rebecca and I get settled in – I’m feeling weird and emotional about her lately cause she has absolutely put up a big romantic wall. I start a dialogue with her about it as we sit on separate beds. There’s a lot of resentment that built up at the end of last year that really put a damper on things, mostly caused by me and my whole getting-over-past-relationship things. We shed a few tears talking about it. Our friendship is well established and already has a good foundation, something I don’t think will ever dissipate. But I’m terribly lovesick over her to be honest. I just have a lot of feelings about it.

“But my heart is so pure right now!”

“I wish I could have another chance.”

“I just can’t right now,” she says.

We leave off on a good note though and with some understanding I suppose.

 

Wednesday March 20 2024

Waking up around 11:30 a.m.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

Packing up things.

 

Running errands – taking the bus to the warehouse to make sure the trailer is good to go and hitch it up. Nigel is here doing some last minute fixes on the air duct and whatever else. Discovering the bus is still rumbling even after Jamil repaired the exhaust pipe. We think it’s the manifold. Trying to find last minute ways we could get it fixed but there’s no time.

 

Tempeh Bacon. Avocado. English Muffin. Tomatoes. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Driving Rebecca and I on the tour bus to link up with the ELO band at the warehouse. We leave a little bit later than we wanted – having to stop by Ed’s to pick up Casey and Kevin.

 

Enjoying some leftover Pasta, Broccoli, and Garlic Bread for dinner.

 

Finally, we’re actually on the road – Carlos takes the first shift. The bus is vibrating like crazy – feels almost like an airplane.

 

Catching up on stuff at the computer.

 

Then, going to sleep in the back of the bus – interrupted by gas stops here and there.

Tuesday March 19 2024

Waking up around 11:30 a.m.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Catching up on business and chores. Running errands.

 

Jamil is here fixing the exhaust under the bus – then Edwin and Nigel show up to add an air duct to help with air circulation.

 

Eggs. English Muffins. Tomatoes. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Making dinner: Beef, Bok Choy, Carrots, Onions, Quinoa, and Garlic Bread.

 

Chores. Packing some things.

Monday March 18 2024

Waking up around 11 a.m.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

Catching up on accounting business – running to the bank – grabbing groceries.

 

Eggs. Baby Broccoli. Bagel. Tempeh Bacon. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Pasta, Salad, and Garlic Bread for dinner.

 

I take some measurements and cut some board at the studio for this makeshift plan to cover up the openings in Rebecca’s couch so her cats can’t get stuck. It’s a bit of work but I go over to her place and drill in the boards – it works perfectly. We hang out for a while just chatting about band stuff and such. I really want to say a few things but I hold off for now.

 

Doing some chores. Settling in.

Sunday March 17 2024

Today is quite a blur. MMLIVE band rehearsals all afternoon, three student bands and one teacher band. Stoked and proud of all the bands cause everything is sounding really good!

 

Later on, I drive over to Nigel’s to meet with him and Ron – business meeting regarding Oxford and this week.

 

Finally home after a long, long day! Didn’t even feel like writing much.

Saturday March 16 2024

Waking up off and on – the bus is still trekking its way north east towards home. Gas stops here and there.

 

Eventually, I awaken myself to the seat – we arrive in VB at a great time with much left in the day to get stuff done. Unhitching the trailer, we notice the exhaust pipe under the bus broke off a bit – one more thing we need to fix.

 

Back in Chanticleer. Unpacking and eating lunch.

 

Driving over to Bobby Alderman’s shop to collect these hairpin piano legs he cut for me – I trade him some old family guns and ammo. Meanwhile, his mother is sitting there knitting in a rocking chair.

 

Then, I help Rebecca troubleshoot her leak under the sink and some other various things she needed help with. We talk more about the band drama and money issues. I wish we didn’t waste so much time together on topics like this but sometimes it’s inevitable.

 

Beef with Pasta, Baby Broccoli, Carrots, and Garlic Bread.

Watching The Gentlemen.

 

Settling down and getting to bed early!

Friday March 15 2024

Waking up off and on throughout the long bus ride – I think I did manage to get some decent sleep.

 

At some point the tour bus arrives in Oxford, Alabama – we’re playing at the performing arts center. Not too long ago we performed here less than a year ago. It’s such a beautiful day – cloudy and warm.

 

I corral Addy, Rebecca, Sophie, and Nigel to check out Southern Girl Coffee across the street. There’s a friendly brown dog trotting around greeting everyone. A boy in rain boots plays with toys in a small puddle. Meanwhile, Nigel (dressed in neon construction green) sits in the background in one of those plastic dome shelters.

 

 

At the venue, we load in and start getting set up. We always love this place cause the food is good – we always sell out – the staff are amazing.

...

Carlos wasn’t able to join us so I’m somewhat inclined to pick up the slack – setting up the drum riser – repairing a wheel on the Midas rack with Mike (a very helpful venue guy). Doing all kinds of stuff marching up and down stairs. Eating a sandwich at some point.

 

Sound check goes a little long but necessary I think with this extra boomy sounding room.

 

Dinner is of course delicious: Chicken with Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, and Banana Pudding.

 

We put on our two set show to a sold out crowd – seriously the roar of the crowd was electric.

 

 

Packing up and loading out. There’s always so much to get together.

 

Back on the bus getting ready to go – we’re all ravenous and snack on anything we can find. Reflecting on the show and how lovely the whole day really was – everything mostly went right.

 

Thursday March 14 2024

Waking up around 11:14 a.m.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Driving the bus around the city running errands – withdrawing money at the bank – at the warehouse doing some maintenance on the bus and hitching the trailer. Everything always takes longer than I expect.

 

Eggs. Spinach. English Muffins. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Packing up stuff at the house. Chores. Dinner.

 

Rebecca and I load up on the bus and drive to the warehouse to link up with the ELO crew for another weekend show. We couldn’t get Aaron, the driver from last time, so instead we got Dan, a cousin of Edwin’s.

...

In route to Oxford, Alabama.

 

Catching up on work at the computer.

 

Then, trying to sleep in the back of the bus.

Wednesday March 13 2024

Waking up at 11:20 a.m.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Running errands on foot today cause it’s so beautiful out!

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Trading the van for the bus from Nigel and Edwin.

 

Pasta, Salad, and Garlic Bread for dinner.

Watching The Gentlemen.

 

Catching up on chores.

 

Finishing the business taxes just before the deadline!

 

More chores.

Tuesday March 12 2024

Waking up earlier at 10:30 a.m.

 

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

 

Driving the bus over to the Colonial Ford shop for the technician to finish installing the two broken lights. Meanwhile, I get some computer work done.

...

Keven, the service manager, recommended I go over to this bus company called Sonny Merryman down the street. Over there I meet a very nice guy named Wally. He takes a look at all the seals on the bus and gives me some suggestions on what to do. He even gives me a free piece of weather seal for the side door. This place will work on anything and everything bus related so in the future we could bring it here for things.

...

Driving the bus over to Nigel’s for him to have for fixing the TV’s later. I trade him for the van to take me back to Hilltop. Been a busy afternoon!

 

Eggs. Tempeh Bacon. Kale. English Muffins. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Getting groceries.

 

Dinner: Peas, Beef, Celery, Carrots, Onions, Quinoa, and Garlic Bread,

Watching The Gentlemen (2024).

 

Later on, I visit with Rebecca – helping her feed the kitties and hanging. Venting about band drama. Then, towards the end I bring up some reflections on us. She’s had a friend wall up this year for good reasons that I’m starting to understand. I’ve been struggling with the emotions of it all internally. But I touch on the topic with her every now and then.

...

“I really took you for granted last year. And I’m sorry. I feel like I misrepresented who I can be in a relationship. I’ve been lovesick and at times it’s kind of painful.”

...

One thing about this is she’s very open to hearing me talk about it and willing to understand. There’s no telling where this will end up but my fingers are crossed.

Monday March 11 2024

Waking up at 10:13 a.m.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Driving the bus to Big Charlie’s Truck Plaza to get the bus and trailer washed.

...

Running more errands – bank deposits – dropping the trailer off at the warehouse – repairing some things.

...

I almost get t-boned by a truck while making a left at a light with the bus. This guy comes zooming across the intersection as if I’m just gonna disappear but he doesn’t seem to understand I’m a building on wheels.

 

Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Tempeh Bacon. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Immediately after Ron and I meet with Nigel at the warehouse to discuss post show accounting and travel plans. Sometimes discussing money with Nigel is like trying to run a business with Willy Wonka. Him and I’s brains do not always align. But eventually, we figure things out.

 

Back home finally. Feeling stressed. Texting with Rebecca about all the things that happened.

I tell her, “Beyond all that I generally just haven’t been feeling happy. I feel deprived of like everything in my life. Even though good things are happening with Music Makers and money stuff is getting to where it should be with ELO I’m losing my heart...”

 

Doing some more business at the computer. Then, getting to bed!

Sunday March 10 2024

The bus drives persistently through the cold rain and light snow while I catch decent hours of sleep in the back. One gas stop after the other.

 

Banana. Breakfast Bar. Tea.

 

I get some work done at the computer – catching up on emails and such – I’m getting so much stuff done it’s crazy.

 

This drive back home seems to get longer and longer. We hit traffic right before Richmond – take a detour – then there’s some accident we have to maneuver through.

 

At some point Rebecca and I finally make it back to Chanticleer. She offloads her stuff into her car. Then I do the same for my truck.

...

I almost got into a street fight lol. Some guy pulls up in a suburban yelling at me cause he can’t get by the bus and trailer.

“You need to move this fucking thing!”

I walk over to address him and he’s on a rampage.

“Excuse me,” I counteract. “There’s no reason to get angry at me. I’m gonna move the bus up so you can get by.”

Suddenly, his demeanor changed and he starts apologizing saying his name is Andy and how he had a long day – he shakes my hand and moves on.

 

Getting all my stuff into the house and settling down.

 

Tuna, Black Beans, Kale, Carrots, Quinoa, and Garlic Bread.

Watching some stuff.

 

Catching up on chores. Playing with Elvis.

Saturday March 9 2024

The bus continues on westerly through Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. I manage to get decent sleep in the back of the bus.

 

Breakfast Bar. Banana. Tea.

 

Around noon we arrive at The Egyptian Theatre in Dekalb, Illinois. It’s a super cool spot – obviously with an Egyptian theme. Built in 1929 with a giant stained glass scarab beetle above the marquee.

 

 

Loading in and setting up the stage – we’re here pretty early which is very nice cause we don’t have to rush.

 

PB&J Bagel. Fruit. More Tea.

 

Sound check goes pretty smooth.

 

Come to find out though the person handling getting our catered meal forgot to put in the food order. So we last minute gather individual orders to a grill place around the corner.

 

Chicken Sandwich with Fries. Veggie Tray.

 

Doing the show – everything goes well – great energy from the audience.

 

 

Doing a little photo op and meet & greet. Then, packing up the stage and loading out!

 

We manage to get out of there at a pretty decent hour.

 

Before we all drift off to sleep we put the show video on the TV’s – analyzing the lights and mix – laughing at all the funny moments.

 

Friday March 8 2024

 

Waking up early at 10 a.m. I walk down the street for Mike to pick me up. He gives me a lift to the truck shop to pick up the bus.

 

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

 

We get there only to find out the inspection isn’t actually done yet. Kevin, the service manager, says he’s waiting on two marker lights. But he clears it anyway and we don’t even have to pay yet. Seriously, these guys are awesome – they literally fixed everything (new alternator, got rid of the oil sensor light, repaired the crank shaft, etc.). And the A/C is working great!

 

I drive it out to the warehouse to hook up the trailer and check the tire pressure.

 

Back at the house. Doing some stuff on the bus – fixing my row and setting up the back.

 

Eggs. Leftover Pizza. Spinach. Coffee.

 

Catching up on stuff. Packing up and getting ready.

 

Rebecca and I link up with everyone at the warehouse – loading up the bus with people and stuff.

 

Aaron, our driver, takes the wheel and gets us going – mentally preparing for a 17 hour drive to Illinois. But before we even get on the interstate we somehow get into a minor fender bender. Rebecca was midway throwing trash away and fell on her ass. We’re all a little shocked but everyone is okay.

 

As we move forward – eating leftover Beef, Veggies, and Rice.

 

Rebecca, Addy, and I have a business meeting while the bus jumps up and down – finalizing our new handbook.

 

One gas stop after the other. Sleeping on and off in the back of the bus.

Thursday March 7 2024

 

Waking up.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Running errands. Catching up on business.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Tempeh Bacon. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Right after, I pick up Brittany and we attend the Chicho’s show. Elliott is playing in his band You’re Jovian and Swirlies. It’s good to see friends of mine too. James, Aaron, Chris Ledbury, Bobby, and more are all crammed into this tiny narrow venue. It’s loud and crisp. I order a small Magherita Pizza and a few lagers. Brittany and I talk back and forth about my troubles with my feelings over Rebecca and what’s going on there. I’ve been struggling to understand the changes in dynamics between us – I’ve been sad and mad. But Brittany helps me gain a little perspective on it. I always feel super comfortable talking with her about anything and everything – I consider us good friends.

...

On the way home we continue the insights into my woes and then into some analyzing into her relationship with Jimmy and such.

 

Back home. I was eager to walk over to Rebecca’s just to spend some time with her and the kitties. I was gonna express a few things on my heart but it never feels like the right moment. Regardless, we watch a few entertaining things on our phones and discuss whatever. Funny moment when I go to leave: I grab her hand – she thinks I’m shaking it like a business handshake lol – but I lend a kiss on the top of her hand. We crack a joke about it – she laughs this genuine laugh and big smile. Those are the moments I live for.

 

Settling down back home.

Wednesday March 6 2024

Waking up around 11:30 a.m.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

Working on stuff at the computer – tweaking the Music Makers website.

 

Running errands.

 

Eggs. Spinach. English Muffins. Tempeh Bacon. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at the studio.

Immediately, I let the Raspy Soup band rehearse in the 104 – rentals have really been picking up!

Doing some work at the computer.

 

Dinner: Beef with Broccoli, Carrots, Brown Rice, and Garlic Bread.

Watching Curb.

 

Doing the accounting.

 

Chores.

Tuesday March 5 2024

Waking up at 11:30 a.m.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Driving the truck out to Superior Trailer to pick up the trailer and get it back to the warehouse. Meeting with a potential renter and cleaning up a few things.

...

Meanwhile, on the phone with people while driving.

...

At Chartway trying to figure out how to get this $10 fee waived and for some reason it takes forever cause there’s errors in the system. It’s like a whole thing but the bankers there are super nice.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Tempeh Bacon. Bagel. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Running some night errands on my bike.

 

Pasta with Kale, Carrots, and Garlic Bread.

Watching Spaceman (2024).

 

Catching up on business.

 

Chocolate.

Monday March 4 2024

Waking up bright and early at 9:30 a.m.

 

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

 

Mike drives me out to Newport News to pick up the bus – much anticipated cause Bill at Bill Smith’s Auto has finally repaired the A/C! He’s probably the most knowledgeable out of everyone on this topic.

 

 

It’s raining consistently. Mike drives behind me while I take the bus through the Monitor Merrimac tunnel. At some point we hit a sudden traffic jam – an accident just occurred. It’s very early on cause we can hear the ambulances still trying to arrive on site. I manage to get waved off just in time before they shut down the interstate. Inching by I witness a man lying on his back completely out of it (probably dead) while two witnesses stand by looking very discouraged. His motorcycle nearby – looks like he rammed into a car.

 

 

This kind of stuff reminds you of how short life is. Cherish the moments and hold the people you love close.

 

Dropping the bus off at another shop to get some mechanical stuff done. Then, Mike takes us back to Hilltop.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Eggs. Spinach. English Muffins. Tempeh Bacon. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

...

In between over at the warehouse trying to let some renters in for a band practice – discovering the bottom knob somehow got locked. I call Mike to come use his old warehouse key. Getting the band settled in and everything.

...

Then, back to the studio to teach more. Afterwards, meeting with Rebecca and Addy to finalize our new handbook for upcoming policy and price changes. We meet for a long time until at least 11:30 but we manage to get a lot of the verbiage confirmed and agree on things.

 

Back home. Making dinner: Black Beans with Tuna, Quinoa, Salad, and Garlic Bread.

Watching Spaceman (2024).

Sunday March 3 2024

Literally spent the entire day at Music Makers coaching bands with Rebecca and Jake. Doing a teacher band rehearsal too which was fun.

 

At home I finish up some newsletter business and such.

 

Trying to get to sleep early.

Saturday March 2 2024

 

Waking up at 11:15 a.m.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

At Music Makers watching the front desk. Jake has his usual lessons – meanwhile I work hard at the computer figuring out new things with the calendar system. Rebecca is next door teaching ballet and such. She drops in to help with a few things.

 

It’s a gorgeous day out – rained all the night before and now the sun is out – walking weather.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Vegan Breakfast Sausage. Chips. Coffee.

 

Time to clean! I vacuum the living room, stairs, and everywhere. Then, running errands.

 

Playing with Elvis – chores.

 

 

Beef Pasta with Broccoli, Carrots, and Garlic Bread.

 

 

Working on Music Makers stuff at the computer – prepping a newsletter email.

 

Chilling out.

Friday March 1 2024

Waking up around noon.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

I ride my bike to meet up with Mike at his place. He was supposed to give me a ride to the tour bus in Newport News but there was a delay on the repairs. So we end up just kicking it for a while – he shows me this GL bass he’s really stoked on.

...

Riding my bike back to Hilltop – stopping by Trek to have them fix my bike chain.

 

Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Tempeh Bacon. Coffee.

 

Later on, at Music Makers. Rebecca, Addy, and I have a cabinet meeting – talking more about the new policies and price changes we’re putting into effect next month.

 

Cleaning up the 104 space.

 

Dinner: Pasta with Salad and Garlic Bread.

Watching Code 8: Part II (2024).

 

Later on, I drop by Rebecca’s to hang. I had only intended to stay for a few minutes cause she said she had a headache and needed to drop to sleep right away. But we end up talking for a long time while the cats run around.

 

Chores. Stuff at the computer. Playing with Elvis.

Thursday February 29 2024

Waking up at 11:34 a.m.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Working on stuff at the computer.

 

Running errands.

 

Eggs. Tempeh Bacon. Kale. Bagel. Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Black Beans with Quinoa, Salad, and Garlic Bread.

 

At Ringo’s for Ladada practice with Josiah, Wes, and Bobby. We really ignite the jams tonight but the vibe is more mellow.

 

Popcorn.

Wednesday February 28 2024

Waking up at 11:25 a.m.

 

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

 

Hauling the trailer to Superior Trailer for them to have and do a look over. Then, I investigate some truck repair shops that are willing to do mechanical work on our bus. Meanwhile, I’m driving around while on the phone with Nigel and Nancy.

 

At the studio doing some scheduling for Addy cause she’s sick today.

 

Eggs. Kale. English Muffins. Vegan Breakfast Sausage. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Afterwards, I catch up on work at the front desk. Then, Rebecca and I discuss business and other things – we also talk fun things. As we’re walking out the door trying to avoid the rain downpour I gently put my hands on her arms and say, “Just a reminder that I still like you.”

She smiles, “That’s good to know!”

...

Later on via text I add, “To see your genuine smile and you being genuinely happy really brightens my day and warms my heart.”

Dinner: Pasta with Tuna, Broccoli, and Garlic Bread.

Watching House of Gucci (2021).

 

Catching up on business.