Day 17: A Whole New World

Cole and I agree that we grew up with the best Disney movies: The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin. Cole and I went on a "Disney Binge" in the days following our loss, watching all the classics and a few Disney movies we hadn't seen. At best, the movies brought us back to our childhood, and put a smile on our faces during hard times.

I've gone to karaoke before with friends, and after a few drinks, I've mustered the courage to sing "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor. Cole has gone to karaoke once before, during a friend's wedding in Cape Cod. Cole and his friend, Aaron, were standing at the bar, when their names were called to the stage to sing "Material Girl" by Madonna. They were signed up to sing by Aaron's wife, Kellis, and me. The best (worst) part? Cole had never even heard "Material Girl" before. Ever.

In an effort to redeem himself, Cole suggested karaoke again. I suggested a real duet, a first for the both of us. The song choice? "A Whole New World" from one of our Disney favorites, Aladdin. We practiced in the car, during walks with Mini, and while making dinner. And after weeks of preparation, it all came down to this: our debut duet at Butterfly in West Hartford. 

Surrounded by friends who came out to support us (and aided by a few drinks), we got up to sing "A Whole New World" in front of dozens of people. I was a little more into it than Cole, as evidenced by my command of the room and his nervous laughter throughout the song. We were happy to enjoy a night making fun of ourselves, and glad that we could share that experience with such great friends: Tom got up and sang, Cole sang "Baby Got Back" with Chanty, and I sang "Shake It Off" with Chanty and Emma. It was, all in all, a great time!