I LOVE

Wednesday August 15 2018

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Hell Yeah Oat Breakfast Bar. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Basketball at the Rec.

Eating the sweetest mini Cantaloupe I’ve ever had.

Toasted PB&J Bagel. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Picking up some quick chow at the Whole Foods buffet. It’s so expensive but I really have limited choices. Salmon with Carrots, Broccoli, and Mac n Cheese.

At the rehearsal spot working some Zeppelin tunes with Eric, Eric V., and Drew for the DejaZep show in September.

Back home. Congregating in the dining room and kitchen. While Ana and I slurp up more Cantaloupe and other fruits Will and Austin brainstorm on how they’re going to build a raspberry pi computer inside an old suitcase.

Ana and I have a discussion later about having respect for each other. She said she talked with a lady at work today who explained the reason for her relationship lasting 20 years is because they had respect for one another.

Sleep 4 a.m.

Tuesday August 14 2018

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Waking up at 11 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Ana texts me,

“If or when the time for us to have a family happens, I just want it to last. Also thanks for kissing me on my cheek last night. It really stood out to me. I liked it. Love you. And I’m sending this emotional text because I read an article in a magazine in the waiting room.”

Catching up on business errands.

Scrambled Eggs. Potatoes. Sesame Bagel with Vegan Cream Cheese. Coffee.

Watching Revenge of the Green Dragons (2014).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Orange.

I’m hot on my teaching game today. Every 30 minutes I chug out gold musical nuggets.

Mom and I drive over to La Quinta to visit with Grandma Carr and Jimmy Carr. They drove up from Florida to visit old friends and family. We sit around the hotel room talking about food, the low prices of produce in Florida, and the political state of America.

Black Beans, Celery, Onions, Broccoli, Carrots, and Rice/Quinoa. Beer.

Teaching an online lesson to Katelyn.

Catching up on business.

Late night errands.

Gelato. Plums.

Catching up with Ana about her day off.

Sleep 4 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Monday August 13 2018

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Waking up at 11:08 a.m.

Bowl of Oat Flakes, Granola, Strawberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

Catching up on business.

Scrambled Eggs. Everything Bagel with Vegan Cream Cheese. Potato Chips. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

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Plums.

Leftover Spaghetti with Spinach and Bread.

Marking off more things on my business related to-do list – printing flyers, restringing and cleaning a guitar, practicing drums, spray painting logos on music stands, etc.

Melon.

Sleep 4 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Sunday August 12 2018

[i]

Waking up at 10:40 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

MMLIVE sessions today! Cranking out the tunes – these two bands are almost ready.

Plums.

Packing up for the show tonight.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese and Jam. Potato Chips. Coffee.

Down at the 31^st Street Stage for A New World Record show (ELO tribute). It’s terribly hot and muggy as we set up all the gear. Rain scatters here and there diminishing the crowd somewhat but everyone congregates under the awning. We do our prepared 45 minute set twice in between an insanely talented acoustic guy. The backstage camaraderie is always entertaining.

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Chomping down on Black Beans with Broccoli, Carrots, and Quinoa.

After the last set I let Zak, one of my piano students, hop up on stage and play “Jump” on the keyboard. He impresses all.

Loading up and out, the best part of the night.

Settling down at home enjoying some Vanilla Gelato and mom’s birthday Cake.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

[i] Images by me.

Saturday August 11 2018

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Waking up at almost noon. Feels good to sleep in a little.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.

Teaching a couple afternoon lessons at Music Makers. Afterwards, we get caught up in talking with a mom and daughter with a strong French accent that came in to buy gift certificates for the dad to take drum lessons. Turns out the daughter plays guitar and sings very well. It’s always so exciting to see young aspiring musicians – I can almost see their future.

Grilled PB&J. Lentil Curls. Coffee.

Watching The Nice Guys (2016).

A near monsoon is happening outside – torrential downpour and dark skies at 5 p.m.

Running errands after the rain ceases.

After Ana gets off work I grab mom and head to La Bella Italia down the street, a white tablecloth restaurant where the father of one of my piano students is head chef at. It’s a nice time enjoying a Chianti wine and fresh Bread and Pasta dishes.

At the studio practicing drums.

Back home. Ana’s definitely started her period and the only remedy is watching a movie together. We choose a funny coming of age Aussie film called Girl Asleep (2015).

Plums.

Sleep 4 a.m.

[i] Images by me.

Friday August 10 2018

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Waking up at 11 a.m.

Bowl of Oat Flakes with Strawberries and Almond Milk. Guayusa Tea.

At Music Makers the kids are finishing up their last day of our debut a cappella Vocal Camp. Meanwhile, I help Jackson and Gia work in a rehearsal to do a song for next week’s show.

Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Butter and Jam. Potatoes. Coffee.

I decide to ditch the car and use my bicycle for the rest of the day.

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At Zeke’s in Shadowlawn near the south end of the beach for the vocal camper’s mini performance. It’s just like a living room in here – perfect space for this. The kids sing and do choreographed dances making their families hearts melt.

I venture on to Croatan to teach the Kuzniewski siblings. It’s been over a month since the last lessons. Their grandparents are here observing and being very thankful to me for making music fun for their grandkids.

I venture on to meet up with Elliott and Michelle at The Cavalier at the north end. Sipping on sparkling mint gin drinks out on the lawn while a game of crochet goes on behind us. The whole atmosphere at the old hotel has changed dramatically since they remodeled it. The three of us stick out like sore thumbs but we don’t care. A beautiful sunset view of the ocean and the construction of an extension of the hotel.

Riding over to Pelon’s Baja Grill for dinner. Ana eventually gets off work and meets up with us. Fish Tacos with Chips n Salsa and a Pineapple Cider. The conversation is comedic and engaging.

Anthony and Cynthia invited Ana and I to The Office, VB’s finest dive bar. I wasn’t sure if Ana was joining us there but I ride over on my bike. As soon as I take the first sip of my Shock Top we get a distressing call from Ana. She crashed and burned on her bike in route to here. There was a dip in the sidewalk that surprised her. I didn’t even know she was going to ride her bike. I run over to the Wawa to help. One of the clerks gave us a bag of bandages and antiseptic wipes. I feel bad for her cause disastrous things like this happen to her all the time. We manage to clean her up as best we can and head to the bar.

Anthony points out to me that he can’t imagine anyone ever chillin’ at a high end place like The Cavalier then going to a dive bar on the shanty side of town like The Office. Only I. We rack up a few games of pool and enjoy each other’s company and poor pool skills, except Cynthia has somehow obtained the magic touch on the pool table.

Back home. Settling down. So tired.

Sleep 4 a.m.

[i] Images by me.

Thursday August 9 2018

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Waking up at 10:37 a.m.

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

At Music Makers teaching a lesson. Meanwhile, the weeklong vocal camp is going on.

Tuna Salad Sandwich with Tomato, Cucumbers, and Potatoes.

Back at the studio teaching till 7:30.

Home. Making dinner: Brown Rice Quinoa Spaghetti Noodles with Zucchini, Mushrooms, Onions, Tomatoes, and Sourdough Bread.

Researching.

Cake.

At Ladada rehearsal with the boys.

Sleep 4 a.m.

[i] Images by me.

Wednesday August 8 2018

Waking up at 10:45 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Basketball at the Rec.

It always stresses me out when I don’t make it back home by a particular time. I need a certain amount of time to shower up and eat lunch. But I always make it work.

Scrambled Eggs. Bagel with Vegan Cream Cheese. Kale. Potatoes. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Back home. Making a quick dinner with leftover Veggies and Rice. Adding English Peas.

Watching Mississippi Grind (2015).

Cake.

At the studio doing a basic setup on a guitar and restringing it. Refining my drum parts to MMLIVE stuff.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Tuesday August 7 2018

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Waking up at 11 a.m.

Bowl of Oat Flakes with Peaches, Banana, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

Catching up on business.

Scrambled Eggs. Kale. Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.

Watching The Bleeding Edge (2018).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Back home. Ana’s cooking dinner: Lentils with Cauliflower, Carrots, Peppers, Onions, Cauliflower Rice, and Naan Bread.

More birthday cake.

Teaching an online lesson.

At the studio practicing drums and piano.

Chilling with Ana – talking about capturing visceral moments on camera and how our self image blurs how we think we sound and look.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Monday August 6 2018

Waking up at 10:45 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Basketball at the Rec. A sorry day on the courts but I’m getting my cardio in.

Watermelon.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Back home. Mom and I make dinner: Tempeh with Celery, Onions, Kale, Carrots, and Brown Rice.

Final ELO rehearsal till the show next weekend. We run through the set twice and work out all the kinks.

Enjoying some of my birthday cake back home with Chamomile Tea.

Sleep 4 a.m.

Sunday August 5 2018

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Waking up at 10:30 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Coffee.

MMLIVE rehearsals for two bands. I’ve been playing drums in the adult band and “Barracuda” is a challenge but it’s been rewarding to see it come together. The young band is doing a rendition of Stranger Things.

Toasted PB&J. Orange Honeydew.

Back home. Catching up on chores and business.

Napping.

Enjoying some Vegetable Lo Mein at Ming’s Chinese Food.

ELO rehearsal at the Right On space. We spend a lot of time tweaking the in-ear monitors.

Back home. Mom lights the candles on the wonderful made-with-love cake she baked for my birthday. She’s not satisfied with how it turned out but I love it. There’s a little accidental sinkhole where the 3 meets the 4 – I feel like it symbolizes what it feels like to roll into age.

Settling down with a Beer and researching.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

[i] Images by me.

Saturday August 4 2018

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Waking up at 11 a.m. I’m 34 years old now – doesn’t feel much different than 33 but birthdays are always reminders that time is running out.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Guayusa Tea.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers. One of my adult students brought me a full Bundt Cake – very thoughtful.

Back home.

Scrambled Eggs. Potatoes. Sourdough Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese. Coffee.

Catching up on business.

Doing a little bit of a birthday gift exchange. Mom and Ana got me some small thoughtful gifts like framed pictures of family, office supplies, thrift store shirts, etc.

Ana and I decide to ride bikes to the beach and meet up with everyone at Gringo’s Taqueria for Fish Tacos and Mojitos. With Will, mom, Anthony, Cynthia, and Ana. It takes about an hour to get a table after putting our name on the wait list. But no worries cause right next door at Back Bay there’s a sister duo folk act called The Fox and the Bear pushing out solid harmonies and multi-tasking on stringed instruments and percussion. I’m feeling very buzzed and happy to be with my friends and family.

Getting back on our bikes we ride up to the north end. I spot Rob Oliver gigging for Live on Atlantic somewhere near 18^th Street. Ana and I hop up on the mic and sing “Island in the Sun”.

At Chicho’s Pizza on 29^th Street. Kevin’s band, Blank Slate, is rocking the house. Stacey is here. Darren drops in after work – haven’t seen him in a so long. We dance, shout, and sing along.

Back home. Settling down after a long night partying. And my 34^th year of existence presses on!

[i] Image by me.

Friday August 3 2018

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Waking up at 11:27 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Running errands and doing chores.

Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Butter and Jam. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.

Teaching a lesson to Jolin. Whenever I have extra time at the end I like to play with all the little kids running around the house. I pick up their little First Act guitar I gave them and play a few songs getting them all to sing.

At the studio organizing a few things and practicing drums.

Back home. Prepping big time in the kitchen.

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Making Stuffed Mushrooms with Goat Cheese, Garlic, and Blueberries. Homemade Pizzas.

Ana and mom arrive home just on time. I’ve got the hits of ABBA playing on the Bluetooth speaker. We enjoy the hard earned meal together.

Ana and I decide to head to Norfolk to check out Shock Treatment at Taphouse. It’s all Ramones songs. I know some of the guys in the band, Miles and Dariel. They put on a ferocious performance.

On the drive back home Ana seems to be in a super negative mood but she’s very hyper. Earlier, she gorged on sweets so I point out it might be a sugar high. I try to poke fun and keep it light. She’s such a spritely and spunky gal.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

[i] Images by me.

Thursday August 2 2018

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Waking up at 10:40 a.m.

Bowl of Oat Flakes with Blueberries and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

Teaching a couple afternoon lessons.

Ana and I try to print out passport photos at FedEx. There are strict specifications the photos have to adhere to, one having a plain white background. This place has one but their print station isn’t working properly. So we try Walgreens. I complain to Ana about how I never have enough time in the afternoon to accomplish everything I need to that requires business hours.

Scrambled Eggs. Peaches. Sourdough Toast with Butter and Jam. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.

Watching The Rover (2014).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Back home. Mom and I figure out dinner: Falafels with Okra, Carrots, Slaw, and Quinoa.

Ladada rehearsal/hang out with Josiah, Jonnie, and Bobby. Dude from Broken Beaches chills with us for a long while. He introduces the rearranged storage unit they did earlier today – drums have been moved to the middle of the room and amps all stacked against one wall.

Lara Bar.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

[i] Image by Charlie.

Wednesday August 1 2018

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Waking up at 10:30 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Basketball at the Rec.

Yellow Watermelon.

Tuna, Cucumbers, Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese and Jam. Potato Chips. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Peaches.

Back home.

Making dinner: leftover Spaghetti with Zucchini, Squash, and French Baguette.

Finishing Extinction (2018).

Power napping in my chair.

Catching up on business and emails.

At the studio with Ana working through that “Barracuda” song.

Late night trip to Wal-Mart with Ana for oil and nail polish – and for a plain white wall to snap some passport photos on.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

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