Last Halloween was the first Halloween that fell on a work day for me, and I knew I had to dress up and do something fun. That’s half the fun of Halloween: dressing up like someone else. I’ve always worked for myself, but for the past two years, I have had a part-time job as a secretary and absolutely love it. The family I work for, the Waltzs, is the kindest and sweetest family, and I have really gotten to know them for the past seven years. Cindy is like a bonus momma to me.

I’ve always enjoyed dressing up for Halloween. I don’t think there has ever been a Halloween I haven’t. I always throw something together. When I saw that Halloween fell on a day I worked last year, I started pondering what I could be. I’m talking like summertime. I had to think of something good.

Since starting my secretary job, I have gotten to know Dave, Cindy’s hubby. I never knew him well because I would be over cleaning their house and not at the office. Once in a while, he came in and would say hello, but that’s as far as our relationship got. Over the past few years, I have gotten to know him, and he honestly just makes me laugh. He definitely likes to pick on me, and I like to dish it right back. These people are the best people because they keep things real and don’t have to tiptoe around.

One day, Dave was outside working, and something clicked. He wore the same thing to work: a work hat, maroon work shirt, jeans, and boots. The best part was he had a Fu-Manchu mustache! I thought, “Ohhhh, this could be fun!”

I went on Amazon to see if I could get a gray Fu-Manchu, and sure enough, there it was. It was like the angels opened the gate of heaven and sang as I found it. It was spot on what Dave’s looked like.

“Perfect!” I thought.

The following week, I told Cindy what I was planning. She started cracking up! I asked if I could borrow a work hat and shirt like Dave wore every day. She didn’t mind at all.

The months flew by, and the week of Halloween was here. Cindy gave me everything to wear, and I wore my Harley boots for work boots. I just couldn’t wait to get this mustache on!

Once I had everything on, I couldn’t wait to see how it all pulled together. I looked in the mirror and just started cracking up. Kenzy and my niece Lexi looked at me and went, “What the heck!?” They were laughing so hard at my mustache. I mean, I looked that darn good. I didn’t think I could pull it off, but I rocked that Fu-Manchu! I couldn’t wait to get to work, but was hoping Dave would be there when I got there.

As I pulled into work, I noticed one of the gas trucks still running in the driveway. This was a good sign. I looked into my rearview mirror, smoothed out my mustache, and headed into the office. I started walking up the steps and heard a voice. It was Cindy. She absolutely loved it and was laughing. I was told that Terry and Dave were still in the office, so Cindy started recording me walking in as we entered the office.

I stomped in because that’s what Dave does once in a while and started talking like him. Terry, who drives the fuel truck, just lost it. He was laughing so hard, saying, “This is great!”

Dave looked up from the fuel tickets he was looking at and did a double take. He did not see this coming. I continued to talk like him, and deep down, I knew he loved it. He tried holding back a smile, but it came through. He knew I nailed it. He told me, “Payback’s a B. You just wait!” I told him I think it would be an honor if someone dressed like you for Halloween.

We went out by the fuel truck and got a picture of us side by side. It was absolutely hysterical, and that picture now sits on the desk at work. Customers have no clue it was me. I worked the whole day with my Fu-Manchu on.

Dave walked back into work a few hours later, and I asked, “Dave! How in the heck do you drink with your mustache!? It’s been a struggle with mine!”

He just looked at me, grinned, and shook his head. Knowing him, he probably said something smart after that. Haha.

I had so much fun being Dave for Halloween. His grandkids and kids all popped into the office to see me that day, and everyone thought it was hilarious. It was such a special day that I didn’t want Dave to ever forget it. So, for Christmas, I ordered him an air freshener online that was literally just my face, dressed as him. My Fu-Manchu is the highlight of this air freshener. It had a bacon scent and oddly actually smelled — well, not good at all. I snuck it into his coal truck, hoping he would drive it the day I was there, but he didn’t. I left it hanging on his rearview mirror so he couldn’t miss it. If he didn’t smell it first, something was wrong.

Needless to say, he found it. I got the “You just wait!” speech again. I told him that it would be his favorite air freshener ever, and he could drive around looking at my face all day! How amazing is that? “It stinks!” he said.

He wasn’t lying there. Bacon just didn’t smell like bacon. But you know what, weeks later, it was still hanging in his coal truck. I was impressed with the smell it put off, and he kept it in his truck for that long. It’s now ten months later, and he still hangs on the mirror in his coal truck. Deep, deep down in that heart of his, I know he loved it. He would NEVER admit it. Oh no. But I know.

Halloween falls on a workday again this year. That Fu-Manchu mustache is calling to me again, but I’ll have to come up with something different. Dave was a good sport about it, and it was so fun being his twin for the day. A Halloween I’ll never forget. I’d share the photo with you all, but then I would really be in for it! So I’ll just share a Halloween side dish idea instead and keep the peace with my boss. Love ya, Davey! You are the best!
Spooky Salad

Throw together your favorite salad and top with these adorable spooky touches for any Halloween gathering! Last year, I got pizza for my pumpkin party and had to add some spooky treats to the table. I came up with this spooktacular, simple idea.

Cut faces into thick cucumber slices with a sharp paring knife.

You could use other veggies, like small peppers or carrots.

I used Halloween cookie cutters to cut out shapes into American cheese slices.

It’s super simple! Just be creative.