Tuesday July 21 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:40 a.m. Ana is agitated at herself because she's trying to make waffles downstairs and they're not cooking right. Her mom and her brother, Jeremy, are here to have breakfast with us. I come to help salvage the batter – we switch to making pancakes with it but the consistency is too watery and they're too flimsy. No worries. They still taste great. We add Strawberries and other fruit to the mix and voila.

The back tire on my car that I had plugged up cause of a nail still has a slow leak. So I bring it the 17^th Street shop. They discover a small chip/puncture in the sidewall. Sidewall punctures are impossible to repair. We can't even tell if it was caused from something on the road or if it's a manufacturer error.

Leftover Salmon, Kale, and Brown Rice. Tomatoes. Honey Green Tea. Milk Chocolate.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Pistachio Power Clusters.

At the Rec for adult basketball. I don't get the ball much but I still break a good sweat.

Banana. Orange Juice.

When Ana gets home we decide to do things backwards and have Grilled PB&J's for dinner – what she coins as "Night J's". Enjoying a cold glass of homemade Almond Milk and Apples. 

Giving Ana a mini piano lesson in her room. She wanted to learn a couple exercises to help her fingers.

I go to the music space alone to practice piano and sing.

Sleep 3 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Monday July 20 2015

[i]

Waking up at noon from heavy rich dreams. I was completely knocked out the whole night.

Oatmeal with Chia Seeds, Maple Syrup, Cinnamon, Strawberries, and Yogurt. Lemon Water. Lemon Water with one antibiotic.

Day date with Ana to the Asian Market, Whole Foods, then to the chiro. She's wearing a long flowery dress that she calls her "mom dress".

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

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Papaya.

At The Escape with Ana doing a light workout all the while just outside the glass windows you can see the remnants of a rainstorm and the geese loitering near the lake.

Back home. Preparing dinner: Japanese Buckwheat Noodle Soup with Egg, Ginger, Red Peppers, Onions, and Bok Choy.

Kevin trots by us enjoying Dragon Fruit as a dessert. He stands there with his shirt unbuttoned and sips on a glass of box wine. He takes one look at the purple fruit and exclaims, "PETA would be really upset that you're eating dragons!"

Later on, after Ana and I fulfill our role as kitchen witches doing the dishes, making almond milk, brewing green tea, and making waffle batter for tomorrow morning, we migrate to her bedroom. At first she locked her door cause she was frustrated earlier. Whenever she's doing something and I intervene, or rather micromanage (something I do often), she takes offense cause she wants to be able to do things herself. There's a desire in her to have the skills to do everything. I understand where she's coming from. I try to explain that she shouldn't overwhelm her list with too many goals, and that it'd be better to focus on mastering one skill at a time.

...

I'm lying comfortably on my back on the bed. She's sitting in her computer chair filing her nails.

"When are we going to lie down together?" I ask.

Eventually, we get close and have fun with each other's bodies.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Sunday July 19 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:45 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Donut Peaches, Chia Seeds, and Yogurt. Iced Coffee.

All day shift at China Wok.

Picking up my prescription for a generic brand of Bactrim from Target. The guy at the pharmacy orders Chinese food from us all the time. He happens to order some on this day making it a convenient transaction. Chinese food for pills. And it only cost $4 for 20 of them.

After a delivery I pick up some probiotics from Whole Foods to take in between my antibiotics every day.

On the down time talking with my mom on the phone. She's very excited to be moving back up here to Virginia Beach at the end of August. She tells me she's already taken down pictures off the wall and packed boxes. We also reminisce on my sick years when I was young and had major ear infections. I was pumped up on various antibiotics for a long time that damaged my immune system for years to come. I'm leery to take them now but I know it's my best option considering the persistence of the bacterial infection on my arm. I've tried all sorts of natural remedies that haven't worked. I know that the antibiotics will kill every form of bacteria in my system, good and bad. So it's important that I supplement my body with good bacteria (probiotics) during.

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

Apologizing to Ana for using one of her avocados...

It starts to pick up for deliveries in the evening. Driving non-stop to every place imaginable – a lot of hotel orders cause of the rampage of tourists at the oceanfront.

Two last orders for the oceanfront get called in while Ling cashes me out. Not feeling like waiting I enjoy my Tofu with Broccoli, Carrots, Onions, and Rice in Garlic Sauce while driving there. First hotel order stiffs me and the other I get a $1 tip. Whatever. I'm going home.

Starting my Bactrim antibiotics: Sulfamethoxazole 800-160 mg.

Back home.

Catching up on things.

Chitchatting with Ana about my day while I soak in a tea tree and vitamin E oil bath.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Saturday July 18 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:30 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Chia Seeds, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Yogurt. Runa Guayusa Tea.

All day shift at China Wok.

Banana.

It's busy for a summer afternoon.

Delivering to the physicians at the hospital like I do every weekend. I usually go directly to their office where all of them do their office work together. They're such nice guys and we always share a few jokes when I bring them their Chinese food. On a whim I decide to show them the rash on my left arm and in a flash they turn into doctor mode. The smiley Jamaican doc asks a couple questions and takes a look, and within a minute he makes a diagnosis – he thinks it's a bacterial infection because of the puss developed at the base of the hair follicles. He writes me a free prescription for Bactrim. Even though I'm really trying to heal this rash the natural way antibiotics is another option for me. This was very nice of him.

Me: "I really appreciate this! Thanks."

Dried Peaches. Mangosteen.

When delivering to the hospital for the second time I find the piano man tinkering away at the keys once again. Hearing the melodies relieves me from the delivery driver stress.

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

Listening to a BackStory podcast on the history of pursuing happiness – this has to be the most enlightening episode I've heard from them. 

Rain. Rain. Rain. It's one of those days where I have to keep the A/C on all day to fight the rainy humid air from fogging up my windshield. But as always, with the nasty weather comes more business. I'm delivering a plethora of orders today, almost 50% more than yesterday. I can't complain.

Off work and back home.

Ana baked Salmon. I enjoy a hefty serving with Broccoli and Rice.

Finishing Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003).

Soaking in a bath of tea tree oil and Vitamin E oil. Showering.

Researching information on Bactrim and in general how to maintain the good bacteria in the body while taking antibiotics.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Friday July 17 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:40 a.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Chia Seeds, Maple Syrup, Nectarines, and Yogurt.

All day shift at China Wok.

Watermelon.

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

It's a slow afternoon for deliveries. I take a little excursion to Whole Foods to get some turmeric and some colloidal silver. I discover a mango-nectarine hybrid. I can't resist grabbing a couple.

The big rash on my left arm is still in full swing. I continue to keep my coconut oil/beeswax balm on it to keep the itchiness away and keep it moisturized. Cecily drills me on Chinese medicine ideas of "hot" and "cold" foods that are appropriate for certain physical situations. It's interesting hearing another culture's medicinal perspective. She mentions this special branch they've been making tea out of; she makes Janice, her daughter, drink it for her breakouts. I do believe traditional Chinese medicine could be beneficial but I have yet to really learn about it and try it for myself.

My last delivery of the night is out in the shadowlawn neighborhood on Delaware Avenue. This lady has ordered multiple times from us. And I wasn't expecting to get hit on by her but that's exactly what happened...

"I have a question," she says as she signs the credit receipt. "What time do you get off?"

"Uh," I answer. "That depends whenever people stop ordering...about 10:30 or 11. Why?"

"Okay. I'm just asking..." she says. "...in case you ever wanted to hang out."

"Oh. Okay," I chime back embarrassingly not sure how to respond. She's not exactly somebody I would say I'm attracted to – not really interested but I don't want to be rude. But still I'm flattered.

"Well, I'll see you next time," I finish as I walk back to my car.

Back home and off work.

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

Watching Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003).

Making turmeric ginger tea with Ana.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Thursday July 16 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:45 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, Nectarines, and Almond Milk. Iced Coffee.

Teaching a couple lessons. Getting a new wheel on my bike.

Text messages with Ana...

Scrambled Eggs. Naan Chips with Hummus. Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Hibiscus Berry Runa Energy Tea.

Watching The Search for General Tso (2014).

Teaching more lessons at Music Makers.

Adult basketball at the Rec – getting some good game play on.

Shopping at Target.

Back home.

Sprouted Mung Beans, Bamboo Rice, and a Salad.

Learning some American Chinese food history: The General Tso's Chicken dish was invented by a Hunanese Chinese man living in Taiwan in 1955. It was first served in New York City in 1972.

Ana arrives home from work late tonight (11 p.m.). We chitchat while doing house chores: laundry, brewing green tea, doing dishes, etc.

"I don't know why you love me," she tends to ask on a regular basis realizing how mean and difficult she can be.

"Because I choose to love you," I answer this time. "Love is a choice. After a while you have to just make that choice."

Coming up with a kombucha tongue twister...

If a bitch binges on 'bucha, how many 'buchas does a 'bucha bitch binge?

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Nixon Eating Chinese Food.

Wednesday July 15 2015

[i]

Waking up at noon, later than I wanted to.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, Nectarines, and Almond Milk.

I just installed brand new tires on my car and after one week I noticed a slow air leak in one of them. Turns out a nail punctured it. Getting an unexpected free patch job from the 17^th shop. As a loyal customer sometimes I get hooked up.

Doing prep work in the kitchen for dinner tonight.

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

Finishing Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Banana. A handful of Sprouted Mung Beans.

Cooking dinner a littler earlier than usual so I can get it done and not be in Kevin's way when he cooks dinner at 9.

Catching up on business things. Doing a light workout in Ana's room (she's currently at Trader Joe's working).

Setting up a nice dinner spread on the foldout table in Ana's room. She arrives home with grateful eyes.

Barbecue Garlic Basil Salmon with Broccoli, Onions, Carrots, and Bamboo Rice.

Watching Big Eyes (2014).

Sharing Pineapple.

At the music space with Ana. I pick up the guitar and we churn out a new improvised melody and chord progression. At some point she quotes her catch phrase of "What's wrong with that?" whenever I playfully question her actions. We turn it into a silly song...

What's Wrong With That (Ana's catch phrase) (7-15-15)

Settling down. Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Tuesday July 14 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:30 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Nectarines, Chia Seeds, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Iced Coffee.

I gently knock on Ana's bedroom door and enter. Of course she's sitting in her computer naked. I just chuckle.

"What?" she asks as she smiles. "I can do whatever I want! I have to wear clothes all the time!"

At The Heritage in search of some alternative medicines for the rash on my arm. I discover an all natural ointment for eczema control that suits me.

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

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

At the Rec for adult basketball.

Back home. Ana and I take the free pizza dough Skipp gave us and make two simple thin crust Pizzas using fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Onions, Garlic, and Tomato Sauce. Along with it we serve a light Salad of Spring Mix, Carrots, and Tomatoes. Will gratefully joins us at the table.

Kevin and Stacy cuddle on the foldout bed in the living room and watch Jurassic Park.

Meanwhile, Ana and I do our own style of cuddling in her room. She lightly massages my feet and makes me feel kind of euphoric. We kiss and wrap our arms around each other. I tell her I love her.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Monday July 13 2015

[i]

Waking up at 12:16 p.m. Was not planning on getting up this late.

Yogurt with Strawberries, Blueberries, Nectarines, Banana, and Chia Seeds.

Catching up on business.

Teaching one piano lesson at Music Makers.

Lesson prepping.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Butter and Jam. Blue Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Tomatoes. Honey Oolong Tea. Swiss Milk Chocolate.

Watching Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991).

Teaching more piano lessons at Music Makers.

On the short drive back home I spot Ana on her bicycle joyriding in the neighborhood. I didn't know she had the day off. Over some Iced Coffee we talk a little bit about stress and how it builds up in the body.

...

I describe the bike incident last night when my headphones got destroyed in the bike wheel. 

"I'm sorry," she says with a cackle in between. "Heh-heh. It's funny because you never do anything wrong."

Me: "I know...yeah...disastrous things don't happen to me – they're not supposed to."

Ana: "That makes it even more comical."

Me: "I mean everything's going wrong – I got this [pointing to my car]! I got...my headphones..."

Ana: "That's it!"

Me: "No that's not it! I got things to clean up in my life."

Ana: "Me too!"

I spend some time opening up the passenger side door to my car to inspect the window regulator that's been making a loud noise every time I roll the window up and down. Guess I'll need a new one.

Re-potting plants that need more room and fresh soil.

 http://gph.is/1dXGwqC

Kevin brought home a new digital camera that he plans on buying from a friend. He tests it out and snaps a bunch of photos of the happenings around the house (just another Monday at 1435)...

Sharing Pineapple.

Later on, fiddling around with Ana in her bedroom – we're sprightly and comical. My left arm is killing me with this itchiness and inflammation. Soaking in an oatmeal bath while Ana sits beside me on the toilet – my oatmeal bath companion.

Nectarine. Lemon Water.

Researching.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Sunday July 12 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Nectarines, Chia Seeds, and Almond Milk. Iced Coffee.

After I turn the ignition I realize I forgot my start-up cash up in my room. I run up there but make a detour into Ana's room. She comes out of her bathroom, naked, with her clay mask on, and with a puzzled innocent look. I swear she never puts on clothes when she's alone in her room. I walk over and try to give her a kiss on the lips but her face mask kind of inhibits a proper one. Instead, I give a kiss on the top of her right breast.

"I guess I'll have to kiss you there," I say. "Bye-bye!"

All day shift at China Wok.

Cantaloupe.

Just another day hustling Chinese food.

Grilled PB&J. Potato Chips. Honey Oolong Tea.

While making a delivery in Emerald Point Apartments I come across a big pile up of cop cars and fire trucks. A car somehow flipped over on Westminster Lane. If I had planned the drive-by ahead of time I might've snapped a photo but the cop was waving for me to move along. I mean, how in the world did that even happen in a neighborhood where the speed limit is 25!

Banana.

Off work and back home at a decent hour.

Cranberry Beans with Broccoli, Onions, and Rice.

Watching The Terminator (1984).

Chatting with Ana in her room while I stretch my legs out.

Soaking in an oatmeal bath in hopes to relieve this insane rash on my left arm.

It's a perfect night to take the bike for a ride to the oceanfront. The air is thick with rich smells as I fly down Laskin and zip through side streets – the sugary pastries baking at the Sugar Plum Bakery – the sweet scent of honeysuckle and the blooming trees – the salty air along the boardwalk. Upset at myself cause as I was listening to music via iPod I get a little too excited with my arms and accidentally knock the headphones out of my ears causing them to get tangled up in the spokes of my bike wheel. Now they're broken and completely useless.

Back home. Sipping on Orange Juice.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Saturday July 11 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:36 a.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Nectarines, Chia Seeds, and Almond Milk. Iced Coffee.

All day shift at China Wok.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Butter and Jam. Sweet Potato Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado. Honey Green Tea.

Rain. Rain. Rain. All day it's raining but not a downpour or anything. Rain is a delivery driver's best friend and worst enemy at the same time. At least I don't have to deal with that God forsaken sun.

I'm still dealing with this persistent rash on my left arm. It's such a nuisance.

Delivering an order to 1623 Michigan Ave, the first house I moved into and started all the Show N Tells. It's strange walking up the steps to the front porch – a lot of memories ingrained in this wood.

Plumcot.

Later on in the dull evening while I'm sitting and snapping the snow peas I can't help but overhear the three teenage girls eating Chinese food over at the next table.

"Oh it's 4:20!" one of them announces and they all snicker mischievously.

They continue talking about weed and share all their almost-got-caught stories. As they're about to leave they approach the counter and ask me, "Do you know where the nearest liquor store is?"

"Where are you girls from? Wait, are any of you even old enough for that?" I ask.

One of them chimes in, "Yeah I am."

I give them directions and picture them being teenage bandits traveling from town to town robbing liquor stores.

Pistachio Power Clusters.

Delivering a bit later than I'd like. But I do make it home eventually.

Ana cooked me dinner this time. Ever since she's been working evening hours at Trader Joe's there hasn't been any opportunity to take over dinner but she made it work.

Stuffed Mushrooms with Cheese, Onions, Broccoli, and Rice.

Watching The Terminator (1984).

Settling in – soaking my left arm in a big bowl of oatmeal water.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Friday July 10 2015

[i]

Waking up 11:13 a.m. with half naked Ana next to me. Sex is in order.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Chia Seeds, Maple Syrup, Peaches, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Iced Coffee.

Errands. At Chartway talking with Angela about setting up a CD or a savings account. Picking up some supplies at the Garden Center.

Back home.

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

Watching Supremacy (2014).

Skipp, our long lost food angel, shows up late in the afternoon with a van full of unwanted food from Trader Joe's. He usually takes all of it to a church that gets it donated to the needy but there're so many perishables he kindly drops it by our house first. Will and I do our best to pick through the rotten strawberries and such – prepping and cleaning all the other fruit.

Pumping air into my new car tires with my bike pump – I discovered one of them was deflated to half the PSI it should've been. Repairing the gas cap lid.

Business.

Fixing a quick dinner: Black Beans, Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Carrots, Onions, and Basmati Rice.

At The Taphouse in Norfolk. I'm performing with Ladada tonight. Ladada shows have become so commonplace I can't keep count. I put on the longhaired wig and do my thing on bass. Ross's second show with us – he's a talented drummer. Josiah's guitar keeps going out of tune after every song, probably from the whammy bar, but nobody cares. It's rock n roll. A band from Richmond called Hot Dolphin wows and blisters our ears with a nostalgic punk sound. Talking with Ana and Will at the bar about how genres like this that have been around for years and years become so much the norm that it's not even provocative anymore. Wandcarver haunts us and makes us smile at the same time with a sound that Will describes as being the soundtrack to a black and white film from the 1950's where teenagers are abducted by aliens on a beach. I gulped down a Hoegaarden and a Purple Haze in between bands. My left arm is itching like crazy – I'm getting tired of this heat rash, hives, or whatever it is. It being a nuisance is an understatement.

Back home. Chitchat with Ana in her bedroom.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Thursday July 9 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:50 a.m.

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

Teaching a couple private piano lessons.

Angelcots.

Scrambled Eggs. Naan Bread with Hummus. Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Tomato. Honey Green Tea.

Watching Supremacy (2014).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Playing adult basketball at the Rec. Tough games tonight. I get better as the night rolls along.

Banana.

A change of chef in the kitchen tonight: Joy makes all of us Dumplings made from scratch...well, Kevin, Ana, and I pitch in to help wrap them. None of us really know the correct way to pinch the dough so there are no holes. Joy says it's her first time making dumplings too. I supplement Ana and I's meal with leftover Salmon and Salad.

Sharing Stiegl Radler (Grapefruit) Beers with Ana – so refreshing.

"This is the perfect thing that I need right now!"

There's a general liveliness amongst everyone – Will, Kevin, and Stacy are acting like siblings whacking each other with belts and pillows upstairs. Ana's got on her newly purchased high waist jeans that make her look like a mom (from the 80's). I encourage her to dance to the Thomas Dolby CD. I love watching her dance.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Wednesday July 8 2015

[i]

Waking up at noon.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Chia Seeds, Maple Syrup, Peaches, Strawberries, and Almond Milk.

I made oatmeal for Joy also. When Ana gets home from work she expresses a mixture of jealousy and disappointment but I don't know why it's such a big deal. I make food all the time for her and we eat all the time together. I like to take care of our guests when I can.

"You know, it doesn't even matter. You don't have to make dinner for me ever again," she says with a stern attitude.

"Why are you wiggin' out right now? You need a nap!" I exclaim.

Getting a lot of things done on my to-do list – calling to pay the hospital bill for my five stitches (original bill was $751 but just by calling and negotiating I got it down to $179 and paid over the phone) – updating names on renter's insurance policy.

Angelcots. Banana.

Time to go out and run errands. Joy insists on coming along cause she has no job currently and nothing much else to do. We check out an apartment for her to move into on Suhtai Court – other work and travel program students stay there. Dropping off recyclables. Ordering a new wheel for my bike at the bike shop off VB Blvd. Picking up water and other necessary things at Whole Foods.

Back home.

Grilled PB&J. Purple Corn, Quinoa, and Garlic Popped Crisps. Honey Green Tea.

Discussing and drawing out plans with Will to build a wall shelf unit in the dining room.

At the Great Neck Rec stretching and playing basketball.

Back home. Making dinner for Ana, Joy, and I: Brown Rice Quinoa Spaghetti Noodles with Ariabatta Sauce, mixed Greens and Spinach Salad, and then topping it off with Dragon Fruit that surprises us with purple inside.

A picture of me in the kitchen cooking dinner (drawn by Joy)...

Joy gives official Chinese names for all of us. She tries to teach me how to pronounce and write the Chinese characters.

Upstairs, Ana has been somewhat angry lately and we don't know why. Sitting next to each other on my bed I pull out my old bible and read from James 1:19...

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous like that God desires."

She jokes about how her heart is cold. I say that it's been sun-dried.

Sun-Dried Heart (July 8 2015)

Watching The Barber (2014).

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me or Joy.

Tuesday July 7 2015

[i]

☼ ○ ▬

Riding my bike down at the oceanfront near 32^nd Street. I look up at the southern sky and discover a blood red moon hanging low in the horizon. All of a sudden I hear a crack like a firework (as if someone threw a Molotov cocktail) and one of the new developments on the corner catches on fire. In seconds the whole building is engulfed in flames. I can feel the heat on my face as I try to retreat to a safe distance on Laskin Road. It all feels so real and destructive.

 

▬ ○ ☼

Waking up around 9 a.m. to having sex with Ana in her bed.

Greek Yogurt with Peaches, Chia Seeds, and Almond Milk. Iced Coffee with Almond Milk.

Errands.

Scrambled Eggs. Naan Bread with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Sweet Potato Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Hummus. Honey Green Tea.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Going to the Great Neck Rec with Ana. Playing adult basketball. Tough games tonight.

Back home. Ana cooks us dinner: Quinoa with Zucchini, Squash, Carrots, Kale, Red Onions, Black Beans, and Parmesan Cheese. We share our labor with Joy, the Chinese couch surfer. She's a bit disappointed cause she got fired today at her Sweet Frog job. I feel bad for her. We also came to a house decision that she can't live here for the whole summer cause Stacy isn't interested in sharing the living room space. But we all like Joy. Sometimes her English isn't always comprehensible but she is very open minded and interested in our American culture.

Resigning to my room. Tending to the rash on my arm with a bentonite clay, oatmeal, and apple cider vinegar poultice. And massaging argan oil into my scalp. Stretching my joints and ankles.

Finishing the Transformers movie. Dumb dialogue and sort of dumb plot but I can't resist watching the coolest machines from my childhood.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Image source unknown.

Monday July 6 2015

[i]

Waking up later than I wanted to after noon. This seems to happen whenever Ana sleeps by my side.

Making oatmeal for myself and Joy, the Chinese couch surfer.

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

Teaching a lesson at Music Makers.

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

Teaching more lessons at Music Makers.

Fuji Apple.

Normally I would hit the gym around this time in the evening but I decide to take a micro-adventure to 79^th Street at the beach. I find a serene place close enough to the ocean. The sun is slowly setting behind me. There are still people nearby in the distance doing their own things like reading a book in a lawn chair, playing with their dogs, lying down on blankets with their significant others, etc. But all of them are far enough away to not disturb my plans. Meditating and stretching my body out in yoga poses is rejuvenating. Later, I put on my running shoes and run along the shoreline – passing dudes fishing, passing giggling couples, and dodging all the sand crabs scurrying around me like a video game.

Back home. Putting together a quick meal for Ana and I using leftovers. Salmon, Black Beans, Broccoli Slaw, Beets, and Tomatoes on a Taco.

After a little bit of clay mask fun with the roommates Ana and I settle down in her room to watch Welcome to Me (2014) while sharing Chocolate and Sparkling Water.

Later on, Ana makes a discomforting but comical observation, "We just eat and sleep."

Me: "This is real fucking life. It's not a movie. It's not an hour and a half long."

This kind of leads to an existential conversation about our relationship that is part light-hearted and part dramatic. She's always aware of how mean and grumpy she gets.

"I get grumpy about things," I say. "I don't get grumpy about our relationship though."

"Why?" she asks.

"You know why? Because you do all the grumpiness for us."

We share a laugh.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Sunday July 5 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

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

All day shift at China Wok.

I've been experiencing this horrid rash on my left arm for a couple weeks now. It started as a medium sized red bump, thought to be a bug bite possibly. But now little red spots have spread. Once I start scratching the fiery itchy feeling never stops until I put Aloe Vera on it.

Watermelon.

Delivering to my favorite customer at 1112 Vintage Court...

Pineapple.

Late lunch: Grilled PB&J. Potato Chips. Honey Green Tea.

It's actually turned out to be a busy day for deliveries. My car hardly ever turns off.

Rain – light rain – it's been raining a lot lately.

Plantain Chips.

Off work and back home.

Ginger Salmon with Broccoli, Onions, and Rice.

Ana vents to me about her new job troubles. Acclimating to the new work environment at Trader Joe's is a bit challenging for her. Later on when I try to comfort her with my arms she exclaims, "This isn't doing it for me. I need chocolate!"

After trying to get some laundry done and other general things on my to-do list I realize how late it is. I exclaim to Ana, "You are the queen of dilly dallying! Time goes by so quick whenever you're around."

Sleep 3:45 a.m.

---

[i] Image source unknown.

Saturday July 4 2015

Waking up at 10:40 a.m.

Chocolate Cinnamon Donut (given by Ana). Banana. Iced Coffee.

All day shift at China Wok.

Watermelon.

I had planned on it being super slow at the restaurant because of Independence Day. And so it is during the afternoon mostly.

I invited Ana here with yoga mats so we could do some yoga/stretching nearby during the down time but as soon as she arrives I have a couple deliveries. Riding around with me she says, "It's been a while!"

We snack on Angelcots and I try one of her Pomegranate Pluots.

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

I'm driving all over the place and only one order at a time. It's frustrating to keep delivering to the same area multiple times in a row when I could save a trip.

Engrossed in a history lesson about the origins of July 4^th and the declaration of independence via podcast.

Pineapple.

Off work and back home.

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

Watching Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014).

Prepping fruit and straining coffee.

Ana sent me a music video by Said The Whale called "Loveless". The chorus line makes sense...

"How could I love you less now that I know you more?"

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Friday July 3 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:40 a.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, White Peaches, Chia Seeds, and Almond Milk. Iced Coffee.

All day shift at China Wok.

Angelcots.

The summer heat has taken its toll on the young ones. At the restaurant, Janice explains how her mommy requires that she do at least 3,000 jumps on the jump rope by the end of the week. Her sister, Eileen, is tall and skinny so her mom doesn't make her do the jumps. Only Janice has to because she is short and chubby. This is their way of thinking.

Scrambled Eggs. Naan Bread with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Blue Corn Tortilla Chips with Hummus. Honey Green Tea.

The day continues slowly while I snap the snow peas.

Meanwhile, the bosses are arguing about buying a new phone...

Watermelon.

Dark Chocolate Peanut Bar.

Joy has been at the house all day and hasn't started working her job at the oceanfront. So I decide to scoop her up later in the night. I have her meet my China Wok bosses – they speak Mandarin back and forth. Then, she rides in the passenger seat on my deliveries. Appropriately she's wearing a traditional Chinese dress called a cheongsam. If it wasn't for the rain right now I'd have her walk up to the customer's door with me. We talk back and forth while I zip through the streets of Hilltop – I explain my cultural views about America and she explains hers about China. She says after meeting the bosses at the restaurant she uses the term, "not warm" to describe them. But she assures me that I'm a very warm person.

Off work and back home. Enjoying my slow-cooked Black Beans with Broccoli and Rice.

Chatting with Ana for a bit about the day to day troubles and excitement.

Prepping fruit and coffee for tomorrow.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Thursday July 2 2015

[i]

Waking up just before noon.

Irish Oatmeal with Chia Seeds, Maple Syrup, White Peaches, and Almond Milk. Iced Coffee.

In between half hours I'm teaching lessons – one in Kempsville, a couple at Music Makers.

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

After doing some prep work for dinner tonight I head to the Rec for adult basketball. I've got decent teammates – we win some and lose some. All around it's a fun and rewarding evening of basketball.

Back home. Slaving away in the kitchen. I share my labor with all.

Beet Burgers with Caramelized Onions, Hummus, and Tomatoes. Broccoli and Carrot Slaw with Almonds and Apples.

Feeling a little overwhelmed and exhausted from all the conversations bouncing around the room. It's a little stressful for me. I retreat to my room eventually. Ana talks with me for a little bit and comforts me with her hand on my neck. She expresses her gratitude with cooking every night that she's had work late.

Sleep sometime around 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] From Neuromancer.

Wednesday July 1 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:48 a.m.

Iced Coffee. Banana.

Picking up Ling Yao (Joy is her American name), a couch surfer from China, from the Greyhound station. She'll be staying with us for a couple days.

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

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Running into the problem with particular students where they lose interest after getting through their first lesson book. I've got to come up with ways to make it super interesting otherwise I will lose them.

Swiss Milk Chocolate.

I take Steven and Joy to Norfolk. At The Parlor in the arts district Ladada is playing a show with Wyteshayds for the venue's one-year anniversary. Across the street I order a Tuna Poke Bowl from Zeke's. We notice a bunch of street kids shooting the basketball around on a hoop with no backboard.

The three of us sit nearby on a bench. The ball comes rolling over to me at one point. I pick it up and give my best jump shot: nothing but net. I was much further than a 3-point distance. The kids are amazed. I'm amazed. A great trick shot. Eventually, Steven and I join a couple of the kids in 2-on-2. The hoop is so low that I can slam-dunk the ball. Time passes. And then it's time to get back to The Parlor and set up on the stage. Ross is on the drums with us tonight for the first time. For only practicing three separate times he does a supreme job. After the set, there's a gathering outside near the basketball hoop. The other half of our VB friends show up later. Somebody brought along a genuine street ball but much smaller than official size. People climb atop the re-purposed shipping container. There's running around. It's a good time. I feel bad for Joy cause she seems tired and not very social. It's her very first time in America and she's only been here for two days. I feel like we're starting her time off with a social bang, maybe a little too much all at once.

Later on, Wyteshayds finishes off the rock show inside the venue.

Back home at some point. Ana got off work late around 11 p.m. so she couldn't make the show. She's angry about life right now – a little upset about working all the time and having to miss events in the evening. We talk it out in the dining room. She's still working her car parts job at O'Reilly's and it's stressing her out.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.