Mmmmmmmm...Beer!!

If you know me well enough, you know that I am a huge craft beer fan. Like, for real, I am a BIG fan of it. I started to drink my first beer when I was 22yrs old, and I had a Good People Brown Ale. Well that's a lie. My actual for real first beer was when I was six. I snuck a sip of my great-grandfather's Bud. Let's say that it didn't end well. As soon as I tasted it, I spit it right back out. I thought I would never drink beer again. Then one night at J Clyde, I had Good People Brown. That pretty much changed the way I lived life forever.

Ever since that day, I have slowly learned more about the craft beer movement and different styles. I grown to love dark beers(porters, stouts, and some darker brown ales), but I also will get into some lighter color beers. As long as a beer is not too big on the hops and has something special about it, it will be on my top list. Now don't get me wrong. I will try all kind of craft beers. I just prefer some more than others.

 Southern Tier Choklat Stout

Back Forty Cuban Coffee Oatmeal Stout

With trying craft beers(at least for me), I have to take pictures of it. This way people can know what I am drinking, and they might be able to try some of the stuff themselves. With my Instagram account, I use it sometimes to display these beers. It has also helped me network with people in state and around the country. One of my proudest moments with being in the craft beer movement was that I won a contest sponsored by Brewershirts. I got a new shirts, glass, Brew Journal, and a little motorcycle made out of beer caps.

Thank You Brewershirts!!

Now with 2015 coming just around the corner, I plan to do much more in the craft beer community. I would love to start brewing my own beer. I have been wanting to do that for a while, but with the wedding and life coming first, I could not make time for it. 2015 will be a start of a new thing for me, and I can't wait to see what beers I can make. I also hope to do more reviews on this blog of some of the beers that I try out.

If you are a fan of craft beers, follow me on Instagram to see the new beer pics I post and also add me on Untappd to see what I rate certain beers.

As the people of Brewershirts would say, "Life is Short. Drink Good Beer."

It's Been So Long

Wow. Never thought you would see me back on here, huh? Well, I am back(at least I hope). I feel like I am coming back home after years away on business work, but really I have been gone since life is crazy and challenging at times. What have I been doing as of late? Where did I go? Did I make a change in the world? Well, let me tell you all of this.

First off, I'M MARRIED!!!! Yes, it finally happened. On December 6, 2014, I married the love of my life. The ceremony was quick(seven minutes), and I never thought I would be crying soo much as I did that day. Being able to look into Whitney's eyes(by the way, she was STUNNING) and know that she was going to be my wife was such a awesome feeling. Everyone enjoyed the whole day, and I am so glad to know that we have so many people who support and love us. I will never forget that day.

Next thing I have been doing is drinking more. Now before you judge me, let me explain. I have been doing more drinking of craft beers. I feel like I have been drinking, but it's been the same usual stuff. Now, I am trying to broaden my range and trying different one. I got to say that there are many more styles of beer that I never thought I would like. I have taken so many pictures on my Instagram account(which if you are not following me you should), it's not even funny. I am really hoping to start brewing my own beer next year and let the world try my stuff.

Of course I have been working so much. John's has been such a good job for me, and I am glad that I have been able to bring joy and smiles to many different folks. I will not lie that it has been tough on me at times(especially now that I am married), but sometimes you have to do to make your family's life better. I feel that I have learned so much about the business and myself while working. I would not change anything about my experience.

I also have been working on my YouTube Channel. Now I am nowhere near where I want to be with it, but I feel that next year will be big for me and the channel. I have met so many new folks through vlogging, and I love that they are just real down to earth folks.

Other than those things, not much else has been going on. If you are reading this and you have stuck with me for this long, THANKS!! Life can be challenging at times, and I know that I have not been on here as much as I could have been. That will change as of TODAY. I plan on doing soo much for myself and my wifey that will change our lives for the better.

I hope that you enjoy your Christmas holiday. I know I will. Until the next time I talk with you, make everyday awesome.

Much Love!!!!

NEW THINGS!!!

Hey All. Sorry for being away for so long. I have been busy with a lot of stuff and working on some new things that are happening. Let me give you a quick recap.

*I am working on my new YouTube channel that will go along with my blog site. On YouTube, I will be talking about everything from wrestling, music, preparing for my wedding, and everyday life. If you want to check out my channel, just click here.

*Working more at John's and been training to work as a manager/bartender/host/everything else you can think. I am super excited and can't wait to see what this new journey will take me.

*Getting prepared for the new UAB Football season and trying to think of different thing to do for tailgating. Can't wait to see how the new coach and players will do this year.

That's really all that has been going on as of now. I promise I won't take as long of a break from this, but I will be doing more stuff in the future. So just stay tuned and follow along with me. Hope you have a great day.

Birmingham Is Happening!!

Don't you remember watching the Hoover commercials and hearing their slogan, "Hoover's Happening!!" Well now we can use that for Birmingham, especially for the next four days. There are SOOOOO many things going on for people to enjoy. From music, art, food, beer, and everything else in between. There is no reason for anyone to say there is nothing going on in Birmingham. Here are some of the stuff that are going on:

Tonight starts the first night of Birmingham Art Crawl. This will be an event that happens the first Thursday night of each month. Places like Rogue Tavern, Collins Bar, Wine Loft, and John's City Diner will have artist(s) show off their pieces for you to see. You could even have a chance to meet with the artist. More info can be found at the Birmingham Art Crawl website.

Your Birmingham Barons will be back in town for a game at Region Field against the Jackson Generals. It will also be Thirsty Thursday and the Birmingham Concert Series w/ Fung Shway performing at 5:30pm. It's always good times when the Barons are in town, so make sure to go out and support them tonight.

On Friday and Saturday, the 8th annual Magic City Brewfest will take place at Sloss Furnace. This is where you can try different beers from breweries across the state and country. There will be food trucks, music, and lots of fun. If you still haven't gotten a ticket for this, you need to!! Go to the Magic City Brewfest website for more info.

On Saturday, the Lakeview district will turn into a big block party as the 3rd annual Slicefest will take place. Three years ago Slice Pizza and Brew decided to honor their anniversary by having a big festival with music, pizza, and beers. The last two have sold out, so this time will probably be no different. There will be musicians performing, local breweries will have their beer available for you to enjoy, and(of course) Slice will have their pizza out for you to eat. For more info about this year's Slicefest, go to the Slicefest 2014 website.

If you want to enjoy the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, then go to Railroad Park this weekend for Symphony in the Summer. Three performances done by the ASO to end their concert series for the season. This is an event the whole family can enjoy!! Show starts at 8pm on Friday and Saturday and 6pm on Sunday. Go to the Symphony in the Summer website for more info.

There a plenty of things going on the next few days, so don't stay inside the house. Make sure to go out, bring your fun side, and enjoy the city!!!

You'll Never Ride Alone

Do you have a group of friend you hang out a lot with? Do y'all have a particular group name that people remember you by? Well, I can answer this question very easily.

See, I am a part of a group of friends that have done a lot of things around the campus of UAB. We have done a lot of things for the UAB Band program as well. There is a group of four saxophone males(me include) that were some of the loudest and rowdiest fan ever to come to any UAB sporting event. Our names were Jess, Marable, Josh, and Ralph, but everyone(at least in the band) knew us as "The Four Horsemen".

The Four Horsemen

Quick explanation how I met each guy:

Jess: Met him during a high school football game when he first started at UAB and during my senior year in high school

Marable: The two of us first met during Student Orientation and found out that both of us were saxophone players and in the band together.

Josh: We first met in band when we was in high school

All four of us have been friends for almost a decade now(Josh and I a little longer than that). We have traveled to so many place and made a lot of noise during games. People know who we are when we are together, and it's because of the good things we all did during our time together. Even though now we are all doing our own thing, we still get together and remember the times we had. The legacy of The Four Horsemen will always live on even when we leave this earth, and I am so glad to say that I have three friends that always have my back(and it's the same way for them from me). When you're a Horsemen, you will never ride alone!!!

Sunday Funday

Hoping everyone had a great weekend. For me, it was okay. Sunday though was probably the best out of the weekend. I got word that my one of my post(Light Up the Night) was selected as a "Post of the Month" for the month of May. I am very honored to know that my blog is being looked at and also noticed by other folks.

I was also able to spend lots of time with my fiance and our were little kitties. One of them, Ava, slept most of the day. Let just say that she looked adorable while doing it.

Isn't she just so cute?

After being around her and getting hungry, Whitney and I both decided to get some lunch. We wanted to originally go to Saw's Soul Kitchen, but they was closed. Where to go now? Well we decided to go to On Tap in Lakeview. We haven't been there in a while, so it was good to come back. They had some new items on the menu like Cajun Fries for a starter. They were not too spicy, but still good. We both got some beers as well. Whitney got Sam Adams Cherry Wheat, and I got Trim Tab IPA.

 Trim Tab IPA

 Whitney's Cherry Wheat

 Watching College Baseball

 ...and Soccer

 Always United

 Is she lovely?

 BURGER!!!!

Cajun Fries w/ Spicy Ketchup

So once we got done with our lunch, we headed to my car. One problem though. IT WAS RAINING HARD. :-(  Luckily it didn't last long, so we was able to go to Railroad Park for some NOLA Ice. If you still haven't had them yet, you need to. Follow them on Twitter @NOLAIceBham.

Root Beer

White Russian

After some much need grocery shopping, we headed back home to get ready for WWE Payback. It was a pretty good show. The main event was a Six Man No Holds Barred Elimination match with The Shield going against Evolution. It was a epic match, and justice prevailed as The Shield defeated Evolution. After the match, you can tell that they were beat.

Now that it's Tuesday, got get ready for a long week of work. It will be well worth it at the end though. Hoping everyone has a great and successful week.

Turn It Up Thursday

Hey World!!! Since we didn't have it on Tuesday, today we will "Turn It Up". That's right. Today is "Turn It Up" Thursday.

The choice I have today is a group I have been listening to for a few years. They are called The Bangerz(aka The Fingerbangerz). They are a group of six DJ/Producers from the Bay Area of California. You probably heard their music before if you ever watched a Jabbawockeez performance after they won ABDC. Now usually I describe the artist/group's music, but this time I think it will be better if you just listen and experience it. Ladies and Gents, here are The Bangerz.

Hope you enjoyed The Bangerz like I did. If there is an artist or group you think I should listen to, leave a comment and let me know. Take care!!!

Four Is Better Than Two

Hey World!!! Hope you enjoyed the long weekend away from work. I know I did because I was able to have a FOUR DAY WEEKEND!!! I usually do not get days like this, so I made sure I took advantage of it.

On Friday, I got up and did usual routine of watching TV with Whitney before I walked with her to her car as she left for work. After she left for work, I started to clean around the apartment. Yes, you heard right!! I cleaned my place. Why would I do that at the beginning of the day? Well I was preparing for the Beer Tasting that my fiance and me had planned for some of our friends(more about this later). A lot of dusting, washing, wiping, sweeping, and anything else you can think of took place to make sure the place looked nice.

After all that cleaning, Whitney came home from work for the day. We were both hungry(me more than her). We decided to go out somewhere for lunch, and we chose one of our favorite places. Yes, you guessed right. We went to Ranelli's!! Whitney got the Pizza Sub(Pepperonis, Sauces, and Mozzarella Cheese). I got the Meatball Sub, but this time I got a large sub. I made a good decision.

Don't you want some!!

After a wonderful lunch, the two of us went to Hop City to get beers for the Beer Tasting. We had three empty growlers at home and brought them back to get the filled up. We got Southern Tier Mokah, Clown Shoes "Tramp Stamp" Belgium Tripel, and Brew Stooges Vanilla Porter(all of them were good choices). I decided to also get Southern Tier Goat Boy in a bomber(still haven't tried it yet). Once we got home, we put all of the new beers in the refrigerator.

Such a beautiful site.

After all the shopping, we got ready for the Beer Tasting. We wanted to do something fun and new that we haven't done before at our place. The rules were to bring a beer(either six pack or bomber) that you haven't tried before. This way people could try different varieties of beers that they might never heard of before. It was a huge success, and we will do this again for sure this summer. We did go to bed after all of this until 4a Saturday morning.

Saturday was pretty much a day to relax from the Beer Tasting. We both just watched TV in our PJs and ordered some Wing Zone. I did go out with my friend Jess and went to Bottletree for Neon Electric. It was a 80s themed dance party show that Birmingham Mountain Radio usually does on Friday evening. It was fun, but I was still so tired from the night before, I ended the night early.

Sunday was very nice because I didn't have to worry about work on Monday, so we stayed again and had Sonic for lunch. We also did Full Moon for dinner and had their so damn good brisket.

Monday was pretty much our Sunday, so we went to Target for some shopping. We also got ready for our dinner that we was cooking. We decided to cook Sloppy Joe and Macaroni Casserole. It was so good. Go to http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/sloppy-joe-and-macaroni-casserole.html if you want to see the recipe for it.

Prepping the sauce 

Doesn't that look good.

Now it's time for me to head to work, and get back to my daily grind. What did you decide to do for the long Memorial Day weekend? Hoping you can survive this short week and remember to always stay positive.

Much Love to you all.

Service With A Smile

Disclaimer: The thoughts and beliefs of this post is strictly how I feel and no one else.

When you go to a restaurant, what do you usually go for? The food? Drinks? Atmosphere? Service? All the above? All of those are good reasons.

With me being a server, I always want to make sure you are having a good time. From the time you enter til you step out, I want everyone to feel like they are around friends. I also want to make sure that you have fun with me. Eating good food is good, but if you are not enjoying your stay then it's really not a good time.

Now, I've only been serving for close tons year now. I am no way saying that I am the best or greatest server in the universe. I just know what works for me. I always like to treat my customers the same way I want to be if I was in their situation. Treating people with respect and just making sure they feel comfortable is how I treat my people.

Now everyone that I have might not always be the nicest folks in the world, and that is okay. They will still get the same service from me no matter of they are rude to me or not. You will still a genuine greet and a big smile from me.

Now when you see me at work, I'm usually having fun. Sometimes it could be me singing to the songs, or it could be me dancing around the restaurant. I just want you to know that eating at a restaurant doesn't have to be so serious.

For me, getting a big tip isn't always the most important thing about the night. Don't get me wrong, I need to make money. It's when I know that my table loved the service that I gave them and leaves a comment card stating that, those are the things I like to hear.

So the next time you go out remember to have fun when you go out. Whoever your server is, be somewhat interactive with them, and always make sure to let them know how they did. Most importantly, remember that tips are usually the only way they make a living. So please make sure to tip your server(this includes bartenders if you are at the bar).

Enjoy your next food adventure, and hopefully I can be able to serve you soon!!

Turn It Up Tuesday

It's Tuesday, and you know what that means. It's time for today "Turn It Up Tuesday" choice. Today we are going to not look at a musician but a composer of music Have you ever heard of Jim Johnston? If you are a wrestling fan, you probably have. He has done numerous theme songs for wrestlers in the WWE for over two decades. People like The Rock, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Brock Lesnar, The Ultimate Warrior, and many others have had their music created by Johnston. Jim has also done music for WWE Studio movies and some of the PPVs for the company. Here are some of my favorite entrance songs done by Mr. Johnston:

30x30

So as of late, I have been thinking of what I have done in my life. I came to the conclusion that there is still many thing I haven't had the chance to do. Today, I decided to make a 30x30 bucket list. This list will have things I will want to do by the time I become 30yrs of age. Now none of them are in any particular order, but I just want to be able to hit them before I turn 30. Here is what I would like to do:

1. Go Skydiving
2. Travel outside of the United Stated
3. Go to a WWE Pay Per View Event
4. Learn to speak Spanish
5. Brew my own beer
6. Meet a celebrity
7. Regain and maintain my 6-pack abs
8. Run a marathon
9. Attend a Live TV Show
10. Start biking around the city
11. Have my voice heard over the radio(since people think I should be on the radio anyway)
12. Go to NYC during Christmas time
13. Make a difference in somebody's  life for the better
14. Learn how to cook
15. Be able to have lots of money in my account with no worries of being broke
16. Enter a big time contest and win it(highly doubt this will happen, but you never know)
17. Attend a Miami Heat game(can be in Miami or somewhere)
18. Attend a championship game where my UAB Blazers are playing for the championship
19. Attend a EDM concert
20. Attend a Snarky Puppy concert in New Orleans
21. Start my on Vlog Page
22. Starting taking up yoga
23. Get back to dancing and win a competition 
24. Become the voice for the UAB Marching Blazers(LoL who knows!!!)
25. Create my own cocktail drink
26. Workout more and gain more muscle
27. Get a tattoo
28. Be on the Today Show
29. Purchase stock
30. Go on a cruise

So there you have it. Now it's time for me to get started on my life. What about you? Do you have a bucket list? What are some things you want to do by a certain age?

Side Note: I finally have a button for my blog. If you would like to get the code for it, let me know and I will give it to you.

I Bleed Green and Gold

In the state of Alabama, we are big fans of the sport of football. Once you are born, you have to pick your allegiance between either Alabama or Auburn. When I was younger, I was a Alabama fan for sure. It wasn't until I got older when I actually made my own decision on who I wanted to go for. I made my decision that I bled Green and Gold for UAB.

If you are not from Alabama, you probably wonder what or who UAB is? Well UAB stands for the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The school has been around since 1969 but did not start any kind of sport until 1978 when Gene Bartow started the Athletic Department at UAB. He is known as being the man that made UAB what is today.

Being a UAB fan in this state is not easy. We always are getting left out of the new reports just because we have not had very successful seasons in most sports. Plus when you have two big schools like Alabama and Auburn in your state, it kind easy to be left behind.

As of late though, things have been looking up for the Blazers with Bill Clark being hired as the new head football coach and Jared Haase doing great things with the Men's Basketball team for the upcoming season. Not only that but other sports(Baseball, Softball, and Men's Soccer) have been getting some national attention.

Now it's easy for people to come out and say that they are a UAB fan. Yes we still get people who ask why, and I can give them a simple answer. I love my team. True Blazer fans are always "Ever Faithful, Ever Loyal". No matter how our team might be that year, we are always standing strong to make sure we show support for our team. We know we still have a long ways to go before we reach the point of success, but we are sure to be there when it happens.

To all the Blazers, let get ready for a new year coming with lots of great things to come in the future. Remember to always be "Ever Faithful, Ever Loyal to Dear Old UAB!!"

GO BLAZERS!!!!

Turn It Up Tuesdays

Do you like music? What kind of music do you listen to? Well if you know me, I listen to many different kinds. From jazz, hip hop, pop, rock, and many more. I want people know what I am listening to, so as of today Tuesdays will now be named "Turn It Up" Tuesday.

Every Tuesday, I will let you know about a particular musician or band that I listen to that would be good for you to "Turn Up" the volume on. Today's choice is a group called Snarky Puppy.

I remember hearing about them in college a few years ago. It's an all instrumental band(no vocalists). If you ever hear them on a recorded track, it's even better when you hear them live. They just won a Grammy's this year for a song they did with Lalah Hathaway called "Something". Here is the song below:

I love them for how talented they are a group but also for how talented each individual player is. If you listen to the chords in the songs, you will just get a feeling like you wouldn't get from anyone else. So ladies and gentlemen, it's time to "Turn It Up". Here... is Snarky Puppy!!

Thanks Mom!!

I wanted to write a blog about my mom and how much she has meant to me in my life, but it's been hard for me to think of what I want to say.

What I will do is just say Thank You Mom!! Thanks for always being there for me. Thanks for always being that person who I know that I can call on when I have something bad going on. You was always, and still are to this day, one of my best friends. Even when I was in the hospital and had to have surgery to get my appendix taken out, you was there through that whole night to make sure I was okay. We have been through lots of band performance, graduations, deaths in the family, and even a tornado; and somehow you always keep a smile on your face. You have always been very honest with me and showed me how to be an adult. You are one of the biggest reason why I am the person I am today. I am so lucky and honor to have you as a mom. You are not only beautiful outside but inside as well.

I can never be able to say how much I love you and appreciate what you have done for me in my life, so all I will say is just thanks for being you!! I love you momma!!!

Light Up The Night

You know what today is. IT'S FRIDAY, but before we get to enjoy the weekend(or as much as we can with the rain coming in) I want to tell you about what my fiance and me did last night. Let's say we was able to bring some light into the dark night.

First off, we went to the Piggly Wiggly in Homewood to do our usual beer tasting. This time they had some different kind of ciders. Now if you know me, I am not the biggest fan of these at all. They are usually too sweet for me and taste like spiked apple juice. Well these were different. They had Traveler Beer Company(we got a six pack of the Curious Shandy) and Angry Orchard for the taste, and I have to say that they were good to drink. Now would it be a first choice for me? Probably not, but if it's there at a party I would actually get it.

After the beer tasting, we went to Avondale for some food. We decided to try Post Office Pies for the first time. It's right between Avondale Brewery and Saw's Soul Kitchen. It was very busy there but the service was fast. We both good drinks to go with our food. I got Avondale Missy Fancy Tripel, one of my favorite. Whitney got their version of an Arnold Palmer. It had sweet tea, lemonade, and Missy Fancy in it. That's right!! Beer inside an Arnold Palmer. Then we got one of their popular pizza pies called the "Swine Pie". It had pepperoni, sausage, and bacon. It was a little greasy but I like it that way. It is a BIG thumbs up for me, and we will be back.

 Missy Fancy is a lovely lady.

 The Arnold Palmer

 Me failing at trying to look distinguished

 Whitney loves her drink!!

 Always staying hydrated

The Swine Pie

After enjoying good food and drinks, we headed to the Alys Stephens Center for the Dream Lights event. It's a free event that showcased different kind of art pieces that some kind of light involved with it. This year's theme was about being 3D. They even had the old school 3D glasses available. There was so much there, including food trucks(shoutout to NOLA Ice). If you have nothing to do this weekend, you should go out either tonight or tomorrow(hoping it doesn't rain) and see what I saw last night.

The Parade of Lights

 Red Velvet Cake from NOLA Ice

 FIRE!!!!!

 EVEN MORE FIRE!!

 Yes! I do love UAB.

 Pacman(Yes, you can play it!!)

 Having a good time together!!

Our friends of Iron Giants performing

Well hoping that you get through your work day and get to enjoy your weekend with lots of fun and relaxing things!!