Wednesday June 10 2015

[i]

Waking up around 11:30 a.m.

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

Talking with my mom for thirty minutes. She broke the exciting news that she'll be moving back here to Hampton Roads at the end of August. The both of us are thrilled. A lot of things are falling into place.

Errands: Chiro visit. Groceries at Trader Joe's.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese and Jam. South African Style Potato Chips.

Watching Kidnapping Mr. Heineken (2015).

Heavy schedule of lessons as usual at Music Makers.

Banana.

At the Great Neck Rec playing a few pick-up games of basketball.

Enjoying Pizza from Brother's and a Baby Kale Salad at the dining booth with Tristan, Stacy, and Ana. Eventually, Will and Kevin show up. Tonight it's "Wovie Wednesday" because Tristan says so. We're showing Ex Machina (2015). Kevin settles down in between Tristan and Will on the red couch. Our experience is complete with Kevin outbursts like, "Robo-gina" and "Robo-titties!" But in reality we all thoroughly enjoyed the film. The soundtrack. The cinematography. The contrast of techno and nature. The realism of an A.I.

...

Sipping on Orange Juice. Lounging in the living room with Tristan. We can overhear Kevin and Stacy socializing out on the back patio smoking. Kevin says something sort of incomprehensible. Tristan and I laugh at how ridiculous it is.

Tristan: "Kevin. You just gotta take what he says and let it happen."

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Tuesday June 9 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:17 a.m.

Cantaloupe, Banana, Chia Seeds, and Greek Yogurt.

Catching up on writing and business.

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

Watching Kidnapping Mr. Heineken (2015).

I've got a heavy schedule of lessons today at Music Makers.

After all is said and done I'm back home after teaching for four hours straight. Filling up on energy with a cup of Coffee with light Cream and Honey, and a couple pieces of Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts.

At the Great Neck Rec – light workout on the legs and then burning some calories shooting solo on the basketball courts. Meanwhile there's a leftover adult game happening on the other side of the gym. I witness a fight break out over nothing. Just two alpha males pulling their...um...egos out and protecting reputations.

Back home. Ana makes us dinner tonight: Mung Beans with Ginger, Onions, Kale, Carrots, and Quinoa.

Fixing a wheel covering on Ana's newly acquired vintage bike.

Ana's been acting more emotional recently. It could have to do with her long-lasting period – hormonal imbalances and all. There's an indeterminable amount of responsibility and busyness that gradually builds up on an everyday basis for me (and Ana). Both of us have been a bit melodramatic lately and, in general, I have been more stoic and unaffected. I hate feeling like this cause it affects my relationship with Ana.

I say to her during a comforting and teary-eyed embrace, "Keep it together...for us. We depend on you."

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Driscoll Reid.

Monday June 8 2015

[i]

Waking up around 11:30 a.m.

Ana makes Stacy and I fluffy Oat Blueberry Pancakes with Butter and Maple Syrup. I make the Coffee with Cream and Honey. I bang the stainless steel lid off the oats container to make a ringing sound like a dinner bell, "Breakfast is ready!"

General chores and maintenance. Ana wanted me to drill holes in the soy sauce buckets I got from China Wok so she can re-pot her herbs and plants. I put on the rice farmer hat to accomplish this task.

Catching up on my to-do list.

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

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

With Tristan and Ana at the new Bow Creek Rec Center out near Lynnhaven Mall. I get to drive Tristan's Chevy Cruiser rental car. There, Tristan and I shoot the basketball around and he helps me run some drills. Meanwhile, Ana has fun with the kids on the wall spot game that makes noises like an arcade. Later on, up in the weight room, Tristan shows me a workout for biceps and upper back.

Back home. Making dinner for four. Tilapia with Broccoli, Carrots, Onions, Black Beans, and Brown Basmati Rice.

We're actually having Movie Monday tonight too. A few people come over. Steven, Sierra, Will (who should be officially moved in by now but he's been slow to the chase), Tristan of course, and with Ana and Stacy. We put on the viral hit Kung Fury (2015). It's only thirty minutes long but an awesome homage to all the 80's crime/hero movies we used to watch as a kid.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Kung Fury.

Sunday June 7 2015

*

Waking up around 10:30 a.m. I've been having basketball dreams for the past three nights; don't know why.

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

Kevin shows me the fancy egg sandwich he just made. "You see that yolk burst? It's all part of the plan," he says to me.

Going to an urgent care center off Great Neck to get the five stitches above my eyelid removed. This had great reviews online and it only cost me $69. The lady doctor used humor to help me bare through the little bit of pain when pulling and cutting the sutures. According to her, the doctor that stitched me up did a superb job and I'm healing very fast.

While driving around I see that piano man with the ponytail walking down Laskin. He must be heading to the hospital to play the piano again.

While browsing the thrift store in Hilltop that girl I always run into is here – she's got a Target shirt on today. She forever calls me "China Wok guy".

"Hey China Wok guy!" "Bye China Wok guy!"

Back home. Cleaning. Selling a couple futon mattresses to some people off Craigslist.

Ana arrives home after buying a vintage blue beach cruiser for $60. She's very happy about her purchase.

*

Quick rehearsal at the music space in Hilltop with Josiah and Bobby.

Back home. Corralling Ana, Tristan, and Stacy for the show. First, Ana and I scarf down leftover Salmon with Couscous and Kale Greens. Meanwhile, Stacy and a new work friend of hers, Yana, are playing music by the piano.

At Shaka's in the heart of the oceanfront nightlife. Ladada is playing a show with Suburban Living, Kelsie, and Cruisr. I point out to Tristan that this is where the pin drops on Google Maps for Virginia Beach. They turned it into a free show so as to lure more people. Various friends and friends of friends are here. Ladada's performance goes really well – I felt more prepared this time – and Bobby has his drum parts down.

†

†

  

†

*

*

*

There's dancing. There's laughing. There's raiding of the stage at the last song of Suburban Living's set.

Later on, buying overpriced Ice Cream with Waffle Cones at Kohr Brothers – Ana, Stacy, and I are disappointed cause we've had better quality ice cream elsewhere.

Me: "How are they even feeding this stuff to the tourists?"

But in reality the tourists don't know the difference. It's just ice cream to them.

‡

‡

*

*

After the show, everyone loiters out in the back of the venue. I bust out the playground ball – Elliott and I organize a very long rotating game of foursquare. This provides hours of fun.

‡

After 1 a.m. back home at last after a full night of social stimulation. In my bed, Ana relays her observations about people and life in general.

Ana: "Life is just in motion. Everybody is just in motion."

I talk about how mentally exhausted I am as an introvert.

Me: "I need at least two days off from the world to recuperate."

Sleep 3 a.m.

---

* Images by me. 
† Images by Danny Rogers. 
‡ Images by Stacy.

Saturday June 6 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:40 a.m.

White Peaches with Greek Yogurt. Iced Coffee from Starbucks (using a gift card that I couldn't sell – the only reason I would go to a Starbucks).

All day shift at China Wok.

Banana.

Slow day for deliveries.

When delivering to the hospital for the doctor's weekly Chinese food I catch the old guy with the ponytail playing the piano in the foyer. He's there almost every time I come here just tickling the ivories without ceasing – some classical piano piece and some improvisation. This time I manage to capture it on video.

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

Getting some exercise running around the building with the China Wok daughters playing tag.

Later on in the night amongst the last of my deliveries I get an order out to the hospital again. To my surprise that same ponytail guy is still playing piano almost ten hours later. There's no way to know if he even took a break. One day I wanna chat with him and hear his story. I'm sure he has an interesting history.

Tristan Stewart's in town for the week. He stops by the restaurant and rides with me on my last delivery of the night. I have him carry the box of sweet teas and convince the customer he's training. For whatever reason I receive a ten dollar tip.

Me: "Man, Tristan. I should have you deliver with me all the time!"

Off work and back home.

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

While I'm catching up on writing I can hear Tristan, Kevin, and Stacy chatting out on the back patio.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Friday June 5 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:30 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.

I love it when the sun decides to hide behind the clouds. There's a light refreshing mist in the air.

It's a terribly slow afternoon for deliveries.

Two leftover slices of Pizza. Honey Green Tea.

Eventually, business picks up and I'm driving non-stop – picking up one delivery only to come right back and pick up another one.

Navel Orange with Greek Yogurt.

Off work and back home.

Black Beans with Broccoli and Rice.

Watching Kickboxer 2 (1991).

Catching up on writing and research.

Ana steps into my room to chat and say goodnight. I say something that rubs her the wrong way and she starts to walk off. I think it was something about demanding she eat the black beans I had cooking all day. But I realize how negative and judgmental I can come across in my attitude. Part of it is just exuberance and sarcasm but I realize this could be why Ana closes off to me when I act like that. Later on I go into her bedroom and stretch with her. I apologize. She apologizes. She cuddles up under her soft burgundy robe and I cuddle over top.

Sleep 3 a.m.

---

[i] Lady and Bird. Eduardo Recife.

Thursday June 4 2015

[i]

Waking up at noon.

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

Catching up on writing.

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

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

At the Great Neck Rec for adult basketball. The first couple games I knock down jump shots left and right. It's a good night for basketball.

Banana.

Back home. Cooking dinner for Ana and I. Stacy went to sleep early. Tonight is Barbecue Garlic Salmon, Pan Fried Zucchini and Squash, Couscous with Onions, Tomatoes, and Basil. Both of us are more than pleased with our meal.

Kevin is remodeling his bedroom – getting rid of an old cabinet and shelf to make room for the old entertainment center that used to live in Whitney and Josh's room for so long. I help him transport everything to the dumpster.

Milk Chocolate. Ginger Pear Tea.

Watching one of my favorite Van Damme movies, Kickboxer (1989).

Earlier my mom called me. She had quite a fall at the t-shirt factory in Florida where she works. Bruised her left knee and slammed onto the floor face first hitting her forehead pretty hard. Had to go to the hospital but she'll be okay. Luckily, worker's comp covers all of it. It's funny how she got a physical injury a couple days after I got one. But we're both very strong and healthy.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Wednesday June 3 2015

[i]

Waking up just before noon.

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

Organizing. Cleaning.

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

Teaching lessons at Music Makers. It's a bleak, slightly chilly day; the weather has an effect on my student's moods.

White Nectarine.

Getting ready for the rock show tonight. Driving with Ana and Stacy in the purple wagon. On the way scarfing down slices of our favorite Whole Foods Pizza, the Spinach and Tomato, and sipping on Crispin Ciders.

There at Hotties (the new name of the former Iguana and 37^th and Zen). This place has changed names/management so often it's hard to keep count. And now it's Hotties. Yes, Hotties. Their Facebook page has them labeled Hottis without the "e", which I'm certain was a mistake but Facebook only allows you to change your page a limited amount of time. The back wall of the stage is labeled with radio ads for HOT 100.5. The word "hot" is an on-going joke for the night. It's not a huge turnout but a few of our friends show up – it turns into a fun-intimate-rock-show-hangout. Tara Former goes on first, which is Logan's other DJ project, a dance-infused hypnotic sound. Then, The Adventures of the Silver Spaceman (otherwise known as TAOTSS) – they're a big rock hit. It's Ladada's first show with our "summa drumma", Bobby of Boneske. We kid how this is a practice show and even on stage we're laughing about our mistakes and flubs. But overall, it's a fun performance. I drape the longhaired wig over my head. Josiah manages to knock over the microphone stand twice this time from getting too LIVE.

Afterwards, we try out this new late-night cookie joint called Insomnia Cookies. They're only open from 11:30 p.m. till 3 a.m. and they deliver. I really hope this idea for late-night cookies catches on here like it is in Richmond.

My car is full of girls: Ana, Stacy, Rocky, and Rachel. It's a wild nostalgic ride back to Virginia Beach as we listen to an old mix I made from 2007. The two guys from the traveling band, TAOTSS, are staying at the house tonight. We were able to make $65 for them at the door so they can have gas money. In return, I get a cool handmade t-shirt of theirs.

Sleep 4:30 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me and others.

Tuesday June 2 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Cantaloupe.

There's a biblical flood happening out there in Hilltop – the rain is monstrous.

Errands.

Teaching one piano lesson at Music Makers.

Grilled PB&J with Bee Pollen. Ancient Grain Puffs. Honey Green Tea.

Then, more lessons at Music Makers until 6:30 p.m.

White Nectarine. Banana.

Ana takes us to the Rec. I do a light workout on one of the machines then shoot around the basketball. There's a full court game happening on the other side but I'm staying out of competitive games until my eyelid heals up.

Back home. Making an exquisite dinner for Ana and Stacy: Lemon Butter Barbecue Mahi Mahi Fillets with Roasted Maple Mustard Brussel Sprouts, Kale Sprouts, Carrots, Red Onions, and Brown Basmati Rice. Meanwhile, Kevin serenades us with his violin and loop pedal.

I found this DIY Neosporin recipe online using beeswax and coconut oil. Adding tea tree and lavender oil makes it a multi-purpose ointment for almost anything you can think of, but for me it's going to be especially useful on my eyelid wound. And it takes me about two minutes to make it.

Researching. Chores.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Aeriform.

Monday June 1 2015

[i]

Waking up around 11 a.m.

Ana makes us homemade Blueberry Oat Banana Egg Waffles. Enjoying them together at the dining booth with Coffee and Cantaloupe to the tune of a James Brown record.

Continuing the reconstruction of 1435. Finally retiring the TV Tower to the dumpster to make room for more functional items. Ana is a big hand.

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

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Ana and I go to the basketball courts near Lynnhaven Middle School. Moe, an old roommate of mine, is here with his usual crew playing pick-up games. I join in on a few. Unfortunately, I get a really bad injury when guarding another player with the ball. I put up my defensive wall so he won't get past me but he collides right into me slamming into my face. My glasses scrape a gnarly gash just above my right eyelid. There's blood. A couple of the other guys take a look and think I'll need stitches. I always try to avoid the hospital at all costs but sometimes you have to get a professional to look at you.

...

I haven't been to the hospital for any health problems since I was a kid. I check in just before 9 p.m. They get a cat scan just to make sure there's no fracture to the bone. Then, I'm moved into a private waiting room, and then another. 11:30 p.m. I walk out with five stitches, which only took about fifteen minutes to actually suture up. The other two hours or so I spent just waiting. My emergency room experience is nothing unusual for most people though.

Back home. Ana cooked dinner and had a bowl ready at the table: Chicken Alfredo with Brown Rice Quinoa Noodles, Broccoli, and Cucumber/Tomato Salad.

Researching. Lesson prepping.

Milk Chocolate.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Sunday May 31 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:15 a.m.

I still have this stupid Starbucks gift card from Christmas. I grab an Iced Coffee and eat a Banana with Greek Yogurt for breakfast.

All day shift at China Wok.

While looking at the restaurant calendar I realize how terribly long this month has been – it's felt really long. Four weeks and three days long.

Watermelon.

It's super, super slow for business. I finish filling the 2 oz. cups with dumpling sauce.

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

The deliveries pick up around dinner time.

Navel Orange.

This pre-summer heat is making my skin sticky at the end of the day.

Off work and back home.

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

I help Stacy, our Russian couch surfer, move from Whitney's old bedroom into the living room. Meanwhile, Ana bakes cookies and lends a hand where she can. Cleaning everything out of the bedroom to make room for Will to move in tomorrow. Organizing and cleaning out the little area where the record player is in the dining room, replacing it with a proper black shelf to hold all the records. Ana helps organize the records.

I explain to Stacy what we're doing tonight, "We're rearranging!" but she doesn't understand this word. "Organizing! Do you know this word?" Nope. "Cleaning! Moving things around!" Being around foreign exchange students with English as a second language sometimes you have to be a human thesaurus. Ana and I have this ongoing joke that she's like our daughter or an adopted Russian child.

Anthony and the gang in Shreveport made another Garbage Dump Theater video featuring a song I recorded back in the day...

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Saturday May 30 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:40 a.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, Blueberries, and Greek Yogurt. Coffee with Cream and Honey.

All day shift at China Wok.

Just another sticky hot day on the road.

Watermelon.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese and Jam. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Honey Green Tea.

As I sit in one of the restaurant chairs and snap the snow peas I find myself growing fonder of the idea to start working less at China Wok. I could use an extra day in the week to get things done and recuperate. Between teaching all my students during the week, delivering on the weekends, and playing shows it's kind of overwhelming.

Getting through the busy dinner shift. Listening to 99% Invisible podcast about the history of billiard pool balls.

Off work and back home.

Leftover Beans with Broccoli and White Rice.

Finishing the sub-par sci-fi movie, Jupiter Ascending (2015).

I turn my head to take a look at my young snake plant by the window and discover surprise baby mushrooms growing in the soil. At first they don't even seem real. It's possible I may be over watering the plant. These kinds of mushrooms enjoy hot damp conditions. But according to the Internet they are not harmful to the plant.

Cleaning up. Settling down.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Friday May 29 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:40 a.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, Blueberries, and Greek Yogurt. Coffee with Cream and Honey.

All day shift at China Wok.

Watermelon.

It's a super hot day, so hot that even the China bosses have turned on the A/C inside the restaurant. This is a rarity. Normally the air is off and the door is left open. As Ling explains, "It's too hot for customer!" And not to mention to hot for us too!

Two leftover slices of Whole Foods Pizza. Masa Corn Crisps. Honey Green Tea.

There were two major car accidents in Hilltop today, one at the intersection of Wildwood and First Colonial and another off Laskin in front of the Friends School. I swear at least one accident occurs at these spots every week. It's ridiculous. Poor road design and confusing service roads. Hilltop is a dangerous place, not for the amateur driver. Its really crazy how many accidents occur in this congested area but not surprising.

Somebody phoned in a delivery order that totaled up to $408. This definitely beats the record for most expensive delivery. Unfortunately, the fortune cookie did not crumble in my favor. We get busy and while I get stuck delivering chicken wings to Piper's Crescent Ming is told to take the delivery. Obviously, that had the potential to be a really good tip. It's very disappointing.

Grapefruit.

Later on in the nighttime I get a delivery to Linkhorn Dr, which is right next to the Princess Anne Country Club at the oceanfront. There're a lot of upper class condos and apartments around these parts. The actual apartment is located up a narrow cobblestone path surrounded by a thick brush of ivy. I get lost in this intricate maze trying to find the place.

Off work and back home.

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

Watching Jupiter Ascending (2015).

Sleep 3:15 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Thursday May 28 2015

[i]

Waking up sometime around 10 a.m. to Ana's hypnotic touch over my back – this leads to sexual behavior.

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

Errands. Business.

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

Watching a documentary on Kevin Durant.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

At the Rec for adult basketball. I'm having a really good time tonight on the courts. Not shooting too many buckets, in fact I'm missing most of them, but my defense is really on point. I'm locking it down with every opponent I defend. The other players pay notice and compliment me. My reputation as a strong defensive player has only gotten better.

Back home. Sharing dinner with Ana and Stacy: Slow Cooked Beans (Jacob's Cattle Trout) with Kale, Basmati Rice, and sliced Tomatoes.

I've got Ladada band practice at the Tidewater storage unit. It's super far away for me and plus the city's repaving all of I-264 and I-64 dwindling the open lanes down to one open lane. Calum won't be able to play with us on drums for the next couple months so Bobby, from Boneske and 1888 is filling in. Josiah already taught him on a few sessions before tonight. So I hop right on in and we rock out, polishing up a few parts. I don't get back home till 2:30 a.m. Ugh.

Cutting up some fresh Watermelon from Pungo for tomorrow – I can't resist eating some now.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Image source unknown.

Wednesday May 27 2015

[i]

Waking up at noon.

Blueberries, Peaches, Chia Seeds, Almond Milk, and Greek Yogurt.

Cleaning and organizing.

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

Teaching lessons at Music Makers. Kiran, one of my brightest students, is taking a break from piano lessons for the summer. It's kind of disappointing when I lose a student, even though I know it's not my fault. Kiran and I have lots of fun during our lessons. His mom emailed me to assure me it was a decision he made on his own – he thinks that piano may not be his thing. As the summer approaches I'll lose and gain students.

Banana.

Art and I grab tennis rackets and meet up at the tennis courts by Lynnhaven Middle School. I can't remember the last time I played tennis. It's a fun and a close match. 

I'm weak and out of energy for some reason. Whenever I choose to omit oatmeal from my breakfast this happens. I'm ravenous when I get home. Ana brought home delicious Pizza from Whole Foods and Crispin. We enjoy slices and a Salad with Stacy, the Russian couch surfer.

Afterwards, we pull out the guitar and use the piano for impromptu performances by Ana, myself, Kevin, and Stacy. It's a wonderful night to share music.

My new basketball shoes came in the mail along with my special basketball in-soles. Putting them together and lacing them up.

Sleep next to Ana in my bed at 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Tuesday May 26 2015

[i]

Waking up next to Ana in her bedroom to morning sex.

Sharing fresh cold washed Strawberries that we got from the farm yesterday.

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

Thrift store. Organizing.

Oat & Almond Biscuits with Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam. Potato Chips. Honey Green Tea.

Watching Birdman (2014).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

At the Rec for adult basketball. I got a good set of players on my team tonight, no hotheads or barkers harping on my ass. I feel confident. We win a lot and lose a little.

Back home. I prepare a hearty dinner for Ana and Stacy, our Russian couch surfer: Rosemary Garlic Chicken with Zucchini, Carrots, Onions, Snow Peas, and Brown Basmati Rice. We get to know Stacy a bit more – sharing music on the stereo and the difficulty of learning a new language.

Later on, Ana and I have an emotional heart-to-heart talk in her bedroom. She was out of sorts earlier – feeling stifled and like she can't be herself around me. Sometimes I think I'm too controlling and try to take care of EVERYTHING. That can be stressful for her because she wants to be able to cook and make things, which she already does really. We talk about our decision to be living with each other and how unique our situation is with us having our own bedrooms. And yet we still see each other every day – hardly a day goes by without sharing at least one meal together. We both know the importance of having space and being alone. She's been feeling the need to not be in a relationship with me because of all this. Every now and then she gets like this. And we talk about everything, cuddle, and move on. But I don't like her feeling dissatisfied. I want to resolve this.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Monday May 25 2015

[i]

☼ ○ ▬

It's understood that I'm a superhero, a well known superhero that defends earth from hostile alien races. I'm still living at 1435 in Chanticleer. One evening I'm hanging out in the living room with Kevin while he watches Netflix on his laptop. Through the back door I spot a UFO with blue and green neon lights hovering above the ground. It's understood one of those hostile alien races is out looking for me, probably because I demolished the last army they sent. I hear a knock at the door. It's a pizza delivery girl but I know it's really one of those aliens. I get out my weapon of choice, which is one of those toy swords from the 90's that flip out into a longer sword. It also doubles as my laser gun. I pull open the front door and start blazing up the neighborhood, zapping aliens right and left. It's almost like one of those POV arcade games.

▬ ○ ☼

Waking up sometime before noon next to Ana in her bright, bright room. We share our heavy narrative dreams.

Ana: "I'm always mad at you in my dreams."

"Hmm. Just like you are in waking life," I joke.

Sharing a hearty morning meal downstairs: Homemade Oat & Almond Biscuits with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese and Homemade Cranberry Orange Jam; Scrambled Eggs; and Coffee.

...

Her mom calls just as we finish eating breakfast. I leave to clean up and over hear Ana scold her mom about diet and such.

Ana: "You need to listen to me. You need to stop buying cookies, mom!"

I have one lesson to teach out in Kempsville. Ana tags along cause it'll be easier for us to get to where we want to go afterwards. She sits on the couch of the student's house while I teach Kristian, a 6-year-old with a special ear for music. I didn't bring my folder with all the cool stickers and he absolutely loves stickers – he has a serious collection. So I have no choice but to give him a Musicplayer band sticker. He's grateful.

After the lesson we stay cooped up in the A/C filled car driving down Indian River all the way into Pungo. Our goal was to go strawberry picking at the Cullipher Farm Market but we just end up buying a bucket of strawberries along with other select vegetables and fruits. Ana convinces us to get Ice Cream on Waffle Cones: Butter Pecan, Strawberry, and Vanilla. It ain't no ordinary ice cream either.

As Ana tells it, "I never felt so filled eating an ice cream!"

We enjoy our cold cream near a sand pit for kids to play in. Coincidentally, Dave Hausmann and his girlfriend are here too.

We head back into Hilltop and shoot some hoops on the street courts near Lynnhaven Middle School. I've been training Ana a little bit here and there, giving her simple drills to help her learn the fundamentals.

Back home. Putting together a dinner out of whatever we have in the fridge. Taking the leftover Black Bean Burger mix and turning them into tacos – adding Tomatoes, sautéed Mushrooms, Spring Mix, Avocado, and Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips. Washing it all down with cold Honey Green Tea.

Whitney and her lovable orange cat officially moved out of 1435. I clean up the remains of her room, vacuum, and clean as much as I can. Meanwhile, Ana practices her drumming at the music space.

Later on, Kevin arrives home with a guy friend of his from work. Not long after a couch surfer from Russia arrives – her name is Stacy. We hang out with her and get to know her a little bit. Putting her in the open bedroom with fresh sheets. Kevin and his friend are slowly working a tequila bottle, blowing bubbles, and playing with a talking Pee Wee Herman doll.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

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[i] Images by me.

Sunday May 24 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:08 a.m.

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

All day shift at China Wok.

It's a terrible slow afternoon for deliveries. I take advantage of the down time to organize my to-do list and lesson prep for the week. Both Janice and Eileen are lounging around. They're learning music in elementary school so I quiz them on music notation.

A couple rounds of hide-and-go-seek around the building.

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

Deliveries pick up a little bit and then get crammed all into the last couple hours.

Strawberry Carrot Fruit Chews.

Off work and back home.

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

Watching Birdman (2014).

Scheduling a show – organizing.

Chatting with Ana downstairs about general exhaustion with life.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

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[i] Images by me.

Saturday May 23 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:50 a.m.

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

All day shift at China Wok.

Dried Peaches.

Enjoying a bright sunny cool day – the perfect temperature.

Scrambled Eggs. A slice of Cheese Pizza. Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Tomato. Honey Green Tea.

It's a frightfully slow day for deliveries.

When talking with Elliott using FaceTime on my phone I keep him on the line while I make a delivery to a regular customer. It's the older lady who lives on Virginia Court (she's probably in her 50's). I introduce her to Elliott. She smiles big like she always does when I deliver to her. She tells us she's impressed with technology and that she doesn't even own a phone.

Elliott playfully asks, "How do you like Robert?"

"Oh he's great!" the lady explains. "He always brings my food. And he's cute!"

Nothing like soft cold Watermelon to refresh the mundane.

Just getting through the night listening to podcasts and learning about American history.

Back home. Instead of bringing Chinese food for dinner I allowed Ana to make me something: Black Bean Burger with Roasted Cauliflower, Carrots, Onions, and Brown Basmati Rice.

Earlier, we joked her slip of the tongue when describing black bean burgers. She referred to them as "black blean blurgers" or "the BBB's" or "black blean burglars".

Sleep 4 a.m.

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[i] Images by me.

Friday May 22 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:40 a.m.

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

All day shift at China Wok.

Banana.

I spot a lone spider friend on the counter. He crawls out in front of the register and just sits there all day. I don't bother him except for a moment when I snap a photo. Later on, he turns lifeless. I guess there weren't enough bugs around to feed on and he just gave up.

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

While delivering at the oceanfront I catch a funny scene of a Dalmatian dog sticking his whole body out the passenger side window of a truck – he lays his whole body on top of the rearview mirror.

Grapefruit.

It's a slow night for deliveries.

Another Banana.

Off work and back home. It's Whitney's last night at 1435 so we're throwing a small going-away-gathering. There was supposed to be grilling but for some reason that didn't happen. However, Ana made delicious Black Bean Burgers. I throw one into the Broccoli and Rice I got from the restaurant. Will's here. He'll be moving in to take Whitney's place in the house. We talk over some of the details and get lost in conversation about the plethora of podcasts out there. Meanwhile, downstairs in the living room, Kevin and Ken are jamming out on the guitar and violin.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

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[i] Images by me.

Thursday May 21 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:20 a.m.

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

Chores.

Pineapple.

Teaching an in-home lesson in Kempsville.

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

Teaching lessons at Music Makers. I've finally successfully taught one of my vocal students, Elly, how to sing the Cults song "Always Forever". We're still working on using her "big voice" but she does a fine job.

At the Rec for adult basketball. I manage to get on a team with Ash, a guy about a couple years ahead of me – he's always on my ass ("Ash on my ass" as I describe it to Ana) but at the same time he expects me to succeed. I disappoint and amaze in many moments throughout the night.

Watermelon.

I make Ana and I dinner. It's my first time cooking with Barramundi Fillets. It's a white flaky fish, similar to tilapia. I drizzle it with Butter Lemon Basil, and Garlic. Serving it with Brown Basmati Rice and a light cheesy Spinach, Mushroom, Onion, and Red Pepper side.

I announce, "You think you've already ate the best dinner I've made. I think this will surpass them all."

It's been a while since her and I sat on the couch and watched a movie together. Usually there's something going on or we're too busy and tired. But not tonight. After Kevin's persistence in the movie selection we settle on Inherent Vice (2014). After a good twenty minutes or so Kevin loses interest – I think we might've heard him snoring at some point. But Ana and I still enjoy the film.

Sharing Pineapple and Chocolate.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

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[i] Inherent Vice Poster.

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.

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[i] Images by me.