Friday July 31 2015

[i]

☼ ○ ▬

Slashed Tires: I discover somebody slashed all four of the tires on my car. My car is halfway parked out of the parking spot too for some reason. I'm feeling stressed out cause I have to be at work soon. Inspecting the tires with a flashlight

▬ ○ ☼

Waking up at 10:38 a.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, Strawberries, and Kefir. Teeccino.

All day shift at China Wok.

White Nectarine. Peach. Watermelon.

The sun is really scorching today. Keeping myself covered in a long sleeve.

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

It's a fairly busy day for deliveries.

Pistachio Power Clusters.

Elliott pops in during the last hour of my shift. He orders a Sesame Tofu dinner combo.

"Fine choice," I assure him.

Later on while sitting in the passenger seat on a delivery Elliott says his dog Corona's farts sound like "quiet queefs". He even demonstrates the sound with a fffft sound with his lips.

Off work and back home.

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

Watching Rocky II (1979).

While I'm clipping away at my toenails I'm surprised to see Becca and her boyfriend Kai walk into my room. They're visiting Virginia Beach for a few days.

Later on after I brush my teeth I peek into Ana's room. She's naked, as usual, doing her nightly yoga stretches. We hug and kiss each other goodnight.

"I love you and I really do wanna grow with you," she tells me.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Thursday July 30 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:52 a.m.

I dropped my oatmeal container while walking down the stairs and oatmeal spilt everywhere. I was holding it by the lid and the lid came loose. I'm not usually clumsy but when trying to do simple tasks after just waking up sometimes those simple tasks are challenging.

Oatmeal with Strawberry Juice, Blueberries, Chia Seeds, Maple Syrup, Cinnamon, and Kefir. Hazelnut Teeccino. Instead of coffee or tea I'm trying out this coffee alternative with no caffeine called Teeccino. It contains stuff like chicory, dates, and carob.

Teaching a lesson out in Kempsville.

Leftover Pizza with one Egg. Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Tomato. Honey Green Tea. Pineapple.

Watching Rocky (1976).

Teaching more lessons at Music Makers.

At the Great Neck Rec for adult basketball. I'm hooked up with desirable teammates who are serious enough to play great basketball but can still take a loss. The very first game I'm "hot" as one bystander put it. If it wasn't for the first five points I made I don't think we'd have won. For some reason my ball handling is sharp. I'm feeling confident.

Banana.

Back home. Making dinner: Dover Sole Filets with Broccoli, Carrots, Beets, Onions, and Basmati Rice. Sipping on a Grapefruit Stiegl.

Ana got off work extra late tonight. I have her dinner plate ready on the table.

We share a little bit of our day and thoughts while I hang up my clothes. I can tell she's very exhausted from working both jobs. Later she apologizes for acting like she doesn't care when I talk. She approaches me at my computer chair with a gleaming look in her eye and holds me in for a hug – cradling my face with her hands. I can't help but giggle.

"Why are you laughing?" she asks.

"You just make me giggle all the time."

Sleep 3 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Wednesday July 29 2015

[i]

Waking up at noon.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, Strawberries, Blueberries, and Kefir. Oolong Tea.

Running a few errands.

Ana's sunflowers have grown very quickly reaching enormous heights – one is taller than Ana.

Teaching a lesson at Music Makers.

Grilled PB&J. Olive Oil Potato Chips. Red Plum. Honey Green Tea.

Watching Roadhouse (1989).

Teaching more lessons at Music Makers.

At the Rec continuing my workout regimen using the Fitivity app then some pick-up basketball.

Back home. Soaking in an Epsom Salt bath and sipping on a Vega Sport Recovery Performance Protein Drink.

Having dinner ready for Ana when she gets off work at 10:30 p.m.

Tonight we're having what we call Wrap Beets (or Rap Beats), which consist of Tofu, Beets, Tomatoes, Onions, Spinach, Basil, and Hummus. Washing it all down with a refreshing cup of Sparkling Spring Water.

Kevin's proud of this new camera lens he just bought from a friend. You can't stop the guy from snapping photos of everything...

[ii]

Pineapple.

Ana's clothes are scattered all over her room, something she gets super embarrassed about. In the hallway, Kevin reacts with an exaggerated "Oooooooo!" and so Will is summoned to see all the commotion.

"Who wants to jump on Ana's bed?" I yell out.

Will and I run past Ana and wallow all over the bed. Inside Ana doesn't like it at all but she laughs anyway at the hilarity of the situation.

After the house is settled, Ana and I enjoy each other's company in her bedroom. I playfully whisper gibberish into her ear that makes her giggle. We move onto a sexual agenda...

Beignets.

Finishing Roadhouse (1989).

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me. 

[ii] Images by Kevin.

Tuesday July 28 2015

[i]

☼ ○ ▬

Elementary School Nostalgia: Visiting Alanton Elementary School where I was a student from 1^st grade through 5^th grade. Ana and her mom are talking with the principal in the front office. I notice the principal has aged dramatically, like at least over 100 years old. I watch as she struggles to write important information down.

"I'll be with you in a minute," the principal's husband says to me.

"Oh no...I'm with them," I tell him.

Just outside in the hallway I pass by a familiar looking teacher, Ms. Luke.

I stop her, "Hey Miss Luke? Or is it Mrs. Luke?"

"Mrs. Luke. Yes," she answers with a skeptical face.

"You used to be my teacher in 2^nd grade!"

"Oh okay," she says courteously.

"You were a good teacher," I add as she continues on her way.

Upon second thought I actually don't think I had her for a whole semester and it's possible my classmates and me didn't like her. But whatever.

▬ ○ ☼

Waking up at 11:21 a.m.

Ana's mom and her brother are here again. Ana wanted to redeem herself from the last time they were here and the batter didn't rise correctly. And boy does she redeem herself. Delicious Blueberry Pancakes topped with Strawberries and Maple Syrup invade my taste buds with a tidal wave of breakfast goodness. Sipping on Oolong Tea.

Researching things on bettering myself as a piano teacher.

Cleaning up downstairs.

Tuna Salad Sandwich with Tomato. Olive Oil Potato Chips. Honey Green Tea.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Adult basketball at the Rec. I'm slowly realizing my ball handling skills need more work, especially when the ball gets stolen from me multiple times. However, I do manage to get two or three shots in every game.

Back home. We have two French couch surfers staying here for one night, Jeremy and Katherine, one from Canada and the other from Paris. Between Ana and I we prepare a Pizza from scratch with a refreshing Salad of Spring Mix, Cucumbers, Carrots, and Grapes. Sharing our labor with the surfers.

I hop on the piano and squeeze out a few songs with Ana singing harmonies. The couch surfers wanted to hear some music. The guitar is given to me and so it keeps going.

Later on, in my room, sharing funny clips on YouTube. Then, getting into a discussion provoked by Ana's feelings of misalignment to each other. I'm exhausted from talking about problems that just aren't there, as I put it to her. But I know she has feelings to work through on a regular basis.

After she leaves for bed I sent her a message...

"Hey listen here...I seriously do love you and adore you. I know you can be difficult sometimes but I know also that I can be difficult. I'm not your average guy. Be patient with me and I promise I'll make you a happy woman."

Eventually, she sneaks back into my room to join me in my bed where it's cool.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Amy Judd.

Monday July 27 2015

[i]

Waking up around noon.

Steel Cut Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, and Kefir. Oolong Tea.

After my visit to the emergency room a while back for the five stitches above my eye I received a couple exorbitant hospital bills, one I was able to deduct from $790 to $179 but the other it's marked at $4,188. I already had my shocker moment when I received it. For five stitches? Seriously? Because I'm uninsured at the moment I can automatically get it discounted down 30% to $2,931.60. I spend about thirty minutes over the phone with Sentara and was able to apply for financial assistance.

Organizing.

Banana.

Ana and I go to Trader Joe's together to shop for the week. She comically hates going there when she's not working now for reasons I don't know. We stock up on fruits, veggies, and other necessary things. Getting that 10% discount is pretty nice.

Tuna Salad Sandwich with Tomato. Sweet Potato Fries. Honey Green Tea.

Installing a new window regulator on my car. Afterwards, I pass Ana in the house while she sorts through her landfill of clothes.

"Well that was fun," I tell her.

I'm starting a training regimen using the Fitivity app on my phone to increase my vertical jump. My goal is achieve my childhood dream of dunking a basketball. I have high hopes. At the Great Neck Rec working out.

Valencia Orange.

Back home. Cutting my own hair and trimming the beard and 'stache. Showering.

Warming up some soup and adding Sprouted Mung Beans, Broccoli, and Buckwheat Noodles. Sharing the efforts with Will and Ana.

We're showing Weird Al Yankovic's UHF (1989) tonight for Movie Monday but only Will, Ana, and I present.

Something struck a nerve with Ana after the movie. It's not that she didn't enjoy the 80's slapstick humor of Weird Al cause I know she likes this kind of silly stuff. I head up the stairs to meet her in the bedroom. She locked herself in but I unlock it with the tip of a key. I try to get some understanding out of her. She sits in her black computer chair facing the closet, refusing to turn around and face me. I know her period can really disrupt the personal life by enhancing the mishaps and bitterness. She also gets stressed easily when her room is a mess. She keeps mentioning how having all her clothes spread out on the floor stresses her out.

...

I realized when her and I were at Trader Joe's how commanding I probably sounded when talking to Ana. Just being aware of other people listening and watching us made me aware of our playful but sometimes not playful bickering. I need to work on this aspect of my character. This is what happens to people in relationships after a few years. You get so close that you get lazy with your character – there's no need to act nice. I really don't want to be mean and commanding all the time with Ana. 

We clear our senses eventually and head to the kitchen to indulge on delicate and sweet Thomcord Grapes.

Sleeping next to each other in my bed at 3:40 a.m.

---

[i] Image from UHF.

Sunday July 26 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Chia Seeds, Maple Syrup, Strawberries, and Kefir. Oolong Tea.

All day shift at China Wok.

A Tupperware of cold crisp Watermelon.

It's a typical Sunday.

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

Listening to an Art of Manliness podcast on self-discipline and procrastination. Sometimes the guy who hosts the show can be a little dry but overall most of the topics on this show are focused on bettering oneself. Feeling revived in my thinking about the future and setting goals.

"Success is never owned; it's only rented and the rent is due every day."

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2015/07/23/podcast-124-self-discipline-personal-effectiveness-with-rory-vaden/

Enjoying a moist Muffin Ana made last night from scratch.

After coming back from a delivery I discover Jessa Potter and Jordan Asfari sitting at a table casually eating an egg roll. Jess just got out of jail after being in there for about two years. The other guy, Jordan, used to always hang around with her at the house. I never talked with him too much but every now and then he messages me on Facebook. They leave while I'm out on another delivery. When I get back the girls hand me a note Jordan wrote on a napkin for me...

Realizing that I've accumulated a good amount of tips today – it feels rewarding.

I love discovering new designs in hotels at the oceanfront. I've never seen an elevator door painted like this...

Off work and back home.

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

Watching Monsters: Dark Continent (2014).

Going for a night ride at the oceanfront – this time it's Rage Against the Machine as my soundtrack.

White Peach. Milk Chocolate.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Saturday July 25 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:30 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Chia Seeds, Maple Syrup, Strawberries, and Greek Yogurt. Oolong Tea.

All day shift at China Wok.

A succulent Tupperware of cold crisp Watermelon.

It's as slow as it has been lately. On the down time I read from You Are Not So Smart, a book by David McRaney who also does a podcast with the same title. It's blowing my mind. As someone else put it, this is "a book that makes you feel better about the logical fallacies that make you who you are."

Grilled PB&J. Lentil Potato Curls. Honey Green Tea.

White Peach.

It's crazy how much the sun is out in a whole day. It doesn't really disappear until after 8 p.m. causing me to experience 8 and ½ hours of the sun beaming in my face while I deliver.

Banana.

Off work and back home.

Leftover Cashew Chicken with Carrots, Red Peppers, Bok Choy, and Basmati Rice.

Finishing Perfect Stranger (2007).

Milk Chocolate. Pineapple.

Talking with Ana in her room. She had a "tough moment" at work today – the struggles in gaining respect from your peers or coworkers and misunderstanding. She cries a little bit while she vents to me her experience. I assure her most of it is a battle in her mind. "You just need to be strong," I say. "This is almost like your dream job and it's gonna take some adapting."

I go on my regular night ride on my bike down to the oceanfront. Listening to old nostalgic punk rock tunes while I race up and down the boardwalk.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Page from You Are Not So Smart.

Friday July 24 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:38 a.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Blueberries, Chia Seeds, and Almond Milk. Lemon Water.

All day shift at China Wok.

Banana.

It's kind of slow for business. Snapping the snow peas on the down time.

Watermelon.

Delivering to the Ocean Beach Club hotel. They have one of the busiest and brightest floor designs out of all the hotels I've delivered to.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Olive Oil Potato Chips. Honey Green Tea. Pluot.

The day slowly inches forward.

During the last hour of my shift not one order gets called in. I read a little bit from my You Are Not So Smart book while Eileen practices her reading out loud.

Back home and off work.

Black Beans with Broccoli, Onions, and Rice.

Watching Perfect Stranger (2007).

Milk Chocolate.

Prepping watermelon and pineapple as my fruit delights for tomorrow.

Taking a nice night ride on my bike at the oceanfront. Listening to a FiveThirtyEight podcast interview with Neil DeGrasse all the while trying to ignore the oblivious tourists.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Thursday July 23 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:23 a.m.

Steel Cut Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Chia Seeds, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Lemon Water.

My other back tire went flat yesterday. Taking my car to the shop to get the other back one replaced and get this one plugged up. Serious bad luck with tires lately.

Teaching a couple lessons.

Grilled PB&J. Fuji Apple. White Peach. Honey Green Tea.

Watching Grudge Match (2013).

Teaching more lessons at Music Makers.

Picking up my car from the shop – tires all good to go.

At the Rec playing adult basketball – on my game tonight. I feel like I've learned how to play better team ball, creating good ball movement between teammates. It works to our advantage.

Back home. Soaking in an Epsom Salt.

Pulling the pizza dough from Trader Joe's and making two delicious Pizzas from scratch (basically) with fresh Mozzarella, Red Peppers, Garlic, and extra special love. I found Kevin's old Papa John's apron hanging near the washing machine. It suits me. Adding a Salad and sharing with Will and Ana...

Kevin lost his voice from yelling at Kings Dominion and it sounds like a man with emphysema. His voice matches the sound of Jeff the Diseased Lung on my shirt...

Will's got his graphing paper out along with his measuring tape and calculator app. Between the two of us we draw out a building plan for a whole wall shelf in the dining room that we plan to build out of pallets.

Settling down from all the cleaning, cooking, and moving around.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Wednesday July 22 2015

[i]

Waking up super late at 12:42 p.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, Strawberries, and Almond Milk. Lemon Water.

Grocery shopping at Trader Joe's. Ana's working a shift today. She checks me out with a big smile.

"Aren't you gonna tell me to have a nice day?" I ask playfully as I gather my brown bags.

"I know you're going to have a good day!"

Teaching one lesson at Music Makers.

Sourdough Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Tomatoes. Potato Lentil Curls. Honey Green Tea.

Teaching more lessons at Music Makers.

Back home. Prepping/cooking dinner. Trying out my first Chicken with Cashews recipe using Mushrooms, Red Peppers, Onions, Green Onions, Carrots, Bok Choy, and Basmati Rice.

I have everything plated and ready to go when Ana walks through the door at 10:08 p.m.

While Ana makes some homemade Carrot Apple Muffins Will and I fix her bike basket with zip ties.

Taking my bike for a spin up and down the boardwalk while I listen to this new podcast Will told me about called FiveThirtyEight.

Enjoying one of Ana's muffins.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Tuesday July 21 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:40 a.m. Ana is agitated at herself because she's trying to make waffles downstairs and they're not cooking right. Her mom and her brother, Jeremy, are here to have breakfast with us. I come to help salvage the batter – we switch to making pancakes with it but the consistency is too watery and they're too flimsy. No worries. They still taste great. We add Strawberries and other fruit to the mix and voila.

The back tire on my car that I had plugged up cause of a nail still has a slow leak. So I bring it the 17^th Street shop. They discover a small chip/puncture in the sidewall. Sidewall punctures are impossible to repair. We can't even tell if it was caused from something on the road or if it's a manufacturer error.

Leftover Salmon, Kale, and Brown Rice. Tomatoes. Honey Green Tea. Milk Chocolate.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Pistachio Power Clusters.

At the Rec for adult basketball. I don't get the ball much but I still break a good sweat.

Banana. Orange Juice.

When Ana gets home we decide to do things backwards and have Grilled PB&J's for dinner – what she coins as "Night J's". Enjoying a cold glass of homemade Almond Milk and Apples. 

Giving Ana a mini piano lesson in her room. She wanted to learn a couple exercises to help her fingers.

I go to the music space alone to practice piano and sing.

Sleep 3 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Monday July 20 2015

[i]

Waking up at noon from heavy rich dreams. I was completely knocked out the whole night.

Oatmeal with Chia Seeds, Maple Syrup, Cinnamon, Strawberries, and Yogurt. Lemon Water. Lemon Water with one antibiotic.

Day date with Ana to the Asian Market, Whole Foods, then to the chiro. She's wearing a long flowery dress that she calls her "mom dress".

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

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Papaya.

At The Escape with Ana doing a light workout all the while just outside the glass windows you can see the remnants of a rainstorm and the geese loitering near the lake.

Back home. Preparing dinner: Japanese Buckwheat Noodle Soup with Egg, Ginger, Red Peppers, Onions, and Bok Choy.

Kevin trots by us enjoying Dragon Fruit as a dessert. He stands there with his shirt unbuttoned and sips on a glass of box wine. He takes one look at the purple fruit and exclaims, "PETA would be really upset that you're eating dragons!"

Later on, after Ana and I fulfill our role as kitchen witches doing the dishes, making almond milk, brewing green tea, and making waffle batter for tomorrow morning, we migrate to her bedroom. At first she locked her door cause she was frustrated earlier. Whenever she's doing something and I intervene, or rather micromanage (something I do often), she takes offense cause she wants to be able to do things herself. There's a desire in her to have the skills to do everything. I understand where she's coming from. I try to explain that she shouldn't overwhelm her list with too many goals, and that it'd be better to focus on mastering one skill at a time.

...

I'm lying comfortably on my back on the bed. She's sitting in her computer chair filing her nails.

"When are we going to lie down together?" I ask.

Eventually, we get close and have fun with each other's bodies.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Sunday July 19 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:45 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Donut Peaches, Chia Seeds, and Yogurt. Iced Coffee.

All day shift at China Wok.

Picking up my prescription for a generic brand of Bactrim from Target. The guy at the pharmacy orders Chinese food from us all the time. He happens to order some on this day making it a convenient transaction. Chinese food for pills. And it only cost $4 for 20 of them.

After a delivery I pick up some probiotics from Whole Foods to take in between my antibiotics every day.

On the down time talking with my mom on the phone. She's very excited to be moving back up here to Virginia Beach at the end of August. She tells me she's already taken down pictures off the wall and packed boxes. We also reminisce on my sick years when I was young and had major ear infections. I was pumped up on various antibiotics for a long time that damaged my immune system for years to come. I'm leery to take them now but I know it's my best option considering the persistence of the bacterial infection on my arm. I've tried all sorts of natural remedies that haven't worked. I know that the antibiotics will kill every form of bacteria in my system, good and bad. So it's important that I supplement my body with good bacteria (probiotics) during.

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

Apologizing to Ana for using one of her avocados...

It starts to pick up for deliveries in the evening. Driving non-stop to every place imaginable – a lot of hotel orders cause of the rampage of tourists at the oceanfront.

Two last orders for the oceanfront get called in while Ling cashes me out. Not feeling like waiting I enjoy my Tofu with Broccoli, Carrots, Onions, and Rice in Garlic Sauce while driving there. First hotel order stiffs me and the other I get a $1 tip. Whatever. I'm going home.

Starting my Bactrim antibiotics: Sulfamethoxazole 800-160 mg.

Back home.

Catching up on things.

Chitchatting with Ana about my day while I soak in a tea tree and vitamin E oil bath.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Saturday July 18 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:30 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Chia Seeds, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Yogurt. Runa Guayusa Tea.

All day shift at China Wok.

Banana.

It's busy for a summer afternoon.

Delivering to the physicians at the hospital like I do every weekend. I usually go directly to their office where all of them do their office work together. They're such nice guys and we always share a few jokes when I bring them their Chinese food. On a whim I decide to show them the rash on my left arm and in a flash they turn into doctor mode. The smiley Jamaican doc asks a couple questions and takes a look, and within a minute he makes a diagnosis – he thinks it's a bacterial infection because of the puss developed at the base of the hair follicles. He writes me a free prescription for Bactrim. Even though I'm really trying to heal this rash the natural way antibiotics is another option for me. This was very nice of him.

Me: "I really appreciate this! Thanks."

Dried Peaches. Mangosteen.

When delivering to the hospital for the second time I find the piano man tinkering away at the keys once again. Hearing the melodies relieves me from the delivery driver stress.

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

Listening to a BackStory podcast on the history of pursuing happiness – this has to be the most enlightening episode I've heard from them. 

Rain. Rain. Rain. It's one of those days where I have to keep the A/C on all day to fight the rainy humid air from fogging up my windshield. But as always, with the nasty weather comes more business. I'm delivering a plethora of orders today, almost 50% more than yesterday. I can't complain.

Off work and back home.

Ana baked Salmon. I enjoy a hefty serving with Broccoli and Rice.

Finishing Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003).

Soaking in a bath of tea tree oil and Vitamin E oil. Showering.

Researching information on Bactrim and in general how to maintain the good bacteria in the body while taking antibiotics.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Friday July 17 2015

[i]

Waking up at 10:40 a.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Chia Seeds, Maple Syrup, Nectarines, and Yogurt.

All day shift at China Wok.

Watermelon.

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

It's a slow afternoon for deliveries. I take a little excursion to Whole Foods to get some turmeric and some colloidal silver. I discover a mango-nectarine hybrid. I can't resist grabbing a couple.

The big rash on my left arm is still in full swing. I continue to keep my coconut oil/beeswax balm on it to keep the itchiness away and keep it moisturized. Cecily drills me on Chinese medicine ideas of "hot" and "cold" foods that are appropriate for certain physical situations. It's interesting hearing another culture's medicinal perspective. She mentions this special branch they've been making tea out of; she makes Janice, her daughter, drink it for her breakouts. I do believe traditional Chinese medicine could be beneficial but I have yet to really learn about it and try it for myself.

My last delivery of the night is out in the shadowlawn neighborhood on Delaware Avenue. This lady has ordered multiple times from us. And I wasn't expecting to get hit on by her but that's exactly what happened...

"I have a question," she says as she signs the credit receipt. "What time do you get off?"

"Uh," I answer. "That depends whenever people stop ordering...about 10:30 or 11. Why?"

"Okay. I'm just asking..." she says. "...in case you ever wanted to hang out."

"Oh. Okay," I chime back embarrassingly not sure how to respond. She's not exactly somebody I would say I'm attracted to – not really interested but I don't want to be rude. But still I'm flattered.

"Well, I'll see you next time," I finish as I walk back to my car.

Back home and off work.

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

Watching Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003).

Making turmeric ginger tea with Ana.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Thursday July 16 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:45 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, Nectarines, and Almond Milk. Iced Coffee.

Teaching a couple lessons. Getting a new wheel on my bike.

Text messages with Ana...

Scrambled Eggs. Naan Chips with Hummus. Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Hibiscus Berry Runa Energy Tea.

Watching The Search for General Tso (2014).

Teaching more lessons at Music Makers.

Adult basketball at the Rec – getting some good game play on.

Shopping at Target.

Back home.

Sprouted Mung Beans, Bamboo Rice, and a Salad.

Learning some American Chinese food history: The General Tso's Chicken dish was invented by a Hunanese Chinese man living in Taiwan in 1955. It was first served in New York City in 1972.

Ana arrives home from work late tonight (11 p.m.). We chitchat while doing house chores: laundry, brewing green tea, doing dishes, etc.

"I don't know why you love me," she tends to ask on a regular basis realizing how mean and difficult she can be.

"Because I choose to love you," I answer this time. "Love is a choice. After a while you have to just make that choice."

Coming up with a kombucha tongue twister...

If a bitch binges on 'bucha, how many 'buchas does a 'bucha bitch binge?

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Nixon Eating Chinese Food.

Wednesday July 15 2015

[i]

Waking up at noon, later than I wanted to.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, Nectarines, and Almond Milk.

I just installed brand new tires on my car and after one week I noticed a slow air leak in one of them. Turns out a nail punctured it. Getting an unexpected free patch job from the 17^th shop. As a loyal customer sometimes I get hooked up.

Doing prep work in the kitchen for dinner tonight.

Grilled PB&J with Bee Pollen. Plantain Chips. Honey Oolong Tea.

Finishing Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Banana. A handful of Sprouted Mung Beans.

Cooking dinner a littler earlier than usual so I can get it done and not be in Kevin's way when he cooks dinner at 9.

Catching up on business things. Doing a light workout in Ana's room (she's currently at Trader Joe's working).

Setting up a nice dinner spread on the foldout table in Ana's room. She arrives home with grateful eyes.

Barbecue Garlic Basil Salmon with Broccoli, Onions, Carrots, and Bamboo Rice.

Watching Big Eyes (2014).

Sharing Pineapple.

At the music space with Ana. I pick up the guitar and we churn out a new improvised melody and chord progression. At some point she quotes her catch phrase of "What's wrong with that?" whenever I playfully question her actions. We turn it into a silly song...

What's Wrong With That (Ana's catch phrase) (7-15-15)

Settling down. Sleep 3:30 a.m.

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[i] Image by me.

Tuesday July 14 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:30 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Nectarines, Chia Seeds, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Iced Coffee.

I gently knock on Ana's bedroom door and enter. Of course she's sitting in her computer naked. I just chuckle.

"What?" she asks as she smiles. "I can do whatever I want! I have to wear clothes all the time!"

At The Heritage in search of some alternative medicines for the rash on my arm. I discover an all natural ointment for eczema control that suits me.

Grilled PB&J with Bee Pollen. Plantain Chips. Honey Oolong Tea.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

At the Rec for adult basketball.

Back home. Ana and I take the free pizza dough Skipp gave us and make two simple thin crust Pizzas using fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Onions, Garlic, and Tomato Sauce. Along with it we serve a light Salad of Spring Mix, Carrots, and Tomatoes. Will gratefully joins us at the table.

Kevin and Stacy cuddle on the foldout bed in the living room and watch Jurassic Park.

Meanwhile, Ana and I do our own style of cuddling in her room. She lightly massages my feet and makes me feel kind of euphoric. We kiss and wrap our arms around each other. I tell her I love her.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

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[i] Images by me.

Monday July 13 2015

[i]

Waking up at 12:16 p.m. Was not planning on getting up this late.

Yogurt with Strawberries, Blueberries, Nectarines, Banana, and Chia Seeds.

Catching up on business.

Teaching one piano lesson at Music Makers.

Lesson prepping.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Butter and Jam. Blue Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Tomatoes. Honey Oolong Tea. Swiss Milk Chocolate.

Watching Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991).

Teaching more piano lessons at Music Makers.

On the short drive back home I spot Ana on her bicycle joyriding in the neighborhood. I didn't know she had the day off. Over some Iced Coffee we talk a little bit about stress and how it builds up in the body.

...

I describe the bike incident last night when my headphones got destroyed in the bike wheel. 

"I'm sorry," she says with a cackle in between. "Heh-heh. It's funny because you never do anything wrong."

Me: "I know...yeah...disastrous things don't happen to me – they're not supposed to."

Ana: "That makes it even more comical."

Me: "I mean everything's going wrong – I got this [pointing to my car]! I got...my headphones..."

Ana: "That's it!"

Me: "No that's not it! I got things to clean up in my life."

Ana: "Me too!"

I spend some time opening up the passenger side door to my car to inspect the window regulator that's been making a loud noise every time I roll the window up and down. Guess I'll need a new one.

Re-potting plants that need more room and fresh soil.

 http://gph.is/1dXGwqC

Kevin brought home a new digital camera that he plans on buying from a friend. He tests it out and snaps a bunch of photos of the happenings around the house (just another Monday at 1435)...

Sharing Pineapple.

Later on, fiddling around with Ana in her bedroom – we're sprightly and comical. My left arm is killing me with this itchiness and inflammation. Soaking in an oatmeal bath while Ana sits beside me on the toilet – my oatmeal bath companion.

Nectarine. Lemon Water.

Researching.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

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[i] Image by me.

Sunday July 12 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Nectarines, Chia Seeds, and Almond Milk. Iced Coffee.

After I turn the ignition I realize I forgot my start-up cash up in my room. I run up there but make a detour into Ana's room. She comes out of her bathroom, naked, with her clay mask on, and with a puzzled innocent look. I swear she never puts on clothes when she's alone in her room. I walk over and try to give her a kiss on the lips but her face mask kind of inhibits a proper one. Instead, I give a kiss on the top of her right breast.

"I guess I'll have to kiss you there," I say. "Bye-bye!"

All day shift at China Wok.

Cantaloupe.

Just another day hustling Chinese food.

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

While making a delivery in Emerald Point Apartments I come across a big pile up of cop cars and fire trucks. A car somehow flipped over on Westminster Lane. If I had planned the drive-by ahead of time I might've snapped a photo but the cop was waving for me to move along. I mean, how in the world did that even happen in a neighborhood where the speed limit is 25!

Banana.

Off work and back home at a decent hour.

Cranberry Beans with Broccoli, Onions, and Rice.

Watching The Terminator (1984).

Chatting with Ana in her room while I stretch my legs out.

Soaking in an oatmeal bath in hopes to relieve this insane rash on my left arm.

It's a perfect night to take the bike for a ride to the oceanfront. The air is thick with rich smells as I fly down Laskin and zip through side streets – the sugary pastries baking at the Sugar Plum Bakery – the sweet scent of honeysuckle and the blooming trees – the salty air along the boardwalk. Upset at myself cause as I was listening to music via iPod I get a little too excited with my arms and accidentally knock the headphones out of my ears causing them to get tangled up in the spokes of my bike wheel. Now they're broken and completely useless.

Back home. Sipping on Orange Juice.

Sleep 4 a.m.

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[i] Image by me.