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 at 11:30 a.m. Ana and I tried to sleep through a surprisingly hot night. I’ve got the window open and no covers over me. The jets are blasting overhead like it’s WWIII.
Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea.
Teaching a few lessons at Music Makers.
Teaching more lessons until 8 p.m.
Back home. Making dinner: Brown Rice Quinoa Spaghetti Noodles with Tomato Sauce, Onions, a Salad, and a Baguette. Ana and I put on Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke (1997) watching up to the halfway point.
Grapes.
At the studio doing the books, bills, and payroll for November. Meanwhile, Ana practices piano and later I hop on the drums.
Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea.
Kitchen chores – prepping dinner.
Toasted PB&J. Potato Lentil Curls. Holiday Grapes. Black Tea.
Teaching lessons all day at Music Makers.
Apple.
Back home after 9 p.m. cooking dinner: Tofu with Broccoli, Carrots, Onions, Mushrooms, and Pink Madagascar Rice.
Becca’s in town! Everyone gathers around the dining booth. Will’s slicing up apples to go with his cheese. Kevin’s gnawing and gobbling on a turkey leg. The rest of us sip on tea and wine and enjoy Kringle.
At the shop practicing drums and such while Ana plays piano.
Steel Cut Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Yerba Mate Tea.
Errands.
At the Rec playing basketball.
Scrambled Eggs. Naan Bread with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Tomato. Black Tea.
Watching a history doc.
Constructing and designing the new Music Makers website using Squarespace. It’s practically there and live. Still needs a few minor tweaks and more content.
Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea.
Applying for the business loan.
Shooting the basketball around on the street courts near Lynnhaven Middle. The weather is surprisingly nice – not cold at all.
Scrambled Eggs. Naan Bread with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Potato Chips. Black Tea.
Watching The Untold History of the United States (2013).
Off to teach all my in-home lessons. I’m starting a new student today, Jillian, 13-years old – can play very well. Her and her mother lost their husband/father a few years ago – he was a Navy Seal. As her mom explains to me music has been great therapy for her. After helping her work through an Adele song and commenting on a video she saw of me playing an original song she asks, “Why aren’t you famous?” In my mind I reply “That’s a good question.” I do tend to get asked this question on occasion from students and it makes me wonder, but also makes me anxious and question why I haven’t already pursued a career in songwriting. I feel like I’ve been trying but not hard enough.
Later on, at the Kain’s house. After all the lessons I agree to play a few songs for the grandparents who are visiting just for a few weeks. Afterwards, the granddad slips me a hundred dollar bill in gratitude for teaching their grandchildren. They can see the enjoyment the kids get out of it. The grandmother won’t stop thanking me. These kinds of days make me feel like I’m doing something right.
Back home. Not sure what to do for dinner I warm up the last of the Red Bean Tempeh Chili with Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrots, and Quinoa.
While trying to strategically walk up the staircase I end up slipping and falling. Luckily, I managed to save my breakfast plate from spilling. Ana catches me a second after the incident.
“I slipped on my slippers,” I tell her.
“Well they are called slippers,” she says.
Leftover Pancake with Coffee.
I can’t stop sneezing.
Ana, my mom, and I drive over to Shore Drive right near the Lesner Bridge for Ana’s family Thanksgiving gathering. There’s plenty to fill up our bellies with – a lot of sweet Filipino dishes that I’ve never heard of before. I brought the piano and guitar for Ana and I, and whomever, to sing songs.
Back home. After settling in and making love to Ana I put on a movie: Captain Fantastic (2016). With my mom, Ana, and Joseph (a new resident of 1435) we all enjoy it together over bowls of leftover Red Bean Tempeh Chili, Kale, and Sweet Potato Pie.
Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and
Kefir. Banana. Yerba Mate.
At the bank opening up a business account – eager to get
started on this business loan.
Errands. A lesson.
Toasted PB&J. Potato Chips. Applesauce. Green Tea.
Teaching a small batch of lessons at Music Makers.
Then, with mom and Ana in the car, I drive to Norfolk for
the big NorVa show. I’m playing with Ladada to open the show, then J. Flax and
the Heart Attacks, and Major and the Monbacks. There’s a ton of people here –
it’s Thanksgiving Eve so I assume a lot of people are back in town with nothing
to do. We played a solid set and concluded our performance with a Neil Young
cover of “Rockin’ in the Free World”.
Pizza.
We chill out at the venue as long as possible before it’s time to head back to VB for another gig I’m playing with DEJA at South Beach Grille. My life is a constant overload of gigs and teaching. But I don’t feel overwhelmed this evening. I was able to corral Will, Cynthia, and Anthony from the house. The band did the first set without me and had their original member, Eric Veterrick, fill in my absence. But now I’m here to do the second set.
Back home. Chilling with the gang. Eating some leftover Red Bean Tempeh Chili with Kale.
Ana made us Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes. I brew some Yerba Mate to go with.
It’s an overwhelmingly relieving feeling to look at my calendar for today and find absolutely nothing scheduled. I can’t express how good I feel right now.
Errands with Ana.
Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Tomato. Oolong Tea.
Watching Indignation (2016).
Catching up on business affairs.
Scrubbing the shower walls with a grill brush, the only way to remove mold and mildew in Chanticleer.
Practicing guitar.
Cooking dinner: Tempeh with Cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts, Onions, and Quinoa.
Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea.
Teaching lessons all afternoon at Music Makers. Snacking on an Apple.
Toasted PB&J. Potato Lentil Curls. Honey Green Tea.
Catching up on my to-do list.
Errands.
Leftover mish mash: Noodles, Chicken, Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Bread.
Watching Indignation (2016).
After Ana arrives home from work we corral Will and drive out to Norfolk for the tail end of LAVA MiniFest at Toast. Catching the bulk of DJP and MrT’s set. The temperature dropped drastically outside. The crowd tries to stay warm through dancing. Meanwhile, in the Toast bar Ryan Thomas is spinning soul/Motown jams.
Bobby got stuck riding his bike in the extreme weather so we offer to give him a ride home.
Back at the house.
Ana expresses to me her frustrations with life – how she gives all her energy at work and then there’s none for herself. She wants to make music and do so many things. Sometimes it’s all too much and she doesn’t even want to live.
I’ll paraphrase myself, “All those people who have an abundance of money – they don’t have to struggle and deal with financial hardships. It’s the middle class, people like you and me, who learn how to live. We have to go through the suffering and turmoil. But it’s through this that we learn how to truly live. We suffer and then we celebrate when it’s over. The Great Suffering and Celebration!”
Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Yerba Mate Tea.
At the Rec for adult basketball. Hustling up and down the court with all my might. Solid games. Solid shots.
Tuna Salad Sandwich with Tomato. Potato Chips with Avocado. Honey Green Tea.
I requested that Ana prep a vegetable lasagna for tonight. She’s running frantic in the kitchen after getting back from the store with barely enough time to finish everything before she has to go to work. I try to tell her to relax before she hurts herself with the knife. She ends up cutting her finger while trying to slice the zucchini. I feel bad but also mad because I warned her to slow down.
Teaching in-home lessons right up until dinner time.
Quick eat at the house: Zucchini Lasagna. Holiday Grapes.
Driving to Newport News for the DEJA gig at Hoss’s. Every time we play here it feels like a real show where people stand around and actually watch the band (and dance their asses off). I can get excited about playing these songs at a place like this.
Steel Cut Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Yerba Mate Tea.
At the MOCA with DEJA sound checking and doing a mini run-through of the set.
Toasted PB&J. Potato Chips. Honey Green Tea.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
As soon as I’m done teaching I’m at the MOCA suiting up for the big Wall show with DEJA. The auditorium isn’t as packed compared to last February’s performance. But there’s a good 75 people in the seats. We put on the show the best we can. We had an entourage of girls run around the aisles dancing or acting during the whole show. It really added to the scenes. During some moments you can feel the intensity much more than usual. My mom and a fairly new student of mine, Anne, were in the back watching the whole thing.
Afterwards, enjoying Jamaican catering: Chicken, Plantains, and Mac n’ Cheese.
Back home.
In Ana’s bedroom spending time with her and the cat. I half joke around with her all the time about having kids.
“So I’ve decided 40 is the deadline age for me to have kids. You game?” I ask.
We need to have a house first she always says. My goal is to keep building the Music Makers business for the next year. Then attempt to buy a home. My thing is I keep interacting with all these kids at lessons and realize that none of them are my kids. I really do want to have one or two of my own. I feel I’ve been prepped being a teacher and raising a cat from a kitten.
Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea.
Ladada has an afternoon show at the Commonwealth Brewing Company – they’re doing a SPCA benefit for dogs – Pints For Pups. Here, you can find every species of dog imaginable from tiny to huge. I’m doing double duty so to speak, cause I chose to be responsible for the PA system. Fairly new band, Starcoast, goes on first and wows us with a soothing melodic indie rock sound. Then, I’m on stage picking at the bass with Ladada. It’s a loud spacey hall where the sound travels like a wind tunnel. The sun is out. There’s a slight chill in the air. It’s a beautiful day.
Chowing down on a $10 personal Veggie Pizza from a food truck. Meanwhile, the dogs mingle like it’s a night club.
Unloading all the Ladada gear into the shop and then loading up all the DEJA gear into my car.
Back home. Sipping on Oolong Tea and resting.
Doing one last Wall rehearsal with DEJA before the big show at the MOCA on Tuesday. This is supposed to be a dress rehearsal. We play right on through the whole movie without too many foul-ups.
Back home. Chamomile Tea.
I explain to Will and Ana how this house has turned into a sitcom again. We have recurring guests/friends that show up almost every day. Just last night Anthony popped in. Cynthia usually hangs out after her Trader Joe’s shift.
Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea.
Teaching lessons all afternoon at Music Makers.
Scrambled Eggs. Potato Salad. Slaw. Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts. Bread. Honey Green Tea. Grapes.
Watching I.T. (2016).
Practicing DEJA songs – it’s been a little while and we have a gig tonight.
Salad. Brown Rice Quinoa Spaghetti Noodles with Tomato Sauce.
At Jerry’s in Chesapeake for the DEJA gig. We do the kind of songs that require regular practicing or performing of so whenever there’s a month off from a gig it’s apparent we’re dusting off the cobwebs. Some songs shine more than others.
Back home. Ana made a personal Chocolate Mug Cake just for me – a rewarding treat to come home to.
Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea.
Running errands with mom. She caught some kind of infection in her right eye – it’s been swelling up the past few days. She saw a doctor this morning. So we pick up the prescription at Kroger. Meanwhile, I grab a few groceries.
Toasted PB&J. Potato Chips. Honey Green Tea.
Teaching all my in-home lessons
Fuji Apple.
Back home. Cooking dinner – some of it already prepped by mom: Chicken with Onions, Mushrooms, Carrots, Collard Greens, and Bamboo Rice.
Watching Carnage Park (2016).
Time to attempt to fix the washing machine again. Using the advice of the General Electric repair man and spreading the springs in the suspension rods with pliers. Then, drilling holes into bottle caps and affixing them onto the rods. All this just to give the tub more clearance and avoid it scraping the bottom.
Small bowl of Honey Crunch n’ Oats with Milk and Black Tea.
Researching. Reading about all the anti Trump protests all across America.
A GE appliance repair man stops by to look at the washing machine. I was able to get a free home service call. He gives me some advice on a couple things I can do to fix the problem on my own.
Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Tomato.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Honey Crisp Apple.
We stopped lessons kind of early tonight so I ride over to the Rec to play a few games of adult basketball.
Salmon, Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts, Onions, and Beans for dinner.
Waking up at 10:45 a.m. Feeling the warmth from Ana’s body lying next to me. Making love is in order.
Steel Cut Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea.
Fulfilling my duty as a citizen and voting.
Playing basketball at the Rec.
Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Potato Chips with Avocado. Honey Green Tea.
Teaching lessons all day at Music Makers.
Banana.
Back home after picking up a mini fridge and getting some groceries from Trader Joe’s.
Mom makes a Homemade Soup with Chic Peas, Peas, Carrots, Onions, and all kinds of good stuff. Add Naan Bread and it’s a perfect meal.
Later on, Ana, Kevin, Cynthia, and Will arrive home. We’re all on the edge staying in tune with the election results. It will be no landslide victory from either side. In the meantime it appears that Trump is ahead of Hilary. Still waiting on a few more state’s electoral votes...
...then I go to refresh my phone and there it is. Trump won the presidency. At the table Will and Cynthia are downing shots of wine while Ana stays wrapped in her bath robe and towel on her head. We feel defeated. We wanna start a punk movement again.
Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Black Tea.
Taking care of business. Running errands.
Tuna Salad Sandwich with Lettuce and Tomato. Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Tomato. Honey Green Tea. Banana.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Honey Crisp Apple.
Back home.
Tempeh with Cauliflower, Peas, Carrots, Onions, and Quinoa.
Watching a documentary on cats.
Educating myself on candidates and preparing my vote for tomorrow. Researching.
Realizing that the blog hasn’t been very interesting. Talking with Ana in my room about ultimate goals in our lives and how everything else is just details that have to be dealt with before the ultimate goal is accomplished. We talk late into the night until we fall asleep.
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