imjustdrew

I adopted a phrase in the 90s “how you start out isn’t necessary how you finish.” 2025 is the living testament of this statement.

This has been a trying year for me no doubt. However I leaned on my village of family, close friends and connections to come out shining brightly!

I have chosen once again to highlight the many 2025 deaths close to me in a separate post. The two that impacted me the most were my first cousin/brother Big Jake Lanier and my first cousin Clarence J. Powell III. Please continue to pray for me and mine as we navigate these losses.

There were a lot of milestones for me personally this year. I celebrated 10 years of employment with Amazon, 30 years employed altogether. I also celebrated 25 years of being a Winthrop University graduate. My high school alma mater, Blacksburg High School, celebrated 100 years of being open as well.

Life is good down here at 260/270. My uncle Forest Kenneth came out of retirement like Jordan. He donned the number 45 and took a full time electrican job. He still does side work as a electrican and HVAC tech. He’s been doing several projects around our properties: building a cul de sac, a garden, a utility building and a small carport on his end of the property. He helped build myself a deck and remodel my kitchen floors. There is still much more work to be completed but as always I’m proud and grateful for what has been accomplished thus far.

Shortly after I celebrated both my 10 year work anniversary and my 47th birthday, I started a short term mental health leave from work. The various deaths close to me, plus work and personal stress prompted me to take this self imposed leave. The takeaway is to prioritize and love myself and be careful who I deal with and love. I realize I talk about it often but you have to walk it also. I’ve used this time to get healthier physically, mentally, socially and emotionally. I plan to return back to the job a much healthier and healed employee and manager.

I’ve been very intentional about my continued growth and development. I have been attending events and celebrations per always. I am also enjoying life more, getting to travel more, having more outside fun, back in the gym regularly and even reading more (12 books and counting). I have a good looking MyChart, a better outlook on life and when I smile I mean it.

I still have my #imjustdrew brand and platform with my podcast that has currently 127 episodes! My #drewfromdawu brand is now out with plenty of great things and content in the works for 2026, the 10 year anniversary.

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, Happy Festivus, and any other December holiday that’s celebrated!

Remember nothing beats a Jet2Holiday, a person that refuses to quit nor someone with great, loyal friends!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #drewfromdawu

It’s been a while since I wrote on here. This shouldn’t even be something I’m discussing but apparently I need to clarify.

I do have FOMO and I do like/want to be invited to stuff. It’s good for my mental and it fills my heart. It’s one of the hallmarks of the entire brand.

However I know, understand and respect boundaries. I may joke from time to time about crashing a party or shindig Poetic Justice style even if I do know the people. However I haven’t did that since perhaps my early 30s.

I see if something is for the public (EVERYONE, ANYONE). There are several public events I don’t want nor care to attend. Private events/invite only events are different in many ways. There are ones that I may need access to but I need to know someone (Diner En Blanc, Pink Ice Gala, someone’s wedding or retirement ceremony). Heck anything with an RSVP. Events such as anything in the confines of a home, class reunion, again a wedding, something with VIP access are events I get. Even a family event, club or girls night qualifies. Understand I was raised with values and sense. My mom would want me to belong but not be where I’m not wanted nor welcomed. That’s how I carry my life.

Despite how much I carry on, if I truly am not welcome or it’s a private affair I’m good. It doesn’t matter if you’re my closest family member or friend. What we have is truly a failure to communicate. I wouldn’t ask to come on a date or any romantic encounter with a married or dating couple. This doesn’t include a third wheel option.

We are into the season of high school and college Homecomings, Friendsgivings, Holiday parties, etc. Trust me, I won’t just pop up nor complain if there were no prior communication nor expectation of me arriving.

There is definitely a difference between public and private and I know that difference.

#imjustdrew

This isn’t a poem but given the current state of affairs there are some things I miss.

We cannot come together and big picture wise I get why. Things have become so divisive politically and racially. We are no longer valuing character, integrity and even solid values it seems.

These are things I miss right now: when we could talk to each other and reason like human beings, when we debated most about how a steak was cooked, Flat Earthers, who’s the GOAT in football or basketball, even if the toilet seat is supposed to be up or down.

Lately folks have been so hateful and hurtful to one another. I believe in free speech, not disrespect.

I am not saying so much due to the present state of affairs but either way in which you believe, please remember to be kind. Be respectful. Actively listen to one another. Know when to walk away.  This is a tough season for all right now.

All of a sudden, stuff like folks celebrating Christmas early and ignoring Fall don’t seem as bad nor controversial anymore.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

For my Gen X/upper millennials this was the big statement for years.

Cash is still king especially for small businesses. However the value of the dollar is less than ever nationally and it isn’t safe to carry obscene amounts of cash.

I was challenged a week ago about cash versus cashless methods (PayPal, CashApp, Square, Zelle, etc). I’m a July Cancer, am competitive, have an MBA and work in operational leadership. So yeah that hit home for ole Drew.

Ok first of all let people be regarding how they spend and allocate funds. Why is it anyone’s business as long as they’re not asking others for handouts?

2nd please do your research. Over the years, the value of the dollar has gone way down. Dr. Charles Avis at the WU said that when you spend cash versus credit/debit you actually spend more. Nearly everyone takes cash and most don’t budget the cash they have.

Now we will go into swiping/scanning/tapping. If you say it’s unsafe and your monies could get gone easier, allow me to enlighten you. These methods are actually more secure and airtight than keeping hundreds of dollars in cash on you. If there is fraud you are notified immediately. Try losing cash; it’s gone. You can cancel a card or disable a method of payment. You can’t do that with cash.

Furthermore there are exceptions for cash like on vacation, a cruise ship or even a disaster like a hurricane, flood, etc where you cannot easily use a remote method of payment. However what are the chances of you being in a disaster versus you losing hundreds of dollars in cash? I’m not saying you shouldn’t keep a discretationary fund. One should be open to all methods of payment. We will be in 2026 soon and the world basically runs off of these methods (exceptions aside of course.)

I will close by saying manage your funds efficiently in all areas of your life. You must have a balance in your financial life, track your account regularly regardless how much money you have on you and be responsible. That’s it.

Can we simply have these conversations, be civil and if we disagree, come with concrete facts? You better believe I’m coming with mine with a progressive mindset as well.

#imjustdrew

We are failing. Not just as a people, a country, a society, etc. We are failing to be honest with each other, ourselves and everything else.

Remember the saying “the truth shall set you free.” ? That no longer appears to be the case.

It starts with being honest with ourselves. We as a people go overboard with our outward appearance. Liposuction, BBLs, fake eyelashes, losing weight through dangerous cleanses and drugs such as Ozempic. Trying to live the Hollywood lifestyle but you live in Union, SC.

That’s another lie, about your address. You actually live in Buffalo, SC but you claim Union. You’re on welfare and get EBT yet you have an overflowing bank account and drive a Mercedes. You’re going on two more vacations before the end of the year. Nevermind that you’re a teacher’s aide and do home healthcare you’re going to figure it out.

How can you be honest with anyone else when you cannot be honest with yourself. Is your legal name even the one on your driver’s license/ID? That’s where we need to stop.

I may do a series on this but we have to start at home with ourselves and simply tell the truth to ourselves and others. This way we can live a truly healthy and legit lifestyle.

#imjustdrew

Cuffing season is here wherever or not you know it.

Guess what, online dating is bigger than ever with more technology. However you have to be more careful than ever due to technology especially AI.

Please don’t forget to practice the basics. Have a true video chat (a series of them). Meet them out in public. Bring a trusted friend with you. Have exit phrases and codes so you can get out of the date if necessary. Try to limit blind dates (can’t forget the purpose of this blog) and go with someone you know from mutual friends and family.  DO NOT ignore red flags.

Also if you’re going through major life changes such as the loss of a loved one and/or a heartbreak, now isn’t the time for dating. You cam be friends/take applications. However, be transparent and leave it at that.

It can work out for you. Know what you want, don’t settle but remember compromise. Have an open line of communication and work through simple barriers.

Your love (and mine) is out there!

#imjustdrew

It may be fun but please don’t play those games here!

I figured this would be the most appropriate title for my blog that I’ve been putting together for a week. There are too many people that think everyone/everything is a joke and that this is a whole Jet2Holiday.

Basically honesty has gone out the door with chivalry. We can’t even be honest with ourselves, let alone others. All we can do is look inside, have discernment, see those red flags, and not expect us out of others.

School is back in session of course and this is what the schoolchildren need to know as well. Be friendly, kind but don’t let anyone play in your face, jerk you around or lie on you.

Adult bullying (a separate post) exists in so many different forms. That is of course through manipulation, lying and gaslighting when called out.

Take it from me: don’t let others make a Jet2Holiday out of you. You’re a human being first, YOU matter, and love yourself as much as you love others.

Finally, do detach from others and situations without fear. Have a good support team around you so that you make good choices and sense good vibes.

#imjustdrew

Women have so many advantages despite being a minority still in 2025. One advantage is they travel well and in groups.

Men on the other hand, we have a ways to go.

I have a social circle of fellas, homies, etc. We may hang out for a fight night, a cookout or at a spot like 418 or something of that nature. Going on a trip out of town/the country is another deal!

My core group from college used to party for CIAA and have even synced some for WU Homecoming events and such. Beyond that, I have to keep my female friends close.

I’m stuck between not wanting to crash a girls trip and being William from Girlfriends. Yeah I’m that guy.

I can, will and have traveled solo just this year alone. I want to get some friends together and have some good, clean fun in another city, state and/or country. I’m able to travel and I want to do it a couple times/year.

Pray for me as this is another area of #imjustdrew that I would like to make more widespread.  I’m looking at travel groups and deals that travel agents and timeshare owners have.

#imjustdrew

It’s hot, we know. Late June, 100 degrees in the South. It’s that time.

You can stay in under the AC or get out and swim and/or be around some water.

Growing up we had the hosepipe, the creek, those small inflatable pools, and water guns. We fought the heat and won.

There was a period as an adult I didn’t have AC in my car. I would wear a wet shirt or freeze a shirt and wear it.

I love swimming though, it’s physical, refreshing and therapeutic. I’m here for it all: pools, creek, the lake. Basically anything but the ocean. I hear how nasty a public pool can be but the ocean is gross.

I will continue to stay in the water every chance I get the remainder of the summer.

#imjustdrew

Many people have their pets: dogs, cats, snakes, hamsters, fish, bunnies, etc. I personally love animal lovers as I am one myself.

I have my cat Mosey and two Jack Russell terriers, Spud and Bud, that adopted me. They give me peace,  company and help watch over my place.

Mosey has the backyard and deck dominated while the dogs have the front yard.

I see folks spending hundreds of dollars on veterinary care and even having funerals for their pets. If they can afford it, I don’t see it as the worst thing someone could do.

Personally, I look at how someone treats or mistreated an animal and I make my judgment of them from that. It helps me see how you treat a human beinv..