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.
Waking up to Ana's soft and delicate touch on my back. My alarm goes off at 9:30 a.m. interrupting our sexual opera but we continue until we're finished. I whip up a couple of Marley Coffee Raw Protein Drinks for us using Almond Milk and a Banana.
At The Escape with Ana. I run a couple miles while she stretches in the steamy sauna. I'm hoping to start a healthy habit of getting up this early to make use of the gym before I go to work on the weekends.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Almond Meal, Raspberries, and Almond Milk.
All day shift at China Wok.
Strange enough it's a warm enough day to sport a t-shirt or maybe a light jacket.
On my first delivery I spot two lawn chairs unintentionally placed in a chair porn position.
PB&J. Baked Lentils Chips. Honey Black Tea.
Ana appears with a new baked good to which I enjoy immediately.
During a dead hour between 4 and 5 p.m. Ana and I hang out with the girls at the table. This is what happens when you sit around for too long. You end up making a series of slap simulation videos.
Honey Crisp Apple.
Off work and back home.
Fried Shrimp with Broccoli, Onions, Carrots, and Rice in Garlic Sauce.
Watching Left Behind (2014), the one with Nicolas Cage. After the first fifteen minutes I assess the movie as not worth watching but I continue on because, well, eating a hearty meal without watching something isn't an option for me tonight.
Enjoying a couple of Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins made by Whitney.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maca Powder, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, Raspberries, and Almond Milk. Coffee.
All day shift at China Wok.
Prepping the crunchy noodles into their respective small and large bags. Washing the windows, or as Ling puts it, "sweeping the windows". He'll never understand what that word means.
Mixed Greens Salad with Red Heirloom Spinach, Hard-Boiled Eggs, Beets, and Tomato. Flax Fiber Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Butter.
I get to enjoy a temporary rental while my car gets repaired from the accident. I'm at the wheel of a baby blue 2015 Volkswagen Beetle. The pickup on it is stellar. I can accelerate to 55 in about 2 seconds. It's cars like these that make me consider getting a new car. I could save on gas and enjoy the ownership of a new ride. But we'll see. I'm dedicated to my 1995 Toyota Camry. It's as if I married it.
Sipping on a piping hot mug of Honey Black Tea to wash down lunch.
Honey Crisp Apple.
Tofu with Broccoli, Carrots, Onions, and Rice in Garlic Sauce.
Off work and back home.
Talking with my mom on the phone – she's preparing to fly up here to spend some time with me and her uncle Kenny. Ana shows up in the middle of our conversation about how she discovered lemongrass and it's effectiveness on a rash she's been dealing with.
Downstairs, I whip up a coconut oil hand lotion using coconut oil, vitamin E oil, and Aloe Vera Witch Hazel.
Upstairs, I convince Ana to do a 15-minute oil pulling session with me using coconut oil where we simply swish it around in our mouths. I'm going to try this every day for a month and see the results.
Excited to get back into my breakfast routine of enjoying a hot bowl of Oatmeal, this morning with Maple Syrup, Raspberries, Chia Seeds, Maca Powder, Almond Milk, and Coffee.
Writing about yesterday's events.
Business.
Dropping my car off at Lee Papa's body shop and getting a rental car from Enterprise, all paid for by my insurance. It's a light blue VW Beetle. I don't think I've ever ridden in one of these things before.
I text Ana a photo of my rental. She says, "Oh wow! I picture you being a French spy in that with your black turtle neck. I like it."
Me: "I forgot to tell you that when I first met you but I am a French spy."
Her: "No wonder you like 60's tunes, coffee, and pastries just as much as me and the French. Secret is safe with me secret agent Smith."
Toasted Peanut Butter Sandwich with Dates. Olive Oil Potato Chips. Honey Black Tea.
At The Escape I enjoy some time in the dry sauna and start a jog on the treadmill when suddenly China Wok calls me. I was already expecting them but I wasn't sure what time. I've got to dip out and work for an hour and a half. Fortunately, I have time left before the gym closes to finish my running.
Back home.
Lentils with Rice Noodles and Bok Choy. Leftover No-Bake Pumpkin Pie.
Watching Predestination (2014).
Making almond milk and preparing a salad for tomorrow. Practicing piano.
Everyone's up and about. Ana's pan-frying her homemade spring rolls in the kitchen using an iron skillet and coconut oil. The Thanksgiving parade is on the TV.
Toasted Peanut Butter Sandwich with half a Banana and Green Tea.
My dad, Patty, Jennifer, Ana, and I all pile into my dad's latest car, a VW CC car, and drive to Grimesland for the official Thanksgiving Dinner at John D and Aunt Delores's humble farm house. I found a quote I used from last year's Thanksgiving, one Marcel Proust said, "Let us be grateful to people who make us happy. They are the charming gardeners who make our souls bloom." I encourage Ana and I to recite the quote in various accents and voice types.
Upon arrival Delores is in the process of cooking a batch of gravy. She explains that coffee is the secret ingredient. Ana and her connect right away and enjoy talking about food. It's a traditional southern-style spread set out in the kitchen. Like I said, Ana and I prepared ourselves to break away from our usual semi-vegetarian diet and just enjoy T-day cuisine. The dessert table is probably more plentiful than the entrees. Pumpkin pies, chocolate moon pie, apple cinnamon raisin bread, and everyone's favorite: the seven-layer chocolate cake to which Delores claims the secret ingredient is love. And it is definitely a noticeable ingredient.
The house fills soon after 2 p.m. with familiar family members and their respective kids and babies. We gather in a circle for the blessing and so begins the ultimate chow down. At some point we all wrap up and join the kids outside to kick the soccer ball around in the empty field nearby. Later, I pull out the guitar for Ana and I to do our Johnny Cash and oldies covers. Both our voices are warmed up just right and we're able to bless everybody with music.
My cousin Vicki says to me about Ana, "She sings. She cooks. She's pretty. You scored a good one."
We have to leave a bit earlier than desired cause Jennifer has to be to her new job at 6:30. On the drive back to Goldsboro we all take turns sharing what we are thankful for. My dad confesses some heart-warming things to me saying things like "I know I wasn't always the best father" and how he tried to give me as much support and love as he could – talking about the moment back at Aunt Delores's house when I was singing and how he's very proud of me that I can take my gifts and bless others with them. This is a reoccurring theme he touches on every year – he'll talk about how he didn't have it so good growing up and how he worked real hard and how now he's able to bless other people in his life like with his wife and her daughter. He tears up a little when he starts mentioning his mother and how he misses her. The truth is I've never thought my dad to be lacking in my life. Even though my dad and mom split up at a young age my dad was always there for me – I have very fond and rich memories of him growing up.
Back at Dad's house. Jennifer goes to work. The rest of us hang out in the living room. My dad describes his memories as a teenager and goes into detail of the last days and moments of my grandmother. He was there for her literal last breath. This will be the second time he tears up tonight. Patty and I get close and wrap our arms around him. Patty acts a bit over nurturing. But it's not often I see my dad cry.
"It's okay to cry sometimes," my dad reassures.
Later on, my dad and I go for a drive down the street so we can talk one-on-one about a sensitive situation. I have a half-sister named Charlotte whom I recently got in contact with on Facebook. It's probably best I just keep in the secret files of the blog. But in essence I feel like every time I see my dad and talk about the past his identity becomes more clear. My desire to get to know my dad, faults and all, becomes stronger as I get older.
My dad recalls a VHS tape he has of me performing my first piano recital back in 1999. There's also footage of me posing with my grandma for photos next to the piano. It was a memory my dad has of grandma being very proud of me. We put the tape into the mini TV. I sit in front of it and watch myself play through a bagatelle of Beethoven's with many mistakes of course – I wasn't as proficient yet and I was incredibly nervous. At the end of the tape my dad interviews the 15-year-old me and asks, "Do you have anything to say?" Everyone around me quiets down. I think for a second then speak into the camera, "Follow your dream."
Ana and I stay later than expected – we get into a discussion with dad and Patty about food and diet.
On the road in route back to Virginia I get us through the whole drive in a mere three hours and twenty minutes – with no music on the stereo, just conversation and reflection on the last couple days.
Around 9:30 a.m. I'm awoken by Ana's icy fingertips on my back.
Me: "Whoa! Did you just dip your fingers in ice water?"
"Yes," she says reassuringly. "Time to wake up dear!"
Then she stretches out her foot and threatens to touch me with her icy toes.
Me: "You're like an Ice Queen."
...
In the next room over Darren's going off on a rant using the F word like a Martin Scorsese film. It's expected to hear an early morning argument from Darren and Devon.
Enjoying a warm and hearty breakfast together of Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maca Powder, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, Strawberries, Almond Milk, and Coffee.
We got an early start this morning so we can fit in some gym time at The Escape. The weather is super nasty – rain and wind whooshing down just outside the fitness room windows.
After packing the car we head off into the dreary afternoon in route to North Carolina to see my dad and the family. Ana takes the wheel. Nourishing ourselves with Chic Pea Salad Sandwiches. I add Baked Lentil Chips and a Banana to my meal. Plugging in the iPod and sifting through every genre from every spectrum of Christian music I used to listen from hardcore punk to metal to electro pop to pop punk to hip-hop. Banging hard on my air drums and shaking my head.
Three and a half hours later arriving at my dad's house in Goldsboro.
...
Sitting down on the couches in the living room. My dad chats with my great-uncle JW on the phone while Patty (dad's wife) points to my dad and I explaining to Ana, "Good man. Good heart. They's a good man."
Dad takes us to downtown Goldsboro where all the old historic buildings are and all the local restaurants are. We settle on The Flying Shamrock, a popping Irish pub. Food-wise Ana and I are prepared to venture into less vegan/vegetarian spectrums. Enjoying an Artichoke-Spinach Dip and a Flatbread Pizza. My dad and I sip on a couple Blue Moons. He says he actually hasn't been drinking since he retired, which was a couple months ago. He's a very social and likable character. He's representing his NC State wolf pack sweater and Air Force cap – befriending the restaurant manager and pitching the idea of me performing here sometime in the future. It's good to be here and especially with Ana by my side.
Afterwards, my dad drives us around to do a little sight seeing – passing by Herman Park, a place he used to bring me when I was a little boy – there was (and still is) a mini train you could ride around the perimeter of the park – I have faint but fond memories here. There's a bit of a humorous spat between my dad and Patty over a phone conversation. Patty tends to interrupt or talk too much when my dad tries to speak and he doesn't like it. It's mostly playful between them but there will always be mini disputes.
Checking out Dumb and Dumber To (2014) at the theater.
Back at dad's house. Jennifer, my stepsister is here lying on the couch watching the Disney channel. She just got home from a new job of hers at Bath & Bodyworks. We all hang out in the living room. My dad is reminded of an old kid's movie he claims I used to watch over and over again as a boy called Pete's Dragon from 1977. He locates it from a videocassette shelf and puts it on. I'm taken back in time remembering all those funny and strange moments in the movie.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Almond Meal, Maca Powder, Blueberries, Strawberries, and Almond Milk. Coffee.
Research. Business.
PB&J. Lemongrass Green Tea. Baked Lentil Chips.
Teaching piano lessons at Music Makers.
Honey Crisp Apple. Half a Cacao Raw Protein Drink.
At the Seatack Rec lifting weights and shooting the basketball around.
Back home. Ana and I take over the kitchen to make a No-Bake Pumpkin Pie. Meanwhile, I fix up a hearty dinner for us: Salmon, Brown Rice Quinoa Noodles, and a Mixed Greens Salad with Beets, Carrots, Tomatoes, and Red Onion. There's a lot of leftover almond meal date piecrust so we melt some chocolate and drizzle it on top to make a Chocolate Cake Pie?
I pull out the guitar for Ana and I to brush up on songs cause I'm certain we'll be asked by my dad's family on Thanksgiving to perform. Kevin arrives home from work and plays along on the violin.
Lost inside a building with Ana. The foyer is elegantly designed with diamond chandeliers and glass tables. Upstairs we explore the different rooms. One is a party room – we run into a few college dudes who appear very baked and inebriated. One seems like a kid's room filled with stuffed animals and toys – I reach my hand over a bed packed with stuffed animals expected to be pulled in but nothing happens – I try my best to manifest it because I want the dream to be over, still nothing happens. Outside, Darren is waiting for Ana and I to get back in the car. We have somewhere to be.
▬ ○ ☼
Waking up officially at noon.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Blueberries, Strawberries, Maca Powder, and Almond Milk. Coffee.
Running errands.
Chic Pea Salad Sandwich with Beets and Tomato. Baked Lentil Chips. Honey Black Tea.
Teaching piano and voice lessons at Music Makers.
At the Seatack Rec shooting the basketball around and lifting weights.
Leftover Almond-Encrusted Tilapia with Broccoli and Couscous.
Irish Oatmeal with Maca Powder, Blueberries, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, Cinnamon, and Almond Milk. Marley Coffee Raw Protein Drink.
All day shift at China Wok.
Banana.
Lunch rush deliveries.
On the down time snapping the snow peas while talking with my mom on the phone. She's worried about Uncle Kenny (my great-uncle) and his living situation. We talk about her flying up here from Florida to figure it all out.
Mixed Greens Salad with Carrots, Beets, and Quinoa. Flax Fiber Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese. Honey Black Tea.
Just before 5 p.m. the rain drops lightly on the ground and the phones fire up in the restaurant creating a busier than usual dinner rush.
Listening to podcasts to keep my brain churning.
Off work at a decent hour.
Tofu with Broccoli, Onions, Carrots, and Rice in Garlic Sauce.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Maca Powder, Blueberries, Strawberries, and Almond Milk. Coffee.
All day shift at China Wok.
Banana.
Just another typical day for a delivery driver. I've noticed Ling's impatience and temper grow increasingly worse over time. He used to be a little jollier back when I first started working here. But now, it doesn't matter what it is, it could be the smallest and most insignificant error and he will grill the hell out of you. I know it's not just me. Darren and Kevin both experience this. In response I'm losing my tolerance for his lack of respect. The real problem stems from one thing: he's not learning English. Because of that there's always a miscommunication and it deters him from even trying to explain himself when there's information to be expressed. And to add to it he's overworked. There's just no escape for him. It's just work, work, work, day in and day out. I totally understand where all the aggression comes from. What else can I do but just tolerate it? It's a good stable job that I don't want to lose.
Chic Pea Salad Sandwich with Tomato. Baked Lentil Chips. Cacao Raw Protein Drink.
Ana shows up. I hand over her own container of the Cacao Raw Protein Mix along with a freshly blended drink. She, of course, rides in the passenger seat on my deliveries. I turn on a recording of my last voice lesson for us to reference as we sing through vocal exercises together.
An italicized Honey Crisp Apple. More Baked Lentil Chips.
I get through the day slowly but surely. Eventually, I arrive in my bedroom with a hot bowl of Broccoli and Rice. I sprinkle on some slivered Almonds. I keep the convection heater going to keep the room warm and toasty.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Maca Powder, Blueberries, Strawberries, and Almond Milk. Coffee.
At Whole Foods waiting on Darren to get off work and help me buy a couple containers of this Raw Protein Cacao powder that I like.
Finally getting in touch with my insurance agent after a week of phone tag. Last Monday I was in a three-car chain reaction accident, me being the middle car. Fortunately, it wasn't my fault. Either way, I schedule a damage assessment inspection at a Progressive center. Received a generous check for the damages. Need to get a new headlight assembly and probably replace the bumper but we'll see.
PB&J. Baked Lentil Chips. Honey Black Tea. Raw Cacao Protein Shake with Almond Milk.
At the Great Neck Rec Center. Haven't been to this location in a while. I was gonna work out in the weight room but of course I get caught up in a million pick-up games. Time flies when you're ballin'. Four hours pass. Definitely burned a lot of calories.
Soaking in an Epsom salt bath to soothe my aching feet and muscles.
Baked Almond-Encrusted Tilapia with Broccoli, Carrots, and Couscous.
Watching Palo Alto (2013).
Chores. Making chic pea salad to use in my lunch the next couple days.
Waking up around 10 a.m. to sexual feelings with Ana.
She makes us Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes. I make us Coffee. Watching a video about the pineal gland and how it calcifies over time with a regular intake of fluoride, something I learned about years ago, which is why I switched to filling up water jugs at Whole Foods (they have a reverse osmosis filtration system that removes fluoride from the water).
Upstairs in my bedroom I calculate the phone bill and manage my money accounts. Meanwhile, Ana gathers all of her things spread out throughout the room. She seems a bit flustered and comments, "I can't concentrate with your face here."
A bowl of Honey Crunch n Oats with Strawberries and Almond Milk.
Prepping the house for an acoustic show tonight featuring Levi Weaver (a traveling troubadour living out of his RV with wife and kids), JoAnna Lynne, and myself (Ana joins me at my side). Ana bakes these amazing Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies using Dates as a sweetener. It's a very intimate show tonight, just enough people to fill the couches and chairs. I start off with a couple songs, and then an old musician friend of mine, Benji, does two songs. We used to play Volume back in the olden days. He happened to be in town from Phoenix this week and I invited him over. Levi and JoAnna Lynne follow. Both of their performances carried a soothing melancholy to them. In between I warm up some leftover Lentils, Vegetables, and Quinoa for sustenance.
To conclude, Ana and I do our staple cover songs along with some piano versions of Weezer songs.
Cleaning up the dishes and doing various chores – making a double batch of almond milk and washing clothes.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Maca Powder, Strawberries, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Coffee.
Errands. Groceries. Business.
Banana. PB&J. Baked Lentil Chips. Honey Black Tea.
Teaching piano lessons at Music Makers.
At The Escape. When sitting in the sauna I sometimes get to enjoy the company of the Russian guys. They always know how to use the sauna the best. They switch from swimming in the pool to sitting in the sauna. They like to splash water all over the walls and create a steamy wet sauna – it gets real hot. It's interesting listening to them converse inside. I can recognize particular words like "собака" and "мальчик". I started learning Russian via Pimsleur and Rosetta Stone a couple years back and didn't complete my courses.
Navel Orange.
Ana comes over to cook a Lentils and Quinoa dish with Carrots, Broccoli, and Kale. I made a mistake by suggesting the use of this chili powder. Even though I used the word "sparingly" she didn't take into account that a tablespoon might be too much. After taking the first couple of bites our mouths feel as if they caught fire. Whenever she's disappointed with something she's cooked it's like she offends herself. But after the bowl cools down and after a couple drops of lemon juice and coconut creamer it becomes palatable again.
After extinguishing the flammable dinner we sit down at the piano and rehearse a couple songs together.
Kevin, Darren, and Devon arrive home from playing pool at a bar. Kevin brings up the concept of stuffing pillows in your clothes. I stuff a small pillow in the butt of my pants and hilarity ensues.
Kevin: "Holy s***! That actually looks real. This is ridiculous."
With Ken hanging out in some sort of funhouse or haunted house. We're watching a big screen TV. On it appears an attractive young woman painted with black and gray makeup. We see a close-up of her face – it's evil and scary. Her eyes bulge and her mouth opens wide emitting an alarming roar. The camera zooms out and we see an innocent girl lying on top of a casket. The evil woman continues roaring right at the girl and eventually plops herself on top of her victim. They slowly drop down into a grave. I turn to Ken and mock the roar.
▬ ○ ☼
Waking up around 11 a.m.
Irish Oatmeal with Blueberries, Maple Syrup, Maca Powder, and Almond Milk. Vega Protein Shake.
It's extremely cold out today. I have no choice but to ride my bike to the gym. Working out there lifting weights and enjoying the sauna. Then, picking up my car from the shop – had to get an engine mount replaced free of charge from a warranty. Afterwards, shooting some hoops at the Seatack Rec.
Falafel Sandwich with Tomato, Vegan Cream Cheese, and Mustard.Banana. Honey Black Tea.
Teaching piano lessons at Music Makers.
While in route to get some groceries at Trader Joe's I find Ana in my pocket – first time using Face Time on the iPhone.
[ii]
Back home. I cook up a hearty dinner for Ana and I. She arrives just in time. Baked Almond Encrusted Chicken with Spaghetti (Brown Rice and Quinoa Noodles) and a Mixed Greens Salad – topping it off with a bottle of Cabernet.
Sitting down at the piano rehearsing a couple songs with Ana. After picking up the guitar Kevin grabs his violin and we jam out a couple of Johnny Cash songs. I start losing my voice dramatically from singing for so long.
Play time up in the bedroom with Ana. She persists in pinching my bottom thinking she's going to somehow cause minimal pain but I remain unaffected. It's kind of like a game to her. I can't help but giggle.
Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Maca Powder, Strawberries, and Almond Milk. Marley Coffee Raw Protein Drink.
I had planned on going to the gym before I get an alarming call from Kevin. He's working at China Wok and his car broke down on the highway. I'm called upon to cover his full day shift. I'm not very happy. I find myself becoming very disappointed whenever my gym time or exercise time is cut out of my day.
PB&J. Banana. Honey Black Tea.
I usually have music lessons Monday through Thursday. I'm able to teach two voice lessons from 4 to 5 but have to reschedule the others to another day. This whole day has been disruptive and strange for me. Soon I'll find out just how disruptive this day can get...
I return to China Wok to continue deliveries. There's one for Bernice Place off Lynnhaven Pkwy. I pull up to a long line of traffic waiting at a red light. The car in front of me up ahead begins to move so instead of stopping I just slow down. Then, the car stops suddenly. I hit the brakes just in time. Phew. However, another guy behind me doesn't get the memo in time and plows right into my back bumper causing my car to bump the car in front of me, a "chain reaction" accident as they call it. Another disruption to my already disrupted day. The guy behind me gets out and explains it's his mother's car – he's very apologetic and accepts responsibility. Between the three of us there's obvious confusion. No one expects to be in this kind of situation but anyone who's been in an accident before knows the drill: exchange insurance information. In general I'm just flustered. The cops show up and intervene causing this whole ordeal to last another hour. It's ridiculous. The police aren't always necessary. We probably could've handled it ourselves. One of the officers pulls me aside and blatantly asks me, "Why does it smell like weed? You've got your windows open and I can smell it. I can't tell if it's coming from your car or the other guy's."
I reply, "Uh, I don't smoke weed, sir. I have no idea."
After a few more seconds of drilling me he backs off, "I can tell you're being honest with me."
Me: "Well, you're probably trained to look out for that."
This whole conversation is completely irrelevant. After listening to everyone's story they hand us the crash info exchange sheets, send off the lady who drove the car in front of me, and keep me and the other dude behind to write out "following too closely" summons. I question the officer, "Why are you writing this out for me? That doesn't make sense." He explains even though the guy behind me caused the chain reaction, because my car hit a car in front that qualifies him to write a "following too closely" ticket. You've got to be kidding me. Pre-payable offenses my ass. I'm not pre-paying a citation I'm not responsible for. I'll see you in court. Like I said, we could've handled this ourselves.
And so I continue into the night. I finish delivering the order I still had in my car when the accident happened. I explain to the customer the situation and why it took so long. He seems to understand and tips well.
Honey Crisp Apple.
Overall I'm making almost half of what I usually make in a full day's shift. That's how slow it is. After 9 p.m. the girls are sleeping in the restaurant chairs, Ling's in the back watching a movie on his phone, and Cecily is playing a game on hers.
Off work at a decent hour.
Fava Beans with Broccoli and Rice.
Dropping my car off at the shop overnight so my mechanic can fix some kind of an engine mount warranty.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maca Powder, Maple Syrup, Blueberries, Strawberries, and Almond Milk. Coffee.
All day shift at China Wok.
Kiwi.
Scrambled Eggs. Flax Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese and Strawberry Jam. Honey Black Tea.
I point out to Ling that I saw a baby roach crawl from underneath the counter. He suddenly decides that all cardboard boxes holding the sauces, bags, and anything else need to be thrown out. He instructs me to fill all the soy sauce, duck sauce, mustard, and hot sauce packets into the empty white buckets we keep in the back. This is a lengthy task because all the buckets are dirty. Later, he explains that roach eggs might be transported on the delivery truck via the cardboard boxes. So from now on we don't keep any boxes up front. Sometimes, I think he's crazy. There's nothing wrong with that theory but what about all the other boxes around the restaurant? Why only these specific boxes? You can't argue with the man. His lack of English keeps him impatient and angry.
Ana shows up. I offer her a container of Fava beans that I made last night. She's always bringing edible gifts to me at work so I figure I'd gift her with something this time. She rides in the passenger seat while I hastily deliver Chinese food. It's raining and cold out. She stays wrapped up the checkered towel.
Thunderbird Energetica Cashew Fig Carrot Bar.
Honey Crisp Apple.
Off work and back home at a decent hour.
Fava Beans with Broccoli and Rice. Dark Chocolate.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, Pumpkin Seed Meal, and Almond Milk. Coffee.
All day shift at China Wok.
Pear.
Just another day for a delivery driver.
PB&J. Baked Lentil Chips. Black Tea.
Once the sun sets the temperature drops to 31 degrees. You know it's really cold when you start to see steam rising out of the sewers.
Thunderbird Energetica Cherry Walnut Crunch Bar.
Overtime tonight. Four more customers call in after 10:30 p.m. Because of this I'll be going home an hour later. I hold in my anger. Scarfing down my dinner while I reluctantly deliver the last of the orders. Fried Shrimp with Broccoli, Carrots, Onions, and Rice in Garlic Sauce.
Back home after a 12-hour shift.
Chores. Making almond milk. Darren, Kevin, and Devon walk in after a night of drinking at The Office. Darren gets a bright idea to pull my pants down while I'm washing dishes. Kevin documents it with photo and video.
After hopping out of the shower I notice Kevin has left his room. I sneak in unsure of how I will scare him this time. I stand still right in front of the closet in plain view as he walks in but he doesn't notice me at all. He's so focused on grabbing a packet of Ramen from the top of his mini fridge. What a clown.
Honey Crunch n Oats with Almonds, Strawberries, and Almond Milk.
All day shift at China Wok.
The miles keep racking up on my odometer one by one. Today is a big driving day. It's uncanny how far my deliveries are: one out to Shore Drive, then one out to Shipps Corner, then one out to Harper's Road, then one out to Rosemont, then one out to 67th Street, etc.
I hardly have any time to make a pit stop at my house so instead I revert to picking up an Egg and Cheese Biscuit from Bojangles. Honey Crisp Apple. Sipping on Green Yerba Mate Tea.
Later on, grabbing some Waffle Fries from Chic-fil-A. Poor food decisions today but I had to stick to what's convenient. I'll plan it out better tomorrow.
Enjoying a few podcasts while I drive incessantly.
Thunderbird Energetica Cherry Walnut Crunch Bar.
I stay warm and cozy inside my car. Towards the end of the night I get incredibly sleepy. Whenever I arrive to the customer's address I receive a fresh cold slap in the face from the outside and then I wake up.
I drove 200 miles in total. Ugh.
Finally off work and back home after 11 p.m.
Vegetable Lo Mein. A slice of Flax Bread. Dark Chocolate.
[i]
