Wednesday May 20 2015

[i]

Waking up sometime before 9 a.m. – Ana and I's alotted time to get up so we have enough time to enjoy an afternoon to ourselves. Her light touch is soothing and induces us to sex.

Our "Day Date" begins on the car drive to Norfolk.

Ana: "You know what I've always wanted to try? Those banana cream pies – the ones they throw in your face."

Me: "I'll remember that for your next birthday. You'll get a pie in the face."

Ana: "I would like that!"

Nourishing ourselves with Butter and Berry Jam Sweet Potato Biscuits and Coffee from Handsome Biscuit.

Then to Thrift Store USA and Thrift Store City, two of the top thrift stores in Norfolk. Gawking over everything we find...

Back home. Shopping is tiresome on the senses. I take a short nap while Ana gets groceries. She brings back perfect slices of Cheese Pizza from Whole Foods. Enjoying them with fresh Watermelon and Honey Green Tea.

At Music Makers teaching lessons. I had one cancellation but some extra ones added at the end of my shift. It's been a big day.

After that I drive out to the Princess Anne Rec, mainly to retrieve my membership card that I left there on Monday, but also to do a little cardio. After about 25 minutes of shooting around the basketball I'm overcome with exhaustion. Having to get up a few hours early and with all the extra lessons I had today really got to me physically. I snack on some Sunflower Seeds, Almonds, and half a Banana on the drive back home.

Ana takes control of the kitchen and makes us dinner: Kale, English Peas, Carrots, and Onions. Flipping through a gardening book we got from the thrift store today and learning about particular things related to the herbs she's growing and all the houseplants I've been maintaining.

General chores.

Snacking on Peruvian Inca Corn.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Tuesday May 19 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:40 a.m.

Raw Cacao Protein Shake with Strawberries, Blueberries, Banana, and Almond Milk.

Organizing and business.

Practicing a new song on piano at the music space.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese and Jam. Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado. Honey Green Tea.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Picking up Ana from the house as soon as I'm done teaching. As we drive to the Rec I know she can see my stoic face and all the exhaustion exuding from it.

I explain, "My life is just...in motion – all the time – it's just in constant motion. I feel like I'm on a carousel that won't stop. I just want a break every ten minutes."

...

I wasn't able to get here on time for basketball but I make use of the some of the cardio machines.

Back home. We stopped by Whole Foods for me to collect some dinner from the buffet: Gen. Tso's Chicken with Brown Rice Pilaf and Mixed Vegetables.

I enter into Ana's room. She just got out of the shower. We lie down and exchange gentle touch – I was looking for the calming sensation that can only be given by her.

Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts.

Back at the music space practicing piano.

Sleep 3 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Monday May 18 2015

[i]

☼ ○ ▬

There's a dragon roaming about inside a government building. I'm with a couple friends exploring the halls and rooms. The dragon finds where we are and attempts to destroy us with his claws and fire breath. I can feel the heat emanating from his presence.

"Hold on a minute!" I plead.

I put my hands on his scaly body and caress every spot with care in attempt to calm him down.

"C'mon. Doesn't that feel good?" I exclaim.

He doesn't resist my touch but is still adamant about killing us afterwards. Somehow we manage to lose the dragon. I find myself in a familiar room where there's a stage. Two girls whom I met before are on the stage setting things up. I start talking to the cuter one and try to convince her to fly with me. At this point I'm aware that I'm dreaming and try to wake up the girls by shaking them and yelling, "Wake up! You're dreaming!" The cuter one experiences a moment of realization for about a second but then resumes dream character. I have her on my back as I try to jump up into the air and fly together but it doesn't work with two people. I can only fly in my dreams alone. So I show off my abilities zooming around the room while I flap my arms. It doesn't seem to impress her very much. All of a sudden I hear the fire alarm. Everyone starts scrambling to get outside. Near the entrance there are a bunch of police officers barricading the door and catching everyone that tries to leave. I slip out a sliding glass door and immediately flap my arms, elevating myself high off the ground. The cops use these weird satellite guns to slow me down but it doesn't work. I keep flying far away from the building. I discover that they've been hiding us here on another planet. The countryside looks unfamiliar. I see giants tilling the fields and throwing rocks deliberately at each other. I land safely near the bushes.                                                                                                                                                                                                      

▬ ○ ☼

Waking up at 11:40 a.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Black Maca Powder, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, Strawberries, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Coffee with Cream and Honey.

Business.

Errands.

Grilled PB&J with Bee Pollen. Olive Oil Potato Chips. Honey Green Tea.

As soon as I arrive to Music Makers to teach the only two vocal students I have today I find out the mom forgot and so that's a no show. I use my time wisely and take a trip to the hardware store.

Once Ana gets off work we drive out to the Princess Anne Rec together. I play my heart out in basketball. Steven, the scrawny white kid, is here, the one who always sports a Kobe Bryant jersey and yells out "Kobe, baby!" after every shot he takes. Entertaining.

Navel Orange.

Back home I attempt to make a tomato sauce from scratch to go with Brown Rice Quinoa Pasta Noodles. It turns out decent but I could improve. Serving it with a side Salad of Spring Mix, Tomatoes, Carrots, and Cucumbers. Sipping down a Blonde Hunny Ale.

After Ana saunters off to bed I finish up the long and drawn out project of building the foot stool out of encyclopedia books for my students. Along with that I glue down an old Oral Roberts spiritual poster circa 1960's from my grandma's house onto a picture frame.

In the meantime I discover a photographer by the name of Eve Arnold who happened to capture some photos of Oral Roberts from the 1950's...

https://www.magnumphotos.com/Catalogue/Eve-Arnold/1956/USA-Oral-ROBERTS-Faith-Healer-1956-NN163009.html

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Sunday May 17 2015

[i]

Waking up just before noon.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maca Powder, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Coffee with Cream and Honey.

Running around town searching for the right power inverter for the road trip. Errands.

Grilled PB&J. Olive Oil Potato Chips. Pineapple. Pu-erh Tea.

Watching Under the Electric Sky (2014).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Out on the basketball courts by Lynnhaven Middle School playing a few pick-up games with familiar faces. The sun is setting and the court lights still don't work causing us to end the games early.

Back home. Eating Lentils with Cauliflower, Carrots, Onions, and Rice.

Oat and Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies.

At the storage unit rehearsing Ladada songs with Josiah and Calum, our last chance to perfect our set before the big SXSW show this weekend.

Back at the house making almond milk and packing for the road trip.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] From Under the Electric Sky (2014).

Saturday May 16 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:40 a.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Coffee with Cream and Honey.

All day shift at China Wok.

Banana. Navel Orange.

It's bright and sunny. I've got my sleeveless China Wok t-shirt and black shorts on. My A/C works. I've got no complaints.

Meanwhile, Ana and Rachel, and practically everyone I know, is enjoying Lava Fest in Suffolk. Ladada got free tickets from playing that promo show some time ago at The Parlor. But I usually work on the weekends and I can't just keep asking off.

Grilled PB&J. Olive Oil Potato Chips. Honey Green Tea.

Delivering to 1112 Vintage Court. An old lady lives here. She used to order more frequently back when her husband was still alive. I remember her telling me when he passed away. She was very sad but every time I showed up to her doorstep with a Triple Delight she'd perk up. She'd always ask questions about my life. That's a sweet soul right there.

Cantaloupe Honey Dew Hybrid. I've been eating a lot of fruit all day.

Off work and back home.

Fried Shrimp with Broccoli, Onions, Carrots, and Rice in Garlic Sauce.

Watching The Homesman (2014).

Ana gets back from being at Lava Fest all day and shares her thoughts on the bands that played. We clean up the kitchen and cut up Pineapple to enjoy as a late night snack.

Naked Naps, a band that played at College Park tonight needed a place to stay. They come over with cheery faces and fun talks. Ana and I chill with them for a little while.

Sleep 3 a.m.

---

[i] Naked Naps album cover.

Friday May 15 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:21 a.m.

After getting my car back I still noticed this scraping sound coming from the rear and after the shop bled the brakes it made the brake pedal a little too loose. I'm not gonna ride all weekend at China Wok like this. So I take it back to the shop and drop it off.

Riding my bike back I decide to stop into Three Ships Coffee, a local coffee shop that just recently opened up off Mediterranean. I order a slow pour cup of the light roast kind with a Nutella Pop Tart and a Banana. While I sip on my coffee there's two ladies near the window analyzing dance moves – one of them is teaching the other – they're talking all kinds of dance jargon and hyperbole. 

Back home. Hyped up on caffeine I take advantage of this surprise day off from China Wok and teaching to vacuum, organize, and make general repairs around the house.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Butter. Blue Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Tomatoes.

Watching The Homesman (2014).

Picking up my car from the shop for the bazillionth time. Now I'm set with new front and rear brake pads, rotors, shoes, and a master cylinder.

Organizing stuff at the music space.

Back home. Ana makes us homemade Naan Pizzas with a hefty Salad. I dial the radio knob to 92.1 The Beat (throwback hip-hop and R&B), which suits our fancy for the evening. Songs like "Tootsie Roll" and Lil' Kim's "Crush On You".

On a whim I spark the idea of going for a night beach escapade. I drive us to 79^th Street. Throwing down a couple blankets on the sand and sipping on a bottle of hard cider. I can't even remember the last time we went to the beach together. It's peaceful with the sound of the waves crashing. While we're lying there looking up at the stars and all the twinkling lights out at sea she asks, "So in the past 30 years, tell me something you've learned." 

"Hmm. I don't know." I think for a minute and answer, "I've learned that everything is fleeting."

Meanwhile, we can hear other groups of people (or couples) an unknown distance away from us having their own night beach experiences.

Back home. Having a little sexcapade in her bedroom.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Thursday May 14 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:09 a.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Coffee with Cream and Honey.

Catching up on writing and other business.

Grilled PB&J. Potato Lentil Curls. Honey Green Tea. Banana.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers. Kristian, one of my special students who likes to collect everything, he gives me a hand knitted apple (made by his mom of course) for teacher appreciation week. It even rattles with beans inside to turn it into an instrument.

Picking up my car after getting new front brake pads, rotors, and a caliper installed.

Adult basketball at the Rec – only enough for four teams, which means non-stop running up and down the court.

Back home. Making Ana and I dinner: leftover Sprouted Black Beans, Broccoli, Carrots, Onions, and Basmati Rice.

I head over to Darren and Devon's apartment in Birdneck Village. I haven't seen Darren in a long while nor have I seen the new place they moved into back in January. It's nice and organized. Jupiter the cat still recognizes me. Initially Darren wanted to talk about how I keep track of my taxes at China Wok since he works at the other Chinese place. But we get into deep talks catching up on happenings and plans and ideas.

Back home. I keep facing the dilemma of needing to make almond milk but I've been getting home so late the past couple nights. I'm too tired to do it.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Wednesday May 13 2015

[i]

☼ ○ ▬

In Detroit out in front of a venue. For some reason my white 1986 Oldsmobile (the very first car I owned) is parked on the street. It's assumed I drove it here. Another car drives up attempting to park as close as possible to mine and then proceeds to back into it abruptly on purpose. Their car kind of mashes into mine in an abnormal way that doesn't seem physically possible. I approach the driver's side window to protest. It's some drugged out black guy with long blonde hair. He doesn't waste any time driving off. I try to type in his license plate number into my phone: "HN8-7692"

▬ ○ ☼

Waking up at 11:41 a.m. with heavy after thoughts from my dreams.

Downstairs, Ana left a couple Vegan Chocolate Donuts for me that she got from the Vegan Sweet Tooth Bakery that just opened up in Virginia Beach. I enjoy these with Coffee.

Ana complained about waking up to a sun burnt face from leaving her blinds open and managed to get the day off from work. She takes me to the chiropractor and observes my session with my doctor. Then, checking out some beach cruiser bikes at Conte's. We're trying to get rid of the Japanese vintage road bike she currently has for a more comfortable ride. Then, to Trader Joe's. Ana must've gotten a high from all that overdose of Vitamin D from the sun cause her personality is extra sunny. There's a moment when I sneeze a couple times. After the first atchoo she says, "Bless you." Then, after the second atchoo she says, "I love you," instead as if those words would have a better effect.

Back home. Preparing myself for a big day of teaching music lessons.

At Music Makers. Feeling an extra boost of teacher energy and keeping my students focused and on point. One of the little boys walks in upset with his dad about not being able to play a 17+ video game. I take on the role of second adult opinion and convince him that it's for the best that he waits to play these kinds of violent games.

Me: "You gotta learn music first!"

He perks up big time and plays through this fun finger exercise he's been learning like a pro.

...

Seven thirty minute lessons later I'm back home to recuperate. Every day in my life I have this DC Talk song running through my brain: "Time is ticking away, tick, tick, ticking away!" Seriously, time just gets lost in my day-to-day schedule. I don't know where it goes. My schedule is always stacked to the brim.

Onward to a house studio in Norfolk to record with Calum and Josiah. They ordered a couple large nutritious vegetable heavy Pizzas from Cogan's and some tasty Garlic Knots. After chowing down and fueling up with beers we hole up in the basement to record drums for six new songs. We're only focusing on the drum takes but Josiah and I still play bass and guitar to keep it real. Ross, ex-drummer from Mas Y Mas and current guitar player for The Seeers, engineers everything from the attic using Pro Tools. It's a stellar setup they have here in this house. Whenever we're having trouble locking in on the metronome Josiah explains it like this: "Imagine it's just a dude with a wood block."

After the last take on the last song...

Me: "That was a powerhouse session guys!"

Home after having to drop my car off at the shop and ride my bike back.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Tuesday May 12 2015

[i]

Waking up 12:15 p.m.

Raw Cacao Protein Shake with Strawberries, Blueberries, Banana, and Almond Milk.

Errands.

Grilled PB&J Toast with Bee Pollen. Plantain Chips. Honey Green Tea.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

At the Great Neck Rec for organized adult basketball. A lot of hustling on the court – getting my cardio on. I always tend to get on a team with hotheads with short fuses and high expectations.

Back home. Making dinner for Ana and I: Baked Tilapia, Sprouted Black Beans, Spinach, Tomatoes, and Quinoa.

Me: "This is the most complete meal you can have right now!"

Explaining to Ana about how there are some days where we simply can't see each other for more than a couple minutes and if we're lucky we can share dinner.

Me: "Some days are gonna be like this. We're not living on a cloud. This is real life."

We both understand that our lives are busy and constantly in motion.

At the storage unit off Tidewater for Ladada rehearsal. We're mainly focusing on drums and locking in with a metronome cause tomorrow we'll be recording.

Deep talks outside in the breezy night air about chi and the source of life in all living things while a roly poly bug crawls on my hand tickling the pores on my skin as it looks for food.

Back home after a very long day.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Monday May 11 2015

[i]

Waking up later than I wanted at 12:47 p.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Black, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Coffee with Cream and Honey.

Errands: taking my PA amp to Alpha seeking repairs. Tire shopping.

Hard Boiled Egg. One piece of Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Blue Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Tomato.

Teaching a couple voice lessons at Music Makers. It's important to keep lessons interactive. Maria, one of my 9-year-old students, can be quite scatter-brained. But whenever we start writing lyrics and singing silly songs we come up with on the spot she's focused and excited.

At the Great Neck Rec shooting the basketball around getting my exercise on.

Valencia Oranges and Banana with Greek Yogurt.

Picking up Ana from the house, grabbing the music gear, and headed to Norfolk for a Musicplayer gig at Video Game Heaven in Ghent. It's an acoustic show with a few out-of-town acts including a decent Violent Femmes sounding duo, Sarah Camden, Daniel Hart, and Level Headed. It's a younger emo punk scene here. Talking with Ana how funny it is that I (and her) can step into all these different worlds. Just next door is Café Stella, a completely different scene of coffee shop laptop goers and refined tastes. I order a Buckwheat Mushroom and Swiss Cheese Crepe from there. Ana's got her two brothers hanging out with us; she's happy to get them out of their houses. I put on the last performance of the night. My set gets cut short a little bit because they have to close up shop by midnight but that's okay. It was a fun show. And I like to continue to perform because it keeps my skills fresh. 

Reflecting on the night with Ana in my room while we wait on the Level Headed guys to come home and sleep on our couches. She says that every time she sees me play I seem to get better and better, and how she's proud of me. There's a glow about her as she explains how much she loves me and that it's on nights like this when she's really happy and realizes how much she loves me.

The band shows up to the house. I open up the couch that folds out into a bed and get them situated. They're grateful for the place to stay.

Ginger Pear Tea. Dark Chocolate.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Sunday May 10 2015

[i]

Waking up kind of late with fifteen minutes until I have to be at work.

Raw Cacao Protein Shake with Banana, Strawberries, Blueberries, and Almond Milk.

All day shift at China Wok.

It's a bright hot afternoon out here on the streets of Hilltop. I've got on my sun protective long-sleeved red-white hoodie.

Sending this photo to my mom on Facebook with the caption: "How your son's heart feels when he thinks of you on Mother's Day."

Mom texts me, "Of any accomplishment in my life that I might have had being your mother is the one I value the most."

Later on when I stop by the house for lunch I hear the floor thumping and creaking from the second floor. I discover Ana doing jumping jacks in her bedroom, naked of course. She was always destined to live in the Amazon.

Grilled PB&J Toast. Potato Lentil Curls. Honey Green Tea. Pineapple (the sweetest pineapple).

The day goes on and the usual delivery driver frustrations occur.

The elevator at the Courtyard Marriott on 37^th has a stampede of people waiting so I take the crazy spiral staircase up six floors. I have specially designed calves for these kinds of situations.

Chair porn on the side of road...

Talking to my mom for a good thirty minutes on the phone while I pace out in front of the restaurant during the slow time.

Off work and back home at a decent hour.

Leftover Black Eyed Peas with Broccoli and Rice.

Watching American Sniper (2014).

At the music space rehearsing songs with Ana, then practicing songs on my own.

Valencia Orange.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Saturday May 9 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:40 a.m.

Raw Cacao Protein Shake with Strawberries, Banana, and Blueberries.

All day shift at China Wok.

Sunflower Seeds and Almonds.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Blue Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Tomato. Honey Green Tea.

Just another day on the job – delivering more orders to the beach – the tourist season has kicked in full swing, which just means more traffic at the oceanfront and more people to dodge on Atlantic Avenue.

Honey Crisp Apple.

Ling shows me a grotesque video of an ISIS beheading. Even since they've been appearing this past year I haven't actually seen one. It's not like seeing gore in movies. This is the real deal. After watching there's a disturbing feeling that lingers. My neck starts to feel irritated as if I experienced the beheading myself.

"That's something I only need to see once," I explain to Ling.

Ling shares his thoughts about how stupid he thinks these people (ISIS) are by killing people with their hands tied as if they're strong and powerful.

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

Watching American Sniper (2014).

Practicing songs at the music space.

Pineapple.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Friday May 8 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:40 a.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Black Maca Powder, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, Strawberries, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Coffee with Cream and Honey.

All day shift at China Wok.

Banana.

Grilled PB&J Toast with Bee Pollen. Olive Oil Potato Chips. Honey Green Tea.

It's a slow day for deliveries. The sun is hiding behind the gray clouds. But it's still warm and cozy.

Honey Crisp Apple.

It's shortly after 10 o'clock. When I arrive back to the restaurant from a delivery I discover – well, I don't know how else to identify it without sounding judgmental – a horde of black women and children hanging out at the tables. They just ordered a butt load of chicken wings and shrimp with broccoli. I have to help expedite the orders. And this is the reason I'll be getting home late tonight.

Back home at 11:30. I held off on eating Chinese food tonight so I could enjoy a homemade Naan Pizza and Salad made with love by Ana.

Me: "Thank you so much! This is delicious."

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Thursday May 7 2015

[i]

Waking up at noon.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Black Maca Powder, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Coffee with Cream and Honey.

Organizing. And other business.

A leftover Pizza slice from Brother's. An Egg. Blue Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Tomato. Honey Green Tea.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Practicing at the music space.

At the Great Neck Rec running on the treadmill then shooting the basketball around. I get asked to play 1-on-1 with one of the guys that normally plays here. He takes a win by two points but compliments me, "You get better and better every time I see you."

Me: "I try my best."

I'll Be Home for Dinner Sweet Darlin' (5-7-2015) (9.20pm)

Back home. Ana cooks us dinner this time: Salmon, leftover Black Eyed Peas, Basmati Rice, and Roasted Cauliflower, Onions, and Kale Sprouts.

"Thanks for making dinner," I tell her.

"Thanks for making dinner all the time!" she responds, implying that I make dinner the majority of the time, which is true.

Upstairs, in my room for a change, we meddle around in the bed and escalate it into sex pretty quickly. It's the niceties of life.

To the music space practicing songs and training my voice. Feeling the waves of creativity again.

Chores.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Brock Lefferts.

Wednesday May 6 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:40 a.m.

Raw Cacao Protein Shake with Blueberries, Banana, and Almond Milk.

Getting business take care of. Bank. Dropping off recycle.

Grilled PB&J Toast with Bee Pollen. Olive Oil Potato Chips. Honey Green Tea. Milk Chocolate with Hazelnut.

Full day of teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Ana and I hit the road to Richmond as soon as I finish my last lesson. We've got to make the Sufjan Stevens concert. Sufjan was a very important musician for me back in my younger years of music making. I made dinner earlier in the day and packed it in Tupperware containers: Black Eyed Peas with Basmati Rice, Kale, and Carrots.

Meeting up with Josiah and Bianca on the third tier of the Altria Theater. It's a grand music hall – huge – the perfect location for an artist like Sufjan.

I'm not sure how else to describe the experience in words but it's a perfect performance. His voice sounds just as pure and wispy as it does on record. There are moments when the band takes an ethereal run off from the songs – it's powerful.

Afterwards, as everybody is piling out of the theater, we notice other familiar faces from the 757. Ana and I chill with Josiah and Bianca at our friend Shane's place off Grace.

...

Discovering a hidden late night cookie place in an alley called Red Eye. They even deliver till 1 a.m. Ana and I grab a couple Chocolate Chip Cookies to go.

On the drive back talking with Ana in the car and reflecting on the concert, "As I was sitting there in that grand theater with all those people just watching and listening to Sufjan perform I felt an overwhelming sense of love. It was inspiring."

She brings to mind a Beethoven quote, "Music is a higher revelation...than all wisdom and philosophy."

Back home. Settling in. Kevin's got a girl over. Before they head upstairs after smoking cigarettes out back he bothers me in the kitchen.

"What're you doing, Robert?"

"I'm making almond milk! I have to do it now so I can have it in the morning!"

"He's making almond milk at three in the morning," he scoffs.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Tuesday May 5 2015

[i]

☼ ○ ▬

Involved in a full court pick-up basketball game in a gym I'm not familiar with. Fifteen minutes have already gone by and the clock has been set for another fifteen. I get a rebound and become surrounded at the baseline by the other team flailing their arms to block my pass. It's hard to pick out who my teammates are. Eventually, I just toss it in Elliott's direction. The ball gets tipped out of bounds. Immediately after, a crowd of teenage girls comes rushing out of the bleachers to celebrate the other team's win. They all have the exact same hairstyle: long, straight, and dirty blonde.

Me: "I don't understand! What are they celebrating for? We still have time in the game!"

They fill up the courts and nobody can move. Then, they start singing a haunting chorus. I'm upset cause the clock is still running and we could be playing basketball. Gradually, I forget about the game and start feeling an overwhelming sense of female nurturing. Being surrounded by all the girls reminds me of my mom's spirit. I feel comfortable and like a baby boy wrapped in his mother's arms. 

▬ ○ ☼

Waking up at 11:30 a.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Black Maca Powder, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, Strawberries, and Almond Milk. Coffee with Cream and Honey.

Business. Errands.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese and Strawberry Jam. Blue Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado. Honey Green Tea. Banana.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Navel Orange.

At the Great Neck Rec with Ana shooting the basketball around and running on the treadmill.

"I feel like an apple...on a stick...with caramel!" Ana explains how she feels after she eats too much of something.

Brother's Pizza and Salad for dinner tonight. Ana and I stay in the kitchen, being the kitchen witches that we are. She prepares her morning fruit drink and lunch while I brew a big pitcher of honey green tea.

At the music space trying to get a good setup for practicing songs through the PA system but it keeps cutting on and off – the malfunction is probably from the water damage but thankfully it's insured. Ana drops by to sing our songs together. She's disappointed when she leaves cause we still haven't had sex this week. It's my fault cause my life gets so clouded and busy that my physical intimacy skills have faded. I don't like it cause it's an important part of our relationship.

...

I continue practicing on my own for another hour.

Back home. Hydrating my body with lemon water and some Blueberries.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Randy Mora.

Monday May 4 2015

[i]

Waking up to the sound of Pumpkin scratching at Ana's bedroom door.

"Let him in," I tell Ana.

After she opens the door the cat immediately hops onto the bed and joins the cuddle train.

Ana makes us Blueberry Oat Bran Waffles for breakfast complete with heart-shaped napkins. I brew the Coffee to go with it.

Ana and I go to the Pick-n-Pull junkyard, otherwise known as the Virginia Beach automobile cemetery. I find two sun visors from two different Toyota Camry's. Ana keeps trying to take pictures. I humorously scold her, "This isn't an amusement park."

Ana: "But we paid two dollars just to get in here."

Me: "True."

Naval Orange.

Teaching Kristian piano lessons out in Kempsville.

Going to Taylor's Do-it Center to buy a long shelf for Ana to use for her herbs and plants.

Grilled PB&J Toast with Bee Pollen. Exotic Potato Chips. Honey Green Tea.

Teaching a couple lessons at Music Makers.

Then, off to the Princess Anne Rec for adult basketball. Meanwhile, Ana makes use of the fitness room. It feels good to be running up and down the courts burning calories. I miss a few and make a few. All around it's a good time.

Back home.

Fixing us dinner: Tilapia with Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrots, and Quinoa in a homemade Chinese style Brown Sauce. It's one of those nights where every randomly selected record we put on isn't appetizing to our ears. The needle somehow gets broken in the process so we settle for a jazz CD.

Then, on to the shelf project. I pull out my power drill and other tools. It takes a little while to get everything right cause I have to search through screws stored away in drawers for the right ones that will fit the brackets we got. The end product is worth all the effort.

Then, on to the music space to rehash old tunes for an upcoming show next Monday. Ana's been learning the drums. She shows me a few beats she's been practicing. I'm impressed.

Back home again.

Sleep together in my bed.

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[i] Images by me.

Sunday May 3 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:09 a.m.

Raw Cacao Protein Shake with Banana, Blueberries, and Almond Milk.

Kevin Needs to Clean the Bathroom, Do His Dishes, and then Buy Black Beans (May 3 2015)

All day shift at China Wok.

It's bright and sunny today, a real representation of summer or Spring, or whatever it is.

Pineapple. Almonds. Sunflower Seeds. Olive Oil Potato Chips. Honey Green Tea.

At some point when I arrive back to the restaurant from a delivery I spot Ana napping in her car while she waits for me to retrieve the keys to the music space. Later on she tags along on deliveries. I tell her about a list I'm compiling labeling all the obstacles and behavior I see on the road. You've got your Double Stoppers, Surprise U-Turners, Tail Riders, Jay Walkers, Slow Pokers, Show Boaters, the Overly Cautious, the Lost Drivers, and the Unpredictables. The list will be ongoing.

Honey Crisp Apple.

It's an average Sunday – delivering pretty steadily.

Off work and back home.

Fried Shrimp with Broccoli, Onions, Carrots, and Rice in Garlic Sauce.

Watching A Most Violent Year (2014).

Cutting my hair.

Sleep next to Ana at 3 a.m.

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[i] Image by me.

Saturday May 2 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:40 a.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Black Maca Powder, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Coffee with Cream and Honey.

All day shift at China Wok.

Banana.

Grilled PB&J Toast. Exotic Potato Chips. Honey Green Tea.

Just another day for a delivery driver. Listening to Backstory on NPR about Civil War history.

Honey Crisp Apple.

Off work and back home.

Enjoying Chicken with Broccoli and Rice.

Watching A Most Violent Year (2014).

I've been so busy lately Pumpkin's been taking my place as affection giver for Ana. Whenever Whitney leaves for the weekend on her roller derby bouts Pumpkin has no choice but seek out opportunities elsewhere.

"I'm so mean to you – I realize how mean I am," Ana says to me as we cuddle together with Pumpkin in between our faces. His purr box is at full strength.

"Yes you are."

They're both so cute in bed. She accidentally refers the heel of a bread loaf to a "neel". Sometimes she makes up words and it makes me giggle.

Chores.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

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[i] Image by me.

Friday May 1 2015

[i]

Waking up just before 1 p.m. feeling super rested. The wind is blowing and the rain is falling.

Steel Cut Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maca Powder, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, Strawberries, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Coffee with Cream and Honey.

I convince Kevin to give me a ride to my car, which is finally all done. In the passenger seat of Kevin's car there is barely any room for my legs with all the empty Wawa croissant boxes and cigarette cartons everywhere.

Me: "It's Kevin's mobile trash compactor!"

Then, I head straight to the old storage unit to finish dismantling the piano piece by piece. With the purchase of a heavy duty crow bar and long flathead screwdriver I manage to successfully take the cast iron harp off the wood. It was a big project for me considering I don't have any official craftsman skills except for what I learn as I go along.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese and Strawberry Jam. Sweet Potato Chips. Honey Green Tea.

I grab Kevin to help me transport the cast iron harp from the unit back to the house. With the use of a sturdy shelf board as a ramp and some rope to tie it down it's an easy job. We place it against the wall in the hallway.

Me: "I can't believe I really did this. I just took apart a whole piano."

Navel Orange with Greek Yogurt.

I'm playing with Ladada at a free rock show at Work Release, a fairly new venue/art warehouse in the arts district. I take Kevin and Ana with me. I got the wild idea of strutting a longhaired wig for the evening – managing to convince a few people it's even real. We play alongside The Seeers and Wyteshayds, two powerhouse bands. I feel like every show I play with Ladada gets more cohesive and comfortable. Wearing the wig turns me into a different person. At the finale everybody witnesses Josiah get fueled with the kind of rock energy you can only experience at a show – at the end of the song where we repeat the E chord over and over again Josiah loses control and swings his guitar off knocking over the mic stands.

Sipping on a couple Pilsners and enjoying complimentary meals via band tickets with Ana: Naan Pizza, Side Salads, and a Fruit and Cheese Plate.

Seeing this Work Release place for the first time is inspiring. It's exciting to see the Norfolk arts/music culture having a location to thrive and stay alive.

Back home at some point.

Chatting with Ana before bed about how grateful I am that April is over. It was a super busy month for me. May will be much calmer. She's been in a bit of a sour mood, which I can understand but sometimes I don't understand it.

Sleep 4 a.m.

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[i] Images by me.