Sunday February 4 2024

The tour bus arrives at the warehouse in Virginia Beach earlier than expected – the quickest trip to Myrtle Beach and back ever.

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Unloading the trailer and getting Rebecca and I back to Chanticleer with the bus.

 

Unpacking back in the house. I’m able to catch some good sleep till noon.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Coaching MMLIVE band rehearsals all afternoon with Rebecca and Jake’s help.

Coffee and a PB&J somewhere in between there.

 

They go by pretty painless and not too stressful. To keep the tempo slow for this one song I describe an analogy where the band is slogging through the desert while the drums blast the beats down.

 

Afterwards, cleaning up the spaces – meanwhile chatting with Rebecca for along while – reflecting on the weekend and all.

 

Back home. Warming up leftover dinner from the show (Chicken Bog).

Watching True Detective.

 

Catching up on work at the computer.

 

Ice Cream.

Saturday February 3 2024

 

Attempting sleep in the back of the bus on the soft mattress topper all wrapped up in the thickest blankets. Bump after bump I manage to dream a little between gas stops.

 

Breakfast Bar. Tea. Banana.

 

We arrive at The Alabama Theatre in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We played here not too long ago. Loading in and setting up the stage. Everyone is in a good mood and there’s plenty of time to spare.

 

PB&J Bagel.

 

Having a thorough sound check. Ed is assisting Sophie on sound engineer. Of course we do run into a few problems dealing with the drum mics but we sort it out.

 

 

They serve us a fully nutritious dinner of this dish called Chicken Bog, a South Carolinian mainstay with Chicken, Sausage, and Rice. The lady hosting made it from scratch at home. I love these kind of meals.

 

 

Putting on our show to a packed house – more people in the audience compared to last time actually. Letting the muscle memory kick in considering it’s been so long since we played these songs but we’re surprisingly tight.

 

 

Packing up and loading out.

 

Aaron drives the tour bus onward to Virginia Beach. Meanwhile, I connect my phone to the TV as we watch all the footage analyzing the sets. Laughing at all the funny moments.

 

Sleeping in the back of the bus for a couple hours.

 

Friday February 2 2024

Waking up a little before noon.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

Catching up on business and chores.

 

Changing sheets on the bus and doing various things.

 

Running errands.

 

Eggs. Spinach. English Muffins. Tempeh Bacon. Coffee.

 

Driving the bus to the warehouse – Nigel and Carson help me load the trailer. I also work on inflating more air into the bus tires – had to get a different chuck attachment to reach the inner rear tires.

 

I arrive home – work is still not done. I can’t believe how much time passed today.

 

Making homemade Ramen with Veggies and Garlic Bread.

 

Packing up things for the trip – playing with Elvis.

 

Driving the bus / trailer to the warehouse and linking up with the ELO crew. We are fortunate to have a driver again, Aaron, so we can attempt to sleep in this bumpy moving building, Onward to Myrtle Beach!

Thursday February 1 2025

Waking up around 11:45 a.m.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Catching up on business – running errands – cleaning some things up on the bus.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Avocado. Tempeh Bacon. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Later on, at the warehouse for an ELO tech rehearsal – this is mainly to dial in gains and test our monitors and such. Then, packing up all our gear to load into the trailer tomorrow. Sometimes Nigel really stresses me out. I try to organize and simplify things and it’s like he’s incapable of accepting any kind of change whatsoever. In the end we just get things done and move on.

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Meanwhile, Rebecca is looping Addy in on all the drama.

 

Back home. My head is killing me. Enjoying Ice Cream and trying to relax.

Wednesday January 31 2024

Waking up around 11:20 a.m.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Doing some troubleshooting on the bus – checking the oil and batteries – filling it up with gas.

 

Eggs. Spinach. English Muffins. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Working on stuff at the front desk – chatting with Rebecca.

 

Back home. Making Pasta with Kale and Garlic Bread for dinner.

Watching True Detective.

 

Later on I’m at the warehouse tweaking a few things with the drum rig.

 

Green Tea. Orange Juice.

 

Tuesday January 30 2024

Waking up around 11 a.m. from a deep sleep. Elvis is sprawled out by my side.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Jamil drops by to help me check on the Camry – it’s been overheating.

 

At the Rec exercising and shooting basketball.

 

Eggs. Spinach. English Muffins. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Mr. Shawarma’s for dinner.

 

I drive Wes and I out to Ringo’s using the tour bus – needed to warm up the ride before the weekend. Ladada band practice with the boys. We talk about doing some out of town shows then jam on songs.

 

Popcorn. Playing with Elvis. Doing chores.

Monday January 29 2024

Waking up around 11 a.m.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

At the Rec shooting the basketball around and working the arms.

Banana.

 

At the studio for a second delivering the phone. While delivering some copies of the lease next door at the dry cleaners I get into talking with the cigarette lady that works there. She tells me all this stuff with death in her family and how she’s having hard time – she was just talking to her sister over the phone in the car. It’s just interesting cause in the all years I’ve seen her around I never once talked to her.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Vegan Breakfast Sausage. Avocado. Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching a lesson at the studio. Working on things. Rebecca and I catch up about stuff coming up this month. We both need groceries and, since I walked to work today, she drives us to Kroger.

 

Pasta, Salad, and Garlic Bread.

Watching True Detective (2015).

 

Catching up on chores and business.

Sunday January 28 2024

Waking up – normal afternoon.

 

Fixing some things at Music Makers.

 

Later on, at the warehouse with Nigel and Edwin. We end up working late into the night – unloading trailer and such. While Ed dives deep into the Midas rack and all the lines – essentially starting from scratch – Nigel and I rearrange gear in the garage area – labeling and color coding. A few times Nigel’s impatience really gets to me. We calm down later but sometimes he gets a short fuse and makes us feel like we’re in a hurry. Regardless, we accomplish a lot!

 

Dinner after midnight.

Saturday January 27 2024

Waking up around 11:10 a.m. Cuddling with Elvis.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Meeting with a girl named Stormy to buy this wood vanity I’ve been trying to sell.

 

PB&J. Coffee.

 

At Music Makers watching the front desk – also meeting with a retired acting coach about renting the space for private acting sessions and such. The thermostat went blank yesterday – troubleshooting and discovering a safety switch in the attic – now it’s working again.

 

I’ve got two renters using the 104 space today, a three piece band, and Luke, the recording guy. It’s been busy around the studio today!

 

Running errands.

 

Homemade Ramen for dinner with Garlic Bread.

Watching Dumb Money (2023).

 

Walking a lot back and forth to the studio. Cleaning up the space for dance class tomorrow.

 

Green Tea. Pineapple. Popcorn.

Friday January 26 2024

Waking up at 11 a.m. I can’t believe how warm the temperature is right now. I’ve got the window open while Elvis sleeps in the computer chair.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Business.

 

At the Rec playing basketball.

 

Eggs. Kale. English Muffin. Vegan Breakfast Sausage. Coffee.

 

Running errands – dealing with stuff at Music Makers – at the warehouse showing a potential renter.

 

Chores.

 

Later on, Rebecca and I grab some dinner at Craft Burgers out off Shore Drive. It’s been a while since we caught up on things. It’s nice to link up again non-work related.

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While sipping on green tea – playing with her cats and whatnot.

 

Playing with my own cat and cleaning up things.

Thursday January 25 2024

Waking up around 11 a.m.

 

Granola Cereal. Tea.

 

At the Rec playing basketball.

 

Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Tempeh Bacon. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Back home.

Black Beans, Salmon, Kale, Carrots, Onions, Quinoa, and Garlic Bread.

Finishing the first season of True Detective (2014). And I’m floored by the amazing series.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Chores.

 

Popcorn.

Wednesday January 24 2024

Waking up around 11 a.m.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Doing some tax accounting most of the afternoon.

 

Running errands. It’s almost 70 degrees out – beautiful weather.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Tempeh Bacon. Bagel. Avocado. Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Doing some business at the front desk computer. Meanwhile, some renters are recording in the 104 space.

 

Making dinner: Pasta with Salad and Garlic Bread.

Watching True Detective.

 

Catching up on things.

 

Later on at the warehouse labeling and tweaking things.

 

Pineapple.

Tuesday January 23 2024

Waking up at 11 a.m.

 

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

 

At the warehouse having a much anticipated business meeting with Nigel, Kevin, and Ron. Mostly filling in Kevin on the new financial plan to help get everyone their back pay. It gets stressful at times discussing everything but we do come to some conclusions and good plans.

 

Running errands.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Tempeh Bacon. English Muffins. Avocado. Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Afterwards, hanging a little with Modern Day Warrior – talking with Garrett and Rebecca some.

 

Dinner: Salmon, Quinoa, Salad, Edamame, and Garlic Bread.

Watching True Detective.

 

Catching up on business and things.

Monday January 22 2024

Waking up around 11 a.m.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

At the Rec working out then playing 2v2 basketball.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Vegan Sausage. Bagel. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Afterwards, I drive the bus over to the warehouse (giving it a test ride after it’s been sitting in the street for so long). Here, I work on some more labeling and meeting with a potential renter. Meanwhile, Rebecca is here doing merch.

...

We talk for a while – catching up cause we haven’t really hung out in forever.

 

Back home.

Pasta, Kale, and Garlic Bread.

Watching True Detective.

 

Doing chores and doing stuff at the computer.

Sunday January 21 2024

Waking up around noon. Slept in gratefully.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Cleaning up with the 104 space after Rebecca’s dance classes are over. Her and I catch up a little before this guy Luke comes in to rent the room.

 

Errands.

 

Eggs. Vegan Sausage. Spinach. English Muffins. Coffee.

Watching True Detective (2014).

 

Later on, I visit with Mike at his place – he gives me the Phantom guitar he finished repairing for Josiah. I also show him these rifles and guns I inherited from my family – trying to sell these things at some point. But you can’t just post things like these online like it’s a couch lol.

 

At the warehouse alone labeling some cables. It takes a good amount of time.

 

Black Beans, Baby Broccoli, Carrots, Quinoa, Tuna, and Garlic Bread.

Watching more True Detective. I don’t know how I missed out on this show when it came out.

 

Chilling and catching up on things.

Saturday January 20 2024

 

Waking up around 11:30 a.m.

 

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Linking up with Thomas and Anna at Music Makers – loading gear into cars. Carpooling with them to Norfolk for the Modern Day Warrior show.

 

At Chicho’s Backstage off Granby Street. Loading everything in – parking the cars a few blocks away braving the harsh cold winter air.

 

 

The band gets going at 7 p.m. The house is packed. I believe 100+ tickets sold. They always bring all their friends and family. Watching them perform - the crowd is literally jumping up and down during all the hype songs. Proud of them as always.

 

At some point back at the studio loading everything back in and unpacking. I clean up the 104 space for dance tomorrow.

 

Home. Eating a snack and chilling out.

 

Friday January 19 2024

 

Waking up later than usual.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Running errands – getting groceries – doing some stuff at the studio.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Vegan Sausage. English Muffin. Coffee.

Watching True Detective (2014).

 

Over at the warehouse. Replacing a tire on the trailer. Meanwhile, Edwin helps Nigel fix some things on the live room PA system.

 

Pasta with Salad and Garlic Bread.

 

Wes and I ride out to Ringo’s for Ladada practice with Josiah and Bobby. But we don’t play any music – rather we have a serious in depth discussion about the band and how we can fix some ways that we interact with each other.

 

Back home. Relaxing. Catching up on things.

Thursday January 18 2024

Waking up around 11:15 a.m.

 

Granola Cereal. Tea.

 

At the Rec working out and shooting the basketball around.

 

Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Chips. Tempeh Bacon. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Helping Modern Day Warrior with their final band practice before the show this weekend.

 

Black Beans, Tuna, Quinoa, Baby Broccoli, Carrots, and Garlic Bread.

Watching True Detective (2014).

 

Chores.

 

Packing up gear at the studio.

 

Wednesday January 17 2024

Waking up at 11:10 a.m.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

At Music Makers meeting with Sawyer, a friend of the music community, and potentially going to be a new guitar instructor. We have a long discussion about his teaching experience and learning about tricks of the trade. Feeling good about him and bringing him on the team.

 

Running errands.

 

Eggs. Tempeh Bacon. Bagel. Spinach. Coffee. Chips.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Afterwards, Clarence helps me move the family piano from the storage unit across the street to here. It’s crazy cause now the unit is absolutely clear of mom’s stuff. One less thing I have to pay every month.

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Protein Shake.

Then, driving the trailer to Nigel’s house to pick up this heavy duty tool box. Bringing it to the warehouse.

 

At some point I’m finally home after midnight.

 

Making Pasta with Salad and Garlic Bread for dinner.

Watching NYAD (2023).

What a beautiful and emotionally rewarding film.

 

Chores. Chilling out.

Tuesday January 16 2024

Waking up around 11 a.m.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

Running some errands.

 

At the Rec exercising and shooting some basketball.

 

Eggs. Kale. English Muffin. Tempeh Bacon. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Afterwards, helping Modern Day Warrior practice. They’re gearing up for a gig this Saturday.

 

Salmon with Fried Rice, Edamame, and Spring Rolls.

Watching NYAD (2023).

 

Catching up on business. Chores. Playing with Elvis.

Monday January 15 2024

Waking up around 11 a.m.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

At the warehouse tweaking some things then attaching the trailer to my truck.

 

Helping Rebecca move this red couch from Brittany’s apartment. It’s big and it’s a whole thing.

 

Then, I take advantage of the trailer and move some bigger pieces out of the storage unit. All that’s left now is the family piano.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Chips. Chocolate. Coffee.

 

Teaching a couple lessons.

 

Then, at the warehouse for ELO rehearsal to run set two – training Sophie, the new sound girl. And also Aniela is here to be Rebecca’s understudy. Meanwhile, Kevin has a sudden episode and just ups and leaves. He may have been drinking but the real issues come out as he points fingers to Nigel regarding money. We still continue to rehears in his absence. Afterwards, with Edwin, Nigel, and Sophie discussing some of the issues – staying late to tweak with things.

 

Salmon with Brown Rice, Black Beans, Kale, and Garlic Bread.

Watching Lift (2024).

 

Catching up on chores and business.

Sunday January 14 2024

Waking up at 11:30 a.m.

 

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

 

Catching up on things at the computer.

 

Eggs. Bagel. Spinach. Tempeh Bacon. Coffee.

 

At the warehouse with Nigel, Kevin, Edwin, and Sophie helping get our tech rehearsal set up for ELO. There’s a lot to do and organize. Eventually other people arrive and we make sure everything is functioning.

 

Back home. Making Pasta with Salad and Garlic Bread for dinner.

Finishing The Hunger Games.

 

Green Tea.

 

Catching up on stuff at the computer.

 

Feeling super sleepy.

Saturday January 13 2024

Waking up like usual.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

At Music Makers watching the front desk and teaching a lesson.

 

Then, loading gear into my car. Heading to Temple Emanuel. Edwin meets me here with his stuff. Setting up a PA and getting everything ready for the concert tonight. An Israeli pop singer is performing a special event, Neshama Carlebach. Ed and I are essentially the sound company the temple hired, all kind of last minute, but we take care of things.

 

 

After sound check we hang out in the sanctuary where the host, Jason, brought the band sushi. Sitting at this round table sharing really good food. Talking with the family – it’s interesting getting to know them. It’s the singer, Neshama and her teenage boys that play as the backup band. All of them are super talented and funny.

 

 

Show start at 6:45. Somebody comes up to do what they call Havdalah, a ritual Jews perform every Saturday involving a wax candle, grape juice, and spices. The guy sings some traditional songs a capella.

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Then, Neshama gets up to perform. Ed stays glued to the iPad mixing the set while I just stand by. I’m reminded of being back in church as the music feels worshipful and interactive. Her voice when she speaks in between songs has such a soothing quality – makes me feel totally relaxed and comforted.

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Afterwards, they were absolutely thrilled with what Ed and I did, like through the roof thrilled. I don’t understand it but I guess when people put a little extra care into what they do it shines.

 

Packing up and loading out. Sophia, a potential audio engineer for ELO, arrived in town. With Ed and her at Las Palmas enjoying some margaritas with Chips n Guac.

 

Friday January 12 2024

Waking up around 11:30 a.m.

 

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

 

Transporting the drum kit and guitar amps over to Temple Emanuel. They’re renting a back line from Music Makers for a special concert event this weekend. Some Israeli singer, Neshama Carlebach. Setting up everything in their performance hall. Zakary, a former janitor turned sound man, helps me. He’s got a carefree and fun attitude – shows me around the temple. This place has some history.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Tempeh Bacon. English Muffin. Coffee. Avocado.

 

Catching up on business.

 

At the Rec working out and shooting some basketball. Meanwhile, there’s an enormous swim meet going on.

 

The wind and rain pick up outside. Stopping by the store and cleaning up.

 

Later on, I find out from Jason, one of the guys in charge at the temple, says they need an audio engineer for tomorrow. I scramble via text and land Edwin to help me out. Also, turns out their PA isn’t really suitable so now I’m back at the temple assessing the room and seeing what we’ll need for tomorrow. Meanwhile, a service is just finishing up – Jewish congregation is leaving. I meet Jason and find out there’s some drama with the artist and who was supposed to do sound. That’s why I’m here.

 

Back home. Pasta, Salad, and Garlic Bread for dinner.

Watching The Hunger Games.

 

Packing up gear at the studio.

Thursday January 11 2024

Waking up.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Taking care of chores and organizing.

 

Moving a dresser set from the storage unit to home.

 

Eggs. Tempeh Bacon. Kale. Bagel. Avocado. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Helping Modern Day Warrior with their band practice – filling in on drums.

 

Peas, Carrots, Celery, Onions, Kippers, Bok Choy, Brown Rice, and Garlic Bread.

Watching The Hunger Games.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Packing away a drum kit at the studio.

Wednesday January 10 2024

Waking up around 11:20 a.m.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Meeting with a guy named Tim to buy this wooden rocking chair that belonged to my mom. He’s a pretty interesting guy – real nice – surfboard on top of his car.

 

At the rec shooting some ball around.

 

Eggs. Tempeh Bacon. Kale. English Muffin. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Meeting with a couple to buy this wooden kitchen cabinet. Really trying to sell all of this furniture in the storage unit.

 

I help Modern Day Warrior out with a practice – filling in on drums and helping with the vocals.

 

Pasta with Salad and Garlic Bread.

 

Watching The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014).

 

Chores. Chilling out.

 

Tuesday January 9 2024

Just another Tuesday.

 

Didn’t go to the gym though – had too much planning and communications to deal with.

 

Teaching lessons like usual.

 

Afterwards, Mike Mosgrove and I grab dinner at Mr. Shawarma’s. Him and I have an avid love for this food.

 

At the studio. Working on fixing up a drum kit for a rental this weekend.

 

Chilling and relaxing at home.

Monday January 8 2024

Waking up pretty early at 10:30 a.m.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

At the Rec exercising.

 

Running errands.

 

Eggs. Tempeh Bacon. Spinach. English Muffin. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Tweaking with things afterwards. At the storage unit in Hilltop fixing this caster wheel on the wooden dresser.

 

Pasta, Salad, and Garlic Bread for dinner.

Watching The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013).

 

Chores – playing with Elvis.