Strangers Do Care

It's 2015! I know I am a day late in saying that, but better late than never. Hope you was able to bring in the new year in a fun and safe way. I know I did. I worked most of the night, and then I was able to make it home in time to be with the wifey to bring in the new year. I was able to spend time with someone I love and care about, and we plan to make every day special as possible. That's awesome, right? Well something else happened that night that made even more awesome.

Like I stated earlier, I was working at John's for NYE. We had tons of reservations for the evening. You would think it would be crazy busy, but it was actually very steady. I was so surprised about it. Well anyway, I was talking with most of my tables(they were all cool folks). Most of them were going out to party or just wanted to stop by for a bite to eat.

Well then a group of six people(around my age) were sat in my section. They looked liked your standard group of 20-somethings that looked like they were about to party the night away. I gave them the usual talk about drinks and our specials that we were doing for the evening. They placed their orders and everything was cool.

The food started to come out, and they looked so ready to get into it. I asked them was there anything else they needed. They said no. They also said, "We are about to pray. Is there anything you want us to pray for you about?" I paused. I knew what they said, but I just wanted to make sure. I asked them, "What did you say?" They said, "We are about to pray. Is there anything you want us to pray for you about?" The look on my face had to be priceless. I never in my life would think some random strangers would care about what I am going through much less ask to pray for me and my life. I was soo moved and touched by that. I told them to pray that I made it through the night(which I did) and that Whitney and I have an awesome 2015 together. They prayed about the food, prayed for me, anything else they asked for, and began to eat their food.

I went to the back and thought about the moment that just happened. I almost wanted to cry. After a moment, I went back to that table to make sure everything with the meal was good. They all loved it. Once I knew they were enjoying the food, I told them how appreciative I was about them praying for me. Even though I was wasn't going through any "bad" moments, it still meant so much to me that they prayed about my life.

After a while, they asked when I got married. I told them about when I got married and the whole wedding day. I then found out that a couple had been married for six months. That's pretty cool. They looked like they were very much in love(just like Whitney and I). I also learned that the wife was in colorguard as well(like Whitney). Small world, huh?

Well everyone finished eating, paid out, and went on into the night for New Years. Once I got their checks and looked to see how much of a tip everyone left, I saw a note on one of the tickets. It was from the couple. They said congrats on the marriage and hope they we had many year of married bliss together. They also tipped very well. The crazy thing about it was, I didn't care about the money so much. They truly cared that I was happy with my marriage and life. They was the best moment of the whole night.

This comes to show that people you don't know do care about you. You might not ever see them again, but for the one moment in your life there are strangers that truly hope that good things happen in your life. As we go through this new year remember to be kind to everyone you see. Remember to smile when you can. Remember that we are all on this earth to be happy and helpful. Make everyday awesome not just for you but for everyone around you.

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.