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.
Many errands to run. Dropping off a trailer key at the
warehouse for Kevin. Returning some bulbs to Lowe’s. Seeing if the library has
any tax forms I need.
Cleaning up some things on the bus.
Eggs. Kale. English Muffin. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.
Watching Vengeance
(2022).
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Vegetable Stew. Quinoa. Salad. Bread.
Ladada band practice tonight! For the first time a long
while. We jam on some new riffs and conjure up new song ideas. Afterwards, we
get into a recording discussion and future plans.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, and Almond Milk. English
Breakfast Tea.
I go on another search calling Elvis’s name – he’s been out
here all day yesterday and all night. Luckily the rain has stopped and daylight
gives me an advantage. But still no luck.
I run some errands.
Back home. I happen to look out the bedroom window and I
spot Elvis just sitting at the foot of the woods looking for his home.
Immediately, I run out to retrieve him. He meows as soon as he notices his dad.
I scoop him up gratefully and bring him in. He’s completely covered in mud from
the toes up to his mane. Poor thing.
Rebecca comes over and helps me give Elvis a bath in the
kitchen sink. It’s not really a full bath but we’re able to clip some of his
frontal mats and rinse his muddy paws.
Waking up bright and early at 8:08 a.m. at a hotel in
Marion, Illinois.
Banana. Breakfast Bar. Tea.
We’re 11 now in the tour bus with Ron and Mike as additions.
They drive the first two shifts. Meanwhile, I catch up on computer stuff. Then
nap in the futon in the back.
We stop at a Love’s about 4/5 hours in. Having a few Eggs
with Salt n Vinegar Chips, Mango, and Coffee.
The long drive continues! Conversation in the middle rows.
Doom scrolling. But for the most part I get lots of stuff done on the computer
– tax and scheduling related.
Green Tea. Cookies.
Napping in the back on and off.
The bus eventually makes it to the warehouse. Team effort at
getting the trailer parked and unloaded.
I take the bus back to Chanticleer. Earlier, I was informed from
my roommates that Elvis got outside from the morning on. This whole time I’ve
been stressing about it. Apparently, the new roommate, Michael, left the back
door open and he slipped out. Unfortunately, it’s raining big time and it’s
late at night – 4 in the morning I’m scouring the back patios and woods in
search of Elvis – meowing and calling his name but no luck.
Unpacking and doing everything I can to lure him back –
putting his litter box and some food out. I can barely sleep thinking he’s
stuck out there in the rain.
Waking up bright and early at 7 a.m. at a hotel in Des
Plaines, Illinois.
Second day in a row I’ve woken up and gone straight to the
fitness room.
...
Then shower. Then free continental breakfast in the lobby.
Filling up on Eggs, English Muffin, Yogurt, and Orange Juice.
...
Casey and Ed take the driving shift for today. I catch up on
computer stuff while we all discuss future improvements to the shows and travel
arrangements.
...
Napping in the back.
...
Snacking on Pita and Hummus, Orange, Salt n Vinegar Chips,
and Coffee.
Arriving at The Marion Cultural and Civic Center in Marion,
Illinois. We’re running a little behind schedule so we hit it hard setting up
the stage and getting everything ready. Running around right and left, front
and back. Smooth sound check then dinner!
It’s a Thanksgiving-like food spread: Chicken Poppy Seed
Casserole, Shepherd’s Pie, Salad, and Éclair.
Show is just as energetic as the previous two – much taller
theater room so sound isn’t spaced out. But I always love seeing the
enthusiastic faces in the front rows. One kid’s jaw was dropped the entire time
lol.
Packing up and loading out. It’s a mad dash to get
everything put away correctly. The venue staff is super helpful while I lead
the pack in the trailer.
Back at the hotel a few of us gather at the pool to hang.
Nigel is in true comedic form as he goofs off – always putting on a routine for
his audience. One shtick involves him eating a cigarette and pretending to pull
it out of his butt.
Cleaning out the tour bus a little – organizing all the
accumulated bread, deli, and drinks just tossed around in bags – putting them
in crates.
Waking up at 7:45 a.m. bright, cold, and early at Hotel
Julien in Dubuque, Iowa.
Breakfast Bar. Banana. Tea.
We all pile into the tour bus – in the snow and freezing
cold – it takes hours for the bus to heat up. Catching up on computer things
then napping while Jimmy and Kevin drive us upwards to Des Plaines, Illinois.
Arriving at the Des Plaines Theater, a characteristically
old theater with lots of gold and Greek looking statues everywhere. It’s a bit
of a smaller stage than yesterday but we manage.
Having a light lunch of Peanut Butter Pita and Coffee.
Nigel of course draws blood on his head from the light truss
lowering down – he manages to wound himself at least once a day on tour caused
from his half blindness.
After sound check dinner is served – Ron’s Famous Meatballs
and Ravioli.
The energy is especially grand tonight for some reason –
don’t know if it’s the theater, the people, the music, the sound, etc. But
everything felt right. Rebecca got the opportunity to sing the national anthem
at the start of the show – was a real fitting moment.
After the show we always try to do a meet and greet by
merch. It’s nice talking with all the fans. There’s one guy that’s completely
blind, super sweet, with his sisters. He’s come to all of our Midwest shows.
...
Then, kicking it into high gear and packing up the stage.
Back at the hotel we settle into the rooms – meanwhile, it’s
absolutely freezing cold out.
I decide to hit the fitness room immediately with some
running on the treadmill and lifting some free weights. Dwelling on the deep
dreams I had – always in a scenario where I see Ana after a very long time and
we’re able to reconnect on some level. But also remember having a stressful
dream where I was trying to protect an unknown person from a hostile person.
Protein Shake.
At the University of Dubuque we load into The Heritage
Center stage – it’s quite spacious and honestly a perfect layout. Getting all
the cases lined up and setting up. This is always an all encompassing job to
get things in order and sound check.
Snacking on some Pita and Hummus, Banana, and Coffee.
Dinner later is Salmon, Mashed Potatoes, and Broccoli.
The show goes smoothly – no intermission tonight, which
makes things a bit stressful cause we need pee breaks and to change batteries.
But we manage. Great response from the crowd by the last song.
...
Packing up and loading out. There’s always so much to take
care of. I help call the trailer pack with the help of venue crew. That seems
to help.
Settling back in at the hotel reflecting on the show and
looking at footage.
Waking up when the bus stops for gas about 7 in the morning.
It’s snowing! Truck World, an old school truck stop with a novelty like
aesthetic of a mini strip mall.
Back to sleep for another 3 to 4 hours until the next stop.
Pilot. Filling up on Blueberries, Banana, Breakfast Bar, and Tea. Doing stuff
on my laptop for a while.
Sleep some more in the back until the next stop.
Making a PB&J Bagel and enjoying a fresh Brazilian
Coffee from Pilot.
While Rebecca teaches a few virtual lessons in the passenger
seat I take the wheel and drive the bus for the last two and a half hours –
straight through the Iowan farmhouse landscapes of snow. Meanwhile, Nigel,
Chris, and Kevin discuss building additional things to the bus.
We arrive in Dubuque, Iowa at the Hotel Julien, which is
nestled in the heart of downtown.
...
Rebecca and I get into a bit of an argument about how she
feels like her opinion doesn’t matter and some other things. From my side of
things it’s sometimes challenging when we’re in group settings trying to problem
solve or come to a decision. I think the real problem is we have one too many
leaders trying to lead. But we resolve it for now.
After getting settled in some of us meet at an Italian joint
next door for dinner.
Then, pool/hot tub party! Mostly all the young crowd of the
group along with Nancy. Nancy is excited to see snow and throw her first
snowball.
Then, settling back in the room. It feels good to just be in
a soft comfy bed that isn’t moving!
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English
Breakfast Tea.
Packing more and trying to clean things up. However,
Chanticleer has informed all of Taureau Court that the water is shut off till
who knows when. Rebecca lets me borrow her shower but this still sets me back.
Taking the bus to the tire place to get pressure checked and
discover an inner tire is misaligned so they fix that, and fortunately free of
charge.
Then, linking up with everyone at the warehouse. We finish loading
up the trailer – hitching it up to the bus – piling in and off we go!
I take the first driving shift and get a feel for the wheel.
With the trailer you have to keep a tight grip on the steering wheel. It’s an
easy drive cause no one is on the road for the most part. I scarf down a
container of dinner with Salmon, Lentils, Kale, and Quinoa.
I take us four hours in till we arrive at a Pilot.
...
Jimmy and Kevin take the next shift. Snacking hardcore on
Chips and Green Tea then lying down in the very back attempting to sleep
through the bumpy ride.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English
Breakfast Tea.
At Music Makers coaching three bands with Rebecca’s help. I
planned everything to have a 30 minute break in between – this really helps
keep our bearings. For some reason we stay very productive and each band
consistently agrees on many songs up front.
Protein Shake and Coffee on lunch break.
After 8 p.m. cleaning up the room and reflecting on
everything.
Rebecca and I run a few night errands – Whole Foods for
pizza then Target.
Taking care of chores.
Then, at the warehouse with the bus fixing the merch rack
with LED’s and other various things.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English
Breakfast Tea.
At Music Makers coaching Olivia’s band for their first
rehearsal – we brought Sage (Charley) on board – Rebecca helps me get the band
on track.
Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Purple Potatoes. Coffee.
Running grocery errands.
I drive the bus over to the warehouse – tweaking more things
in conjunction with gear inside. Rebecca is also here organizing t-shirts and
merch stuff. I figure out a way to install a power inlet and outlet using a
circle drill.
Freshovers for dinner – Chicken, Rice, Broccoli, and Onions.
I get into conversation on Instagram with Chris Ledbury
about Adam Driver movies.
“Relationships are
haaaard,” he says.
“Ah yes hard work they
are. They create pain but then epiphany. They instill stress but then
understanding. They border insanity but then offer foundation,” I reply.
Back inside the bus while it’s parked on the street. I try
to fix all the rackety noise above the driver’s seat coming from inside the
panel and tweak a few things.
At Music Makers coaching Alexa’s band for the first time
this year. We already get started on an Iron Maiden and Pumpkins song. They get
a little rowdy towards the end but I have to let them let loose for a bit. It’s
now a past time of theirs to snag my phone camera and film everything.
Later on, at the warehouse doing some organization and
re-labeling of cases and such. I stay here pretty late into the night.
Home after midnight and finally eating leftover Pasta for
dinner.
Finishing the movie that really just blew me away – Indie
Action Shakespeare comes to mind.
Waking up at 7:45 a.m. to drop off Elvis at the vet (his
favorite pastime lol).
Back to bed only to wake up later to find out they couldn’t
do anything to him because of how feisty he is. It’s ridiculous the lengths
that I have to go to get him looked at. So I pick him up and we come up with a
plan for next time.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English
Breakfast Tea.
Catching up on business and cleaning up some things on the
bus.
Eggs. Spinach/Kale. English Muffin. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Grabbing some Bangkok Garden for Rebecca and I. After eating
we tackle the merch rack at the warehouse – re-banding all the shirts and
continuing the evolution of the merch rack. I continue cutting cardboard as
dividers and we stock everything.
Rebecca drops me off at this shop out near Newtown to pick
up the ELO shuttle bus. I drive it from the shop to Nigel’s to pick up the tags
then parking it in Chanticleer.
PB&J Bagel. Chips. Coffee.
There’s hella traffic on Laskin – they’ve got it completely
blocked right at the entrance to my neighborhood so everyone is forced to make
u-turns. I decide to go on foot and manage to make it there faster than sitting
in a car for 30 minutes.
Teaching lessons.
Back home. Making Pasta for dinner.
At the warehouse organizing the merch and fixing some
things.
Having another dream where I see Ana – in the dream she
looks vibrant and different. For some reason I’m hanging out with friends over
at her new guy’s place. And for some reason I’m trying to take a shower there.
Waking up kind of early at 10:45 a.m.
Over at Rebecca’s meeting with Mike and Ron about some ELO
business.
Breakfast Bar. Tea.
Picking up a few things at Lowe’s then meeting with Mike and
Brad the Builder to figure out a few things on this piano shell.
At Music Makers there’s a surprise of roof workers blocking
off our back parking lot, which I had no idea about and was not communicated to
me by the landlord. I work it out with the head honcho.
Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Coffee.
Teaching lessons.
Protein Shake.
At Nigel’s with Kevin, Ron, Mike, and Rebecca – having a
business meeting mostly about Nigel’s plans to pay us for all of last year’s
gigs and upcoming tour stuff.
Today is a catch up day. I stay on the computer dealing with
emails and brainstorming.
Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Coffee.
Watching Kaleidoscope
(2022).
More business.
Protein Shake.
Later on, Mike picks me up. We drive over to Nigel’s to
retrieve the van/trailer and unload it back at the warehouse – dealing with a
bunch of stuff there – then driving the van back.
Black Beans, Bok Choy, Carrots, Quinoa, Onions, Tuna, and
Naan Bread.
It’s show day at Elevation 27 – setting up the stage for the
ELO show tonight – an all day endeavor. I run back and forth between Music
Makers (Heathyr is teaching some afternoon lessons here) and the venue.
...
Using gaff tape everywhere – plugging in cables – setting up
cameras.
The kitchen serves an impressive Pecan Burger.
After 8 p.m. we perform our 45 minute sets to a sold out
crowd.
Everything goes smoothly and with a huge reception – meeting
with some of the audience afterwards – getting pictures.
Packing up and loading out.
Back home. Relaxing and catching up on everything.
Dealing with the flat tire on the truck. I don’t really have
the right tools except for this small carjack from the wagon. I manage to get
it lifted and the tire off but the spare is a mystery to get off. I drive over
to Discount Tire to get a new one.
Running errands – at Music Makers – buying coffee at Three
Ships.
Eggs. Biscuit. Spinach. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.
Putting on the new tire on the truck – driving it around.
At the warehouse fixing some things with the merch rack and
organizing some gear. Everything is lined up ready to be loaded into the
trailer tomorrow.
Pasta and Baby Broccoli for dinner with some Naan Bread.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English
Breakfast Tea.
At the Rec exercising and shooting the ball around.
Eggs. Bagel. Spinach. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Protein Shake.
Grocery shopping.
Vegan Sausage with Lentils, Quinoa, Salad, and Naan Bread.
Watching Kaleidoscope
(2023).
I attempt to give Elvis a sedative mixed in with ice cream
but he’s on to me. My goal is to see how his body reacts – if it will be enough
to handle him to groom and get rid of these mats.
At the Rec trying to exercise but I just have no energy to
go all out.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
After work Rebecca and I pick up a Pizza pie and garlic
knots and meet up with Mike at the warehouse. We talk/complain about band
related things. Organizing some of the road cases. Rebecca works on restocking
the merch rack while I organize my keyboard rig. We stay here pretty late.
Eventually, I’m home. Doing dishes – cleaning the stove –
playing with Elvis.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English
Breakfast Tea.
Feeling tired today so I avoid the gym. Instead I catch up
on communications with parents and planning for MMLIVE.
While running errands my car won’t start again at Target.
Jamil thinks it’s a fuel pump. I attempt to put starting fluid into the air
intake but no luck.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Sardines with Lentils, Quinoa, Bok Choy, Carrots, and
Onions.
With Rebecca and Mike who drives us out to the courthouse
for a hearing between Jimmy Wiseman and Nigel. Watching them up there on the
stands in front of the judge is quite a visual. For some reason they could not
sort all of this out on their own. He obviously owes everyone in the band a lot
of money but Jimmy is the only one who decided to take the legal route.
...
On the drive to drop off Nigel we all have a constructive
talk about the future of the band and how we need to be more transparent with
everyone.
Back home. Eating a bowl of Granola with Tea.
Catching up on business. Then napping.
Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
I grab some Pho Noodle Soup in Hilltop alone.
Then, ELO rehearsal. I invited Ian from the ABBA band to try
out the bass as an understudy. We all work through the set.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English
Breakfast Tea.
Catching up on chores and business.
Packing up and driving out to Smartmouth in Norfolk for the
much anticipated show tonight. New Year New Wave featuring my band, New
Division, and The Cure. There’s much to set up and figure out. Marissa brought
100 flowers for us to adorn the stage with – I figure out how to tape it to the
kick drum. It’s an absolutely packed house in there so much so they had to turn
people down to get in even though it’s a free show.
...
I get up there with my wig and dressy clothes to perform as
Ian Curtis for Joy Division. Half the time I’m second guessing myself with the
lyrics but everything just flows out smoothly. I harness the energy of the
music and do my best to be Ian Curtis.
Afterwards, DJ Andra Day spins 80’s and 90’s bangers. I hang
out for a long while talking in depth with friends and dancing. It’s a night to
remember for sure.
Back home. Relaxing and catching up footage. Feeling very
proud of everything we did.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English
Breakfast Tea.
At the Rec exercising and playing pick-up basketball.
...
Traffic is absolutely horrific today all over Hilltop –
construction keeps blocking off lanes during rush hour.
Protein Shake.
Today’s the big day for Elvis. I hired Zoomin Groomin to
help get these mats on his back shaved off. It’s an ordeal to just get him into
the cat carrier to bring him out to the van.
Eggs. Salad. Bagel. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.
Driving out to Norfolk to pick up the Phantom guitar from
Josiah then stop by Adam Hanson’s house to go over a cameo he’ll be doing for
tomorrow’s show.
At the studio organizing things and practicing the Joy
Division songs.
I rearranged my schedule so I could watch the front desk
today cause Madelaine called out. I hold down the fort collecting payments and
keeping thing in check.
Protein Shake.
Right after, New Division’s final band practice in the 104
space. We run through the set and clean up any dirty spots.
Salmon, Black Beans, Baby Broccoli, Carrots, and Rice.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English
Breakfast Tea.
At the Rec working out, exercising, and playing basketball.
Eggs. Vegan Sausage. Bagel. Spinach. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Then, grabbing some pizza supplies from Whole Foods cause
they’re not selling fresh pizza for some reason. My car won’t start as I soon
discover out in the parking lot. It cranks but won’t turn over. Allyson gives
me a lift back home.
...
Making a quick pizza for Rebecca and I. Then, we head to the
warehouse to rehearse some things with Kevin and Jimmy A., mostly for Jimmy
cause he’s still learning the bass parts. We spend a lot of time listening to
the tracks and teaching Jimmy. But it’s overall very productive.
Our new roommate, Michael Brown, is here moving in. I help
him get situated in Ana’s old bedroom.
Catching up on a few things.
Then, riding with Rebecca to Busch Gardens. She invited me
to watch David Rogers, one of our Broadway kids, perform in a Scrooge show
there. Meanwhile, we make a day out of it and prance around the park. It’s
actually quite crowded for New Years day. A bit chilly but not too bad. Doing
all the little rides and some big. She’s not entirely fond of roller coasters
but we convince her to at least ride Verbolten and Invadr. I go solo on the
fairly new one, Pantheon, which absolutely blew me away – hands down best
coaster I’ve ridden in a long time.
...
With a Hot Cocoa in hand we make it to the last Christmas
Town train ride of the night before the park closes to see all the unique
Christmas lights they have strung out in hidden alcoves and parts of the
forest.
Back home. Catching up on everything. Hitting the bed pretty
early.
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