The beating of your heart plays on the machine across the room. In the distance, I hear a new baby crying and I can't help but think that soon, it will be you that I'm hearing.

It was sometime around the end of fifth grade when my parents decided to move from New Hampshire to Florida. At that age, I never understood why they made that decision. I was young, but I had friends, a place I loved, a life I was familiar with.

I should have learned this lesson a long time ago. Searching for something that isn't there for so many years has taken an emotional toll on me. I've dragged myself through hell and back too many times now. I should've known better. I should've realized it sooner.

I actually got this recipe on our last cruise, but didn't remember that I had it until recently. This isn't a copycat recipe, it's the real deal straight from Carnival.

Another great cocktail that I discovered in the Cayman Islands. This one will make you forget all your worries...and the rest of the day. Credit for this beast of a beverage goes to Donovan over at Tiki Beach.

Here's a great rum punch cocktail that I discovered while vacationing on Christmas Eve in Grand Cayman. If you love rum punch, grab a chair...and a glass.

Here's a recipe for chili that's worth writing home about. It's sort of a Frankenstein of recipes from various sources, but I assure you that it won't disappoint.

Here's a modified version of the rum runners you'll get when you visit Atlantis in Nassua, Bahamas. The recipe makes it a little more strong and a little less sweet...but so much more tasty:

My drink of choice is typically a rum and Coke—but not just any rum. Sailor Jerry is the man when it comes to my all-time favorite liquor.

Some say I curse like a sailor, but I've also been told that I'm as eloquent as a Hallmark card at times.  Here are some of the curiously awesome things I've come up with...usually from right out of my ass: