Wednesday October 31 2018

[i]

Waking up at 10:35 a.m.

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

Crossfit.

Vega Recovery Shake.

Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Butter and Jam. Coffee. Pineapple. Coffee.

Teaching a few lessons at Music Makers. It’s a short workday cause of Halloween.

With Will and Ana at Aloha Snacks for dinner. Tuna Poke Bowl with Portuguese Donuts. This place is our new go-to for dinner or brunch. The owner walks around and talks to everybody making sure our experience is above and beyond. When I ask for a lid to cover my leftovers he ends up adding more tuna, rice, and seaweed to make for another meal. Above and beyond.

Back at the house we suit up in our MANIAC costumes and decide to shoot a tribute video. I print a small script imitating the NPB promo clip from the show and other scenes. A sudden appearance from Tristan Stewart – he helps hold the iPad. Will’s bedroom makes for a perfect setting to shoot in. He pulls up some software that makes the computer screens look busy with computer-like things. Here it is...

We hit the road to Norfolk for Halloween festivities. First up is The Bearded Bird Brewing Co. Playing some pool and watching some bands. Then, over to Cogan’s for karaoke and mingling with a bunch of costume wearing locals. Afterwards, we drive over to Josiah’s apartment to say happy birthday. He was sleeping so we only have time for a quick conversation on the porch and a hug.

After making lover Ana and I sleep in my bed.

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[i] Image by me.

Tuesday October 30 2018

[i]

Waking up at 11:15 a.m.

Bowl of Oat Flakes with Granola, Strawberries, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Restringing a guitar.

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

Watching Daredevil (2018).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Black Beans with Sugar Snap Peas, Carrots, Onions, Celery, Quinoa, and Salmon.

Teaching an online lesson.

Pineapple.

Practicing at the studio with Ana.

Sleep 4 a.m.

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[i] Image by me.

Monday October 29 2018

Waking up at 10:40 a.m.

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

CrossFit session – feeling the burn and the gains.

Vega Recovery Shake.

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

Watching Daredevil (2018).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Back home. Eating leftover Spaghetti with fresh Sourdough Bread.

ELO rehearsal. Things seem to be a little out of sort tonight but we get through a few songs.

Gelato.

Catching up on things.

Sleep 3:45 a.m.

Sunday October 28 2018

[i]

Waking up at 10:45 a.m.

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

MMLIVE rehearsals all afternoon.

Things go smoothly compared to last week. My stress levels are much lower. Drew and I get a system of coaching going.

...

PB&J Bagel. Apple. Pear.

Back home. Napping in Ana’s room. Meanwhile Elvis cat naps nearby,

Getting groceries with mom at Trader Joe’s.

Back home. Cooking dinner: Salmon with Butternut Squash, Onions, Celery, Baby Broccoli, and Couscous.

Watching Daredevil (2018).

Catching up on my to-do list.

Gelato.

At the studio restringing a guitar and practicing piano.

Snacking on Popped Chips.

Sleep 4 a.m.

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[i] Image by me.

Saturday October 27 2018

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

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

Teaching afternoon lessons at Music Makers.

For lunch Ana and I decide to check out Aloha Snacks, a fairly new food place down the street. Enjoying the Hawaiian atmosphere and amazing Portuguese style Donuts along with Kimchi Deviled Eggs and a Forbidden Rice Burger.

Back home. Taking care of chores.

Ana and I make a little love in the bedroom. She’s got on this Prairie dress and a handkerchief around her neck – and her new short haircut is fresh.

Later on, we do some practicing at the studio. It’s nice to be running over songs not in the middle of the night when we’re both coherent and awake.

Dinner: Black Beans with Broccoli and Quinoa.

Watching Daredevil (2018).

Setting up for rehearsals tomorrow and practicing drums.

Sleep 3:45 a.m.

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[i] Image by me.

Friday October 26 2018

[i]

Waking up at 11:30 a.m.

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

Catching up on business. Finally confirming a substitute location for the MMLIVE show. It was a daunting task – anytime you’re booking an event it is.

Running errands – printing and fixing up ID badges for our Maniac costumes tonight.

Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Butter and Jam. Sugar Snap Peas. Coffee.

Watching Daredevil (2018).

Costume prepping continues.

Driving out to Norfolk for the Halloween LavaFest. They moved everything from Toast to a warehouse Farmer’s Market down the street. The whole house (except for Austin) is dressed up as characters from Maniac, the recent limited series on Netflix. It all just made sense for Ana and I to go as Dr. James Mantleray and Dr. Azumi Fujita. Will goes as Jonah Hill’s character and my mom as “mother”. It’s a little too soon cause I don’t think the Maniac show has been exposed to everyone yet making it a slight obscure pop culture reference. But the collection of compliments we do receive is that of sheer amazement and appreciation. And we even find another couple who dressed up as test subjects from the show!

The tribute band lineup is absolutely killer. The Doors open up the show – the Ray Manzarek impersonator is spot on with his keyboard setup and he plays just as well. Ronnie embodies Jim Morrison to a T. Next is Gin Blossoms with their 90’s radio rock hits – each band member is sporting a flannel and blue painted faces. Then, Ladada is up as The Rolling Stones – feeling so proud of all my bandmates. With all the charismatic energy of Ronnie and Josiah as Mick Jagger front men and everyone else involved from Chuck’s guiro magic and Tristyn’s vocal additions, we did the thing right! “Start me up!” After us is The Spice Girls and then a shred fest from Jimi Hendrix – we almost witness a burning guitar but it didn’t happen.

The after party is at Toast. We all enjoy bowls of Kale and Chili. Chilling with friends and mingling.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

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[i] Images by me and Joe Justice.

Thursday October 25 2018

Waking up at 10:35 a.m.

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

Cross fit. I feel like I’m still acclimating to some of the concepts and flow of the group workouts. I love the feeling after I get home and enjoy one of those Vega Recovery Shakes. The food I eat at lunch tastes that much better cause it feels like I’m replenishing and adding gains in my body.

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

Watching Daredevil (2018).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Orange.

Back home. Enjoying a team effort home cooked meal: Cod Filets with Cauliflower, Broccoli, Carrots, Sugar Snap Peas, Onions, and Couscous.

At Ladada/Rolling Stones rehearsal – second night in a row. We’re definitely prepared now for the big show tomorrow. Ronnie shows up to lead the vocals with “Sympathy...” and “Sweet Virginia”. Tristyn’s here of course on the keys and vocals. It’s a good ole’ time.

Sleep 4 a.m.

Wednesday October 24 2018

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Waking up at 11:10 a.m.

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

Running errands.

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

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Applesauce.

Back home. Making dinner: Brown Rice Spaghetti with Kale and Naan Bread.

Watching Daredevil.

At Ladada’s Rolling Stones rehearsal with Josiah, Jonnie, Bobby, Chuck, and Tristyn. The air is thick with second hand smoke from all the smokers – spirits are high. We go through the Stones set – feeling pretty good about the songs – working out the kinks. Chuck maintains his strong role as percussion master and rocks one of those traditional African coats. His energy along with Tristyn’s voice/piano really adds to the band.

Pear. Chamomile Tea. Peanut Butter Pretzels.

Sleep 4 a.m.

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[i] Image by me.

Tuesday October 23 2018

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Bowl of Oat Flakes with Granola, Strawberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

Chores.

At the studio restringing a guitar.

Mom and I check out Island Twist, the old Upper Deck restaurant down at the oceanfront. We’re in desperate need of a place to host the MMLIVE show cause Chevy’s/Eagles Nest is undergoing renovations and such.

Sardines. Toast. Broccoli and Carrots. Popped Chips. Coffee.

Watching Season 3 of Daredevil (2018).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Apple.

Back home. Mom and I eat some Filipino food that Ana’s mom brought us for dinner.

Teaching an online lesson.

Chores.

At the studio practicing songs with Ana.

Sleep 4 a.m.

Monday October 22 2018

[i]

Waking up at 10:35 a.m.

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

Getting exhausted in my CrossFit TakeOver class – focus is on pull-ups, push-ups, and running along with some fun warm-ups.

Vega Recovery Shake.

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

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Slurping down some leftover Chicken, Rice, and Vegetable Soup with Bread.

At Soul Haven Studios with Nigel and Jimmy tracking some vocal harmonies for ELO tunes.

Back home. Snacking on Grapes and a Kiwi.

Figuring out a set for Ana and I’s gig coming up in November.

Tortilla Chips.

Sleep 4 a.m.

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[i] Image by me.

Sunday October 21 2018

[i]

Waking up at 10:45 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Coffee.

Three MMLIVE rehearsals today. Things get chaotic as the show date approaches but as mom keeps telling me this always happens but then it all comes together in the end.

Poppy Seed PB&J Bagel. Sweet Potato Chips. Orange.

I just want what I do in these rehearsals to be effective. Sometimes, I feel I’m lacking in achieving the expectations I set for these bands. I take every detail of the songs seriously and try to instill the responsibility of those details in the kids.

Immediately after, I head over to the Right On rehearsal spot for ELO practice. We sort of do it unplugged and focus on song structure/vocal harmonies.

Back home. Thankfully, mom made a heart pot of Chicken, Rice, and Vegetable Soup.

Doing chores.

Ana scoops me up from the house and we hang out with Anthony and crew at Wanna B’s for karaoke and to celebrate his birthday. Even though I’m spent from the day’s rehearsals I manage to rough up some spunk for Ana and I to do “Pump Up The Jam”, a 90’s dance tune from back in the day. A lot of our friends are here so it’s like a little reunion. Sipping on beers and singing along to every song!

Sleep 4 a.m.

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[i] Image by me.

Saturday October 20 2018

Waking up at 11:15 a.m.

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

Teaching afternoon lessons at Music Makers.

Leftover Spaghetti and Bread for lunch with Coffee.

Watching an episode of Adam Ruins Everything (2018), great educational comedy.

Catching up on my to-do list.

Errands – setting up the band rehearsal room for tomorrow.

Mom warmed up some Shrimp Fried Rice with Broccoli and Carrots for dinner.

Plotting Ana and I’s costume dedicated to the Netflix series Maniac. We get Will and mom involved also. Online shopping for lab coats, aviators, and wigs.

Kiwi and a Cookie.

At the studio practicing songs with Ana.

Grapes.

Sleep 4 a.m.

Friday October 19 2018

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Waking up at 11:36 a.m.

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

Chores – mainly cleaning my detached A/C unit to put away and replace with a convection heater.

Target.

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

Teaching all my in-home lessons.

Back home. Ana made a meal: Chic Peas with Brussel Sprouts, Carrots, Onions, and Quinoa. With mom and her enjoying the food. This wood and rope disentanglement puzzle I got from the thrift store provides some great dinner entertainment.

At the studio practicing songs with Ana.

Grapes.

Sleep 4 a.m.

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[i] Images by me.

Thursday October 18 2018

[i]

Waking up at 11:07 a.m.

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

Organizing stuff at the studio.

Scrambled Eggs. Cinnamon Roll (provided by Ana). Slaw. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Fuji Apple.

Back home. Mom takes the second hand potatoes Austin collected from the Lutheran church and makes a Cabbage and Potato Skillet meal with Peas, Carrots, and Bread. Will, mom, Ana, and I enjoy our meal as a 1435 house family.

Later on I meet up with Jonnie at his and Jacki’s apartment in Norfolk to run through some Rolling Stones songs with Tristyn. Chuck, our new percussion master, stops in to hang too. Working out harmonies and piano parts. Towards the end we get sidetracked with all kinds of music and camaraderie.

Bosc Pear.

Sleep 4 a.m.

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[i] Image by me.

Wednesday October 17 2018

[i]

Waking up at 10:35 a.m.

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

Cross fit session at CrossFit TakeOver.

Vega Recovery Shake.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Salt n Vinegar Chips with Avocado. Coffee.

Watching Apostle (2018).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Orange.

Brown Rice Quinoa Spaghetti Noodles with Onions and Tomatoes. Spinach Salad.

At the Tidewater Storage unit for Ladada/Rolling Stones rehearsal. Chuck, Jackie, and Ronnie stop by to participate in some of the songs. Chuck gets excited about being the percussion master – his harmonic contributions are perfect. Ronnie provides the proper charisma for “Sweet Virginia” and “Sympathy...” Jacki adds that flare in “Gimme Shelter”.

Mango Smoothie.

Sleep 4 a.m.

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[i] Image by me.

Tuesday October 16 2018

Waking up at 11:18 a.m.

Bowl of Oat Flakes with Granola, Banana, and Almond Milk.

Ana and I go on a super errand run in Hilltop. Stopping basically everywhere for groceries and thrifting.

Profound quote of the day from Ana: “You can’t change what’s on the outside but you can curate what’s on the inside.”

Grilled PB&J Sesame Bagel. Corn Tortilla Chips. Cucumber. Tomatoes. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers. It’s a hectic day as usual.

Back home. Mom helps make dinner: Chicken with Onions, Peppers, Kale, Carrots, and Couscous.

Practicing tunes with Ana at the studio. And I didn’t yell at her this time. We have a “smooth and easy” rehearsal and actually do more than two songs.

Mango Smoothie.

Sleep 4 a.m.

Monday October 15 2018

[i]

Waking up at 10:35 a.m.

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

Cross fit.

Vega Recovery Shake.

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

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Pineapple.

Back home. Mom and I make dinner: Vegetable Fried Rice with Broccoli.

I plop onto Ana’s bed.

“What’re you doing in here?” she reacts.

“I’m here to take a nap!”

And so we cuddle up for some Zzzz.

After 10:30 p.m. we awake with some fruit and head to the studio to have a 3 hour practice. It gets intense as we run over newer tunes. I get heated when she easily gives up on challenging parts on the guitar. I need to learn to stay patient but so does she with herself. I like to push/encourage each other into becoming better musicians.

Over the past couple days a new boil has appeared around my groin but this time in a less awkward spot. I don’t understand where it came from. But I maintain it with all my supplies from the last one.

Sleep 4 a.m.

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[i] Image by me.