I LOVE: September 2018

Sunday September 30 2018

[i]

Waking up at 10:48 a.m.

Tending to the boil – changing the dressing. I’m actually using one of Ana’s pads that she normally uses for her period – it works perfectly. There is a noticeable difference today – not as much pain around the head. I’m doing something right!

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

At MMLIVE rehearsal. Things are ramped up today – working the kids and adults alike – teaching them how to listen to each other.

PB&J break with Plantain Chips and an Orange.

After clearing out the rehearsal room I head out to meet a few guys selling Alvarez acoustic guitars, one midgrade and the other higher grade I’d call it. I’ve played out the fully stickered Fender acoustic guitar I’ve owned since high school. I don’t plan on getting rid of it but it’s time for a more serious guitar. After driving out to Portsmouth and meeting with Rick, a retired and knowledgeable musician who owns a small greyhound, I decide to go with his higher grade guitar. Afterwards, exploring some unknown terrain in Portsmouth and checking out the old Markham house, where my mom grew up. They sold it to someone else and have completely renovated the building.

Back home. Mom makes dinner: leftover Soup with Cabbage and Potatoes.

At the studio enjoying my new guitar. While I’m restringing a guitar to sell I hear the sound of a leaf blower nearby. What the hell? It’s 1:30 in the morning. Are they getting an early start or something? I go to investigate. As soon as I open the back door I discover a black cat sitting in the middle of the Mattress Firm parking lot staring at me as if he’s been preparing my appearance this whole time. What better way to usher in October.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

[i] Images by me.

Saturday September 29 2018

[i]

Waking up at 11:30 a.m.

Tending to my bloody pus draining boil – soaking in a salt bath.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. English Breakfast Tea.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Butter and Jam. Salt n Vinegar Chips with Avocado. Coffee.

Watching Maniac (2018).

I set up my computer and place everything I can within arm’s reach so I can lay down comfortably and still be productive.

Mom makes a wonderfully hearty and nutritious soup with all kinds of goodness in it. I chew on a raw garlic clove beforehand to better equip my body to fight off the infection.

Doing the accounting.

Ana drives us to the rehearsal spot to set up everything for tomorrow.

Apples and Yogurt.

In my room while I finish up writing checks Ana and I discuss our personal coming of age experiences.

Sleep 4 a.m.

[i] Images by me.

Friday September 28 2018

[i]

Waking up at 11:40 a.m.

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

This boil on my skin that’s in an awkward spot has been a racket. I’ve been keeping my homemade antibiotic ointment on it. I decide to soak in an Epsom Salt bath, which helps soften and push more pus out.

Catching up on business.

Chores.

Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Butter and Jam. Popped Chips. Coffee.

Watching Maniac (2018).

Teaching some in-home lessons for a couple hours.

Meeting up with mom and Ana at Back Bay to watch Joe McMurray play a little music.

Enjoying a Fish Taco with Tortilla Chips and Guac.

Back home. Soaking in another Epsom Salt bath – tending to the boil – making a Turmeric paste.

Kale. Apples and Yogurt.

Upstairs in Ana’s room. While Elvis runs around with a frenetic cat energy Ana and I watch an episode of Maniac (2018).

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Thursday September 27 2018

Waking up at 11 a.m.

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

Ana and I roll out to Kroger and Trader Joe’s for groceries. We joke about how some people naturally sway towards pronouncing names of places with unnecessary plurals like “Krogers” or “Traders Joe” or Wal-Marts”.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese. Salt n Vinegar Chips with Avocado. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Plum.

Cod Filets with Peppers, Onions, Broccoli, Carrots, and Rice.

Watching Maniac (2018).

At Ladada rehearsal. We’re still working on our Rolling Stones songs in preparation for the Halloween show. I brought all the necessary percussion instruments. Ana even stops by to help out. It’s a fun time.

Orange.

I’ve been having this ingrown hair issue down on the lower part of my butt, a very awkward place. It’s turned into an abscess or boil – it’s annoyingly painful making it difficult to sit comfortably. I manage to push out white puss from the area – what a relief.

Chamomile Tea with ACV.

Sleep 4 a.m.

Wednesday September 26 2018

Waking up at 11:30 a.m. Forced myself to sleep in a little so my body could heal up.

Granola with Almond Milk. Guayusa Tea. Plum.

Watching Dark Tourist.

Catching up on business.

Udon Noodle Soup with Sourdough Bread.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Banana.

Back home. Making leftovers for dinner: Brown Rice Quinoa Spaghetti Noodles with Brussel Sprouts and Carrots.

Watching a documentary on Freemasonry.

Still feeling lethargic and sickly. No coughing, runny nose, or sore throat, just achy – and I got this weird painful bump on my butt that could be an ingrown hair.

Practicing Rolling Stones songs on the bass – chilling with Ana and the cat.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Tuesday September 25 2018

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Waking up at 11:30 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Catching up on business – shopping for guitars on OfferUp and CL for students.

Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Bread with Vegan Cream Cheese. Salt n Vinegar Chips with Avocado. Coffee.

Watching Dark Tourist.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Back home. Mom makes us a hearty pot of Lentil, Potato, Carrot, and Cabbage Soup.

Teaching an online lesson.

At the studio practicing songs with Ana.

Feeling body aches coming on – hopefully I’m not getting sick but at the same time let’s get it over with. Supplying myself with an Apple, ACV, and Elderberry.

Sleep 2:30 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Monday September 24 2018

Waking up at 10:45 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

Basketball at the Rec.

Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Butter and Jam. Roasted Potatoes. Coffee.

Watching Vitamania: The Sense And Nonsense of Vitamins (2018).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Back home. Making dinner with mom: Brown Rice Quinoa Spaghetti Noodles with Peppers, Onions, Mushrooms, Zucchini, and Sourdough Bread.

At the studio practicing guitar and piano.

Sleep 4 a.m.

Sunday September 23 2018

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Waking up at 10:30 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Coffee.

MMLIVE rehearsals today. Drew and Devon weren’t able to be here so I have Lisa help out more. It’s a challenge to keep these practices productive with the kids. Sometimes I question if I’m doing everything right.

After cleaning up I head to Kroger. I decide to take an unplanned nap out in the parking lot – that extra boost of energy is what I really needed.

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Getting groceries.

Back home. Mom and I make a wonderful comfort food dinner: Fried Chicken Tenders with Cornbread, Broccoli, Carrots, and Onions.

At the studio configuring my new pedal board and playing guitar.

Melon.

Sleep 4 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Saturday September 22 2018

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Waking up at 11 a.m.

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

Teaching afternoon lessons at Music Makers.

Scrambled Eggs. Everything Bagel with Vegan Cream Cheese. Salt n Vinegar Chips with Avocado. Coffee.

Watching Siberia (2018).

Catching up on chores and business.

Getting groceries and errands.

Mom makes dinner: Peas with Celery, Onions, Quinoa, Kale, and Carrots.

At the studio designing my new pedal board for my guitar pedals.

Setting up gear at the rehearsal spot.

Oh sweet, sweet, Galia Melon. Meanwhile, our new spider guest out near the front door is having her own sweet feast.

Sleep 4 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Friday September 21 2018

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Waking up at 11:18 a.m.

Granola Cereal with Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Errands and business.

Scrambled Eggs. Poppy Seed Bagel with Butter and Jam. Chips. Coffee.

Teaching a few in-home piano lessons.

At the studio practicing some stuff and organizing an order for items at the store.

Driving out to Hampton for the DEJA gig at Stuft, the first exit after the tunnel. Things seem different when I arrive and start loading in my gear. No sound guy. We find out closer to show time that the sound guy is not coming because he didn’t put it on his calendar. We attempt to figure out a way to strip down the way we play the songs but in the end Drew decides it’s not a good idea. So we count our losses. Free Shrimp Tacos though!

I meet up with Ana and friends at The Taphouse in Norfolk for a little show with Flavoured Water and Shormey. Sipping on a Beer enjoying the atmosphere. Getting into deep discussion afterwards with newly acquainted friends nearby about the existence of aliens, ghosts, and the spiritual realm.

Back home. Galia Melon.

Sleep 3:45 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Thursday September 20 2018

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Waking up at 11:18 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

Teaching a couple vocal lessons.

Tuna Salad Sandwich with Lettuce and Tomato. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers (full day until 8 p.m.)

Back home. Making dinner with mom and Ana: Tempeh with Cabbage, Carrots, Onions, Mushrooms, Peppers, and Quinoa. Sharing Cannolis afterwards.

At Ladada rehearsal with Josiah, Jonnie, Bobby. Tonight begins the practicing of our Rolling Stones set for Halloween. It’s a lot of fun doing these old tunes.

Sleep 4 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Wednesday September 19 2018

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Waking up at 10:30 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

At CrossFit Takeover, Hannah’s gym, taking my second class. Today it’s all lunges and running. I overwork myself after the second round. Next time I really need to focus on pacing myself.

Vega Protein Shake. Peaches.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese. Potatoes. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Peaches.

Back home. Enjoying some Donatos Pizza with their infamous Breadsticks. Later on, stuffing myself with Cannolis from Plaza Bakery.

Catching up on business and emails.

Learning a bunch of bass lines for Rolling Stones songs and others.

Sleep 4 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Tuesday September 18 2018

Waking up at 11:13 a.m.

Catching up on business and emails.

Errands.

Ana and Melissa are here making waffles and hanging out.

Scrambled Eggs. Poppy Seed Bagel with Vegan Cream Cheese. Roasted Potatoes. Coffee.

Watching Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Back home. Ana makes leftovers for dinner.

Teaching an online lesson – trying to instill creativity with Katelyn’s lessons while showing her how to play C-G-Am-F progression.

Figuring out songs.

At the studio practicing piano.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Monday September 17 2018

Waking up at 10:34 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

Basketball at the Rec.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Butter and Jam. Roasted Potatoes. Coffee. Peach.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Leftover Spaghetti for Dinner with Baby Broccoli and French Baguette.

Watching Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018).

Chillin’ with Ana for a bit while I learn the solo in No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak”. It’s kind of a guitar riff day for me.

At the studio practicing piano.

Sleep 4 a.m.

Sunday September 16 2018

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Waking up at 10:30 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Coffee.

Today kicks off our fall session for MMLIVE. We’ve got three full bands. Drew, Lisa, and this guy I know Devon to help out with coaching.

Toasted Peanut Butter Poppy Seed Bagel. Potato Chips. White Peach.

It’s tiresome after the day of band rehearsals is over.

I stop in to Trader Joe’s for some groceries.

Back home.

Power napping in Ana’s bed. She comes home and awakens me. Meanwhile, Elvis darts around the room with spastic energy.

Leftovers for dinner: Black Bean Sliders with Kale, Guacamole, and Corn Tortilla Chips.

At the studio putting up some new band pics. Later, Ana arrives and we practice songs.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

[i] Images by me.

Saturday September 15 2018

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Waking up at 11:18 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

Teaching afternoon lessons at Music Makers.

Banana.

Scrambled Eggs. Garlic Bread. Salt n Vinegar Chips with Avocado. Coffee.

Finishing Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018).

Catching up on business and emails.

Ana has a friend from her old high school here – they reconnect and make music in her bedroom.

At the rehearsal spot setting up all the music gear for the fall session of MMLIVE.

Ana, mom, and I visit with Marcus’s family. His family is celebrating Mexico’s Independence Day and offered us dinner: Posole Soup with Hominy (Corn), Pork, and all kinds of fresh add-ins. The Corpse Bride movie is on. All of us become engrossed in it – recalling all our favorite moments.

Late night grocery stop at Harris Teeter with Ana, mainly for fruit and Gelato.

Sleep 3 a.m.

[i] Images by me.

Friday September 14 2018

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Waking up at 12:07 p.m. Feels nice to sleep in.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Catching up on business and getting lost in a rabbit hole on YouTube.

Teaching one in-home lesson today for Ian. Afterwards, we play some impromptu basketball in their driveway with his brother and some other kid neighbors. Getting my cardio for the day!

Stopping by the DAV on General Booth.

Back home. I suddenly decide to give myself a haircut. I grab some mirrors and the clippers to strategically buzz the sides and back but keep my length on the top. So much weight is gone now. It’s a relief.

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After revealing my self-haircut to mom she reacts in shock.

“It’s okay mom! It’s not like Sampson and Delilah – I still have my strength.”

Ana made dinner. She calls it Ana’s Masala: Chic Peas, Tomatoes, Quinoa, Cauliflower, Zucchini, and Naan Bread.

Later on, Ana and I continue our music playing, a marathon it seems like. Practicing songs on the guitar like The Ventures “Walk Don’t Run”, No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak”, and other potential tunes we wanna do.

Ana joins me in my bed. Before we drift off to sleep we make love.

[i] Image by me.

Thursday September 13 2018

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Waking up somewhere around 11:30 a.m.

Honey Crunch n Oats with Blueberries and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

Teaching an afternoon voice lesson.

Toasted PB&J. Plantain Chips. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

I happen to get off early so I take advantage of the time and join in for Thursday night basketball games at the Rec.

Ana’s friend Jovi is performing some music at Warrior’s Taphouse off General Booth. We grab Will and mom to eat some dinner and enjoy the show. Meanwhile, Hurricane Florence is just below us in the Carolinas ripping up the shoreline.

Back home. Chillin’ in Ana’s room having fun on guitars – learning potential songs we’d like to perform while Elvis runs around the room spastically.

It’s just music, all day every day.

Lying my bed. Ana comes in to say goodnight but we get caught up discussing the logistics of romantic relationships and our past experiences.

Sleep 3 a.m.

[i] Images by me.

Wednesday September 12 2018

[i]

Waking up at 10:30 a.m.

One of my adult guitar students, Hannah, invited me to try a few classes at her Cross Fit gym. She coaches the one hour session. I’m introduced as the new guy. It’s all about the arms today. I make friends with one of the older guys who is also skinny like me. My arms feel like Jell-O afterwards.

Errands.

Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Butter and Jam. Roasted Potatoes. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Plumcot.

Back home. Making dinner: Brown Rice Quinoa Spaghetti with Mushrooms, Peppers, Tomatoes, Parmesan, Salad, and Garlic Loaf.

Watching Sierra Burgess is a Loser (2018).

Power napping.

Chores.

At the studio practicing piano and singing.

Fruit.

Sleep 4 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Tuesday September 11 2018

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Waking up at 11 a.m.

Ana made us Blueberry Waffles with Coffee.

Running a few errands – everybody is out and about stocking up on water, batteries, and whatever else they think they need to prepare for Hurricane Florence!

Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese. Popped Chips. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Back home. Making homemade Vegetable Fried Rice with Broccoli.

Watching Sierra Burgess Is A Loser (2018).

Teaching an online lesson to Katelyn.

Chillin’ with Ana in her room working on some music but at the same time giving her a guitar lesson.

Fruit and Nut Bar. Honey Dew Melon.

Downstairs, doing chores – making almond milk – organizing all the kitchen utensils in the drawers (we have so much stuff we don’t even use!).

Sleep 4 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Monday September 10 2018

Waking up at 11:30 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Catching up on business.

Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese. Potatoes. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Hurricane Florence is upon us. They say it’s gonna be a category 4, which is pretty serious. Of course, the stores and gas stations are chaos. After work, I stop by Kroger to get gas and some groceries. It’s difficult to figure out which pumps are functioning or not – they’re only serving premium and diesel at this point. I witness a little scuffle between an older man in a truck and a lady waiting behind him in line.

Back home. Warming up leftovers of whatever’s in the fridge.

Chicken Tortellini Soup with Pizza, Kale, and Carrots.

Hanging out with Ana in her bedroom teaching her the bass line to “Ramble On” for our own sake and possible for the MMLIVE band’s sake.

Granola.

Riding my bike late into the night.

Watermelon. Honeydew.

Sleep 4 a.m.

Sunday September 9 2018

Waking up at 11:35 a.m.

Honey Crunch n Oats with Granola and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

I’ve got the entire day off – no prior engagements – no obligations – just me, myself, and I.

There’s rain and flooding for like an hour then the sunshine dries it all up.

At the Great Neck Rec shooting the basketball around.

Watermelon.

Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Butter and Jam. Salt n Vinegar Chips with Avocado.

Watching Black Panther (2018).

Catching up on chores and my to-do list.

Napping. Meanwhile, I hear Ana doing her guitar riff of the day.

Dinner by Ana: BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich with Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Carrots, and Beets.

Ana and I run some late night errands. Practicing some new songs at the studio together.

Grapes and Chocolate.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Saturday September 8 2018

Waking up at 10:52 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Teaching afternoon lessons at Music Makers.

Grilled PB&J Bagel. Lentil Curls. Coffee. Orange.

Watching Black Panther (2018).

Catching up on business. Errands.

Getting a much needed massage from Jonna, a longtime customer and parent of a student of ours. It’s really important with the work I do to get my shoulders, neck, and legs worked on regularly.

Back home. Mom makes dinner: Cod Filets with Black Beans, Broccoli, Carrots, and Rice.

Business.

At the studio playing piano – working on original songs.

Sleep 4 a.m.

Friday September 7 2018

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Waking up at 11:50 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

At the Great Neck Rec shooting some hoops. It’s been a couple weeks since my feet touched a basketball court. It feels good.

Scrambled Eggs. Everything Bagel with Vegan Cream Cheese. Okra and Sweet Potatoes. Coffee.

Finishing Arizona (2018).

Driving around teaching all my in-home lessons.

Apple.

Back home. I order Donatos Pizza around the corner. I filled out a survey that gave me a free individual pizza – I decide to give it to Austin who has had some recent car troubles and in general life troubles.

“You just won yourself a free pizza! Congratulations!” I tell him.

“I’ll be right down to collect my winnings,” he texts back.

Ana and I head to Norfolk. Tonight at Toast I’m playing bass with Ladada – we’re opening for the beautiful Renata Zeiguer, who has a lullaby-like voice but with a mature indie-rock vibe backing her up. Sipping on drinks and mingling with the concert goers. A lot of friends of ours mention how tight and in sync Ladada was tonight. Ana says it seems to just get better and better.

Ana drives us back to VB. After dropping off some gear we instigate a heated session of love.

Sleep next to her at 3:30 a.m.

[i] Photo by Jeff Hewitt. All others by me.

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