I’ve been told that I wear black way too often but today seemed appropriate.  You see, this may very well be the last day of my life. 

That’s right, you read that correctly.  The doomsday package I referred to last post has arrived early so, today is the day that I’ll be trying those disgusting clam flavored candy canes. 

#DoubleFML indeed.

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, no worries.  I’ll explain everything in what’s likely to be my farewell video later in this post. 

In the meantime, I suppose I should figure out what my ghost outfit will be.  I’m not sure I want to spend all of eternity wearing this t-shirt. 

How does that all work anyway? 

They debated this topic on the TV show Young Sheldon last week.  One of the characters pointed out that while Patrick Swayze’s character in Ghost wore the same outfit he died in, Casper ran around buck naked so, this could really go either way. 

Hmm, I’ll have to jot that question down for the next listener advice hour on Joel Osteen’s radio show…

Anyway, if this really is the end, at least a great week preceded it. 

Wednesday night was orientation day with The Hawks Flight Crew.  Even though it was just a quick HR meeting to go over rules and policies, they provided dinner!

I knew they were serving food, but since it was just an employee on-boarding meeting, I expected light finger foods and appetizers.  Instead, they provided a bonafide feast courtesy of City Barbeque!

Seriously, it was incredible!  BBQ beef, chicken and pulled pork.  Mac and cheese, collard greens, salad, sides and even dessert including a full cake and apple pie!  What?! 

Although I wanted to make a good impression on my first day, I couldn’t help myself.  Hopefully nobody noticed but I scarfed down an obscene amount of food that night!  My plate runneth over!  Actually, “plates” would be more accurate since I had several.

I already showed you the kickoff party they threw for us last week, so my takeaway is that it’s good to work for The Hawks.  They definitely go all out for their employees so I’m very thankful for this gig!  #blessed

I was also grateful for the opportunity I had to meet Marlon Wayans on Friday when I was selected to participate in a few background scenes for an upcoming movie he stars in.

I signed a non-disclosure agreement, so I can’t tell you much, but I played an employee at a quirky millennial office and at one point, Marlon pulled a prop knife on me!  That wasn’t even for a scene, it was in between takes!  He’s a very funny and down to Earth guy so I had a lot of fun.

The budget for this film must be pretty high…or at least the catering budget is because OMG our lunch was ridiculous! 

Steak, crab legs, chicken, turkey, a full salad bar, mashed potatoes, ravioli, ice cream, strawberry shortcake…so much food!

We only had 30-minutes to eat but challenge accepted!  I literally stuffed my face for 29 minutes and 59 seconds!

I wasn’t tacky enough to pack a to-go container like a few others did but, to be fair, I probably ate 3 times as much as them! 

One of the actresses, Ella Perez, tried to test her strength by picking me up at one point.  We both ended up crashing to the floor, but had she tried that before I stuffed myself with 15 lbs of crab meat, she might have pulled it off! 

I definitely needed to do some extra cardio after that shameful performance but we wrapped up around midnight and by the time I got home it was 1am!

I was only able to sleep for a few hours before I had to get ready for an all-employee Hawks team training downtown at 7:30am. 

If you’re wondering, YES, there was more food involved!

This was essentially a customer service training session and a chance for us to take our ID photos, but we were still treated to breakfast and lunch!

Breakfast was fruit, yogurt, bagels and pastry.  There are a few thousand employees so they kept it simple with a streamlined continental menu.

Lunch was catered by fellow hometown heroes, Chick-fil-a!  It was a boxed lunch featuring their signature chicken sandwich, waffled potato chips, a chocolate chip cookie, sweet tea and lemonade! 

Oh, and if you’re wondering, yes, I only grabbed one box…this time. 😉

Although it was mostly a review of company policies and procedures, they always make things fun! 

The Hawks are so closely tied to the city that every event is held inside an Atlanta landmark.

For example, I learned that they held open interviews for many of the positions at The Georgia Aquarium! 

As mentioned in the Taking Flight post, my Flight Crew audition was held at McCamish Pavilion, home of Georgia Tech and The WNBA’s Atlanta Dream basketball teams! 

Our party last week was held at the historic Georgia Freight building in the artsy Atlanta Underground.

The team training Saturday morning was held inside of the Georgia World Congress Center which is next door to Mercedes Benz Stadium home of The Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United and Superbowl 53 in February!

The Hawks office building is around the corner along with Turner Broadcasting!

CNN and Coca Cola World Headquarters are also a block away, plus Olympic Centennial Park and that giant Ferris Wheel you may have seen on TV a few times.

These are some of the top landmarks in all of Georgia so it’s amazing to work so close to them now.  It’s definitely forcing me out of my driving comfort zone, I’ll tell you that much!

Back when I worked in NYC, I only dared to drive through downtown Manhattan twice!  I always hated navigating busy city streets stuffed with tourists so I always relied on trains and cabs. 

Atlanta is a little slower and the metro system isn’t as convenient, so I’ve reluctantly driven through the heart of the city a few dozen times.  Now it’s becoming a regular occurrence so I’ll probably be a pro by the end of the season.

Oh wait, I forgot.  End of the season?  I may not live to see the end of this day…

Before I meet my fate, let’s warm up the ole palette by trying a few other taste-test suggestions from our Facebook foodie group, Phenomnomnomenal. 

First up are these healthy Good Thins Crackers suggested by Karrie Foulks. 

These may not be new to many of you, but they are to me! 

Karrie was raving about how great they are and recommended that I try them too.  Sweet right?  Unlike that bully Catherine Duda who’s trying to murder me with clam flavored candy canes.

Anyway, they make several varieties, even more than the 5 I purchased. 

The flavors I picked up were Chipotle Tomato (made from beans), Garlic and Herb (made from chickpeas), Sweet Potato (made from sweet potatoes….duh), Spinach and Garlic (made from regular potatoes) and Balsamic Vinegar and Sea Salt (made from beets)!

Every option is free of artificial colors, flavors, cholesterol, high fructose corn syrup and partially hydrogenated oils! 

Wow!  These are a great alternative to regular Wheat Thins!  But how do they taste?

Let’s find out, shall we? 

Since there are 5, I’ll keep my reviews short but here are my instant reactions after tasting each flavor:

Garlic & Herb (Karrie’s fave):  These are great!  Expect smelly breath though!

Chipotle Tomato: Oh wow, regulars here know I love tacos so the Tex-Mex vibe is awesome.  Love these too!

Sweet Potato:  Whoa!  These are crispier than the others!  And round.  I love the crunch.  Another winner!

Garlic and Spinach:  These are round and crispy too!  They look and taste like spinach artichoke dip!  Whoa!

Balsamic Vinegar and Sea Salt: They look like beets but taste like salt and vinegar potato chips!  They’re slightly more sour but I like that.

Wow, these are honestly all impressive!  Purchasing 5 felt like overkill but I’m glad that I did!  It’s hard to pick a favorite.  They each have a unique distinct flavor that delivers and are much healthier than the alternatives.  Karrie was right!  I love these too!

Before we move on from the fitness section, shoutout to Jaime Marotta for this amazing announcement!

She’s been working hard for the past several months and has fully embraced a healthier lifestyle. 

Congratulations Jaime!  I’m very proud of you!  Keep going!

Do you have a fitness question, goal or accomplishment you’d like to share?  Tell us in the comments below! 

On the opposite end of the health spectrum was this post from Rafaela Castagna. 

Hmm, I love hash browns, I love mac and cheese and I love bacon so sure, why not?

With that said, here it is!

I know it might look a little scary and may not sit well with all the crackers I just ate but I can assure you it won’t be any worse than the clam flavored candy canes!

If I’m going out, I might as well go out big so Bon Appetit.

Let’s give this a taste!

Well alright, alright, alright!  Mixing random ingredients is kind of my thing so it should come as no surprise that I like this!

Although it looks like a sandwich, it’s a little hard to pick up.  As you can see in the photos, some of the mac and cheese was already falling off before I even attempted to eat it.  I ended up knifing and forking it but as far as taste?  I’m not mad at this.

I can’t picture myself cooking all 3 ingredients just for this sandwich again but if they’re already available, I won’t rule out making another one! 

Hmm, if the next movie set I’m on is serving hash browns, bacon and mac and cheese, things could get a little crazy…

Do you have another food item, restaurant or recipe we should all try?  Tell us about it in the comments below.

Well, I suppose I’ve stalled long enough folks.  The time has come. 

I never thought about what my last meal might be, but I can assure you that clam flavored candy canes wouldn’t have made the list.

Anyway, RIP to me.  I had a good run.  Please tell my parents that I love them.

If this is really the end, you’re going to witness it for yourself.  The Bully Catherine Duda demanded that I provide a video so she can watch me suffer, so with that said, here goes nothing:

Goodbye cruel world…

Today’s Soundtrack

Black – Pearl Jam

Umbrella – Rihanna ft. Jay-Z

Taste – Tyga

Do the Clam – Elvis Presley

Candy Cane Lane – Sia

Back to Black – Amy Winehouse

Heaven – DJ Sammy

Do you have another song that fits today’s themes or that’s just so great we should check it out anyway? Tell us in the comments below!

Hmm…is this heaven?  If so, someone needs to deep clean this place!  It looks just like my old messy apartment. 

Wait…IT IS my old messy apartment!  I’m still alive…but these fish burps are making me wish I wasn’t!

Let’s wrap this up quickly so I can go buy more mouthwash.

With that said, here are the foodie holidays that occur between this and next post!

Whoa!  There’s a lot of pizza on that list!  You know I’m loving that!  Plus gumbo!  M&M’s!  And…wait, moldy cheese?  Say what?

Hmm, I bet a lot of UB40 fans will be celebrating on the 15^th!  “Red Wine Day”….get it?  Nevermind.

Anyway, it’s also my sister-in-law’s birthday this week so shoutout to Bobbi!

As for plans this week, I really need to catch up on movies!  I still haven’t checked out Hell Fest, Venom is now in theaters and I’ve heard great things about Lady Gaga’s A Star is Born performance.  The trailers look incredible and I’m a fan so I definitely want to see that one too!

Aside from that, I’m not sure.  One thing I won’t be doing this week is running my mouth to Catherine Duda again!  Thanks to her for the gift, but I’m definitely not finishing those candy canes! 

Anyway, please leave a comment before you go!  Also click the logos on the side panel to follow me on social media!  Most of the content from today’s post was inspired by our Facebook foodie group so if you’re not a member yet, you’re missing out!

Okay, well that’s all for this week but thanks again for dropping by!  Until next time my friends, May the Fork be With You…

-Darrell

“When I boil 3 eggs and all 3 eggs come out PERFECT I feel like I’m winning at life.  #LivingMyBestLife” – Brandi Starr