8 November
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7th Sign
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Driving Past My Former Self

I did it. I barely made the cut but I voted today. However, it wasn’t an easy ordeal. I moved earlier this year, which placed me in a different county. I submitted my new voter registration card and assumed I was set for early voting. Wrong. I was listed in Suspense status, which meant there was no record of my voter registration at my new residence. Ugh.

I made a trip to an elementary school that held voting polls in my old county. As soon as I pulled into the parking lot, a myriad of memories came over me. It was the same street I used to take four mile jogs along in the morning before work. I was in better physical shape then but mentally, I’m glad I’m not the same guy. On the outside, I looked put together but I had many days where I felt like a mess inside.

During that moment, I literally felt like I was driving past old memories of myself. As with any period of life, there were some great moments back then and not so great ones as well. Looking back on that time now, I may have gained a few pounds, a few more gray hairs but I’ve also gained peace, understanding and some great tools to become a better version of myself. I want to drive past my former self again in a few years and see how far I’ve come. Don’t you?

6 October
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7th Sign
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Sangarita in the House

I recently had a chance to visit Vegan Food House in Dallas, TX, with one of my best friends. I was excited to try their food, especially since I eat less meat these days. In case you didn’t know, I have gout (which is exasperated by meat and certain types of alcohol). Thank goodness there are so many alternative options for vegans and pseudo-vegetarians like myself.

If you’re in the Dallas area, you should check this place out. I ordered a “shrimp” salad and crab balls that were amazing. So, the bar was set high for their beverages. Vegan Food House didn’t disappoint on the drink aspect either. I ordered their Sangarita, which is a mix of a sangria and a margarita. Simply put, it was the bomb. Not too sweet. Not an overpowering liquor taste but just right. Unfortunately, the $11 price tag didn’t appear to have a happy hour special. Nonetheless, it was well worth the price. Oh and don’t worry. Although the drink has alcohol, I didn’t have a gout attack lol. Beer and whiskey are the top drinks to stay away from for me.

I’m excited to go back to Vegan Food House soon….and get another Sangarita while I’m there. Bottoms up….it’s Thirsty Thursday!

2 October
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7th Sign
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How Much Does It Weigh?

The average adult heart weighs between 8 and 10 ounces. It’s fascinating how something so light is one of the most important organs of our body. I recently finished the book The Seven Decisions by Andy Andrews. Andy speaks about having a “light heart” in the last chapter of the book. The gears in my head started turning about all the things that can increase the weight of our hearts.

Many of us are walking around with heavier hearts than we can hold. Maybe you’re carrying the weight of self-doubt. Maybe your heart is filled with painful words others have spoken to you. Could it be a heartbreak that you just can’t seem to get over? Whatever the case, we are not what we appear on the surface.

It’s easy to react to how people may have intentionally or unintentionally triggered negative emotions inside us. Nonetheless, we all carry issues, fears, doubts and insecurities that are invisible to others. Although it’s easier said than done, it’s best to handle each other with care. You never know the weight someone is packing around.

1 September
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7th Sign
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When Lemons, CBD and Strawberries Unite

It’s been a while since I’ve shared a new Thirsty Thursday drink with you all. Honestly, I haven’t deviated much from my usual as of late (mostly water, occasional lemonades, mojitos, Moscow mules, etc.). However, I recently stopped by one of my favorite local record shops in Dallas (The Spin Coffee and Vinyl) after an appointment. I love the records but also love their food (mostly healthy vegan snacks and beverages).

I decided to try one of the Unity drinks on their shelf with CBD. My chiropractor has been suggesting that I start taking CBD, so I figured this was a perfect opportunity. Strawberry Lemonade is one of my favorite flavors and I ultimately selected that one. The $7 price tag nearly made me gulp before taking my first sip. Nonetheless, I chalked it up to the inclusion of CBD that likely hiked up the cost.

Here’s my take on the drink. The flavor was clean and crisp, without an overly sweet or processed taste. In addition to 30mg of CBD, it also includes 45mg of Ashwagandha (which I take regularly in Goli gummy form), 35mg of Ginkgo Biloba and 30mg of Rhodiola Rosea. If you’re looking for a refreshing, guilt-free drink to smooth out the edge of the day, this is a perfect choice. Plus, it only has 30 calories and 13 grams of carbs. You’ll feel good about yourself after you’ve finished Unity’s Strawberry Lemonade.

Have you tried any other CBD infused drinks? What are your favorites? Bottoms up….it’s Thirsty Thursday!

11 July
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7th Sign
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Luxury Ain’t Cheap

If you’ve read my last blog, you know I ran over a random piece of copper in the road that busted my gas tank. I know. What are the chances of that? Fast forward to the rental car I was given while my car was being repaired. I expected something of lesser value than my current car. When the insurance pays, it usually isn’t something top of the line.

However, I was pleasantly surprised to get a rental car that I fell in love with. Several people told me they thought I should consider getting a car like the rental. I agreed. I loved how smoothly the car drove, the up-to-date technology and the sleek look of the body style. But that’s just it. Isn’t that how we all get hooked on shiny, new things?

As much as I loved the rental car, I have a bigger love for not having a car note. The luxurious ride was nice while it lasted (as long as the insurance paid for it). I’ve even considered breaking my one-year rule before getting a new car. Nonetheless, everything that shines has a cost. A free ride isn’t always a free ride. Weigh out the benefits and determine the worth of upgrading. It may be worth it but it may also hit your pockets (or your mental state) more than you’re willing to pay.

7 July
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7th Sign
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Five Creams, No Sugar

I released my second novel, No Cream in the Middle, five years ago today. The novel is the middle installment of the trilogy novel series that features Fortune Cookie and When the Cookie Crumbles. The book details the story of Chelsea’s (Cookie’s sister) addictive struggles, all while trying to keep a deadly secret under wraps. The book remains one of my favorites and is the most controversial cover I’ve ever released.

If you haven’t had a chance to read the book yet, then today is your lucky day. I’m selling the first five copies purchased HERE for only $5 each. Trust me, this is cream you’ll want to have in your life. Plus, get caught up on the trilogy as well. As always, thanks to everyone for the support over the years!

23 June
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7th Sign
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Now You Sea Me, Now You Don’t

I’ve been hearing about sea moss for a few years. My first time hearing about it was through Dr. Sebi, the now deceased holistic herbalist/doctor that the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes praised. Over time, I have come to realize that some of his teachings, such as eating less meat and more alkaline foods. Now that I’m closer to the 40 side of the fence in age, I’m trying to take better care of my body.

Enter sea moss. I decided to try the gold sea moss gel at a local farmers market. What is so great about sea moss? It has been found to be linked (not officially approved by the FDA) as a promoter of weight loss, heart health, increased sex drive and countless other benefits. It’s basically a superfood. I was told to keep the mason jar of sea moss refrigerated, since it had about a month-long shelf life from the data of purchase.

Disclaimer: it does not taste good. The consistency is jelly like and has a mushy texture. However, it can be added to your food or smoothies (which qualifies it as a drink additive). I chose to take it by the spoonful by itself (up to three tablespoons per day). So far, the benefits I’ve seen are increased clarity, energy and weight regulation.

I can honestly say that despite the taste, the benefits are well worth each spoonful. Bottoms up…..it’s Thirsty Thursday.

20 June
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7th Sign
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Let’s Not Start a Fire

One of my biggest pet peeves is being thrown off my schedule. There’s something to be said for the element of surprise but I don’t need it when negatively alters my plans. I drove down I-45S headed to Houston for Father’s Day weekend. It was just before 9:00pm, dark and a fairly open road with minimal traffic. Great. I was making good time to be in Houston before 11:30pm.

Clack. I heard something hit the bottom of my car. I couldn’t see it but I brushed it off as hitting a piece of plastic. Then, I heard the noise of the object scraping beneath my car. Great. I pulled into a gas station after a passerby on the road alerted me there was something wrong with my gas. I looked in my driver’s side mirror and noticed the gas cap was closed.

As I stepped out of my car in the gas station parking lot, I noticed gasoline was spewing from beneath my car. I tried to keep it cool and get away from the gas station immediately. I pulled into a hotel parking lot instead, only to get out of my car and find gas continuously still flowing from beneath my car. Turns out I hit a piece of copper (not metal) that perfectly twisted underneath my car and busted my gas tank.

The blessing (among many) was copper doesn’t create a spark when scraped against the ground like metal. Had I hit a piece of metal instead, sparks would have been created and likely a fire would have started. Whew, thank God was not the case.

Many times in life, we (or at least me) get bent out of shape when unforeseen circumstances throw us off our path. The best made plans may not always happen the way we imagined. Our timeline may get thrown off. Surprises may be ruined. Bank accounts may be withdrawn for more than imagined. All these things may derail us. In those moments, it’s best to remember that all friction doesn’t start a fire. Even if it does, we’re equipped to extinguish it with grace.

Make plans. Make concessions. Leave room for the unexpected and know that you can handle it if it comes.

15 June
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7th Sign
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Strawberry, Meet Habanero

I’ve always been drawn to certain flavor combinations. Salty and sweet. Sweet and spicy. Even a combination of salty, sweet and spicy works for me. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that I’ve been on a spicy kick lately for beverages at restaurants. I recently tried the Strawberry Habanero Mule at Pappas Delta Blues Smokehouse. If you’ve followed my blog for a while, then you know I love a good Moscow mule.

Pappas Delta Blues Smokehouse is one of Dallas’s hidden gems. Their boudain is the best I’ve had in the city and they have some great BBQ chicken, mashed potatoes and dessert (try their warm pecan cobbler if you like pralines). Needless to say, I’m a fan of several items on their menu. The Strawberry Habanero Mule is a new favorite I can add to the list, due to its refreshingly tart and spicy mix.

The drink is one of the most unique Moscow Mules I’ve ever tasted. The strawberry taste is strong but in a natural way. The ginger beer slides right beneath the strawberry flavor and the spice adds the extra sauce to jazz it up. This drink has the perfect combination of a ginger bite, smooth strawberry flavor and a hint of spice that makes it perfect for summer (or really any season).

Bottoms up…..it’s Thirsty Thursday!

2 June
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7th Sign
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Loro’s Adult Slushee

What’s better than a slushee? A slushee with alcohol. That was the exact experience I had at Loro, a Dallas restaurant I recently tried. Loro has a cool, rustic vibe and the food lives up to the atmosphere. I had their kale & salmon pear salad with oak smoked salmon and an appetizer of the crunchy sweet corn fritters. Both menu items are highly recommended.

However, I digress. You’re here to learn more about the drink I tried (not the food): the Mango Sake Slushee. The drink is fairly small (I’d give the glass 10 ounces at best) but it has a pleasantly tart flavor with a hint of alcohol (provided by the sake). I’m honestly not a huge fan of sake on its own so I was somewhat skeptical about trying the drink.

Nonetheless, I misjudged the drink. It’s the perfect beverage to usher in the sunset of a hot summer day. My only gripe? It’s a tad bit too small for the price of $8.50 per glass. Loro’s menu is a bit on the pricey side for the portions. The food, ambiance and of course, the Mango Sake Slushee were all worth the experience. I’d definitely go back again for another slushee or two.

What is one of your favorite summer drinks? Bottoms up…..it’s Thirsty Thursday!