Saturday December 31 2022

Waking up around 11:30 a.m. Cuddling with Elvis.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

At the Rec exercising and working out. It really feels good to be doing this lately.

 

Eggs. Bagel. Vegan Sausage. Spinach. Coffee.

Watching Outer Range (2022).

 

Catching up on business.

 

Driving out to Smartmouth in Norfolk for the New Year’s Scream. Four bands are playing tonight with The Lazy Dangers kicking off the midnight howl! The Warm Hug. Pearloid. Obscure Son. Ana is around with her new guy, Drew from Pearloid. I’ve cleared the air with both of them at some point this year so everything is cool. All is well and fair.

 

 

 

I help pass out all the fun gadgets, noise makers, and necklaces to the crowd. Elliott and I pop off the confetti champagne bottles right at the start of their set. Anthony’s band really brings the hype on stage and transfers to the crowd beautifully. I love their energy and it’s perfect to bring in 2023.

 

Back home. Relaxing and catching up on footage.

 

Friday December 30 2022

Waking up around 11:30 a.m.

 

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Running errands – groceries from Kroger and Whole Foods – stopping by Music Makers to do a few things while Allyson works the front desk.

 

Eggs. Salad. English Muffin. Coffee.

 

Working on an email and other things on the computer.

Protein Shake.

 

Spaghetti with Kale, Carrots, Mackerel, and Naan Bread.

Watching Outer Range.

 

Taking care of stuff around the house – cleaning – doing a few things in Madelaine’s room cause she’s moving out soon. Meanwhile, Elvis runs up and down the stairs.

 

Pineapple. Raspberries.

 

Thursday December 29 2022

Waking up around 11:20 a.m.

 

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

 

At the Rec center exercising.

Orange.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.

Watching Outer Range.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Protein Shake.

 

Doing stuff at the studio – packing up the Christmas decorations.

 

Back home. Cod Filet with Sweet Potato and Green Beans.

 

Not feeling 100% - headache and feeling achy. I’m sure by morning I’ll be rested up.

 

Wednesday December 28 2022

Waking up around 11 a.m. Really trying to get into this habit of awakening earlier.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

At the Rec center exercising on the treadmill then playing a game of pick-up basketball.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Protein Shake.

 

At the Berries practice space rehearing New Division songs.

 

Dinner: Black Beans, Green Beans, Quinoa, and Salad.

Watching Outer Range (2022).

 

Doing chores and catching up on business.

 

Tuesday December 27 2022

Waking up around 11 a.m. much earlier for a change!

 

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

 

I decide to hit the gym – my plan is to start waking up earlier to make time for this. At the Rec shooting some basketball around and working out.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.

Watching Outer Range (2022).

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Grabbing some groceries.

 

Protein Shake.

 

One of our drum students recently got a brand new drum set for Christmas. I offer to drive over to their house to help set it up. They live all the way out in Red Mill area. In their garage the mom and dad help me gather all the screws and pieces. Meanwhile, their little tuxedo dog runs around offering licks. It takes a bit of time to get all the hardware and drum pieces in order but eventually it all comes together.

 

Finally I’m home making dinner for myself: Hefty Salad with a Sardine English Muffin.

 

Laundry – dishes – chores.

 

Cinnamon Rolls later on.

 

Monday December 26 2022

Waking up around 11 a.m. Still in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

 

My dad got invited to a post Christmas Day dinner at his friend Freddy’s house, a guy he works with at DAV. I join the gathering...

...

They’ve got a bunch of tables set up in the garage with all kinds of lovely homemade food. Freddy’s wife Michelle shows us around the house – she’s got a collection of government coins from her work in the military, CIA, etc. Outside on the lawn they have the ultimate Christmas decorations in town – Disney, Toy Story, Dinosaurs, Grinch, etc.

...

Dad and I enjoy the food and the conversation with their family. Meanwhile, the little ones walk around with suckers in their mouths bringing entertainment to the group.

 

Back at his house I pack up and help him with a few things.

 

Then, I drive back home to VB. Listening to music and communicating with people.

 

At Music Makers taking care of a few things.

 

Home. Cleaning up. Cooking a quick dinner of Lentils, Quinoa, Veggies, and Bread.

 

Sunday December 25 2022

It’s about 10:50 in the morning – waking up in my old bed as a boy when I visited my dad. He knocks on the bedroom door to wake me.

...

Fiddling on the guitar in the living room that my dad bough many years ago just for me to use when I’m here.

 

We drive about an hour to Washington, NC to have Christmas dinner with my aunt Pansy and Peter. Their house is perfectly adorned with Christmas – her two little Pomeranians prance around – they’re very skittish.

...

Enjoying a hearty meal at the nice dinner table with crystal glasses and candlelight. The homemade dinner rolls given from a neighbor are, in my opinion, the highlight.

 

 

Afterwards, helping Pansy clean up in the kitchen while dad and Peter chat about car wreck stories and sports.

 

Later on, back home.

 

My dad gets a phone call from an old military buddy of his. He tells me about how he used to be a crazy youngin’ back in the day. Him and his friend used to fly down 95 at 100 miles per hour sharing swigs of whiskey and chasing girls haha. I like hearing my dad talk about random memories from his past – really helps me humanize him and understand where I come from.

...

We lounge in the living room and watch A Christmas Story Christmas, the sequel to the original back in 1983. I sleep off and on cause of how comfortable this couch is!

 

Late at night after dad resigns to bed early I catch up on things at the computer – continuing to lie on this abyss of a couch listening to this Ethiopian nun’s instrumental piano album while reflecting on all the heartfelt things that are missing this time of year. The music helps fill the strange silence of the Carolinian night. No jet noise. No interstate car sounds. No roommates.

 

Saturday December 24 2022

 

Waking up around 10:50 a.m.

 

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

 

Heading out of VB and onward to Goldsboro, North Carolina. It’s an easy 3 hour drive down US-13 – practicing some Joy Division tunes on the way and eating a PB&J with a Protein Shake.

 

Arriving at my dad’s house – he’s fixing some of the decorations on the lawn. We reconnect inside. I watch him sip on some box wine and recant tales from our family’s past. There’s an intricate family tree I continue to learn about on his side of the family.

 

Later on, I drive us into town to eat at Jay’s Steakhouse, an Asian fusion place. He enjoys a burger and beer while I enjoy a Sweet Potato Noodle dish and hot sake. He’s got a cool and collected buzz going but offers a “Merry Christmas” to any waitress that walks by. One of them chats with us for a bit and describes how she still has so much to do after work to prepare for her big family gathering the next day. My dad tips her a $20 as a nice gesture for having to work on Christmas Eve.

 

Back in his neighborhood we visit with his neighbor friend, Rex, and his family. Even though these people are not family they could be.

 

We brave the 20 degree temperature outside and walk back to his house. Lounging in the living room. All the classic Christmas movies are on...Home Alone...Christmas Vacation, etc. I try to catch up things from the day after dad goes to bed.

...

Looking at last year’s activities I notice Ana and I had Covid together and were spending Christmas just her and I. One instance in particular really grips me where she’s reading a card I composed about Two Horses. I’m still struggling with her absence in my life. This will be the 3^rd Christmas without my mom and the 1^st without her. 

 

Friday December 23 2022

Waking up around noon. I keep having dreams lately about Ana – her and I will be reconnecting as friends and I’ll feel a sense of relief.

 

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

 

Chores and business.

 

Grilled PB&J. Coffee.

 

At Music Makers – teaching a lesson then manning the front desk while Heathyr teaches some subbed lessons – I continue tweaking around the place.

 

Running errands – the wind chill makes the temp feel like 15 degrees! There’s a winter storm warning.

 

Black Beans with an Egg, Black Beans, Asparagus, Quinoa, and Naan Bread.

Watching Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022).

 

Staying home. Catching up on chores and stuff at the house.

 

Packing.

 

Thursday December 22 2022

Waking up around noon.

 

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Organizing and taking care of stuff after we close up.

 

Pasta, Veggies, Vegan Sausage, and Naan Bread for dinner.

Watching Last Chance U.

 

Doing dishes and general chores around the house.

 

Wednesday December 21 2022

Waking up around noon.

 

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

 

Dealing with scheduling stuff.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.

 

At Music Makers watching the front desk cause Allyson was sick today – at the same time Addy is feeling under the weather so we put her in the 104 space.

 

Protein Shake.

 

Back home. Dinner: Beef and Potato Stew my roommate made – adding Quinoa, Baby Broccoli, and Carrots.

Watching Last Chance U.

 

Catching up on business.

 

At the studio late at night using a jigsaw to cut down these boards then making some adjustments in the kitchen raising the new shelf.

 

Tuesday December 20 2022

Waking up at 10:50 a.m.

 

Meeting with Brad the Builder at the warehouse to cut some plywood for this piano shell we’re constructing. It’s gonna be a process but I can’t wait to get to the end product. Meanwhile, Kevin is here building a bass guitar.

 

Running errands.

 

Eggs. Bagel. Spinach. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Taking a walk to Wal-Mart to buy a few hooks and power strips.

 

Leftovers for dinner.

Watching Last Chance U.

 

Catching up on business.

 

At the studio late into the night tweaking and doing things.

 

Monday December 19 2022

Waking up around noon.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

Getting a haircut at Sage.

 

Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Coffee.

 

At Music Makers I’m primarily working the front desk cause Allyson is sick. Feeling pretty efficient and playing the role of manager/keeping things cool and friendly at the front. Then teaching a few lessons at the end of the night.

 

Grabbing some things from Target.

 

Making Pasta for dinner.

Watching stuff.

 

Catching up on business and ordering things.

 

Playing DOOM.

 

Sunday December 18 2022

 

Waking up around 1 p.m.

 

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

 

Catching up on business – relaxing cause I have no worries for the day.

 

Making a protein shake and hitting the town – stopping by T.J.Maxx – it’s absolutely bonkers crowded here cause of Christmas shopping. Running all kinds of errands.

 

Back home for a late lunch: Eggs, Spinach, Bagel, and Coffee.

Watching this Last Chance U documentary series – reminds me of how I miss playing basketball.

 

At Lowe’s searching for things – organizing stuff at the studio. At home fixing up this corner by the laundry – tweaking – installing a new toaster oven.

 

Lentils, Vegan Sausage, Brown Rice, Baby Broccoli, Carrots, and Naan Bread for dinner.

 

Relaxing I guess but then tweaking more things.

 

Saturday December 17 2022

Waking up around noon. Elvis lies down next to me in bed until I arise – he’s always patient.

 

Granola Cereal. Tea.

 

Meeting up at the warehouse with Mike and this guy Brad AKA Brad the Builder (who looks like Santa Claus if he was a carpenter).  We put together a game plan to build a piano shell for my keyboard rig.

 

Grilled PB&J. Protein Shake. Coffee.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Chores.

 

Pasta for dinner.

Watching Memory (2022).

 

Playing DOOM.

 

I finally get to the task of cleaning out the space where we keep all the pots and pans in the kitchen. A while back I built this shelf with hooks. So cleaning the walls and floor then configuring how the new shelf will fit. It’s a lot of work.

 

Friday December 16 2022

Waking up super late after 12:30 p.m.

 

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

 

Catching up on business and stuff.

 

Eggs. Kale. English Muffin. Coffee.

 

Running errands – fixing and tweaking things.

 

Chores – cleaning.

 

Lentils, Brown Rice, Salad, Mackerel, and Salad.

Watching Pennyworth.

 

Doing research.

 

Playing DOOM.

Thursday December 15 2022

Waking up early at 10:50 a.m.

 

Protein Shake. Tea.

 

Rebecca and I ride out to Nigel’s house to have an ELO business meeting with him and Kevin. We go over lots and lots of stuff – trip planning – things we can do to resolve the money issues. Meanwhile, the babies cry in the background.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Meeting with Josiah to fix a few bass track things on the new Ladada recordings.

 

Then back home. Rebecca and I eat Bangkok Garden for dinner while finishing the new Elvis movie. It’s such a tragic story and the last performance scene of Unchained Melody had me in tears.

 

Later on, I’m alone and reflecting on the past through music. It seems this whole year I’ve been heavy hearted all the while busying myself.

 

Wednesday December 14 2022

Waking up around noon.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

Linking up with Mike Mosgrove – I dropped him off at 17^th Street Auto then we assess this digital piano at the studio and haul it over to the warehouse to work on later.

 

Eggs. Bagel. Spinach. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Afterwards, I meet Mike at the warehouse and we start gutting this piano apart with hopes to use some of it for a piano shell to use on tour. Meanwhile, Kevin and Nigel are here setting up to rehearse with this new drummer.

 

Then, at home cooking a quick dinner for myself. Rebecca comes over – we had planned to finish the Elvis movie but instead discuss the next year’s schedule for all our MMLIVE programs and how we’re gonna fit it into our tour schedule.

...

Meanwhile, Elvis plays with the red light and darts around the house.

 

Tuesday December 13 2022

Waking up around 12:30 p.m.

 

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Eggs. Pancake. Spinach. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Protein Shake.

 

I drive over to Jonna Currie’s house for a massage. A few years ago I used to get semi-regular ones from her. This was an absolute necessity – very cozy and such a relief on my whole backside and hands. Afterwards, we talk while her kid, Sophie, dances for TikTok videos and begs to go to Target for AirPods.

 

Back home. Spaghetti with Naan Bread and a Salad.

 

Chores.

 

Playing DOOM.

 

No video today.

Monday December 12 2022

Waking up around 12:30 p.m.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Protein Shake.

 

At the Berries practice space for New Division rehearsal. Halloween is over but we have a one off gig coming up in January. It’s a fun time hanging with these folks and playing the Division songs again.

 

Black Beans, Brown Rice, Salad, and Cookies.

Watching Pennyworth.

 

Catching up on things.

 

Playing DOOM.

 

Sunday December 11 2022

Waking up super super late after 1 p.m.

 

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

 

I get a cleaning bug and decide to organize/vacuum the living room, clean the kitchen sink and stove, etc.

 

PB&J English Muffins. Coffee.

 

Running errands.

 

Meeting with a potential new roommate, Michael Brown. He’s on disability but seems like an interesting guy and might be a good fit for the house.

 

Later on, I cook some dinner, or rather brunch food and thus it is called “Brunchupper”. Rebecca comes over and we enjoy Pancakes, Eggs, Bacon, Spinach, and Tomatoes.

...

Playing with Elvis and then watching the movie Elvis (2022), but only the first half cause it’s a long one.

 

She asks for my help with hanging up these hooks on her ceiling so I lend my height privileges.

 

Recollecting myself and finishing up some chores.

Saturday December 10 2022

Waking up around noon thirty.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

Catching up on business and stuff at the computer.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.

 

Meeting Josiah at the storage unit to record some bass tracks for new Ladada recordings.

 

Then, I head to The NorVa to catch Community Witch open up for Silversun Pickups. I’m really proud of Ana and the band for having this opportunity and ripping it on the stage. It’s absolutely packed in here and they sound really good. I hang with Tristan Stewart by the sound board for the headliners.

 

Back home.

Dinner: Salmon, Peas, Carrots, Celery, Onions, and Brown Rice.

 

Friday December 9 2022

 

Waking up around 12:30 p.m.

 

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

 

Rebecca and I ride out to the warehouse to meet with Kevin and Nigel but behold, they are nowhere to be found. We find out later Kevin took an unexpected nap.

...

So dropping off some UPS packages then stop at the studio to put away books.

 

Later on, I visit with Mike Mosgrove at his house to discuss piano shell plans and other such ELO band business.

 

Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Coffee.

Watching Pennyworth.

 

Driving over to Back Bay for the rock show. Ladada is playing with Cor De Lux and Dariel Clark. It’s nice seeing friends and hanging with the dudes. Rebecca, Britney, Jimmy, and even Tristan were there. Enjoying some Fish Tacos at some point. We all attempt to move it over to Lovesong but it’s cramped and crowded in there. So we just hang out in the parking lot.

 

Back at the studio packing some things away.

 

Then, relaxing at home.

 

Thursday December 8 2022

Waking up at 12:30 p.m.

 

Protein Shake.

 

Running errands.

 

Eggs. Bagel. Spinach. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers. Having a pretty fulfilling day with the students.

 

Leftover Pasta with Vegan Sausage, Salad, and Naan Bread.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Taking a late night walk to Music Makers. Playing some piano and practicing some Ladada bass parts.

 

Playing DOOM.

 

Wednesday December 7 2022

Waking up around noon.

 

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

 

Running errands.

 

Eggs. Veggies. English Muffin. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Sticking around the studio working on computer things and vacuuming. Meanwhile, Addy is recording some stuff in her lesson room and Rebecca is giving a dance lesson in 104.

 

Peas, Pad Thai Noodles, Onions, and Celery.

Watching Pennyworth.

 

Catching up on business and chores.

 

Playing DOOM.

 

Tuesday December 6 2022

Waking up around noon.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Stopping by the warehouse – Kevin and Nigel are shifting and reorganizing everything there to make more room for potential bands to rent out the space. I chat with Nigel for a while about the whole money situation.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.

 

I had quite a few lessons cancel so I stay home and finish emails and photo stuff.

 

Eventually, at the studio teaching.

 

Then, we have Ladada practice in the 104 space. I ate a Salad and Wes brought Dominos pizza to share. We have a pretty productive practice – running through songs and tightening up things.

 

After everyone leaves I stick around to organize some things.

 

Monday December 5 2022

Waking up around noon.

 

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

 

Catching up on business and scheduling.

 

Eggs. Bagel. Spinach. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Pasta and Salad for dinner.

Watching Troll (2022).

 

Organizing these MMLIVE photos.

 

Doing more things at the computer and chores.

 

Playing DOOM.

 

Sunday December 4 2022

Waking up super late – almost 1 p.m.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

Catching up on things at the computer.

 

Chores.

 

Later on, meeting with Reid and Rebecca at the studio discussing some concerns we had and also brainstorming the next year’s programs.

 

Doing things at the house – emails and such.

 

Later on, Rebecca cooked dinner over at her place – she made Cornish Hen with Sweet Potato Casserole, Green Beans, Mushrooms, and Garlic Bread. We sit at her computer table and get into discussion about Rings of Power and childhood trauma.

 

Playing DOOM.

 

Snacking on Popcorn and watching Bullet Train (2022).

 

No video today. Sometimes I just don’t feel like it.

Saturday December 3 2022

 

Waking up around noon.

 

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Flax Seed, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

 

Doing chores and catching up on business.

 

PB&J. Coffee. Popped Chips.

 

Loading up my car with gear.

At Galilee Church at the oceanfront for the Music Makers Holiday Recital. I brought a PA system to set up in the sanctuary. Even though there is beautiful acoustics in here it’s good to have some control over the sound.

 

 

What an inspiring and wonderful recital we had this time around. We had a mix of my students with Rebecca, Addy, and Heathyr’s students – piano, voice, guitar, etc. I’m so proud of all mine like Chase, Anna, and Luke. Seeing all those kids up there almost brought a tear to my eye. There’s really no better way to instill the spirit of love and the holidays.

 

Packing up and getting all the gear back to the studio.

 

Back home. Making dinner for myself: Salad with Sardines, Pasta with Garlic Bread.

 

Catching up on things.

 

Playing DOOM.