Wednesday September 30 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:40 a.m.

Greek Yogurt with Strawberries and Oranges. Pu-erh Tea.

Organizing.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Olive Oil Potato Chips.

A big day of lessons at Music Makers. One of my students, Abby, finally brought in a three-ring binder that we can organize all her piano sheets and song lyrics in. I help her put in the dividers and label them.

"The key to being a successful musician is having an organized binder."

Banana.

At The Escape running a couple miles on the treadmill.

Back home. Ana gets off work earlier than usual. We enjoy dinner together at the table: leftover Pizza with a hefty Salad of Lettuce, Carrots, Red Cabbage, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Onions, and our favorite dressing (Maple Balsamic).

Drilling myself with advanced piano exercises.

Herbal Tea.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Tuesday September 29 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:21 a.m.

Steel Cut Oats with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea.

At The Escape running a few miles on the treadmill.

Chris, Ana's coworker from Trader Joe's and from my graduating high school class of '02, is here using our internet to play League of Legends.

PB&J Bagel. Olive Oil Potato Chips. Honey Green Tea. Black Grapes.

Watching Byzantium (2012).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Running a couple errands. Found a $5 bread maker for Ana at the thrift store.

Fuji Apple.

In the theater room coaching a rock school band with Drew.

Back home. Making Salmon Fish Tacos with Guacamole and Corn Tortilla Chips. With Ana at the table enjoying our meal.

"I didn't know dinner was going to be so good," Ana exclaims.

Researching.

Milk Chocolate.

A small rash has appeared on the right side of my neck over the past couple days. It's not itchy at all but is a bit firm and tender. I have no idea why it exists. Keeping it medicated with Aloe and coconut oil/beeswax ointment.

Playing piano.

Ginger Pear Tea with ACV.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] From Byzantium (2012).

Monday September 28 2015

[i]

Waking up later than usual at 12:37 p.m. I'm noticing a shift in my bedtime to later in the night that I want to avoid.

Steel Cut Oats with Strawberries, Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea.

Chores.

Running at The Escape.

Tuna Salad Sandwich with Tomato. Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado. Honey Green Tea.

Watching a documentary on James "Whitey" Bulger.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Researching.

Whole Foods Pizza.

At the music space for ELO rehearsal. It's basically the whole DEJA band with Caitlin and this other guy as lead singer added to the mix. Nigel, the ELO tribute coordinator, is here directing the practice. ELO songs are heavily layered with vocal parts so we spend a good amount of time figuring that out. Between Nigel, Drew, and myself we take on the leadership role. I kind of keep us on track with getting the harmonies down. But at some point Drew butts heads with Nigel, not in a blatant way or anything but enough to push Drew to walk out of rehearsal, go across the street to Eagles Next, and order a shot of Whiskey. I think the hardest thing is Nigel is very meticulous in his vision of this project and he can be overbearing. For me I just roll with it and try to keep us together. After rehearsal we all apologize and come to an understanding.

Back home. Snacking on Black Grapes. Ana got off work an hour later than she was supposed to. I warm her up some slices.

Teacher homework.

Joining Ana in bed at 3 a.m. She immediately reaches over and wraps her right arm around me – it always tickles me with delight when she touches my upper thigh. It becomes a game that leads to a moment of sexual relief.

---

[i] Found online.

Sunday September 27 2015

[i]

Waking up at 12:27 p.m.

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

Chores.

Coaching rock school bands in the theater room. Drew is in and out but it's all up to Jimmy and I to keep the ball rolling during rehearsals. For both bands we're able to work through a new song and go through the previous song from last time. Being a band coach is not as demanding compared to teaching private lessons but it still requires my full attention and energy. I'm mostly cheerleading and delegating parts. You can't expect perfect rhythm and correct pitch – it's all about giving them the experience of playing well with others.

Snacking on a Fuji Apple in between.

Back home.

Scrambled Eggs. Plain Bagel with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Exotic Potato Chips. Honey Green Tea.

Troubleshooting my double tier keyboard stand at the music space – one of the arms broke at the last show.

Napping.

Dinner: Red Kidney Beans with Kale, Carrots, and Rice.

Watching Air (2015).

Pineapple.

Sleep 5 a.m.

---

[i] From Air (2015).

Saturday September 26 2015

[i]

Waking up at 12:17 p.m.

Grapefruit. Greek Yogurt with Strawberries. Guayusa Tea.

Practicing.

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

Watching American Graffiti (1973).

Teaching a lesson at Music Makers.

For the past week there's been a curse of bleak rainy windy weather. The sun has dissipated into a black hole or something.

At The Escape with Ana running a couple miles on the treadmill.

Back home. Taking pre-dinner to go: leftover Quinoa, Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Shishito Peppers.

...

Picking up Eric, the guitar player of DEJA, from Shore Drive and headed to the Wing King off Centerville for the gig. We did it last night and so we're doing it again. It's a busy weekend for a gigging musician. This place is much more spacious and they love us here. You can always spot the guy wearing the Rush t-shirt – they want to hear our Rush tunes. In between sets I enjoy an order of Buffalo Shrimp. Overall this venue is in my top favorites as far as sound, size, and environment. Besides the numerous flubs and errors it's a fun and engaging show.

Unloading all the gear back into the music space and setting up things in the theater room for rock school tomorrow.

Back home. Enjoying Raspberries and Herbal Tea.

Sleep 4:30 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Friday September 25 2015

[i]

Waking up at 12:36 p.m.

Oatmeal with Mango Juice, Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Chia Seeds, and Kefir. Teeccino.

Watching That Sugar Film (2014).

Getting groceries with Ana.

Tuna Salad Sandwich with Tomato. Roasted Potatoes. Honey Green Tea.

It's officially Fall now. And that means it's time to start taking Vitamin D supplements cause there's no sunshine.

Practicing DEJA songs.

Grapes.

I've got a DEJA gig at Poppa's Pub, a hole-in-the-wall novelty kind of bar that's been around for years. Apparently, the owner likes to collect old things like barber shop chairs and wax models of Marilyn Monroe...

The more and more I play with these guys the more comfortable I'm getting but I still can't shake the nervousness off while I'm on stage. There are so many songs to keep track of. Tonight we're doing three separate sets, which means we're cutting up the order of songs and it's hard to communicate what's happening next.

Ana packed me a dinner to go to, which I'm very grateful for cause I wasn't expecting much for food at this place. Naan Pizza with Spinach Salad.

One thing I notice tonight is the real power of Led Zeppelin cause whenever we play a Led Zeppelin tune the ladies come out to dance. It's like clockwork.

Back home. Settling down with Watermelon.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Thursday September 24 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:19 a.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Peaches, and Kefir. Pu-erh Tea.

Teaching a lesson at Music Makers.

Picking up the clutter and organizing around the house for the Fall Ball tonight.

Scrambled Eggs. Cinnamon Raisin Bagel with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado. Honey Green Tea.

Watching That Sugar Film (2014).

Teaching more lessons at Music Makers.

Fuji Apple.

At the Great Neck Rec for adult basketball. We got a powerhouse team tonight, winning the first two games and tying the last two. I'm identified as an x-factor on the court cause you never know when I'm gonna light up or ruin a play. But for the most part I'm lit up tonight knocking in fast break lay-ups right and left.

Stephanie Hauge is in town for the weekend. She wanted to throw a party at the house – the Fall Ball. I joke to the others we haven't had this much people in the house in like a year – it's like 10 people. Ana doesn't drink very often but tonight she's downing a bottle of pink Green Fin – her face turning into the color of the wine the later it gets. There's a bunch of beer and chips and popcorn and crackers and dancing.

Outside talking with Stephanie...

"You still writing the blog?" she asks.

Me: "Yes of course!"

"Good cause I wanna read about this when I get old and can't walk."

I'm reminded that we have a fog machine so I set it up in the dining room to make it more like a club, as Stef requested.

Settling down in my room. Ana's curled up under the covers sleeping off everything. As soon as I nudge up beside her I'm exposed to her warm touch and we take off on a sexual storm.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me or Kevin.

Wednesday September 23 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Peaces, Chia Seeds, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea.

Driving out to Portsmouth to pick up my mom from Kenny's house. She needs a ride to retrieve her car from Art Walker's shop off Lynnhaven. It's nice to see her again. She knitted up some buttons that needed replacing on a couple shirts of mine.

Conducting a surgical operation on my little jade plant. She's been falling over and needs pruning big time.

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

Teaching lessons at Music Makers. Taking a nap in between.

Back home. Making dinner for Ana and I: Brown Rice Quinoa Spaghetti with homemade Tomato and Basil Sauce, Onions, Peppers, and a Spinach Arugula Salad.

At the music space for DEJA rehearsal. We finally get around to practicing the daunting "Frankenstein" song. It's basically a guitar and keyboard duel. I've gottta do crazy synth riffs and wah effects. I worked on my parts a lot on my own so playing with the band now is a synch.

Back home. Enjoying fresh cut Pineapple and a bad action movie.

Researching – rock school and lesson prepping.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Tuesday September 22 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:07 a.m.

Steel Cut Oats with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Strawberries, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea.

Taking a trip to Whole Foods with Ana. It starts off real fun but at some point along the line I start telling her what to do too much in a sarcastic fashion – it gets stressful for her and she kind of loses it. Even though I'm just poking fun at her I realize how overwhelming it can be for her.

Back home I apologize.

Scrambled Eggs. Naan Bread with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

At the Rec running and then joining in on a few games of adult basketball.

Back home. Ana prepared dinner for us: Salmon with Broccoli, Beans, and Quinoa. It's nice to not have to worry about making food after a long day's work.

Watching a Velvet Underground documentary. The more research I do on music history from the 20^th century the more I understand where it all comes from. The growth of music genres is interesting to me. It's nice to know where all my influences's influences come from.

Practicing music.

Herbal Tea.

Researching.

Sleep 3 a.m.

---

[i] Image source unknown.

Monday September 21 2015

[i]

Waking up at noon.

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

At the Rec running on the treadmill and playing a few full court pick-up games of basketball.

Grilled PB&J. Chic Pea Chips. Honey Green Tea.

Watching The Bank Job (2008).

I was supposed to teach a couple lessons at Music Makers but there was some miscommunication with the student's parents.

Practicing ELO songs.

Chicken and a Spinach Salad. Milk Chocolate.

At the music space for our first Electric Light Orchestra rehearsal. This guy, Nigel, who is spearheading the project is hiring DEJA as a tribute band with plans to book a string of concerts all across the country. It's a big production with a strings section being added to all the shows. The vocal arrangements are becoming the most challenging. But we get through a couple hours and complete two songs, "Turn to Stone" and "Evil Woman".

Back home. Reconvening with Ana in her bedroom – talking about perfecting social interaction skills in the workplace. Sometimes she doesn't feel connected to anyone at her job; it's really important to her to be close to somebody.

Popcorn and Milk Chocolate.

Practicing.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Sunday September 20 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m. to the most obnoxious jet noise. You would think I'd be immune to the sound by now but damn, it sounds like a war in the sky at 11 a.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Peaches, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea.

Today is my first day coaching rock school sessions. We've got three bands scheduled in the theater room at the music space. They all range from novice to intermediate; some of them are even my private lessons students. Between myself, Drew, and Jimmy we manage to get at least one song structured and performed for each band. It's a lot of fun motivating these kids. The whole point is to give them experience in playing with bands – what it's like working and playing music in a group situation.

Chic Pea Salad Sandwich with Tomato. Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Tomato. Honey Green Tea. Grapes.

Napping.

Research.

Making dinner: Leftover Beans, Rice, Onions, Red Peppers, Celery, Cauliflower, and Shishito Peppers.

Practicing stuff on the piano.

Later on, I hassle Ana in her bedroom. She wanted to show me a song she's been learning on guitar. We catch up on the day's events while I stretch my legs out and get angsty cause she keeps pausing the song. She's also been learning how to play bass since Elliott asked her to try it out.

Off topic Ana says, "Can I tell you something? Whenever I see a big butt I have to look at it."

Research.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Saturday September 19 2015

[i]

Waking up at 12:27 p.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Blueberries, and Kefir. Cinnamon Roll. Teeccino.

Teaching a lesson at Music Makers.

Working out a couple DEJA tunes, just Eric and I, at the music space.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Butter and Jam. Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Tomato. Honey Green Tea.

Cutting my own hair and shaving. It's quite the hassle to cut your own hair cause I'm basically turned around and looking into a hand mirror trying to hold the clippers in the correct position. After some struggle I get it done but decide it'd be best if next time I get someone else to do it.

Grapes.

Ana and I drive out to Norfolk for the rock show at Work Release. I'm performing with Ladada, then Demons and Wyteshayds. It's a fairly packed warehouse. They've got a table with paint and blank square canvases. Anyone can choose to paint on them but you're given a letter or a number you're supposed to represent.

Ordering a Hawaiian Pizza with a Caesar Salad and Orange Juice.

Back home. Relaxing with Herbal Tea.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Friday September 18 2015

[i]

Waking up at noon.

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

Errands. Chores.

Grilled PB&J. Chic Pea Chips. Honey Green Tea. Banana.

Finishing Hackers (1995).

Practicing DEJA songs at the music space.

Time to load up. Ana and Eric, the guitar player, ride with me to Newport News for our DEJA gig at Hoss's Deli.

It's actually been a long while since I performed with them. The last two gigs we got rained out. So I'm still nervous during the first half but after the first set I get comfortable and loose, especially after somebody orders us a round of Fireball shots. For dinner I order a Tuna Steak Sandwich with Fries. All around it's a fun and engaging performance. Earlier, Eric informed me that this place was a "roadhouse" and I could expect bar fights but none of the sort happens.

Back home at 3 a.m. sipping on Herbal Tea with Ana.

Sleep at 4 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Thursday September 17 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

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

Teaching a few piano lessons at Music Makers.

Chic Pea Salad Sandwich with Tomato. Roasted Potatoes. Honey Green Tea. Grapes.

Teaching more lessons at Music Makers.

At the Rec for adult basketball. For some reason they got the team rotations all screwed up today – my team plays a consecutive five games in a row. I'm super beat afterwards.

Back home. Cooking dinner: Salmon, Beans, Broccoli, Tomatoes, and Pink Madagascar Rice. Sharing this hearty meal with my roommate sweetheart.

Hoegaarden.

At the storage unit off Tidewater for Ladada practice with Josiah and Bobby.

Back home. Snacking on Pretzels and sipping on Herbal Tea.

Watching Hackers (1995).

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] From Hackers.

Wednesday September 16 2015

[i]

☼ ○ ▬

I wake up to go to the bathroom but I'm half dreaming. I can barely open my eyes. I step into the bathroom and discover an unfamiliar design – the bathtub is on the other side of the room. I'm half blind and use my hands to guide me inside. There's a mirror. I try to look at myself in the mirror cause I'm curious what I look like in the dream world. It's difficult to get my head in front of the mirror to see my face – it's like the dream doesn't want to reveal what I look like. But I force my way around. I bulge my eyes open so there's no interference. There I am. I look pretty normal but a bit younger. I've got to take leak now. I struggle to aim for the toilet and end up spewing all over the tub. It burns a little. 

▬ ○ ☼

Waking up at noon.

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

Research. Cleaning. Ana called out of work – she's sickly and not up to being a bright ball of sunshine to all the Trader Joe's customers.

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

This is the last we'll see of Stacy. Kevin, I know, is sad about it. They brewed up a close-knit romantic relationship over the summer that couldn't be broken. He says he'll take a trip to Russia to visit her next year.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Fuji Apple.

At the Lynnhaven Middle School courts shooting the basketball around. These two pre-teen boys ask if I wanna play them 2 on 1. I critique their game play – one of them I can tell went to basketball camps this summer cause he's got some moves. It's funny how I can't seem to get away from giving guidance in music and even in basketball.

Back home. The couch surfers brought home two large Pizzas from Whole Foods. We all share Salad bowls and slices, and gulp down beers.

At the theater room at the music space meeting with Drew, Jimmy, and John of DEJA. We listen closely to four Electric Light Orchestra songs and map out the structure of each. We just recently got hired by somebody who wants to put together a tribute band and pay us good money to perform concerts around the country on and off.

Back home. Taking care of Ana – making her herbal tea and making her take Acetaminophen pain relievers to help her sleep cause she's got to get up at the butt crack of dawn for work.

Grapes.

Sleep 4 a.m. 

---

[i] Image by me.

Tuesday September 15 2015

[i]

Waking up at noon.

Even though Ana's nose is sniffling and running she still manages to make from scratch Cinnamon Rolls – absolutely delicious.

Research.

Scrambled Eggs. Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Tomato. Honey Green Tea.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Meeting up in the theater room with Eric, the guitar player of DEJA, to work out guitar and keyboard parts for the "Frankenstein" song.

At the basketball courts by Lynnhaven Middle School shooting around and running on the track field.

Back home. Two couch surfers from Rhode Island show up, Diego and Basha, both very laid back and humorous. Ana helps me cut up vegetables and prep for dinner. Lentils, Brussel Sprouts, Carrots, Onions, and Quinoa.

Sharing Pineapple with everyone and socializing for a bit.

At the music space practicing.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

---

[i] Images by me.

Monday September 14 2015

[i]

Waking up after noon.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea.

Staying busy in the kitchen being a kitchen witch cleaning and prepping food.

Getting groceries.

Chic Pea Salad Sandwich with Lettuce and Tomato. Olive Oil Potato Chips. Honey Green Tea. Milk Chocolate.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

At The Escape doing cardio.

Back home.

Napping.

Dinner: Brown Rice Quinoa Spaghetti Noodles with homemade Tomato Sauce, a Spinach Salad, and Garlic Parmesan Naan Bread.

Watching True Story (2015).

Learning "Frankenstein" on the keyboard.

Grapes.

At the music space tinkering with sounds on the Juno Gi.

I locked my keys inside the music space forcing me to walk back home and use Ana's set of keys to get back in. But it's a nice night for a walk – a slight chill in the air and the grass fields near the Friends School wet with dew so thick my shoes are getting soaked.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] From True Story.

Sunday September 13 2015

[i]

Waking up around noon.

Steel Cut Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Strawberries, Chia Seeds, and Kefir. Teeccino. Nutella Pop Tart.

At the Rec playing pick-up game after pick-up game. It's starting to become my Sunday tradition.

Cantaloupe. Scrambled Eggs. Beets. Tomatoes. Naan Bread with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Chic Pea Chips with Hummus. Honey Green Tea.

Finishing Mad Max: Fury Road (2015).

Practicing songs.

Driving to Norfolk for a house show at Ben Brigg's house, otherwise known as Wolves Den. Performing with Ladada...

Wizard Rifle

Cloud Becomes Your Hand

and Old Baby

Sipping on Hoegaardens and mingling. It's nice socializing with Josiah, Bobby, and other familiar faces that I don't normally get to talk to. It's the first recognizably chilly night of the season. Summer might actually be abandoning us. But inside this cramped kitchen it's stuffy and full of hot musical energy. I stand on the countertops alongside Janice and some other girls – we're like flies on the ceiling with a full aerial perspective. Both out of town bands keep things interesting and jumpy. If Of Montreal and Lightning Bolt were born in a different generation...

Afterwards, I stop by Sasha Rigney and her sister's apartment off Hampton Blvd. There's a small group of friends here that I don't know. Sasha made everyone Jerk Chicken Tacos and Vegan Brownies. Three of the guys keep passing a guitar around taking turns fiddling with songs they know. We find a way to climb up on the roof since the apartment is on the top floor. I take a handle on the guitar and perform my go-to songs, "New Slang" and "Deep Blue Sea". The stars are out and there's reverence you can't help but notice while out here under the night sky without any restrictions of a building. 

Eventually, I have to heed the call of tomorrow's Monday responsibilities and go home.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Image by me.

Saturday September 12 2015

[i]

Waking up at 11:15 a.m.

Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Peaches, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea.

Teaching a lesson at Music Makers.

Practicing DEJA songs at the music space.

We've got a gig scheduled on the outside gazebo stage near 31^st Street but just our luck the storm clouds are looming overhead. We wait it out with all our gear under a tent. They already shut down the wine festival. The owner of Catch 31 instructs us to wait until 7 before anyone decides to cancel the gig. The whole thing is ridiculous cause we're just sitting here while it rains off and on. And there's no way any one of us is going to risk getting our instruments wet. We're supposed to still get paid, or at least half of what our guarantee is. The whole thing is a sham.

Back home. Fuji Apple.

Researching.

Napping.

Dinner: Barramundi Filets with Black Beans, Volcano Rice, Red Cabbage, Red Onions, Cucumbers, and Tomatoes. Chocolate.

Watching Mad Max: Fury Road (2015).

Practicing DEJA stuff.

Hanging out with Ana in her room catching up on the day – sharing Pineapple.

Sleep 4 a.m.

---

[i] Doof Wagon from Mad Max. Kareem Ahmed.