This is an open and unfiltered diary-style journal
on the life of James Robert Smith.
This blog will contain sometimes graphic experiences (both beautiful and ugly),
sometimes stark insight, and all honest and factual documentation of dreams, diet, activity, and thoughts.
A ladder that reaches high in the sky almost in the clouds. At the very top Ana is on one side and I’m on the other. I place my phone and my car key on the top ledge of the ladder. It’s understood this is sort of a ride that you can take anytime you want. The ladder starts dropping down very quickly – we start to feel the g-force you’d feel on a roller coaster. I’m obviously concerned about falling off or something going wrong but we land safely on the ground in someone’s backyard. It’s understood that the people living here manage the ladder ride. I take a peak around the shed and find a guy fiddling away on the guitar in a bluesy manner. His family suddenly appears – they’re all wandering around but not surprised that Ana and I are present. I take my phone out and prepare to capture a video for the “Day in the Life of” thing.
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Waking up at 10:45 a.m.
Basketball at the Rec.
Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Butter and Jam. Popcorn. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
It’s interesting hearing stories from these kids about their bad experiences at school. I am reminded of my memories in the cafeteria when it was a dog eat dog world in there. Some kids were just plain mean and you had to defend yourself.
Back home. Making dinner with mom. We delegate Ana to get the rice cooker going cause she has that magic touch on putting just the right amount of water in.
Tempeh with Onions, Celery, Red Peppers, Broccoli, Carrots, and Rice.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.
MMLIVE rehearsals all day from noon to 6:30 p.m. Next week is the big show and these bands are as ready as they’ll ever be. It’s amazing to me how in sync and tight they get only after 8 weeks of practice. Today we work on writing up set lists and go over any minor details in songs.
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Eating a PB&J Bagel somewhere in there with Coffee and fruit.
Running a few errands.
Ana and I grab some Pizza slices at Whole Foods for dinner.
My schedule this weekend suddenly feels stacked. I have so many obligations and things to do. But tonight is Ken Nishimoto’s birthday. We trek out to Norfolk in the harsh rain and pop into his apartment where they’re celebrating with karaoke and ice cream cake.
Back at the studio Ana and I practice a few tunes.
Sipping on a Spinach, ACV, Pineapple Juice drink. Had a scratch in my throat. This is my attempt to ward it off.
Woke up at 11 a.m. feeling guilty and embarrassed from an unsavory dream.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.
Teaching afternoon lessons at Music Makers.
Orange.
Falafel Pita Wraps with Cucumber, Cabbage, Onion, and Tomato. Chip with Avocado. Coffee.
Watching Backstabbing For Beginners (2018).
Catching up on business.
Mom and I head out to Smartmouth in Norfolk where they released a Lucky Charms beer called Saturday Morning. Apparently, it went viral cause Jimmy Fallon mentioned the beer on his show and General Mills even called Smartmouth to handle copyright issues. Either way, we’re not just here for the beer (it sold out). Josiah is performing a solo set (Baby Josy) alongside his dad. He does a lot of acoustic covers he used to do back in the day. The Flamenco guitar sounds between him and his dad are amazing. It’s the kind of show I wouldn’t mind spending $15 on. A bunch of our friends are here enthralled with the beautiful classical guitar sounds. What a special evening this was.
Back home. Earlier mom and I snacked on Peanuts. But now we gotta eat something substantial. She cooks up a big pan of Okra and Asparagus.
Later, at the studio practicing drums and other songs for the band rehearsals tomorrow.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.
At the Rec for basketball. Our team is dominating today, one landslide victory after the other.
Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Coconut Oil and Jam. Potato Chips. Coffee.
Watching Backstabbing For Beginners (2018).
Teaching lessons to Edwin and Jolin. Little Edwin is flying through his first songs in the book cause his sister guided him the past week and there’s a talent there.
Stopping the Salvation Army thrift store, the one that looks like a medieval castle. Buying a few shirts.
Back home.
Catching up on business and chores.
Making dinner for Ana and I: leftover Lentils and Chic Peas with Kale, Carrots, and Brown Rice. Sharing Ice Cream after.
Chilling at the table enjoying our meals while Elvis lies perfectly atop the stool.
Later, we practice at the studio. We struggle to stay on pitch whenever we sing a capella. At some point I get frustrated – it feels like every time we practice something intense happens. Maybe I need to be more patient. She’s very tired and not putting enough energy into it. I go on a tirade about how we should focus at practice and give it our 100% and blah blah blah. Sometimes I feel like the only way to get my point across to Ana is in her style, which is utterly animated. We always patch things up later.
It’s late at night and I guess I’m just getting back from practicing or work. Driving in Chanticleer – of course I have to park far away from the apartment cause there’s no parking spots. As I’m walking up the sidewalk I notice they renovated an empty apartment into a Ramen restaurant/Asian convenience store. I pass through it and notice a huge line of people waiting for food. Outside I pass by Drew, DeeGee, and a few of their friends. I tap my hand on Drew’s shoulder to point out the new store they put in but he’s real heated in a political debate with his friends. A delivery car pulls up – it’s a black station wagon all decked out with a strange police-like red light and a fog machine going inside the car – looks like something out of a movie. Later, I run into Josiah who’s here to borrow a guitar from me. Jonnie is here too talking serious talk about kicking Bobby out of the band because of something he said a while back that was offensive. I question it, “Why would that constitute kicking Bobby out of the band?” Almost immediately, Jonnie gets emotional and starts walking away. It all seems like such a strange reaction. I follow behind and try to clear things up.
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Waking up at 10:45 a.m.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Irish Breakfast Tea.
Catching up on business. Running some errands.
Smoked Salmon Sandwich with Goat Cheese, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Beets. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Immediately after, Ana scoops me up cause we got tickets to see Fred Armisen at the Norva. The guy is so down to earth and awkwardly funny. Even though he’s a celebrity after watching him he just feels like one of us. His parodies and jokes are wildly on point.
After the show we chill with friends on the dance floor while the line thickens to meet Fred. Ana and I dip out cause I’m supposed to make rehearsal with Ladada. On the way there, Ana is obviously being frantic and dealing with some kind of anxiety. I get angry and slam my hand on the dashboard cause she won’t calm down. Whenever one of us is out of sorts the other feels it. It’s a hard situation to figure out. Later, I explain how much I care about her. She goes off to enjoy karaoke with her girlfriends.
At Josiah’s apartment with Bobby and Jonnie. While sharing Hot Toddy’s (bourbon black tea) I regale the dream tale with the boys and we get a hard laugh out of it. At some point we manage to make it to the rehearsal spot and practice for a little bit.
Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese. Popped Chips. Coffee.
Watching Creed II (2018).
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Orange.
Back home. Ana and mom handle dinner: Falafels with Pita Bread, Cucumbers, Beets, Tomatoes, and Cabbage. A perfect breath of fresh air for a meal.
Later, Ana and I practice songs at the studio. We stay really productive. At moments we get caught up on parts for her to learn. Once I start critiquing she gets defensive, which I don’t like cause it’s not personal – I just want the song to be at its best. Any time we do music I want it to be the best.
Sleeping next to each other around 3:30 a.m. after a little lovemaking.
Waking up off and on throughout the morning but officially at 11 a.m. Somehow I fell ill and my body aches like whoa.
Popping a couple pain relievers and eating an Orange with Earl Grey Tea.
Ana just got back from her swear-in ceremony to become a citizen. I know she’s relieved to finally get this done. She’s been living in this country since she was 5 years old and now it’s finally done. I’m happy for her.
I got mom to cancel/reschedule my lessons today so I can rest.
Tuna Salad Sandwich with Tomato Soup.
Doing my personal taxes/researching.
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Getting very frustrated at the state of health insurance in America. Other countries provide free health care to all its citizens but here a healthy 34 year old has to fork out $500 a month forced on him by the Affordable Care Act. Fortunately, they took back the penalty for not having insurance in the upcoming tax year so now I can be encouraged to find my own affordable health insurance.
Mom made us a big pot of hearty Vegetable Soup.
Later on at the studio Ana and I practice some songs.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.
MMLIVE rehearsals all day.
PB&J Toast with Chips and an Ugli Fruit. Coffee.
Rehearsals continue until 6:30 p.m.
Devon and his wife, Raquel, invited Ana and I over for dinner. This isn’t something we normally do (go to someone else’s for dinner) often so it’s a nice change of pace. They live off Church Street in Norfolk, a nice townhome complete with a comic plastered bathroom wall (very impressed by this). Raquel made us Spinach and Mushroom Quiche with a Salad and Strawberry Sake drinks. Later on, we play Exploding Kittens, an exciting card game where you try to avoid the dreaded exploding kitten card to win.
On the drive back home we get into a deep conversation reflecting on the state of our relationship, its longevity, and how we can maintain a good quality connection.
I head to the studio to organize and practice some songs. I get inspired playing a few chords that turn into a melodic anthem.
Trying to sleep at 4 a.m. while Anthony is having a rowdy good time with friends in his bedroom.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.
Teaching afternoon lessons at Music Makers.
It’s been raining for the past 3 days – seems like it’s never gonna stop. Ana and I get some lunch at Commune: Egg Sandwich with Sweet Potato, Greens, and Pimento Cheese; Biscuit and Coffee.
Catching up on business.
Power napping.
Running errands – Kroger – setting up the rehearsal spot.
Warming up some leftovers for Ana and I.
Later at the studio we work on some songs. At some point she starts to show a lack of interest in what we’re doing. There’s some emotional things going on affecting our practice. I don’t really know what’s wrong. After some talking on my part she explains she’s been sad about everything.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.
Basketball at the Rec. Not as fun as it was on Wednesday. No wins for my team and one of the dudes keeps harping on me every time I do something remotely off. You gotta encourage, not discourage!
Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese and Jam. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.
Watching David Blaine.
Teaching all my in-home lessons. I started teaching Jolin’s brother, Edwin, a feisty but very receptive 7 year old.
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Then, on to the Kuz’s house.
Back home. Mom and I cook dinner: Chicken, Kale, Carrots, Onions, Peppers, Celery, and Rice. Ana arrives home just in time to enjoy our meal together as a family. Meanwhile, Elvis relaxes in my lap while we watch magic on my iPad.
Later on, I get the Music Makers business taxes done, about a 3 hour process because there were some confusing tax changes this year.
Running errands – Trader Joe’s – thrift store – found a lamp and an awesome Koosh bedroom basketball hoop to which I immediately install on the lesson room door at Music Makers.
Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Butter and Jam. Orange. Coffee. Popped Chips.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Banana.
Back home. Cooking dinner with mom: Brown Rice Quinoa Spaghetti Noodles with Mushrooms, Peppers, Onions, Broccoli, and Tomato Sauce. Ciabatta Bread.
Watching L.A. Confidential (1997).
Dark Chocolate Power Berries.
Catching up on business.
At the studio practicing songs with Ana. Afterwards, we get into a deep talk about her goals in life – wanting to go to school to study a skill. I encourage focus in her – writing down and setting aside time to attain her goals like in baking, music, art, etc.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.
Basketball at the Rec. My team is undefeated today – all of us are playing good basketball. I’m making pivotal 3 point shots and not being afraid to run in the paint for a layup.
“MacBook be hooping today!” someone exclaims.
Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese and Poppy Seeds. Salt n Vinegar Chips with Avocado. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Back home. Ana made us dinner: Lentils, Onions, Celery, Purple Sweet Potato, Cauliflower, Carrots, and Quinoa.
Later on, at the studio Ana and I practice some new tunes no pressure.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.
Catching up on business and emails. Running errands.
Smoked Salmon on a Bagel with Vegan Cream Cheese. Salt n Vinegar Chips with Avocado. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers. Some of these kids are stressing me out today like whoa! But I press on and try to discipline and teach regardless.
Back home. I had a big pot of slow cooking Black Eyed Peas going. Cooking some Brussel Sprouts and Carrots to go with – and some Rice. Meanwhile, Elvis amuses us with his unique behavior.
Waking up at 10:20 a.m. Feeling rushed cause I didn’t set up the rehearsal room last night.
I drop into Three Ships thinking I could grab a coffee and biscuit but quickly realize upon arrival that it’s Sunday morning and there will be a long wait time. Chris Remaley happens to be here waiting for a biscuit for 15 minutes so I grab an ice cold Darjeeling fruit Tea to go. Later I eat an Oat Bar and Banana from 7-11.
MMLIVE rehearsals all day. We’re really being productive in most of the bands.
PB&J break at some point with Coffee.
After 7 all the bands are finally done. I head to Prosperity Bakery to pick up some Pizza slices and half off pastries.
Ana left a nice thank you note with a bunch of hearts drawn on it...
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Grilled PB&J. Plantain Chips. Coffee.
Watching First Reformed (2017).
Chores.
Packing up the station wagon for the gig tonight.
At Colley Cantina in Norfolk for Ana and I’s Musicplayer gig. It’s our debut here. And we made quite a mark on the crowd – very receptive and engaging audience. As pointed out by mom we’re getting better and better every gig. Enjoying some Fish Tacos with Chips and Salsa.
After loading all the gear back into the cars Mom and I drive back home while Ana visits other events going on in Norfolk. I’m so exhausted.
Mom made Smoothies for a late night energy booster.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.
Basketball at the Rec. Our team is a powerhouse squad – undefeated.
Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Butter and Jam. Salt n Vinegar Chips with Avocado. Coffee.
Watching First Reformed (2017).
Catching up on business.
Teaching in-home lessons over at the Kuzniewski’s. It’s a grand old time instructing these kids on how to play chords and motivate themselves.
Back home. Warming up leftovers for Ana, mom, and I. We decide to melt some chocolate chips in a pan and dip Strawberries in. Great idea.
The kitchen sink started leaking underneath behind the wall. Mom discovers water all over the floor. Just another issue in life we gotta deal with.
At the studio organizing and packing up gear – practicing some songs. I’m concerned about my voice cause it seems like for the past week it’s been forever recovering from I don’t know what.
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