As always, Kitty and I collaborate on a "Best of" list to end each year. It is always fun for us to think about the experiences, restaurants and products that have defined our year. As always, this list is in no precise order and there is no relation between the different items.
10.) The immersion blender
Smoothies for the kids for breakfast, creamy soups without the mess of a blender and an easy way to chop onions. This was our product of the year. If you like to cook, this is a great tool that probably would not anger Alton Brown.
9.) Home Depot (as relates to # 1)
I spend at least a little time each week at the Home Depot. I take the Spud, LHB and Baby Maraca to their Saturday workshops to build some sort of project and they always enjoy the satisfaction of working on a project. More importantly, I am inspired to try my hand at building small craft projects like bookshelves and a gaming table for myself.
8.) The Best Bahn Mi in Denver (finding happiness in a new City)
When we moved to Denver a little over a year ago, I was worried that I would lose touch with the great ethnic food that defined my time in New York City. I was afraid of not getting to take my children on "Food Adventures" that would expand their palate. Thanks to the internet, I was able to find New Saigon Bakery, which makes a delicious Bahn Mi sandwich. I look forward to discovering many more food adventures.
7.) Denver Activities
Moving to a new city requires exploration and an openness to appreciate the differences from home. Early on in 2015, Kitty recommended I try going to a weekly "Adventurer's League" at Enchanted Grounds. When I'm not gigging, I go every Wednesday night to play Dungeons and Dragons (5th Edition!) and socialize. I've made some wonderful friends and shared in many exploits in the world of D&D.
6.) Home School
This year we decided that the Spud would be homeschooled. We had experimented with homeschooling for half a year in New York City for kindergarten. Kitty has spent an enormous amount of time and energy giving a rich education to our oldest child. There are many wonderful resources in Colorado to support our decision and it has brought our entire family closer together.
5.) Renewal and Collaboration (Opera Colorado)
Years ago, I began my professional career outside of New York State by heading to Opera Colorado to be an Outreach singer. During my tenure at Opera Colorado, I was introduced to a variety of top tier professionals and was inspired to go to New York and transition my career from being a character tenor to a lyric (leading) tenor. It was an unconventional path to take when I had a good career ahead of me and the challenge and rewards have been deeply satisfying.
This year I returned to Opera Colorado to step in as the Second Priest in Mozart's The Magic Flute. We had an stellar cast, crew and direction team and I was thrilled to reconnect with my former colleagues after so many years.
4.) The Royal Carriage
We bought a mini-van. We drive it everywhere. 'nuff said.
3.) Connection and Collaboration (Denver Art Song Project, Boulder Opera, old friends at the show)
Likewise, I started off 2015 making new musical friends. Opera on Tap, Boulder Opera, the Messiah Chorus of Grand Junction and founding the Denver Art Song Project filled my year with many musical treats and surprises. Coupled with trips to New York for singing, I made the most of another year as a professional musician.
2.) Encompass New Opera Theatre's comedic gold. I continued my long term series of collaborations with my good friends at Encompass, joining them in Richard Pearson Thomas' "A Wake or a Wedding". It was an opportunity to play in a true comedy and push my comedic skills as far as I could. And go topless. And grow a slick mustache.
1.) The new house
After many years in NYC, we relocated to Denver and this year we took the huge step of putting down roots and buying our first house. It is an exciting new beginning for our family. After the five of us shared a one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn, we are almost overwhelmed with the space!
And so... there it is. 2 years late! Watch out for 2016 coming soon!
