Friday January 27 2023

 

Waking up at 7:45 a.m. bright, cold, and early at Hotel Julien in Dubuque, Iowa.

 

Breakfast Bar. Banana. Tea.

 

We all pile into the tour bus – in the snow and freezing cold – it takes hours for the bus to heat up. Catching up on computer things then napping while Jimmy and Kevin drive us upwards to Des Plaines, Illinois.

 

Arriving at the Des Plaines Theater, a characteristically old theater with lots of gold and Greek looking statues everywhere. It’s a bit of a smaller stage than yesterday but we manage.

 

Having a light lunch of Peanut Butter Pita and Coffee.

 

 

Nigel of course draws blood on his head from the light truss lowering down – he manages to wound himself at least once a day on tour caused from his half blindness.

 

 

After sound check dinner is served – Ron’s Famous Meatballs and Ravioli.

 

The energy is especially grand tonight for some reason – don’t know if it’s the theater, the people, the music, the sound, etc. But everything felt right. Rebecca got the opportunity to sing the national anthem at the start of the show – was a real fitting moment.

 

 

After the show we always try to do a meet and greet by merch. It’s nice talking with all the fans. There’s one guy that’s completely blind, super sweet, with his sisters. He’s come to all of our Midwest shows.

...

Then, kicking it into high gear and packing up the stage.

 

Back at the hotel we settle into the rooms – meanwhile, it’s absolutely freezing cold out.

 

Thursday January 26 2023

Waking up bright and early at 10 a.m. Iowan time.

I decide to hit the fitness room immediately with some running on the treadmill and lifting some free weights. Dwelling on the deep dreams I had – always in a scenario where I see Ana after a very long time and we’re able to reconnect on some level. But also remember having a stressful dream where I was trying to protect an unknown person from a hostile person.

 

 

Protein Shake.

 

At the University of Dubuque we load into The Heritage Center stage – it’s quite spacious and honestly a perfect layout. Getting all the cases lined up and setting up. This is always an all encompassing job to get things in order and sound check.

 

 

Snacking on some Pita and Hummus, Banana, and Coffee.

 

Dinner later is Salmon, Mashed Potatoes, and Broccoli.

 

The show goes smoothly – no intermission tonight, which makes things a bit stressful cause we need pee breaks and to change batteries. But we manage. Great response from the crowd by the last song.

...

Packing up and loading out. There’s always so much to take care of. I help call the trailer pack with the help of venue crew. That seems to help.

 

Settling back in at the hotel reflecting on the show and looking at footage.

 

Wednesday January 25 2023

Waking up when the bus stops for gas about 7 in the morning. It’s snowing! Truck World, an old school truck stop with a novelty like aesthetic of a mini strip mall.

 

Back to sleep for another 3 to 4 hours until the next stop. Pilot. Filling up on Blueberries, Banana, Breakfast Bar, and Tea. Doing stuff on my laptop for a while.

 

Sleep some more in the back until the next stop.

Making a PB&J Bagel and enjoying a fresh Brazilian Coffee from Pilot.

 

 

While Rebecca teaches a few virtual lessons in the passenger seat I take the wheel and drive the bus for the last two and a half hours – straight through the Iowan farmhouse landscapes of snow. Meanwhile, Nigel, Chris, and Kevin discuss building additional things to the bus.

 

We arrive in Dubuque, Iowa at the Hotel Julien, which is nestled in the heart of downtown.

...

Rebecca and I get into a bit of an argument about how she feels like her opinion doesn’t matter and some other things. From my side of things it’s sometimes challenging when we’re in group settings trying to problem solve or come to a decision. I think the real problem is we have one too many leaders trying to lead. But we resolve it for now.

 

After getting settled in some of us meet at an Italian joint next door for dinner.

 

Then, pool/hot tub party! Mostly all the young crowd of the group along with Nancy. Nancy is excited to see snow and throw her first snowball.

 

 

Then, settling back in the room. It feels good to just be in a soft comfy bed that isn’t moving!

 

Tuesday January 24 2023

Waking up just before noon. Much to do today!

 

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

 

Packing more and trying to clean things up. However, Chanticleer has informed all of Taureau Court that the water is shut off till who knows when. Rebecca lets me borrow her shower but this still sets me back.

 

Taking the bus to the tire place to get pressure checked and discover an inner tire is misaligned so they fix that, and fortunately free of charge.

...

Putting all the bed sheets on the bunk beds.

 

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

Watching a Creedence Clearwater Revival doc.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Then, linking up with everyone at the warehouse. We finish loading up the trailer – hitching it up to the bus – piling in and off we go!

 

I take the first driving shift and get a feel for the wheel. With the trailer you have to keep a tight grip on the steering wheel. It’s an easy drive cause no one is on the road for the most part. I scarf down a container of dinner with Salmon, Lentils, Kale, and Quinoa.

 

I take us four hours in till we arrive at a Pilot.

...

Jimmy and Kevin take the next shift. Snacking hardcore on Chips and Green Tea then lying down in the very back attempting to sleep through the bumpy ride.

 

Monday January 23 2023

Waking up around 11:50 a.m.

 

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

 

Chores and various scheduling things.

 

Errands.

 

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

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Driving the bus over to the warehouse – everyone is here helping pack up the gear and do a partial load into the trailer.

 

Packing and cleaning and everything.

 

Taking the recycle out and finishing up packing.

 

Sunday January 22 2023

 

Waking up around noon.

 

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

 

At Music Makers coaching three bands with Rebecca’s help. I planned everything to have a 30 minute break in between – this really helps keep our bearings. For some reason we stay very productive and each band consistently agrees on many songs up front.

Protein Shake and Coffee on lunch break.

 

After 8 p.m. cleaning up the room and reflecting on everything.

 

Rebecca and I run a few night errands – Whole Foods for pizza then Target.

 

Taking care of chores.

 

Then, at the warehouse with the bus fixing the merch rack with LED’s and other various things.

 

Saturday January 21 2023

Waking up at 10:50 a.m.

 

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

 

At Music Makers coaching Olivia’s band for their first rehearsal – we brought Sage (Charley) on board – Rebecca helps me get the band on track.

 

Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Purple Potatoes. Coffee.

 

Running grocery errands.

 

I drive the bus over to the warehouse – tweaking more things in conjunction with gear inside. Rebecca is also here organizing t-shirts and merch stuff. I figure out a way to install a power inlet and outlet using a circle drill.

 

Freshovers for dinner – Chicken, Rice, Broccoli, and Onions.

 

I get into conversation on Instagram with Chris Ledbury about Adam Driver movies.

“Relationships are haaaard,” he says.

“Ah yes hard work they are. They create pain but then epiphany. They instill stress but then understanding. They border insanity but then offer foundation,” I reply.

 

Back inside the bus while it’s parked on the street. I try to fix all the rackety noise above the driver’s seat coming from inside the panel and tweak a few things.

 

Friday January 20 2023

Waking up around noon.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

At the Rec working out and exercising.

 

Eggs. Kale. Bagel. Coffee.

Watching White Noise (2022).

 

At Music Makers coaching Alexa’s band for the first time this year. We already get started on an Iron Maiden and Pumpkins song. They get a little rowdy towards the end but I have to let them let loose for a bit. It’s now a past time of theirs to snag my phone camera and film everything.

 

Later on, at the warehouse doing some organization and re-labeling of cases and such. I stay here pretty late into the night.

 

Home after midnight and finally eating leftover Pasta for dinner.

Finishing the movie that really just blew me away – Indie Action Shakespeare comes to mind.

 

Chores.

 

Thursday January 19 2023

Waking up at 7:45 a.m. to drop off Elvis at the vet (his favorite pastime lol).

 

Back to bed only to wake up later to find out they couldn’t do anything to him because of how feisty he is. It’s ridiculous the lengths that I have to go to get him looked at. So I pick him up and we come up with a plan for next time.

 

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

 

Catching up on business and cleaning up some things on the bus.

 

Eggs. Spinach/Kale. English Muffin. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Grabbing some Bangkok Garden for Rebecca and I. After eating we tackle the merch rack at the warehouse – re-banding all the shirts and continuing the evolution of the merch rack. I continue cutting cardboard as dividers and we stock everything.

 

Popcorn. Orange.

 

Wednesday January 18 2023

Waking up around 11:50 a.m.

 

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

 

Catching up on scheduling and business.

 

Blackberries.

 

Rebecca drops me off at this shop out near Newtown to pick up the ELO shuttle bus. I drive it from the shop to Nigel’s to pick up the tags then parking it in Chanticleer.

 

PB&J Bagel. Chips. Coffee.

 

There’s hella traffic on Laskin – they’ve got it completely blocked right at the entrance to my neighborhood so everyone is forced to make u-turns. I decide to go on foot and manage to make it there faster than sitting in a car for 30 minutes.

 

Teaching lessons.

 

Back home. Making Pasta for dinner.

 

At the warehouse organizing the merch and fixing some things.

 

Popcorn.

 

Tuesday January 17 2023

Waking up around 11 a.m.

 

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

 

Taking care of business.

 

At the rec working out and exercising.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Protein Shake.

 

We have a brand new front desk assistant today, Shaunna – she’s a friend of Allyson’s – everything seemed to go smoothly today for her.

 

Salmon with Lentils, Quinoa, Kale, and Sweet Potato.

Watching Jurassic World Dominion (2022).

 

Monday January 16 2023

Having another dream where I see Ana – in the dream she looks vibrant and different. For some reason I’m hanging out with friends over at her new guy’s place. And for some reason I’m trying to take a shower there.

 

Waking up kind of early at 10:45 a.m.

 

Over at Rebecca’s meeting with Mike and Ron about some ELO business.

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

 

Picking up a few things at Lowe’s then meeting with Mike and Brad the Builder to figure out a few things on this piano shell.

 

At Music Makers there’s a surprise of roof workers blocking off our back parking lot, which I had no idea about and was not communicated to me by the landlord. I work it out with the head honcho.

 

Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons.

 

Protein Shake.

 

At Nigel’s with Kevin, Ron, Mike, and Rebecca – having a business meeting mostly about Nigel’s plans to pay us for all of last year’s gigs and upcoming tour stuff.

 

Sunday January 15 2023

Waking up at noon.

 

Granola Cereal. Tea.

 

Today is a catch up day. I stay on the computer dealing with emails and brainstorming.

 

Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Coffee.

Watching Kaleidoscope (2022).

 

More business.

 

Protein Shake.

 

Later on, Mike picks me up. We drive over to Nigel’s to retrieve the van/trailer and unload it back at the warehouse – dealing with a bunch of stuff there – then driving the van back.

 

Black Beans, Bok Choy, Carrots, Quinoa, Onions, Tuna, and Naan Bread.

 

Ice Cream.

 

Sleep early.

Saturday January 14 2023

Waking up around 11:45 a.m.

 

It’s show day at Elevation 27 – setting up the stage for the ELO show tonight – an all day endeavor. I run back and forth between Music Makers (Heathyr is teaching some afternoon lessons here) and the venue.

...

Using gaff tape everywhere – plugging in cables – setting up cameras.

 

The kitchen serves an impressive Pecan Burger.

 

After 8 p.m. we perform our 45 minute sets to a sold out crowd.

 

Everything goes smoothly and with a huge reception – meeting with some of the audience afterwards – getting pictures.

 

Packing up and loading out.

 

Back home. Relaxing and catching up on everything.

 

Friday January 13 2023

Waking up around 11:45 a.m.

 

Granola Cereal. Tea.

 

Dealing with the flat tire on the truck. I don’t really have the right tools except for this small carjack from the wagon. I manage to get it lifted and the tire off but the spare is a mystery to get off. I drive over to Discount Tire to get a new one.

 

Running errands – at Music Makers – buying coffee at Three Ships.

 

Eggs. Biscuit. Spinach. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.

 

Putting on the new tire on the truck – driving it around.

At the warehouse fixing some things with the merch rack and organizing some gear. Everything is lined up ready to be loaded into the trailer tomorrow.

 

Pasta and Baby Broccoli for dinner with some Naan Bread.

Watching Kaleidoscope (2022).

 

Ice Cream.

 

Thursday January 12 2023

Waking up around 11:30 a.m.

 

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

 

At the Rec exercising and shooting the ball around.

 

Eggs. Bagel. Spinach. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Protein Shake.

 

Grocery shopping.

 

Vegan Sausage with Lentils, Quinoa, Salad, and Naan Bread.

Watching Kaleidoscope (2023).

 

I attempt to give Elvis a sedative mixed in with ice cream but he’s on to me. My goal is to see how his body reacts – if it will be enough to handle him to groom and get rid of these mats.

 

Ice Cream. Popcorn.

 

Wednesday January 11 2023

Waking up around 11:30 a.m.

 

Granola. Tea.

 

At the Rec trying to exercise but I just have no energy to go all out.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

After work Rebecca and I pick up a Pizza pie and garlic knots and meet up with Mike at the warehouse. We talk/complain about band related things. Organizing some of the road cases. Rebecca works on restocking the merch rack while I organize my keyboard rig. We stay here pretty late.

 

Eventually, I’m home. Doing dishes – cleaning the stove – playing with Elvis.

 

Protein Shake. Pineapple.

 

No video for today.

Tuesday January 10 2023

 Waking up around 11:30 a.m. Cuddling with Elvis.

 

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

 

Feeling tired today so I avoid the gym. Instead I catch up on communications with parents and planning for MMLIVE.

 

While running errands my car won’t start again at Target. Jamil thinks it’s a fuel pump. I attempt to put starting fluid into the air intake but no luck.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Sardines with Lentils, Quinoa, Bok Choy, Carrots, and Onions.

Watching Wednesday (2022).

 

Green Tea. Chocolate.

 

Doing all kinds of chores like woah.

 

Chamomile Tea.

 

Monday January 9 2023

Waking up bright and early at 8:15 a.m.

 

Protein Shake.

 

With Rebecca and Mike who drives us out to the courthouse for a hearing between Jimmy Wiseman and Nigel. Watching them up there on the stands in front of the judge is quite a visual. For some reason they could not sort all of this out on their own. He obviously owes everyone in the band a lot of money but Jimmy is the only one who decided to take the legal route.

...

On the drive to drop off Nigel we all have a constructive talk about the future of the band and how we need to be more transparent with everyone.

 

Back home. Eating a bowl of Granola with Tea.

 

Catching up on business. Then napping.

 

Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

I grab some Pho Noodle Soup in Hilltop alone.

 

Then, ELO rehearsal. I invited Ian from the ABBA band to try out the bass as an understudy. We all work through the set.

 

Popcorn. Ice Cream.

 

Sunday January 8 2023

Waking up around 11:30 a.m.

 

Breakfast Bar. Tea. Blueberries.

 

Teaching a few makeup piano lessons at Music Makers then catching up on business things.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Vegan Sausage. Coffee.

Watching Wednesday (2022).

 

Running errands – getting groceries.

 

At the studio organizing and cleaning up all the stuff from yesterday’s show.

 

Salmon with Black Beans, Rice, and a Salad.

Watching more of Wednesday. Then, catching up on writing.

 

Research.

 

Saturday January 7 2023

Waking up around 11:30 a.m.

 

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

 

Catching up on chores and business.

 

Packing up and driving out to Smartmouth in Norfolk for the much anticipated show tonight. New Year New Wave featuring my band, New Division, and The Cure. There’s much to set up and figure out. Marissa brought 100 flowers for us to adorn the stage with – I figure out how to tape it to the kick drum. It’s an absolutely packed house in there so much so they had to turn people down to get in even though it’s a free show.

...

I get up there with my wig and dressy clothes to perform as Ian Curtis for Joy Division. Half the time I’m second guessing myself with the lyrics but everything just flows out smoothly. I harness the energy of the music and do my best to be Ian Curtis.

 

 

Afterwards, DJ Andra Day spins 80’s and 90’s bangers. I hang out for a long while talking in depth with friends and dancing. It’s a night to remember for sure.

 

 

Back home. Relaxing and catching up footage. Feeling very proud of everything we did.

 

Friday January 6 2023

Waking up around 11:45 a.m.

 

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

 

At the Rec exercising and playing pick-up basketball.

...

Traffic is absolutely horrific today all over Hilltop – construction keeps blocking off lanes during rush hour.

 

Protein Shake.

 

Today’s the big day for Elvis. I hired Zoomin Groomin to help get these mats on his back shaved off. It’s an ordeal to just get him into the cat carrier to bring him out to the van.

 

Eggs. Salad. Bagel. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.

 

Driving out to Norfolk to pick up the Phantom guitar from Josiah then stop by Adam Hanson’s house to go over a cameo he’ll be doing for tomorrow’s show.

 

At the studio organizing things and practicing the Joy Division songs.

 

Thursday January 5 2023

Waking up around 11:30 a.m.

 

Blueberries. Breakfast Bar. Tea.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Eggs. English Muffin. Kale. Coffee. Sweet Potato.

 

I rearranged my schedule so I could watch the front desk today cause Madelaine called out. I hold down the fort collecting payments and keeping thing in check.

 

Protein Shake.

 

Right after, New Division’s final band practice in the 104 space. We run through the set and clean up any dirty spots.

 

Salmon, Black Beans, Baby Broccoli, Carrots, and Rice.

 

Doing chores and cleaning up.

 

Wednesday January 4 2023

Waking up around 11:30 a.m.

 

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

 

At the Rec exercising and shooting the ball around.

 

Eggs. Kale. Bagel. Vegan Sausage. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Protein Shake.

 

Band practice with New Division at the Berries space. Elliott drops by to play some tom on a few New Order songs.

 

Back home. Making Pasta and Salad for dinner.

Watching The Menu (2022).

 

At the studio organizing things and setting up for a band practice tomorrow.

 

Tuesday January 3 2023

Waking up around 11:30 a.m.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

Staying home rather than going to the gym cause there is much to catch up on.

 

Eggs. Spinach. English Muffins. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Beans, Sardines, Kale, Carrots, Rice, and Naan Bread.

Watching Top Gun: Maverick (2022).

 

Catching up on business and emails.

 

Doing chores.

 

Taking a walk to Music Makers – enjoying the lovely middle of the night temperature. There, practicing some Division songs.

 

Popcorn. Pineapple.

 

Monday January 2 2023

Waking up around 11:30 a.m.

 

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

 

At the Rec working out, exercising, and playing basketball.

 

Eggs. Vegan Sausage. Bagel. Spinach. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Then, grabbing some pizza supplies from Whole Foods cause they’re not selling fresh pizza for some reason. My car won’t start as I soon discover out in the parking lot. It cranks but won’t turn over. Allyson gives me a lift back home.

...

Making a quick pizza for Rebecca and I. Then, we head to the warehouse to rehearse some things with Kevin and Jimmy A., mostly for Jimmy cause he’s still learning the bass parts. We spend a lot of time listening to the tracks and teaching Jimmy. But it’s overall very productive.

 

Back home. Snacking on popcorn.

 

Sunday January 1 2023

Waking up around noon.

 

Our new roommate, Michael Brown, is here moving in. I help him get situated in Ana’s old bedroom.

 

Catching up on a few things.

 

Then, riding with Rebecca to Busch Gardens. She invited me to watch David Rogers, one of our Broadway kids, perform in a Scrooge show there. Meanwhile, we make a day out of it and prance around the park. It’s actually quite crowded for New Years day. A bit chilly but not too bad. Doing all the little rides and some big. She’s not entirely fond of roller coasters but we convince her to at least ride Verbolten and Invadr. I go solo on the fairly new one, Pantheon, which absolutely blew me away – hands down best coaster I’ve ridden in a long time.

...

With a Hot Cocoa in hand we make it to the last Christmas Town train ride of the night before the park closes to see all the unique Christmas lights they have strung out in hidden alcoves and parts of the forest.

 

Back home. Catching up on everything. Hitting the bed pretty early.

 

Saturday December 31 2022

Waking up around 11:30 a.m. Cuddling with Elvis.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

At the Rec exercising and working out. It really feels good to be doing this lately.

 

Eggs. Bagel. Vegan Sausage. Spinach. Coffee.

Watching Outer Range (2022).

 

Catching up on business.

 

Driving out to Smartmouth in Norfolk for the New Year’s Scream. Four bands are playing tonight with The Lazy Dangers kicking off the midnight howl! The Warm Hug. Pearloid. Obscure Son. Ana is around with her new guy, Drew from Pearloid. I’ve cleared the air with both of them at some point this year so everything is cool. All is well and fair.

 

 

 

I help pass out all the fun gadgets, noise makers, and necklaces to the crowd. Elliott and I pop off the confetti champagne bottles right at the start of their set. Anthony’s band really brings the hype on stage and transfers to the crowd beautifully. I love their energy and it’s perfect to bring in 2023.

 

Back home. Relaxing and catching up on footage.

 

Friday December 30 2022

Waking up around 11:30 a.m.

 

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

 

Catching up on business.

 

Running errands – groceries from Kroger and Whole Foods – stopping by Music Makers to do a few things while Allyson works the front desk.

 

Eggs. Salad. English Muffin. Coffee.

 

Working on an email and other things on the computer.

Protein Shake.

 

Spaghetti with Kale, Carrots, Mackerel, and Naan Bread.

Watching Outer Range.

 

Taking care of stuff around the house – cleaning – doing a few things in Madelaine’s room cause she’s moving out soon. Meanwhile, Elvis runs up and down the stairs.

 

Pineapple. Raspberries.

 

Thursday December 29 2022

Waking up around 11:20 a.m.

 

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

 

At the Rec center exercising.

Orange.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.

Watching Outer Range.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Protein Shake.

 

Doing stuff at the studio – packing up the Christmas decorations.

 

Back home. Cod Filet with Sweet Potato and Green Beans.

 

Not feeling 100% - headache and feeling achy. I’m sure by morning I’ll be rested up.

 

Wednesday December 28 2022

Waking up around 11 a.m. Really trying to get into this habit of awakening earlier.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

At the Rec center exercising on the treadmill then playing a game of pick-up basketball.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Protein Shake.

 

At the Berries practice space rehearing New Division songs.

 

Dinner: Black Beans, Green Beans, Quinoa, and Salad.

Watching Outer Range (2022).

 

Doing chores and catching up on business.

 

Tuesday December 27 2022

Waking up around 11 a.m. much earlier for a change!

 

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

 

I decide to hit the gym – my plan is to start waking up earlier to make time for this. At the Rec shooting some basketball around and working out.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.

Watching Outer Range (2022).

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Grabbing some groceries.

 

Protein Shake.

 

One of our drum students recently got a brand new drum set for Christmas. I offer to drive over to their house to help set it up. They live all the way out in Red Mill area. In their garage the mom and dad help me gather all the screws and pieces. Meanwhile, their little tuxedo dog runs around offering licks. It takes a bit of time to get all the hardware and drum pieces in order but eventually it all comes together.

 

Finally I’m home making dinner for myself: Hefty Salad with a Sardine English Muffin.

 

Laundry – dishes – chores.

 

Cinnamon Rolls later on.

 

Monday December 26 2022

Waking up around 11 a.m. Still in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

 

My dad got invited to a post Christmas Day dinner at his friend Freddy’s house, a guy he works with at DAV. I join the gathering...

...

They’ve got a bunch of tables set up in the garage with all kinds of lovely homemade food. Freddy’s wife Michelle shows us around the house – she’s got a collection of government coins from her work in the military, CIA, etc. Outside on the lawn they have the ultimate Christmas decorations in town – Disney, Toy Story, Dinosaurs, Grinch, etc.

...

Dad and I enjoy the food and the conversation with their family. Meanwhile, the little ones walk around with suckers in their mouths bringing entertainment to the group.

 

Back at his house I pack up and help him with a few things.

 

Then, I drive back home to VB. Listening to music and communicating with people.

 

At Music Makers taking care of a few things.

 

Home. Cleaning up. Cooking a quick dinner of Lentils, Quinoa, Veggies, and Bread.

 

Sunday December 25 2022

It’s about 10:50 in the morning – waking up in my old bed as a boy when I visited my dad. He knocks on the bedroom door to wake me.

...

Fiddling on the guitar in the living room that my dad bough many years ago just for me to use when I’m here.

 

We drive about an hour to Washington, NC to have Christmas dinner with my aunt Pansy and Peter. Their house is perfectly adorned with Christmas – her two little Pomeranians prance around – they’re very skittish.

...

Enjoying a hearty meal at the nice dinner table with crystal glasses and candlelight. The homemade dinner rolls given from a neighbor are, in my opinion, the highlight.

 

 

Afterwards, helping Pansy clean up in the kitchen while dad and Peter chat about car wreck stories and sports.

 

Later on, back home.

 

My dad gets a phone call from an old military buddy of his. He tells me about how he used to be a crazy youngin’ back in the day. Him and his friend used to fly down 95 at 100 miles per hour sharing swigs of whiskey and chasing girls haha. I like hearing my dad talk about random memories from his past – really helps me humanize him and understand where I come from.

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We lounge in the living room and watch A Christmas Story Christmas, the sequel to the original back in 1983. I sleep off and on cause of how comfortable this couch is!

 

Late at night after dad resigns to bed early I catch up on things at the computer – continuing to lie on this abyss of a couch listening to this Ethiopian nun’s instrumental piano album while reflecting on all the heartfelt things that are missing this time of year. The music helps fill the strange silence of the Carolinian night. No jet noise. No interstate car sounds. No roommates.