Waking up around noon. It’s rainy outside and unusually kind of chilly.
Cereal. Tea.
Catching up on writing and business at the computer.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Dinner: Beans, Fish, Salad, Rice, and Garlic Bread.
Taking a chair nap.
Catching up on business.
At the studio working on some things.
Feeling a super crave to eat for some reason. Maybe my dinner wasn’t filling enough?
Popcorn and Melon.
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Waking up around noon.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
At the Rec getting a good work out in.
Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Coffee.
Watching Winning Time.
Teaching some lessons.
As I’m about to leave from Music Makers I notice Addy pacing on her phone in the lot. Apparently her car potentially got stolen from the Discount Tire place next door. She just got two new tires and they said they were going to leave it out with a key under the mat. And now it’s just gone! So I tell her to just ride with me so we can pick up my car at another shop and she can just borrow the truck temporarily. (The next morning we’ll find out they left the car in their garage bay and forgot to tell her.)
Grabbing some Tofu Pad Thai real quick for dinner.
Driving out to Norfolk for practice. On the way they’ve got the interchange ramp from 264 to 64 blocked up. My windows are down and I can smell burning rubber. Apparently there’s a fire. So I detour to Military Highway.
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Meeting up with Josiah and Josh for Bamm Bamm practice. Every single song is like super tight for some reason. We got the rough patches out from last Monday’s practice. We discover the green stuff slows the boys down and Josh tends to play songs super slow. So from now save the Jane till after.
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While taking a smoke break Josiah informs us it’s a Super Blue Moon tonight. That might explain some of the craziness going on.
Afterwards, I link up with Aaron at Taphouse briefly for a beer. We can’t seem to remember the name of this ska band from Nags Head we used to play with way back in the day.
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We were gonna hang with a small group but it ended up just me over at Brandice’s place. Her and I have recently become acquainted through Sasha and friends. She’s actually really chill and super cool. I’m just trying to make connections and have no intentions of anything romantic here. Its funny cause just across the street is where Sasha is hanging out with her homeboy. Brandice’s three legged dog Juniper and black cat Luna lounge on the couches while we rap about things – learning about each other – as the rain gently taps on the windows and trees out front.
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During the conversation I come to some conclusions about myself – just how I feel like I’m going through an existential change in my way of thinking and in my way of life. I wanna enjoy things more and not feel trapped to constant responsibilities – or really I just want to allow room in my life for relaxation and fun.
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Talking about how dynamics either change or come to light in relationships after some time and that is usually the downfall of them. Sasha was married for a long time and got divorced. Brandice was married for a few and got divorced. I was with Ana for 9 years. Pets are involved. And things get messy. But being here in this Norfolk apartment of someone I just met is a new experience that I want to open up more of in my life.
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At some point I depart. It’s about 6:30 a.m. and the whole city has awoken on the road. Busses and cars hustling down the street while the rain continues drizzling.
Waking up around noon.
Cereal. Tea.
Catching up on business.
At the rec getting in a good arm workout.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.
Teaching lessons.
Getting inspired and working a new song.
Chicken Dumplings with Salad, Cauliflower, and Noodles.
Watching Atlanta.
Chores.
It’s such a perfect night out. Fresh rain had just fallen maybe an hour ago so the air is rich with humidity. I drop off my car to the 17th Street shop and ride my bike.
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At the studio working on this song some more.
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Waking up around noon.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
Catching up on business.
It’s absolutely raining cats and dogs out – flooding is more than usual. Driving to the Rec to get a workout in.
Eggs. Chard. Toast. Coffee.
At Music Makers teaching lessons.
Black Beans, Sardines, Rice, Baby Broccoli.
Driving out to Ringo’s for Bamm Bamm practice with Josiah and Josh. We gotta get ready for a show coming up.
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Waking up around noon.
Cereal. Tea.
At Music Makers putting things back together after the ballet class is done. Then, working on some business stuff at the front desk.
Running errands.
Eggs. Chard. Toast. Coffee.
Considering how nice of a day it is I take the basketball to the Lynnhaven Middle School courts and shoot around. A guy nearby wants to play one on one. Great exercise. He wins two and I win one.
Getting ready for a night out. I meet up with Aaron Lachman at this Model Citizen pop-up at Crudo Nudo. Newly acquainted friend, Brandice, invited me to check it out. Sasha is here too socializing with all her friends. Most of these people I don’t know. But Aaron and I have a little pow wow time catching up on things enjoying cocktails and amazing food.
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Later on we migrate over to Taphouse – hanging out on the patio. Since I treated Aaron to cocktails he treats me with beer. Familiar faces crawl in and out of here. At the bar I notice Sasha walks in. I’m glad she showed up. We get into conversation sharing stories and talking about songwriting, Nashville (she’s supposed to move there soon), her love for The White Stripes, and eventually some boy issues. Someone she’s been dating the past three months was at the pop-up but was really dismissive with her all night. I can really see a sadness in her eyes amidst the alcoholic haze she’s in. I do really feel connected to her.
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Well beyond last call and after everyone leaves we’re still sitting there. Parker, the bar tender has on some Adult Swim cartoons on the TV. As we get ready to leave Sasha realizes she can’t find her keys. We find them sitting in her driver’s seat with all the doors locked. She gets stressed out about the whole thing cause she just wants to go home. Honestly, probably a good thing this happened cause there’s no way I was letting her drive. I call up Aaron to help out cause he’s got AAA. Meanwhile, she’s adamant about walking to this guy’s house. I’m determined to stay by her side until she’s somewhere safe. We walk a little bit before I end up driving her down the street to dude’s apartment but he hasn’t responded to her calls or texts at all so I don’t see this going well. But she’s confident he’ll let her in. I leave her there cause AAA is now at her car. Aaron and I handle that – the guy pulls out all these tools and opens the door – keys retrieved! Then, I just had a gut feeling to drive back to that apartment. We find her passed out on the steps. Goodness. I scoop her into my car and we get her home. Fumbling with the keys I get her up to the 6th floor and make sure she’s good. A cute white cat with orange spots nuzzles on my legs. I pour her a cup of water from a Brita sitting on the counter.
“You deserve the best! Take it easy on yourself,” I tell her as we share a few hugs goodbye.
I drive Aaron back to his place. We talk about how crazy it is hitting our 40’s and just kind of being aware of how different things are now compared to where we saw our future selves. What an interesting night.
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Waking up after noon.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
Today is a busy day of errands for me.
Dropping off my car at Jamil’s shop over off Little Creek in Norfolk. He lends me a car too while he works on mine. Checking out one of my favorite thrift stores, Thrift Store City down the street. This song “Smooth Operator” by Sade comes on the radio while I peruse, followed by the Ghostbusters song. It’s just another world in here. I found this awesome Jaguar hand bag made in the Philippines probably originally sold by JC Penny.
Meeting a few guys that may potentially rent the warehouse space or the 104 space.
Helping Thomas get his new $4,000 drum kit set up in the studio. Meanwhile, I reorganize some things.
At Ringo’s, the storage unit, adding in a shelf and vacuuming the carpets.
Then, picking up my car at Jamil’s shop.
Kroger.
Finally home. Making Pasta for dinner.
Watching Heart of Stone (2023).
Back at the studio practicing songs on guitar.
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Waking up around noon.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
Doing some business.
At the Rec exercising.
Eggs. Bagel. Chard. Coffee.
Suddenly, Gabe messages me about a last minute slot for Ladada to play the East Coast Surf stage tonight. Somehow we manage to get Bobby to commit but Wes is stuck working. It’s great cause our friends in Berries and Community Witch are already playing as well. I ride my bike there with book bag and bass strapped on my back.
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There, it’s just a big party. They’ve got a pool dug out right on the beach with all kinds of drink vendors and Coastal Edge. Meanwhile, Gabe is organizing things back stage. Edwin happens to be running sound. Weird gig but a good time! It’s nice hanging out with the Berries crew – both of these bands are like our sibling bands.
I walk Bobby to his car – we recap the show and talk about some of the inner workings of the band.
Later on, I ride up the boardwalk and relax on a bench for a while catching up on footage. I observe an older couple standing in the middle of the boardwalk facing the beach holding each other for at least a whole 30 minutes. They never let go even after a gang of kids sped by on hoverboards and after two horse cops marched past. I don’t know why but it was a little inspirational to me. I won’t forget them. I’m left wondering what their story is.
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Waking up around noon. Feeling extra sore from yesterday’s workout.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
Sticking around the house catching up on business and scheduling.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Playing guitar.
Dinner: Pasta with Salad and Garlic Bread.
Watching Insidious: The Red Door (2023).
Ice Cream. Green Tea.
At the studio practicing some guitar – been stuck on this “Baby Please Don’t Go” song.
Popcorn. Mango.
Waking up around noon.
Cereal. Tea.
At the Rec working out.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.
Teaching lessons.
Quick dinner: Black Beans, Tuna, Baby Broccoli, Carrots, Rice, and Garlic Bread.
At the storage unit for Ladada practice, well sort of. Wes is absent but Josiah, Bobby, and I talk about the future of the band. Meanwhile, we become the re-arrangers – clearing out some corners in the room so we can open up areas.
Popcorn.
Waking up around noon.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
I decide to take it easy this afternoon. No gym. Picking up some groceries from Whole Foods. Catching up on business.
Eggs. Kale. English Muffin. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Pasta for dinner.
Watching Insidious: The Last Key (2018).
Chores. Playing with Elvis. Green Tea.
At the studio recording some harmony tracks for Ladada songs.
Then, a late night bike ride.
Waking up super late.
Protein Shake.
Exercising at the Rec.
This guy Brad had a band of Veterinarian eye doctors renting out the 104 space this whole weekend. I settle up with him and clean up the room.
Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Coffee.
Teaching lessons.
Pink Beans, Tuna, Rice, and Salad.
Watching Winning Time.
Catching up on business.
At the studio practicing songs on guitar. Trying to get my voice back in shape singing solo. I can’t get this Tiptoe Tulips song out of my head while I ride my bike.
Corn Tortilla Chips.
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Waking up super late knocking off a bit of a hangover.
Cereal. Tea.
Catching up on things at the computer. Emails. Stuff.
Chores.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.
Watching Atlanta.
Running some errands. Stopping by Trader Joe’s for groceries but also to drop off some mail for Ana. I also found these old pictures of James Graves that I wanted him to have. We chat for a bit there. And then Amelia also. I actually exchange a few words with Ana surprisingly, not much though, except for a comment about the frozen mini French baguettes. We’re kind of on mostly text communication terms but only here and there.
At Music Makers playing the guitar – doing some prep work for a gig in October.
Late night bike to the oceanfront and back.
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Waking up around noon.
Taking dad and his wife Patty to the VB Flea market over by Three Ships and 19th Street. We peruse around then grab some brunch at The Pink Dinghy – haven’t eaten here in forever. Always love the atmosphere.
Then, we drive over to the beach to link up with Rebecca and her friend. We walk around in the blazing hot sun but it’s not too overbearing.
Back at the house – I pull out some old picture boxes to show dad and Patty. We try to recreate a shot of me as a little boy lying on my dad’s lap.
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Later on, I get ready and drive out to Norfolk. Ladada is headlining a show at Taphouse with Arms Bizarre and Feminine Death. We’ve kind of had a show hiatus this whole year – haven’t been very active. Besides the washed out sound on stage it translates well to the audience. This kind of place only really mics the kick drum and vocals. But my dad, his wife, and Rebecca make it out. Brittany was able to run a little merch for us too. Dave Allison joined us on stage for the “Act of Love” song. He rips it up on the mic.
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Afterwards, we all hang out on the patio drinking and congregating. Josh McHugh and I get wrapped up in talking about our romantic existential crises – I help him navigate this text message convo with a girl we know.
Back home I crash on the couch.
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Waking up around noon.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
At the Rec working out and exercising.
PB&J Bagel. Coffee.
Catching up on business.
My dad and his wife are in town. The two of them link up with me at the house – playing with Elvis. Then, at Music Makers I help get these band guys set up in the 104 space – they’re all veterinarian eye doctors from out of town reuniting.
Then, my dad, his wife, Rebecca, and I go out for dinner at Bubba’s Seafood off Shore Drive. Enjoying the view of the marina with all the boats passing by while we clobber down crab cakes and oysters.
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Grabbing some gelato at Gelati Celesti afterwards.
Practicing bass.
Going for a late night bike ride.
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Waking up around noon.
Cereal. Tea.
Catching up on business and chores.
Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Vegan Breakfast Sausage. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Hearty Ramen for dinner.
Watching Depp V Heard (2023).
Spending time with Elvis.
Riding my bike to the studio – playing some guitar songs.
Popcorn.
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☼▬
An aquarium in what’s understood to be my room. The water starts rising up out of it but somehow still maintain the rectangular shape of the aquarium. I’m tasked with feeding the fish. There’s about 10 or so specialized goldfish but they aren’t ordinary size. For some reason they’re called “Pikachu”. Some of them come flying out and landing on the carpet. It’s my responsibility to save them. It’s understood they truly can’t survive more than 5 seconds outside of water. Unfortunately, I can’t save them all.
▬☼
Waking up around noon.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
At the Rec exercising. It’s been so hot out I don’t feel a strong motivation to go hard today.
Eggs. Kale/Carrots. Bagel. Coffee.
At Music Makers teaching lessons.
Quick dinner of Beans, Quinoa, Pea Shoots, Tomatoes, and Garlic Bread.
Wes picks me up in his truck for Ladada practice. We just run through the set pretty swimmingly.
Popped Chips.
Earlier my Mill composter thing came in the mail. I un-box and set everything up in the kitchen. This thing is pretty smart and automatic. Just gotta add most anything edible like food scrapings and things. After a few weeks I can send this compost, which will have turned to dirt, back to the company, then they will feed chickens.
Waking up at 11:45 a.m.
Cereal. Tea.
At the Rec working out and exercising. I’m really trying to stick to this routine.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.
Watching Winning Time.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Bangkok Garden for dinner.
Then, a Ladada practice in the 104 space. We mostly prepare a set list for the show this Saturday.
Catching up on business back home.
Ice Cream. Popcorn.
Chores.
Waking up around 11:45 a.m.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
At the Rec exercising – shooting the basketball around.
Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Restringing a guitar for a student.
Hearty Protein Ramen for dinner.
Watching the second season of Winning Time.
Chores.
Riding my bike to the studio – practicing bass for Ladada songs.
Waking up at like 1 p.m.
Cereal. Tea.
Catching up from last night’s shenanigans.
Errands. Heat advisory in full effect. 97 degrees today!
The bath is still clogged. I make use of Rebecca’s shower.
Chores. Errands.
Lentils, Salmon, Quinoa, Kale, Carrots, and Garlic Bread.
Watching Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015).
Catching up on business.
Late night bike ride to the oceanfront and back. It’s a 4 a.m. ghost town out here. Enjoying the pedaling and tunes. I really miss doing this.
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Waking up super late.
Breakfast Bar. Tea.
Catching up on emails and business.
Happy Birthday Mom!
Running errands.
Eggs. Salad. English Muffin. Coffee.
Chores.
This stupid clog in our bathroom tub is annoying. Poor Michael keeps thinking he can rinse food plates in his bathroom sink but it causes a buildup in ours for some reason.
Driving out to Norfolk for the highly anticipated local show at The NorVa. Demons, Community Witch, Wandcarver, Rose Milk, and Karacell brought the big guns to the stage. Mingling with friends. Very proud to be a part of the music scene. The crowd really filled the place out.
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After party at Chicho’s around the block. It’s Drew Orton’s birthday today also. There’s karaoke, pizza, and beer.
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Then, some of us migrate down the street to Bugatti’s, an after hours bar with Euro dive club vibes. It’s supposed to be a members only place but somehow Drew used his magical birthday powers and got us all in. Inside it feels like we’re in another country or maybe even a secret club found at Busch Gardens – random European murals on the wall with the paint peeling off – flooded bathrooms – $9 Modelo’s – and very loud house music. I hang with old friends and make some new. The dance floor is poppin!
Safely back home after 4:30 in the morning.
Waking up just before noon.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
Meeting with a banker at Wells Fargo to look into loans. This ELO thing has put a lot of us in dire straits.
At the Rec exercising – mostly on the row machine then shooting some hoops.
Eggs. Salad. Bagel. Vegan Breakfast Sausage. Coffee.
Catching up on business.
Running errands – Target – at the warehouse doing some organizing.
Stopping by Mike’s place to grab some posters – he shows me his squirrel sightings from his backyard.
Back home. Playing with Elvis. Doing chores.
At the studio cleaning up some things and playing music.
Waking up at noon.
Cereal. Tea.
Catching up on business.
Errands.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Meeting with a guy over at the warehouse about possibly renting the space. We’re trying to get a few bands to help with rent at the ELO warehouse.
Pasta and Salad for dinner.
Watching Insidious (2010).
Doing chores.
It’s the usual Wednesday.
Breakfast.
Business.
Errands.
Lunch.
Lessons.
After work, Rebecca invited me to dinner with her dad and his wife – they happen to be in town. He treats us to Hot Tuna then ice cream. I listen to stories about his building jobs and how he plays guitar.
After that, Wes and I ride out to Ladada practice in Norfolk. We finally got new shirts printed! Working through all the songs we know. Chatting late into the night.
Back home. Feeling exhausted. Playing with Elvis and doing chores.
Waking up around noon.
Breakfast Bar. Tea.
Catching up on business.
Running errands.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Vegan Breakfast Sausage. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Protein Shake.
I keep the car parked at the studio near one of the bright lights so I can work on replacing all the door handles on my car. It’s always much more involved than you think it’s gonna be but I stay committed till the job is done.
Back home after 1 a.m. making a late dinner for myself.
Black Beans, Quinoa, Baby Broccoli, Carrots, and Garlic Bread.
Finishing Bird Box Barcelona (2023).
Playing with Elvis.
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Waking up at 11:40 a.m.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
At the Rec Center exercising and working out.
Watermelon.
Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.
Teaching lessons.
Running errands – grabbing a load of boxes from the storage unit.
Pasta, Salad, and Garlic Bread for dinner.
Watching Bird Box Barcelona (2023).
Catching up on business and chores.
Going through some of the boxes – finding lots of old photos I’ve never seen before.
Waking up on Rusty’s couch in Norfolk. Him and Allyson have some convention to go to. I struggle to get up but surprisingly feeling well rested.
Driving back home.
Protein Shake. Tea.
Doing chores and catching up on things.
Michael, the roommate, somehow thought it was a good idea to clean off a food plate in the tub and thus now we have a clog that requires Draino.
Eggs. Kale. Bagel. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.
Watching Atlanta.
More chores and catching up at the computer.
Black Beans, Brown Rice, Baby Broccoli, Carrots, and Garlic Bread.
I decide to hit the sack early tonight.
