Hello Neighbor.

Don’t worry, I’m not talking about Mr. Rogers again this post…although this meme is pretty hilarious!

Hmm, Sesame Street and Barney references last post and now Mr. Rogers?  Can you say “arrested development” boys and girls?

Anyway, what’s up everybody?  Welcome back to #DoubleFML FatDarrellPalooza!

So, speaking of hoods, check this out!

Yes, my friends, the transformation is almost complete!  Hmm, I wonder if I can get that pattern on a custom pair of Nikes too?

Oh wow, this really does feel like an episode of Mr. Rogers now because I just had a knock at the door!  However, on Mr. Darrell’s Neighborhood, we rarely open the door for anyone who hasn’t called first.

…although I rarely answer the phone either so good luck there too. 

If I could afford to build a mote with alligators and a drawbridge to enter my apartment, I would.  It’s a shame that I didn’t hit that Mega Millions last week.

I need to finally order one of these “unwelcome” mats:

Want one too?  Click here to find them on Amazon via our affiliate link!  Remember, you still get the same great deals, we just earn a small commission for referring you.  Thanks for your support!

While we’re talking about cool deals on Amazon, check out my new phone case! 

That’s right, it has a kickstand!  I’ve only had it for about a week, but it’s already been a game changer!  Finding random items to lean my phone against was getting old.  Besides, the case was only $16 (other colors are even less).  If you want to check them out for yourself click here!

Anyway, I think whoever was at the door is gone now.  Let’s see who it was!

Ah, just as I suspected – no one I know.  It was one of those “get out and vote” visits.  They left some garbage on my door as a reminder. 

I plan to go later this week to beat the polls next Tuesday but it’s 2018, why isn’t this digital yet?  The internet is capable of more than just cat videos and quizzes to determine which Golden Girl matches your personality. 

I can nominate Cardi B for best new artist at the VMA’s from the comfort of my couch but have to stand in line for 2 hours to vote for a superintendent?  C’mon Man!

Aside from early voting, I also need to pick up some Halloween candy for trick or treaters.  That’s one knock on the door I won’t ignore.  I don’t want to be labelled as the cheap house or end up with my car and balcony covered with eggs and toilet paper from disgruntled kids!

That’s if I’m home of course.  The last few times I was around to pass out candy, hardly any kids showed up, so I ended up eating most of it myself.  We’ll see what happens this year though. 

Maybe I’ll just pass out Easter eggs since everyone seems to be merging holidays this year.  Seriously, what’s with all the people putting up Christmas trees and singing carols in October?  At least wait until November people!  Can’t we enjoy one holiday at a time?  You know, like the olden days way back in 2016? 

This year is already flying by, I don’t want to skip to late December already!  And I sure don’t want to hear annoying Christmas carols already!  Although I suppose that is the best way to celebrate Halloween since the thought of 8 straight weeks of Christmas music would truly be a nightmare.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas too, but I also love Halloween and Thanksgiving.  Let’s focus on those first, shall we?

I was “Christmas shamed” the other day by my friend Krystal though. 

Why?  Well, Lynda Lettice posted the following meme in our Facebook foodie group Phenomnomnomenal recently:

I shamefully admit that I’ve only seen A Christmas Carol but none of the others on this list.  I know, whatever, boo me if you want but A Christmas Carol is my mom’s favorite so when she has the remote, that’s what we watch.  When my brother has the remote, we end up locked into a 12-hour marathon of A Christmas Story since that’s his favorite.  Then of course I always watched Charlie Brown, Rudolph, The Grinch, Frosty and others but none of the remaining 3 classics featured in the photo. 

Krystal has been harassing and threatening me ever since my confession, so perhaps I’ll watch them this year.  This week however is all about Halloween though so enough Christmas talk for today!

Taking Flight

As you may know, I’m on The Atlanta Hawks Flight Crew Experience Team and we had our first 2 games last week!

Here are a few photos we took together after our successful home opener last Wednesday!

I also got to meet Future after his post-game concert!  My friend Sydnei is a huge fan so I was going to try and hook her up with a photo but unfortunately, we weren’t supposed to take pictures or ask for autographs.  I also had to wash the hand I “high-fived” him with since then, so sorry Sydnei – maybe next time!

Game 2 was against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday.  If you caught the Fox Sports South broadcast and didn’t blink, you may have spotted The Flight Crew and The Atlanta Hawks Drumline kicking off the broadcast!

Here’s the clip but don’t blink!  I walk by very fast after the intro graphic…

Speaking of “don’t blink” – a few people actually managed to spot me in the background of the movie Jersey Girl too. 

For those who’ve seen the movie, I’m in the audience during The Sweeney Todd talent show performance.  Here’s most of that scene.  I appear a few times so see if you can find me! 

Hint:  I had hair on my head and not on my face at the time.

Did you miss it?  Here I am!

I mainly took that background role because I wanted to see J.lo in person (mission accomplished) but I still thought I’d end up on camera longer than I was!  They had me work an entire week for that 5-second cameo!

I have to finally check out Insatiable, Hell Fest and a few other projects I’ve done background work for recently to see if I can spot myself there too.  It’s like Where’s Waldo without the striped scarf and glasses.

Oh yeah, speaking of glasses, I always thought it was so bizarre that nobody could recognize Superman when he was dressed as Clark Kent.  After posting this picture a few weeks ago though, I now understand!

Several people who’ve known me for years weren’t sure it was me for a second!  Since I had to work during most of the Halloween parties over the weekend, I may not have a reason to dress up now but if I need to throw something together last minute, apparently a simple pair of specs may be enough!

Speaking of Halloween, check out this recipe I saw on Facebook courtesy of Shesaved.com

Dirty Earwax Q-tip Treats!

Hilarious.  They’re simple to make too!  You can use authentic Q-tips or lollypop sticks if you’d prefer.  If you’re using real Q-tips, you’ll simply need to snip the ends off.

Then slide mini-marshmallows onto the ends and dip them in melted caramel to create the gross wax effect! 

I’ll definitely have to whip up a batch of these next time I feel like grossing anyone out.   What a great idea!

For more great recipes, join our Facebook foodie group “Phenomnomnomenal” by clicking here!

Hmm, while we’re at it, this seems like the perfect time to do a quick round of “What Do You Meme?” where I share some of the greatest posts that I’ve seen on social media recently.

Let’s start off with a few Halloween costume ideas! 

If you don’t understand this next costume, I’m DEFINITELY NOT explaining! 

Hmm, I may need to buy this before our next family gathering.  It’ll save a lot of time!

Hmm, this could also come in handy…

The accuracy…

Really?

On Stress…

For my fellow entrepreneurs…

And let’s close things out with a few fitness ones…

Oh yeah, and shout out to my little nephew Domonick for crushing it at his Taekwondo tournament last week!  Go DOM!

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

Today’s Soundtrack

A Nightmare on My Street – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

Bullet with Butterfly Wings – The Smashing Pumpkins

Money – Cardi B

Jumpman – Drake ft. Future

Love Don’t Cost a Thing (T-squad remix) – J.lo ft. Fat Joe

Vivrant Thing – Q-Tip

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!

Before we go, let’s check out the “foodie holidays” that happen between this and next post:

Hmm, I think of candy corn on Halloween before I think of Caramel Apples.  The “Deviled Eggs” would also make more sense.  They should shuffle a few of these days!

Although I’m still hoping for a National Fat Darrell Day in January, I’ll also celebrate National Sandwich Day on the third!  National Doughnut Day and takeout sound great too!  I’m loving this week already!

Aside from Halloween and National Caramel Apple Day, October 31 is also my birthday so I may have to indulge in a slice of cake or two….or 3!  

If you dress up for Halloween this year, please share some of your great photos with me on social media by clicking the logos on the side panel!  

Also make sure to leave a comment below before you go!  It’s my birthday wish… (can you say “guilt trip” boys and girls?)

It’s hard to believe that it’ll be November next post!  You early Christmas folks are about to get your wish, it’s just around the corner!

Anyway, that about does it for this post.  I hope you all have a great week filled with love, peace and tacos.  Let’s finish October strong and start November with a bang!  

Thanks again for dropping by and until next time, May the Fork be With You…

-Darrell

“The older you get, the better you get.  Unless you’re a banana.” – Betty White