Happy 2019 Everybody!

If you didn’t recognize the quote referenced in the title, it was made famous by Eddie Murphy’s character, Prince Akeem, in the movie Coming to America.

My brother literally calls to say this every New Year just after midnight so it’s a Butler family tradition.

Wow, my brother, Dwayne, is getting a lot of shine in these last 2 posts! 

Yes, last post’s bunny costume from A Christmas Story was also an homage to him as well since we usually end up watching the entire 24-hour marathon of that movie whenever he’s controlling the remote!

He tried to tone it down a bit since my sister-in-law complained, so we only watched it for 22 hours this time.  Hey, baby steps, right?

As for the cover photo, no, I’m not about to hit a pinata.  That’s a recreation of the Bird Box movie which I still haven’t seen yet. 

Believe it or not, I don’t have a Netflix account.  Actually, most people don’t have their own account but I also don’t have anyone to sponge access from so I’ll have to finally change that this year.  There are several exclusive shows and movies I’ve been missing out on plus I’m getting fed up with my cable company, so I may finally cut the cord soon.

Anyway, how was your New Years Eve? 

Apparently, I’ve started a new tradition where I begin each year feeling sick. 

If you read the 2018 New Year special, you’ll know that I got food poisoning at dinner with my girlfriend at the time and ended up projectile vomiting into her sink for the next 10 hours.  Fun times!

This year wasn’t that extreme, but I did wake up with a cold.  It’s pretty mild so far so hopefully I can rid myself of it soon but I definitely hope to end this pattern next January 1^st!

As for the rest of last year, I’d say it was a mixed bag for me. 

Based on social media posts and discussions I’ve had, it seems most hated 2018 and were ready to see it fade off into the sunset.  If you asked me around June how the year was going, I’d strongly agree but things began to pick up for me in the second half of the year. 

Let’s see, on the negative side I broke up with the girlfriend I mentioned earlier, although if you read the Bae Watch post, we all know that was inevitable anyway! 

2018 was also the first year in recent memory that I didn’t travel more than a state away so that was disappointing.

Professionally, I always feel I can do more so that’s nothing new and money was a bit tight at times, but who couldn’t use more cash? 

Aside from that, I don’t really have any major complaints about 2018. 

Let’s see, I got to meet my favorite SiriusXM DJ Rude Jude from Shade 45.

I had a blast celebrating my parent’s anniversary in Myrtle Beach.

I got to meet and dance on stage with Salt-N-Pepa at their concert.

Actually, I met a lot of people last year including Future, Michael Baisden, Ernie Johnson, Ryan Cameron, Marlon Wayans and more!

I booked several acting gigs and recorded new music including an original song that may soon be used by The Atlanta Hawks.

Speaking of The Atlanta Hawks, I also auditioned for and landed a gig with The Flight Crew to help entertain fans at games and events.

I also separately landed a gig as a Live Events Associate for Mercedes Benz Stadium and got to work games for The Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, The SEC Championship, Centennial Bowl and more!

Although I got knocked down a few times in 2018, I’d say I finished pretty strong so I’m looking forward to seeing what new adventures 2019 has in store!

How was your 2018?  What are you looking forward to in 2019?  Comment Below!

In more recent memories, Christmas was also a success!

If you read the “HOx3” post, you’ll know that I was a little nervous about my nephew Domonick’s present since he always expects greatness from “Uncle Darrell.”

He’s only 7 and this was the first year I didn’t get him a toy so I wasn’t sure how it would go over. 

Anyway, one of the things I’ve passed along to my nephews is my Michael Jackson obsession, so I’m happy to say that he loved this tee that was the featured gift out of the bundle of presents I gave him!

I heard he wore it 3 days in a row, so I’d say that’s a win!

Dom wasn’t the only one to get cool new gear for Christmas though, check out this hat!

While I was at my parent’s house in South Carolina, I also had a chance to reminisce over my old school Huffy BMX bike! 

Since the statute of limitations should be over in regard to my being grounded, I horrified my parents by sharing how many times I almost died on that bike jumping over various objects and riding all over Monmouth County, NJ back in the day! 

Fun times.

Speaking of fun times, I also had the chance to work 2 Hawks games and The Peach Bowl last week!

Saturday was a particularly long day since The Peach Bowl parade was early that morning immediately followed by the game at Mercedes Benz Stadium.

Since the game was sponsored by Chick-Fila, I lost count of how many chicken sandwiches I saw that day…including several that went directly into my stomach!

As soon as we finished there, I literally ran next door to State Farm Arena to join The Flight Crew as The Atlanta Hawks took on The Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Hip-Hop group Raw Sremmurd also performed during halftime and post-game so it was a long night!

Due to the parade route blocking my normal route to work, I had to park over a mile away so heading back after working 16 hours is probably what caused these cold symptoms. 

That walk is through a sketchy part of town though so escaping with only a cold is still a victory I suppose!

I had to work my “extreme crazy eyes” RBF look to avoid being harassed.  Especially since I was carrying 2 bags (including the bougie Steven Madden backpack my brother gave me last Christmas) since I had to change outfits between jobs.

Here’s one of the classy establishments I passed during my late night stroll down the backstreets of downtown Atlanta.

Oh my…

Oh yeah, before we move on, in slightly unrelated topics, shoutout to the words “bougie” “G.O.A.T” (greatest of all time) and “hangry” for officially being added to the dictionary!

I’m surprised those last 2 weren’t added years ago but hey, better late than never.

Speaking of “better late than never,” those who were waiting for January 1 to start those fitness resolutions, it’s GO TIME! 

Hopefully you took my advice several weeks ago and already devised your plan, purchased your clothes and are ready to go.  If not, that’s okay though.  Do it now!

In the meantime, do anything!  Start making fitness a habit instead of finding excuses to delay your start date until “the perfect moment” again.

We plan to finally launch that separate fitness section in 2019 to help with all this, but in the meantime, remember that your workout plan needs to be balanced. 

That means strength training, cardiovascular exercise and nutrition!  You should also work on stress management and rest. 

Skipping any of these components may put you on the scenic route instead of the fast track to your fitness goals so keep that in mind as your devise your plan.

What are your fitness goals for 2019?  Do you also have a question or accomplishment you’d like to share?  Comment below!

Today’s Soundtrack

Coming to America – The System

Me Solta – Ape Drums

Friction – Imagine Dragons

Powerglide – Rae Sremmurd

Grillz – Nelly ft. Paul Wall, Ali and Gipp

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 first batch of “foodie holidays” of the new year!

National Black Eyed Pea Day makes sense!  My grandmother always made sure we ate those and collard greens on January 1st since they represented pennies and dollars flowing throughout the new year! 

Hmm, I just realized that I didn’t eat any yet today, so I may need one of you to loan me a few bucks in a month or so when my account bleeds dry!

Do any of you participate in this tradition as well?  If not, do you have other foods that are traditional for you to eat on New Years Day?  Comment Below!

Of course, if you don’t like that topic, comment about anything below!  But yes, leave a comment!  I always love hearing from you.  

Make sure to also follow me on social media by clicking the logos on the side panel!

Anyway, that about does it for this week folks!  I hope you had a great holiday season and wish you all a prosperous New Year.  Let’s do some serious goal smashing in 2019!

Until Next time my friends, May the Fork be With You…

-Darrell

“I’m looking for a moisturizer that hides the fact that I’ve been tired since 2010…”