I LOVE: June 2017

Friday June 30 2017

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m. Ana and Elvis lie down next to me – cuddle session.

Making Pancakes and Coffee. I get frustrated cause the frozen blueberries make the batter a bit watery causing the pancakes to stick to the iron skillet. Next time we’re sprinkling in the blueberries on top of the pancake.

Doing the accounting for Music Makers.

White Peach.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Potato Chips. Green Tea.

Watching What The Health (2017).

Teaching all my in-home lessons. At the Kuzniewski’s house after I’m done with teaching all four kids I get into a constructive conversation about nutrition education and the great debate over plant based diets.

Japanese Style Rice with Edamame, Peas, Cabbage, and Naan Bread.

Will and I join the shenanigans over at Anthony and gang’s house. Kevin Moore’s birthday is at midnight so we’re celebrating. All kinds of familiar faces are here. The atmosphere is like 1435 transferred to here. There’s hooting and hollering and drinking and raving.

At some point while everyone congregates atop the slide Mike Fry’s girlfriend gets sexually harassed by some dude. She points it out, “Dude, did you just put your finger up my skirt?” Almost immediately, Mike clamors up the steps and confronts the dude. Amidst the commotion Kevin becomes collateral damage and falls down the steps almost flipping completely over. He lands awkwardly on his head. Luckily, he fell on top of mulch and not cement. Everyone’s concerned he might have a concussion but he’s still awake – inebriated but awake.

Will and I discuss the causes of the plot on the drive home.

Apricots.

In bed with Ana. We talk late into the night...

[i] Images by me.

Thursday June 29 2017

Waking up at 11:08 a.m.

Honey Crunch n Oats with Strawberries, Banana, and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.

Teaching a lesson.

Getting groceries with Ana at Trader Joe’s.

I sent Ana some cool video about an instrument/machine used to create horror movie sounds.

“That’s so awesome. Beautiful,” she responds.

“You know what else is beautiful?” I ask.

She hits me back with, “Music. Life. Elvis. You. Plants. Water. Bread. Love.”

Toasted PB&J. Potato Chips. Green Tea.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers. Thursdays are always crazy for lessons. Including myself, a total of five teachers were in and out.

Back home.

Cooking dinner: Salmon with Brussel Sprouts, Carrots, Onions, Jasmine Rice, and Black Beans.

Ladada rehearsal with Josiah, Bobby, and Jon.

Chamomile Tea.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Wednesday June 28 2017

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Waking up at 10:08 a.m.

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

At the Rec with Ana. Playing adult basketball. My team loses all our games but it’s not about winning – it’s about cardio and fun.

Tempeh Bacon. Sourdough Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Tomato. Green Tea.

Watching The Stanford Experiment (2015).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Banana.

Back home. Ana made dinner: Tofu with Zucchini, Squash, Onions, and Quinoa.

At the studio putting on new drum heads – tuning the drums – rearranging – cleaning.

Mango. OJ.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

[i] Images by me.

Tuesday June 27 2017

Waking up at 11:30 a.m.

Elvis has been super affectionate since Ana left for tour. He misses mommy. Fortunately, she arrives home tonight.

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

Errands.

Chores.

Toasted PB&J. Plums. Navel Orange. Green Tea.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Back home. Ana’s finally arrived from tour. It’s a little hectic in the dining room from Will and I sorting through forgotten things in the back closet. Mom warms up dinner: Black Beans with Kale, Carrots, and Quinoa. We enjoy a meal as a “family”.

Teaching an online lesson.

Meeting with Drew and DeeGee at Music Makers. Drew taught his last lessons earlier today and he’s here to take the 60’s Leedy drum kit and replace it with one that I can have. Even though we transferred ownership almost a year ago this feels more like “the final moment” as DeeGee puts it. She gets teary eyed while she takes down some of the personal pictures. This business was their baby all the way from 2009.

Back home.

Chamomile Tea.

Interrupting Ana while she stretches on her bedroom floor, “Okay, meeting in my bed in 20 minutes!”

“No,” she says immediately like she replies to anything.

“Yes!” I retort.

Later on, we lie down side by side while she recounts some tour memories.

“It was much quieter while you were gone,” I tell her.

“Really?” she sounds slightly offended.

“I think you’re the loudest person in the house. That’s true.”

...

Sex is in order.

Sleep 3 a.m.

Monday June 26 2017

Waking up at 10:20 a.m.

Honey Crunch n Oats with Strawberries and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.

Basketball at the Rec.

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

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Brown Rice Quinoa Spaghetti Noodles with Sauce, Zucchini, Squash, and Onions. Naan Bread.

Watching Extortion (2017).

Research.

Ice Cream.

Practicing drums.

Sleep 4 a.m.

Sunday June 25 2017

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Waking up at 10:30 a.m.

Steel Cut Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Peaches, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Black Tea.

The summer rock school sessions start today! We got three bands. Joe, one of our guitar instructors, is teaming up with me to help coach all of them. It’s a productive and fun day. PB&J break with Potato Chips and Green Tea.

Back home.

Dinner: Leftover Cabbage, Potatoes, Fish, and Spinach.

Watching Kong: Skull Island (2017).

Navel Orange.

Chores. Dropping off recycle. On the way back I decide to drop inside the new Walmart, where the old Kmart used to be. While browsing I run into Josh.

“We’re having a number 2,” he tells me referring to him and Tawny having another baby.

“Wow! Congratulations. I haven’t even had 1 yet and you’re already on to number 2!”

Practicing drums.

Ice Cream.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Saturday June 24 2017

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Steel Cut Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Black Tea.

Teaching afternoon lessons at Music Makers.

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

Watching The Mars Generation (2017).

Over at the rock school rehearsal spot prepping and organizing the room – setting up amps – plugging in microphones – making sure everything is set up and ready for tomorrow when we kick off the summer sessions.

Back home. Mom cooked up dinner: Black Beans, Onions, Turnips, Kale, Turnip Greens, Brown Rice, and Quinoa.

Her and I watch A Monster Calls (2016) together.

Fruit. Chocolate.

Practicing drums – studying potential rock school songs.

Chamomile Tea.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Friday June 23 2017

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☼▬

I take a two-day trip to Mars (the red planet) to perform a concert of some kind to the current civilization. It’s understood it’s the distant future where space travel is not difficult. Later on in the week I almost forget to brag about my trip to friends.

▬☼

Waking up at 11:08 a.m.

Honey Crunch n Oats with Banana, Strawberries, and Almond Milk. Guayusa Tea.

Teaching a lesson.

Toasted PB&J. Green Tea.

Watching Anvil: The Story of Anvil (2008).

Teaching all my in-home lessons.

Fuji Apple.

Back home. Mom made dinner: Potato, Cabbage, Onions, and Vegan Hot Dog.

Watching War On Everyone (2016).

Organizing music on my computer.

Cheesecake. Grapes.

Researching.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Thursday June 22 2017

[i]

Waking up at 11:07 a.m.

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

Teaching a vocal lesson.

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

Teaching lessons at Music Makers until evening.

Black Beans with Kale, Onions, and Brown Rice.

Watching Power Rangers (2017).

Milk Chocolate.

Organizing and rock school planning.

Grapes. OJ.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Wednesday June 21 2017

Waking up at 10:20 a.m.

Honey Crunch n Oats with Banana, Strawberries, and Almond Milk.

Basketball at the Rec.

Tempeh Bacon. Sourdough Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Cucumber. Potato Chips. Green Tea.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Vegan Hot Dogs with Brussel Sprouts and Vegetable Fried Rice.

Watching Alone In Berlin (2016).

Organizing and planning the summer rock school session that starts this coming Sunday.

White Nectarine and Grapes.

Ana’s packing up to go on tour tomorrow.

We sleep next to each other at 2:30 a.m.

Tuesday June 20 2017

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Waking up at 11:17 a.m.

Steel Cut Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea. Peach.

Taking care of things. Will and I speak with the front office about renewing the lease. Then, we take out our boards, mine a longboard and his a shortboard. Ana tries her hand at it. Then, her and I join some of the neighborhood kids in a basketball in the cul-de-sac.

Watermelon.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Potato Chips with Avocado. Green Tea.

Watching Aftermath (2017).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Getting groceries.

Mom and I make dinner: Fried Perch Fillets with Cornbread and homemade Coleslaw.

Ice Cream.

At the studio trying to visualize new paint colors on the walls. I have to come to a decision soon so our contractor can come in and paint next week.

OJ.

Sleep 3 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Monday June 19 2017

Waking up at 10:30 a.m.

Bowl of Honey Crunch n Oats with Banana, Strawberries, and Almond Milk.

At the Rec with Ana. They’ve got a new basketball schedule – only one court and 3 teams. Even getting here a little earlier I’m first on the wait list. Working out until they call my name.

Watermelon.

Salmon Bacon. Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Potato Chips with Avocado. White Peach.

Watching Betting On Zero (2017).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Pappardelle noodles with Onions, Kale, and Naan Bread.

ELO rehearsal.

Catching up on emails.

Orange Juice.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Sunday June 18 2017

Waking up at 11:23 a.m.

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

Running errands with Ana – returning something to Lowe’s – dropping off recycle – groceries at Trader Joe’s.

Watermelon.

Chores.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado, Beets, and Tomatoes. Green Tea.

More chores.

Organizing stuff at Music Makers – putting together this electronic drum set somebody wants us to help sell.

Japanese Style Fried Rice with Broccoli, Carrots, Peas, and Edamame.

Watching Life (2017).

Ice Cream.

Sleep 3 a.m.

Saturday June 17 2017

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Steel Cut Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Coffee.

Almost all my afternoon students cancelled today. Only have to teach one.

At the Bold Mariner Brewing Company with Ana and mom for the big Major & The Monbacks album release show/block party. Ladada is doing a set at 2:30. On the drive here we went right through a severe rain storm on the interstate. But here it’s all sun shining and good vibes vibin’. It’s hot and sticky.

In between bands there’s a magic act. What a great idea!

Enjoying a Grilled Chicken Sweet Potato Biscuit, Mac and Slaw, and Beers.

Back home. We’re all exhausted. I put together a dinner: Roasted Cauliflower, Carrots, and Garlic Bread.

In the living Ana and I watch What We Do in the Shadows (2014), comedy horror at its finest.

Chamomile Tea. Peach Pop Tart from Commune.

Sleep 3 a.m.

[i] Images by me.

Friday June 16 2017

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Waking up at 11:13 a.m.

Bowl of Honey Crunch n Oats with Strawberries, Banana, and Almond Milk. Black Tea.

Errands.

Teaching in-home lessons.

It’s pouring down rain. Our DEJA gig got cancelled at 7^th Street. I think we get half pay for that.

I take advantage of the time and take a trip to Lowe’s for caster wheels to install on the speaker cabinet for my bass amp.

Back home. There’s some confusion over the leftover dinner containers that were prepared last night and I’m left without a meal. My mom prepares something else for me. Vegetarian Hot Dogs with Onions, Brussel Sprouts, and Carrots.

Watching American Violence (2017).

Ice Cream.

Chilling with Ana and Elvis. I try to talk some things out with Ana over an incident earlier in the day where she left the kitchen faucet running. I got upset and treated her like a child, something I do a lot when she makes a mistake. In the end, I agree to work on not making her feel attacked when reacting to her faults.

Chamomile Tea.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

[i] Screenshot by me.

Thursday June 15 2017

[i]

Waking up at 10:30 a.m.

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

Teaching a few afternoon lessons.

Leftover Pizza. Green Tea.

Driving over to the Bayside Harley-Davidson dealership in Portsmouth for an early evening DEJA gig. I take the scenic route across the fairly new Jordan bridge. It’s one of those bridges that have such an unrealistically steep slope it feels like something out of a dream. My car putts uphill with all my music gear inside. Through historic South Norfolk, an area I’ve never seen, where there are old abandoned shipyards and warehouses and a go-go bar on every corner.

Fuji Apple.

Arriving at the gig. Our stage is set up in front of a sea of motorcycles and next to a mechanical bull. It’s an interesting show for us cause we’re used to being in a bar or in front of a huge crowd at the oceanfront. We perform in between tricycle races and a frozen t-shirt contest. Good times.