Monday June 9 2014

[i]

Waking up around 12:30 p.m.

Bran Flakes and Peach Pecan Granola with Vanilla Almond Milk.

Business.

Grapefruit.

Downstairs, Riggs is showing Anthony a few boxing techniques. I take them with me to the basketball courts off First Colonial. We encounter another 3-man group and challenge them to a few pick-up games of 3-on-3. The sun is shining hard on our backs and the sweat pours down our faces. The fake headlines: The Chanticleer Jammerz (with a Z, duh) do their best in the championship but fall short by one loss.

I run some errands, mostly in search of a stereo receiver for the living room. I check out a few thrift stores but end up meeting a guy on Craigslist who's selling one with medium-sized speakers for only $40.

Back at the house hooking up the system.

For Movie Monday we're showing Escape from Tomorrow (2013), a movie that's been dubbed "the ultimate guerilla film" for it being shot in the Disney parks without permission. Ana and I eat some dinner first: Salmon with Arugula, Couscous, and Tomatoes. There's a lot of discussion into the symbolism and meaning behind the film – it was borderline slapstick but definitely a black comedy.

Ana bakes some Chocolate Chip Almond Meal Cookies for everyone.

Later in the bedroom Ana and I lounge in the bed talking about our life agendas. My throat has been a little scratchy so I sip on Apple Cider Vinegar Honey Tea.

Sleep at a decent hour. Sex is thrown in some time after sleep and morning.

---

[i] Escape from Tomorrow movie.

Sunday June 8 2014

[i]

Waking up at 11:15 a.m.

Wheat Flakes and Maple Quinoa Granola with Vanilla Almond Milk.

All day shift at China Wok.

The shit hit the fan here at the restaurant. I hear an argument spark between Ling and Ming in the kitchen. God knows what it's about. Their voices escalate to the point where I can't just push it in the background. The phone rings and I start taking down an order. All of a sudden I witness Ling and Ming wrestle with each other. I put the customer on hold, "Sorry, there's some problems here at the restaurant." It seems to be provoked by Ling. Ming scrambles to defend himself. They bump into the tables and counters. Eventually, Ling kicks Ming out the front door, literally. Later Ling explains that Ming keeps screwing up things and he won't apologize or accept his wrong.

Tuna Salad Sandwich with Tomatoes and Arugula. Baked Salt n Vinegar Chips. Black Tea with Honey. 

When leaving the parking lot to go on a delivery I notice a shirtless guy perched atop a Jeep playing the bass guitar through his stereo. Who does that?

Blueberry Peach Scone.

Just getting through the day slowly but surely.

Off work and back home.

Tofu with Broccoli, Carrots, Onions, and Rice in Garlic Sauce.

Ana comes over unannounced, only unannounced because I missed her texts and phone calls telling me she'd be stopping by. Apparently, I put on an attitude of I just wanna be left alone even though I don't mean to...but maybe I do. I had a long day at work and I usually like to reserve all my time after work to myself to recharge...to recuperate from the last 11 energy-sucking hours. Despite, I invite her inside my room and we share stories and thoughts.

The guys are all hanging out downstairs. At some point Anthony grabs an opportunity to come inside my room. I'm still a little resentful of him for leaving so many messes at the house since he's been back. It may seem petty but I feel too old to be upset about things like that. Despite, he walks around my bedroom spouting things of a poetic and comical nature. He still wants to watch this Italian film with me, and in general would like to just hang out. I genuinely do too, but I can feel a general sense of resentment on my end that's hard to control. I know the next time we get a 1-on-1 it'll probably go away. Relationships are so fragile.

Ana spends the night. I join her in bed around 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Saturday June 7 2014

[i]

Waking up at 10:50 a.m.

Wheat Flakes and Maple Quinoa Granola with Vanilla Almond Milk.

All day shift at China Wok.

Navel Orange.

I feel the oncoming of a mild scratch in my throat. I take precautions by sipping on Black Tea with Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar.

Egg Drop Soup.

Peanut Butter Banana Sandwich. Kombucha Tea.

The tips are mediocre and I'm driving far distances. Nothing to be enthused about today.

PB&J Chocolate Bar. [Bad idea]

Off work and back home.

A medley of Shrimp, Chicken, and Beef with Noodles and Vegetables.

Watching Brake (2012).

Sleep at some point.

---

[i] Screenshot from Brake (2012).

Friday June 6 2014

[i]

Waking up around 1 p.m.

Wheat Flakes and Pecan Peach Granola with Vanilla Almond Milk.

Errands.

Vegetarian Chili with Bread. Banana.

At the Rec Center working out then playing a few pick-up games in the basketball gym.

Meeting up with friends at The Cure coffee shop in downtown Norfolk. With Ana, James, Becca, and Kai. Then to Field Guide for a late-night dinner. Granby Street is very popular tonight. Harbor Fest just concluded and there're large groups of people getting drunk at the clubs nearby. Meanwhile, in here, we're chomping down on fancy sandwiches and drinking fruity sodas. We see more and more familiar faces. Josiah and Bianca invite Ana and I to join them at FM (where the old Jewish Mother Backstage used to be). Bianca's friend is deejaying. Ana provides us with some hard ciders and we kick it on the dance floor. The floor goes back and forth from being slippery to sticky. The music is a mixture of hip-hop and poppy melodic blast beats. It's fun to cut a rug for a while and allow our bodies to get loose.

After dropping Ana off at her house I end up back at my house and settle down around 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Thursday June 5 2014

[i]

It's a perfectly beautiful day for adventures at Kings Dominion. The group consists of myself, Ana, Will, Doug, and his girlfriend Kelly. It's only open from 10:30 to 6 so we make sure to arrive as early as possible. As we tromp around in the hot sun riding roller coaster after roller coaster multiple times in a row with hardly any lines or wait times I recall fond memories of this magical theme park when I was younger. I remember coming here in big church groups with my mom and having to wait anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours to get on the thrill rides. That was back when this place was thriving and everything seemed much bigger. It's a different experience now that I'm here as an adult. Everything seems less intimidating. But that's not to say it's less fun. In fact we ride ourselves silly on all the roller coasters we can.

After an almost near disaster of Doug losing his keys on The Intimidator coaster and then finding them at the lost and found, we hit the road back home. Ana drove us here and she takes the wheel again allowing me to nap and relax in the passenger seat.

Back home. Recuperating. Talking with Darren and Devon. They repainted their bedroom. Jupiter, their cat, is back – I missed him.

Settling down and relaxing.

Watching Warrior (2011).

Sleep at 3 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Wednesday June 4 2014

[i]

Waking up at 12:30 p.m.

Peach Pecan Granola and Corn Flakes with Vanilla Almond Milk.

General chores.

Grapefruit.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich. Baked Salt n Vinegar Chips. Black Forest Berry Honest Tea. Mango.

At Alpha Music for an acoustic showcase run by Wesley Bunch. He invited me, Ana, and Ken to perform a couple of ten-minute sets. There're not a lot of people here, just a few. It's good practice for Ana and I – we do four of our usual cover songs: "Lovefool" "It Ain't Me, Babe" "You Are My Sunshine" and "Feels Like We Only Go Backwards".

[ii]

Afterwards, Ana and I play a little 2-on-2 on the street courts with a father and son. It's just meant to be fun, nothing serious. Ana made it clear she wasn't interested in playing at all but I sort of forced her to.

Back home. Josh's birthday shenanigans are taking place, complete with Anthony racing in all directions of the house tossing random items up in the air, unraveling paper towel rolls, etc. Meanwhile, Ana and I enjoy a sensuous Spinach and Cheese Pizza from Chicho's. 

Ana leaves to take Ken to catch the last ferry on time. I finish up getting ready and packing for our Kings Dominion trip tomorrow then head over to her house to spend the night. Before we fall asleep I insist she show me some ink pen drawings out of her sketchbook I found under the bed. Drawing is one of her many hidden talents.

Sleep at a decent hour.

---

[i] Image by me. 

[ii] Image by Ken.

Tuesday June 3 2014

[i]

Waking up at noon.

Honey Clusters, Corn Flakes, and Berry Cobbler Granola with Vanilla Almond Milk.

Chores.

Errands.

Falafel Wrap with Hummus, Tomato, and May Peas. Honey Green Tea.

At the Rec Center for adult basketball. Playing hard and building a reputation. For whatever reason they've been calling me MacBook for a while now, I guess cause I'm a white guy with glasses and look like a computer nerd. They legitimately call me that – they don't even know my real name. I got promoted today after one of the regular ballers updated me to MacBook Pro.

"Every time we play with MacBook he gets better and better."

Maybe one day I can be updated to MacBook Air, but only when I learn to dunk the ball.

...

Sharing an energy drink and Banana with Ana.

Back at the house with Ana cooking dinner and cleaning up.

Haddock Filets, Onions, Bok Choy, Mushrooms, Carrots, and Rice.

At the storage unit rehearsing songs together. This practice goes smoother than the last time. It's more helpful to sing through a PA system and get the performance feel.

We meet up at Rick's Café with James, Becca, and Kai. Becca and Kai just got in from Blacksburg. Cooped up in a small booth for five.

Waitress: "Are you guys alright? I can move you if you want."

Me: "We're very comfy."

James: "We're very close to each other."

...

Ana and I indulge in a Chocolate Chip Brownie a la mode.

...

Becca jokes about sleeping on the couch at my house.

James: "Are you gonna surf on his couch?"

Me: "It'd be funny if a couch surfer came over and I had surf boards on the couches, like I took it literally. I'm like, Yeah you guys are couch surfing right? Show me what you got."

...

Becca notices James has eaten his food all in order and not mixed up.

Becca: "Salad, broccoli, chicken."

Me: "I think his stomach is grateful."

James: "I just want it to be easier for the coroners to know what I ate before I die."

Me: "You're not dying on us are ya?"

James: "I don't think so."

Me: "Well, tomorrow's not promised."

...

The waitress left personal cat notes on all our receipts.

Back at the house. Becca brought her clippers to cut hair. James gets a mohawk. I get a Navy cut. Ana gets her bangs trimmed. Josh and Darren are around. Sharing Crispins and enjoying everyone's company.

After 3:30 a.m. Ana and I are cuddled under the covers. She caresses my chest. Then I caress her backside. Time for sex.

Sleep at a late hour.

---

[i] Image by me.

Monday June 2 2014

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Whole O's and Berry Cobbler Granola with Almond Milk. Navel Orange.

All day shift at China Wok.

Banana.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich. Baked Salt n Vinegar Chips. Honey Green Tea.

It's a slow, slow, slow day at work. On the down time I construct robot boxes for the girls and I by cutting square holes for the eyes in the front and for the arms on the sides. I bumble around the restaurant in costume. They're laughing hysterically.

Homemade Granola Bar.

The deliveries continue as slow as they have been all day.

Finally off work and back home.

Vegetables Lo Mein with an Egg and an Onion Roll.

Watching The Juror (1996).

Researching basketball training vids.

I grab my bike and go riding up First Colonial with my basketball – shooting around on the Linkhorn Elementary School courts.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.    

---

[i] Hilda Hellstrom.

Sunday June 1 2014

[i]

Waking up at 11:15 a.m.

Grapefruit. Corn Flakes and Berry Cobbler Granola with Almond Milk.

When I arrive at China Wok to start my all day shift the front door is locked. There's nobody here to my surprise. I call the bosses and turns out Ling and Min overslept. Now that's a rarity.

Banana.

Taking care of the usual tasks at the restaurant like prepping the paper bags into the plastic bags and filling up the 2 oz. cups with ginger garlic soy sauce.

Ana shows up for a visit quite earlier than usual (about 4), and for a long time accompanies me in the passenger seat on my deliveries until about 7:30. Enjoying nostalgic tunes on the stereo and poking fun at each other.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich. Baked Salt n Vinegar Chips. Honey Green Tea.

At one point when I get back in the car I pretend that I'm about to tell her something...

Me: "Hey! There's something I need to tell you about."

"What? Tell me!" she reacts with eagerness.

"I love you," I say quickly.

Those brown lips of hers slowly turn into a big smile – I'm certain the smile on the inside is even bigger.

After eating my homemade Granola Bar I comment about how the chia seeds get stuck in my teeth. After a while they turn slimy like they usually do when they get wet and then I can push them out with my tongue.

Me: "It's like an after-snack! A snack after the snack!"

We get stopped at a light for a while. I lean over the mid-console into her chest and we enjoy an affectionate moment.

After she leaves she sends me a few after-texts...

"That hug you gave me at the long light is exactly what I wanted. I felt a little energized after you hugged and held onto me. Kissing you with your mini neck kisses only felt natural. When you hold onto my thigh or my hands in the car...it's very comforting."

Off work and back home.

Spring Rolls. Tofu with Broccoli, Onions, Carrots, and Rice in Garlic Sauce.

Watching Bronson (2008).

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Tom Hardy.

Saturday May 31 2014

[i]

Waking up just before 11 a.m.

Wheat Flakes and Berry Cobbler Granola with Almond Milk.

All day shift at China Wok.

Papaya.

The sun's still shining but it's fairly cooler than usual.

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

Chinese food business picks up steadily after 6 o'clock. Ana drops by after just working a shift at the bakery. She gifts me with an Almond Cookie, which I happily eat. She accompanies me on my deliveries.

A funny looking tree catches our eye on the way out of the Silver Hills neighborhood. I can't help but imagine that when these two trees grew into each other they were also growing over a couple mythical trolls.

My deliveries continue. Ana's about to leave. As I carry an order out to the car I warn her, "Alright, you only get one kiss so make it good." She gives me one good one but doesn't hesitate to peck me a second time. "Hey! You stole that! You broke the rules!" She giggles and so both our days were a little brighter than they would be without each other.

Navel Orange.

I should be angry about today cause I've worked a little extra, drove a little extra, but made a little less (6 stiffs in all). But I try my best to keep in mind this proverb that I pasted on the dashboard of my car: "Do not be easily provoked, for anger resides in the lap of fools."

Back home.

Mongolian Chicken with Mixed Vegetables.

Watching The Iran Job (2012).

Sleep at 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Friday May 30 2014

[i]

Waking up around 12:30 p.m.

Corn Flakes and Berry Cobbler Granola with Almond Milk.

Teaching piano lessons to Mike Farley.

Grapefruit.

Groceries.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich. Banana. Baked Salt n Vinegar Chips. Peach Oolong Tea.

At the Rec Center working out and playing basketball. Larry Bird is my nickname tonight.

Fresh Papaya.

Ana stops by for a few minutes. She brought me a container of the fresh ground peanut butter from Whole Foods, which was very thoughtful because I had mentioned the other day about trying some out. But I already bought my own small container earlier today. She came over primarily for a quick "sexy time", as she put it through text message. I try to explain that I'm not feeling sexually confident tonight. But also, she tends to leave the conducting up to me and sometimes I don't want to be the conductor. Despite, we kind of talk through the insecurities in a humorous light and come to an understanding.

I've got my own wall up so no girls can get in but I've built a little door only you can fit through, like a pet door.

Haddock Filets, May Peas, Red Peppers, Carrots, Onions, Rice, and an Onion Roll.

Watching The Human Stain (2003).

Figuring out a new speaker set up for the TV.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Julian Stanczak.

Thursday May 29 2014

[i]

Waking up around 1 p.m.

Corn Flakes and Berry Cobbler Granola with Almond Milk.

Scratching things off my to-do list.

Ana just finished a shift at the bakery and joins me for lunch. Sharing Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches; Bananas; and Honey Green Tea.

Quick stop at Whole Foods to get some cold drinks to take with us to the gym.

At the Rec Center together. I have my fun with organized basketball games while she works out in the fitness room. My game play isn't the greatest tonight – missing almost every 3-pointer I take. I mange to take on the garbage man role, like cleaning up on defense and setting a few good screens.

After drinking one of those sparkling mineral waters filled with Vitamin B's and ginseng my body is jolted. It doesn't matter what kind of caffeine it is my body doesn't ever handle it well. I feel jittery.

Back at the house we wash and enjoy a quart of local Strawberries we got from the Farmer's Market outside of Whole Foods.

Josh and Darren are sparking up their friendship and getting into the habit of drinking every night again. But it's not the emotional kind of drunk; they're just jolly and carefree.

Dinner and movie with Ana in the bedroom: Red Beans, Jasmine Rice, Broccoli, May Peas, and Carrots; From Dusk Till Dawn (1996).

Taking a break from the film and rehearsing some songs on the guitar together. After a while I notice a lack of enthusiasm on her part – I can see it in her face and hear it in her voice. I get kind of upset and put down the guitar. I don't like a lack of passion when playing music. I know she has a lot of passion for music. And I know she appreciates the fact that we sing together. But she doesn't have as much endurance as I do when practicing. But I also know you can't force passion; it has to occur naturally. I go on a little rant about how I feel and offer her time to explain her feelings too. Maybe we just shouldn't practice so long next time. Reclining on the floor we calm the nerves and cuddle.

Returning to the film. Adding some Crispin Ciders and Cookies as refreshments.

She drifts off to sleep and I join her in the bed some time later. That caffeine water I drank is still keeping my body alert and awake. I've been lying in the bed and shuffling in various positions for two hours. I don't know how but I eventually get to sleep.

---

[i] From Dusk Till Dawn Comic Art.

Wednesday May 28 2014

[i]

Waking up in Ana's bed to the sound of all the dogs barking in the hallway. Off and on I fall back to sleep and wake up. Eventually, I hop out of bed at 12:36 p.m.

Ana's working at Auto Value. I pick up some brunch for us at Handsome Biscuit and bring it over to the shop. We enjoy our meal in the break room. I'm having the Hot Betty, which includes a Sweet Potato Biscuit with an Over Easy Egg, Greens, and Lupo Hot Sauce; Hash Browns; and a fruity House Soda. Ana has a PB&J Biscuit.

It's the hottest day – the sun transforms the inside of my car into an oven, but thankfully my A/C works.

Back home. Catching up on a few things.

Peanut Butter, Jelly, and Banana Sandwich. Plantain Chips. Honey Green Tea.

At the Rec Center working out and playing a few pick-up games on the basketball courts.

Grapefruit.

Chores.

Salmon, Broccoli, Carrots, and Brown Rice.

The household is changing its game and color. Slowly all the 24 year-olds are growing up. They want actual house keys. They want to start locking the door so that not just anyone can walk in. Since the dawn of time we've left the door unlocked because it was easier than worrying about keys.

Browsing old school basketball clothes online.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Larry Johnson-Muggsy Bogues-Alonzo Mourning.

Tuesday May 27 2014

*

Waking up around 12:45 p.m.

Corn Flakes and Berry Cobbler Granola with Almond Milk. Scrambled Egg. Navel Orange.

Quick groceries at Trader Joe's.

At the Great Neck Rec Center. While lifting weights and doing general core exercises I notice an increase in my sexual energy – it's hard to control. It's possible the dreams I had the night before, which were littered with sexual scenarios, have something to do with it.

When waiting at the light to turn onto Great Neck Road I see the doomsday man on the corner with all his religious signs and a bible in his hand.

"LET THE WICKED FORSAKE HIS WAY AND THE UNRIGHTEOUS MAN HIS THOUGHTS."

"LET HIM RETURN UNTO THE LORD AND HE WILL HAVE MERCY UPON HIM."

"BEFORE THAT GREAT AND NOTABLE DAY OF THE LORD COME."

He just waves at every car that passes by. Usually you can find him at the busy intersection of First Colonial and Laskin. But today he's here.

*

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich. Plantain Chips. Honey Green Tea. Banana.

Watching Léon: The Professional (1994).

Scooping up Ken and Sasha Rigney from Bean There in downtown Norfolk then heading over to Fawn Street Studios where Josiah's music video shoot is going down – it's for Ladada's song "Give It Back". He asked me to play bass (or at least pretend to be playing bass; none of our instruments are plugged in and the drummer doesn't really know the song that well). The idea is for everyone to dress up in 70's/disco/retro attire or anything outrageous looking. Danny Rogers is shooting. It's one of those music videos where we just get a bunch of people acting silly and dancing in front of a camera, and just see what happens. There's a giant disco ball above all the excitement – laser lights flashing all around. We take a few breaks up on the roof where you can sort of see the Norfolk skyline.

*

*

*

Afterwards, we all gather at Tortilla West. It's Tuesday so the tacos are only 85 cents each. I clobber down four Black Bean Tacos and wash it down with a Famosa Lager. Josiah's still wearing his disco gear including those obnoxious round sunglasses. He encourages me to put them on.

†

I drive Sasha to her Grandma's house in Ocean View so she can pay her rent debt to me. She talks a lot about the coming-of-age changes she experienced after moving out of 1435 – learning to surround yourself with wholesome people (You are the company you keep). She's such a respectful and sweet person.

...

After that I drive over to Ana's house – she's been waiting on me. She's excited about being in her newly designed room. She opened up the space and rearranged some furniture. I can tell it makes her happy. It's important to have an abode that relieves you of outside stress, a haven from the world. This room serves that purpose for her now. 

*

I find a few tiny pages that fell out of her mini composition notebook and start reading out loud – it's from a journal she wrote in about a year ago or less. As soon as she realizes what I'm reading she freaks out, but in a playful way. The words are adorable and reveal some of her personal thoughts in the beginning of this relationship. I really admire that she has a habit of reflecting on the every day happenings in her life. At some point we cuddle under the blankets of her big soft bed and drift off to sleep.

---

* Images by me. 
† Image by Josiah.

Monday May 26 2014

[i]

☼ ○ ▬

With a group of friends at a ski resort. This place has more than just snowy hills for skiing on but also roller coaster rides, strange water slides, and really fast bumper cars.

▬ ○ ☼

Waking up at 10:45 a.m.

Corn Flakes and Berry Cobbler Granola with Almond Milk.

All day shift at China Wok.

Grapefruit.

It's gonna be a slow Memorial Day for Chinese food.

Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jam Sandwich. Baked Salt n Vinegar Chips. Honey Green Tea.

On the down time constructing some business cards.

Homemade Granola Bar.

Noticing that I didn't once turn on talk radio nor listen to podcasts all day. Instead, it's all music.

Off work and back home.

Tofu with Broccoli, Onions, Carrots, and Rice in Garlic Sauce.

Editing and revamping the Musicplayer website.

Sleep at 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Map of Scientific Collaboration Between Researchers.

Sunday May 25 2014

[i]

Waking up at 11:15 a.m.

Wheat Flakes, Corn Flakes, and Berry Cobbler Granola with Almond Milk.

All day shift at China Wok.

Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jam Sandwich. Baked Salt n Vinegar Chips. Black Forest Berry Honest Tea. Banana.

It's Memorial Day Weekend and all that means for me is an over congested oceanfront. The delivery times for hotel orders can be substantially higher if they're located anywhere around 21^st Street. Tourists, families, and teenagers abound. If I want to make my destination in a timely manner I have to force myself in and out of traffic, especially on Atlantic Avenue. When a two second window opens up for my car to maneuver over a crosswalk I take it. I overhear two pompous black girls say something as they walk past me.

"I can't stand these motherfuckers right here," she tells her girlfriend referring to me of course.

All I wanna do is just repeat what she said back at her. But I refrain cause ain't nobody got time for that.

Watching the bike cops issue citations to cars right and left off Atlantic Avenue. I realize today that I'm actually more afraid of cops than I am of actual criminals or lawbreakers. I feel like most people are. Something seems wrong with that.

Homemade Granola Bar and a few unwanted Crab Rangoon.

While delivering an order to the Courtyard Marriott I hop on the elevator alongside this boy who seems to be on a mission. He doesn't hesitate to tell me what he's up to.

Boy: "I'm making money by getting ice for people!"

Me: "Oh! That's a good job."

I notice one of his shoes is untied.

Me: "You better tie that shoe though. You'll fall."

On the down time I help fold the crab rangoon in the back. The girls are also helping. Ling and Janice keep kicking each other back and forth in a playful manner.

Chicken Fried Rice with Broccoli.

Watching Ravenous (1999).

Ana stops by just for a little while to gift me with leftover cantaloupe from her catering job. We share cute and funny moments.

Reed's Raspberry Ginger Ale.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Saturday May 24 2014

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Corn Flakes and Berry Cobbler Granola with Almond Milk.

All day shift at China Wok.

Grapefruit. Banana.

Keeping myself busy with the usual tasks: prepping the bags, snapping the peas, and bagging the noodles.

Spinach Salad with Tomatoes and Eggs. Edamame Crackers. Honey Green Tea.

Just getting through the day.

Homemade Granola Bars.

Off work and back home.

Tofu with Broccoli, Carrots, Onions, and Rice in Garlic Sauce.

Finishing The Skeleton Key (2005).

Jessica is officially moved out and Darren and Devon have officially moved in.

Ana calls me up on the phone. She says she has a lot of energy and wants to chat but I don't have a lot to talk about cause my day was pretty routine and I don't typically enjoy conversations on the phone unless they're necessary. It's close to 2 a.m. and I'm just tired. I hate to let her down so we talk for about ten minutes or so.

Later on as I'm about to brush my teeth I notice somebody in the bathroom with the water running. I assume it's Kevin but after knocking on the door I hear no answer. I find a way to open the door and discover Anthony slouched on the toilet sitting in the same position as that famous statue of the thinking man. And yet he's sleeping. I turn off the running faucet and startle him awake, "Anthony? Hey, were you sleeping?"

"No," he replies stoically.

Me: "Oh. Okay. I thought you were Kevin. Are you drunk?"

"No," he repeats the same answer.

I close the door and add, "That's a lie."

I say a prayer for him and go to bed.

---

[i] Photo Booth in Sao Paulo.

Friday May 23 2014

[i]

Waking up at 10:55 a.m.

Wheat Flakes and Berry Cobbler Granola with Almond Milk.

All day shift at China Wok.

A hot day indeed.

Navel Orange.

Toasted Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jam Sandwich. Baked Salt n Vinegar Chips. Honey Green Tea.

Just going through the delivery motions – feeling exceptionally unenthused and exhausted today.

Homemade Granola Bar.

Off work and back home.

Mongolian Chicken with Mixed Vegetables and Rice. Reed's Raspberry Ginger Ale.

Watching The Skeleton Key (2005).

Just relaxing.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Found on Buck.TV.

Thursday May 22 2014

[i]

Waking up around 1 p.m.

Corn Flakes and Berry Cobbler Granola with Almond Milk.

Taking care of a few things around the house—disposing of some of the forgotten and rotting furniture out back.

Reading and researching.

Ana finishes up her shift at the bakery. After meeting her old boss at a new car parts store she links up with me at the house. Sharing Hard Boiled Eggs and a Grapefruit. Then, we check out the newly built Duck Donuts off VB Blvd – indulging in six donuts between the two of us, along with iced Coffees.

At the Seatack Rec Center playing a few pick-up basketball games while Ana makes use of the fitness room. I accidentally bonk her in the nose when throwing the ball around together.

Back at the house. Washing up. Dinner and a movie tonight.

Baked Haddock Filets with Broccoli, Carrots, Onions, and Black Rice.

Watching Five Easy Pieces (1970), one of my favorite Jack Nicholson films. I saw this a few years ago at a different time in my life when I identified with Jack's character; his name in the movie interestingly enough is Robert. While watching, Ana and I wash down our delicious dinner with some sparkling Wine she picked up from her catering job—it's really strong but wonderful.

I stand up from my computer chair and ask, "Are you ready to get down and dirty?" She crawls over to my vicinity and we do a repeat from last night, except this time the sex lasts a little bit longer. 

Sleep at 3:30 a.m.

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[i] Five Easy Pieces movie poster.

Wednesday May 21 2014

[i]

☼ ○ ▬

Downstairs in the dining room – it's morning time – lumps of coal are heating up on a book shelf – I snack on a few lumps of coal; it's crunchy and ashy.

▬ ○ ☼

Waking up around 1 p.m.

Ana sends me a message telling me about a dream she had involving an attack of mini scorpions at an airport and her body being covered in a red powder—I was there but I couldn't help.

Wheat Flakes and Berry Cobbler Granola with Almond Milk.

Business. Communication.

Vacuuming.

Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jam Sandwich. Baked Salt n Vinegar Chips. Honey Green Tea. Banana.

I've pasted a scripture about patience and anger on the dashboard of my car, "Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools." I'm hoping this will help calm me down when dealing with rage on the road—I'm not trying to be a fool.

At the Seatack Rec Center playing basketball.

Mango.

Playing piano.

Roman-Grecco Pizza from Trader Joe's. Spinach Salad with Tomato and Northern Beans.

Watching Game 2 of the NBA playoffs for the Spurs Vs the Thunder.

PB&J Chocolate Bar.

Catching up on writing.

Ana comes over after hanging out at a friend's place off Indian River. I redesigned an area in my room near the closet and set up a piano. While we examine the scorpion dream she had I fiddle on the piano—playing a repetitive melodic trill. 

"This is what my life sounds like right now." I change the subject to something slightly more serious and introspective. "I'm living in a fugue state—stuck in the same chord and melody—on the verge of a progression but nothing ever changes. Sometimes I feel my life is stagnant. I feel like I'm never building up to anything."

Not too long after that I turn down the lights to create a sexual anticipation that was already there to begin with – using the computer chair as a prop and location. This one's good. We were both going through withdrawal.

While brushing our teeth in the bathroom, to which we always make a game out of, I urinate in the toilet. Noticing a double stream, which happens on occasion.

"You ever seen a double stream before?" I ask.

She turns her head around and witnesses the double stream.

"Oh my god!" she says. "I've never seen that before. My life has changed."

Later on while lying in bed I play some of the videos I recorded tonight secretly, one of them while we were having sex.

Her: "What is that?"

She really has no idea at first until we start to hear the moaning sounds. In reaction to the sight of her behind she says, "It looks like a balloon!"

Sleep around 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Franck Bohbot.

Tuesday May 20 2014

[i]

Waking up at 12:15 p.m.

Honey Flakes, Oat Clusters, and Berry Cobbler Granola with Almond Milk.

Teaching piano lessons to Mike Farley.

Grocery shopping.

Peanut and Raspberry Jam Sandwich. Tortilla Chips with Avocado/Salsa. Honey Green Tea.

Research.

Working out at The Escape. Then, shooting some hoops at the Seatack Rec Center. At some point I check my phone to find 13 missed calls from China Wok. Ming, the cook, is out of town and they need some extra help. I deliver for an hour and a half—making some quick cash.

Salmon, Broccoli, Carrots, Onions, and Rice.

Watching Jamesy Boy (2014).

Crossing off things on a to-do list. Research.

Resituating parts of my bedroom.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Rosa Salazar.

Monday May 19 2014

[i]

Waking up at 1 p.m.

Wheat Flakes and Berry Cobbler Granola with Almond Milk.

Communications and organization.

Scrambled Egg. Mixed Vegetables. Cinnamon Raisin English Muffin with Vegan Cream Cheese. Honey Green Tea.

At The Escape lifting weights and doing core exercises.

Grapefruit. Homemade Granola Bar.

At the street basketball courts shooting around solo.

Back home.

Northern Beans with Tikki Paste, Garlic Sautéed Spinach, and Fried Rice. Icelandic Milk Chocolate.

Darren and Anthony convince me to join them on a bike ride. We ride up Laskin, up 24^th, and north on the boardwalk—hollering at any passersby as they reciprocate the energy. We pass one of the colossal newer hotels near 30^th where developers have taken control of the city's image. Darren yells at the room patios, his voice echoing, "You're part of the problem!"

Pit stop at the grand entrance of the old Cavalier hotel. Darren stands on the ledge and unloads a big piss on the alley below. Across the street we are confronted by the big money homes.

Darren: "We're the proletariat! We can't afford your homes!"

Back at the house. Darren and Anthony continue gulping down their cans of Rolling Rock and breaking down the world with critical minds. Later on, Josh, Will, and Taylor Surratt come home from Norfolk. Josh is inebriated and at some point throws a chair at my window from out back.

Reed's Ginger Ale.

Watching Magic Magic (2013).

Sleep at 4 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Sunday May 18 2014

[i]

Waking up at 11:20 a.m.

Wheat Flakes and Berry Cobbler Granola with Almond Milk.

All day shift at China Wok.

Grapefruit.

Ana visits me for a little bit before she has to work a catering shift down the street. Every time we drive by somebody walking their dog Ana immediately reacts with a giggly laugh or an aw. She's always been spiritually connected to the animals, especially ones that bounce around happily.

"That's all it takes," I say. "To make you happy."

Ana: "I like cute and innocent things!"

...

Her mood changes drastically but for reasons I don't feel like explaining. It was all unintentional of course. She tends to take my criticisms and observations about things personally. I don't usually direct my critiques on her but rather on the general "we". Either way, she's somewhat offended.

I stop by the house to pick up something for lunch. Kevin's sitting at the table using his computer. He just baked a pizza Skipp brought us and offers me the last three slices. I'm grateful cause this saves me time.

Pizza. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Black Forest Berry Honest Tea.

The day continues steadily.

There was a misunderstanding between the bosses and Kevin. Darren came in earlier to request working a full day's shift for Tuesday and they told him to work the rest of the week or something like that. Kevin's here now in the back begging not to be fired. I think they just got fed up with Kevin asking off so much. The China bosses can be so fickle; you never know what they really want. Kevin's persistent and doesn't quit till they agree to let him continue working as a delivery driver.

Enjoying some Blueberry Crumb Pie that Ana brought me from her catering job.

The last order of the night is to a nursing center on Shore Drive, an area I've been constantly traveling to and fro all day, a part of our delivery range that is simply too far for comfort. I complain in the car out loud, "Oh my God! Another fucking order for SHORE DRIVE!" And of course it's some security guard lady who ordered the bare minimum for delivery ($9.72) and she hands me a ten dollar bill and that's that. "Well that was predictable!"

I realize during these frustrating moments of ill repute that maybe these moments wouldn't be so repulsive if I just had patience. I struggle to maintain my composure after I get back into the car. It's there when I'm alone that I should seek an attitude of indifference and gratefulness.

Back home.

Tofu, Broccoli, Carrots, Onions, and Rice in Garlic Sauce.

I can hear the kids downstairs getting LIVE and throwing down—throwing back swigs of inebriation-induced liquids—being rambunctious and breaking glass. Ever since Anthony returned for the summer he's successfully enabled the chaos in everyone. It sounds poetic and all but it's not at all pleasant when you're somebody like me who enjoys mostly order (with the occasional chaos).

Sleep at 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Image source unknown.

Saturday May 17 2014

[i]

Waking up at 10:50 a.m.

Wheat Flakes and Berry Cobbler Granola with Almond Milk.

All day shift at China Wok.

Peaches. Banana.

It's a beautifully steady day for deliveries.

Five Guys French Fries with Ketchup.

There was a startling moment during a delivery to Reflections Apartments when, after knocking on the customer's door, a girl opens the neighbor's door and a vicious sounding dog comes storming outside towards me—I really thought I was done for, like this dog was going to bite me in the leg or something. The girl tried her best to hold him back. I can see the father urgently arise from the couch and attempt to deal with the situation. But in the end nothing happened. The dog paused as soon as he got close and seemed to be okay with me standing there. The customer to my door opens up now and he just missed the excitement. He apologizes, "Sorry. We're a little puppy community here."

The day continues—on and on.

Homemade Granola Bars.

Off work and back home.

Mixed Vegetable Soup with Gen Tso's Chicken and Rice.

Watching Serpico (1973).

Sleep at some point.

---

[i] Image by me.

Friday May 16 2014

[i]

Waking up at 10:45 a.m. to the new sounds of my portable AC unit. I'm very thankful for this piece of machinery.

Wheat Flakes and Berry Cobbler Granola with Almond Milk.

All day shift at China Wok.

Grapefruit.

After all these years they finally decided to buy uniform t-shirts for the delivery drivers. I actually like the colors.

Mixed Greens Salad with Tomato and Egg. Honey Dijon Potato Chips. Honey Green Tea. Banana.

Delivering an order to a small condo at the oceanfront. A dog greets me at the door. The lady assures me the dog is friendly.

Lady: "His name is Mr. Right."

Me: "Is that right?"

Lady: "Yeah, we finally found Mr. Right."

Me: "Right. So you found Mr. Right."

Lady: "That's right!"

Homemade Granola Bars.

It's a very busy and steady night for Chinese food – I've barely turned the ignition off – tips are racking up generously.

Finally off and back home.

Mongolian Chicken with Mixed Vegetables and Rice. Mango.

Watching Serpico (1973).

I notice a 12-pack of PBR's in Kevin's bedroom.

Me: "You know, Kevin, if you're going to drink a lot of beer all the time at least drink good quality beer."

Kevin catches me soaking the new China Wok shirts in boiling water in hopes to shrink them a little.

Sleep 3:45 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.