The FAB 2020

For many years in the past I had made it an annual event to celebrate the passing of that year by writing a ‘Top 10 Highlights’.

Somewhere along the way I abandoned that story as I found myself too busy on playing hide and go seek with my nieces and nephews over the holidays.

This year, with COVID restrictions, those important family times have been put on hold – so I thought I’d make the effort to reflect on the year.

In a year filled with dark days, fear, loneliness and sometimes sadness I’ve learned to be even more grateful than ever for those small moments of distraction and happiness.

Big or small, these were my ‘Top Ten Highlights of 2020’

1. Master Chocolatier

In January, my brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew came to visit me in Calgary. As a part of their 2019 Christmas present I arranged a private chocolate class and tour of Master Chocolat with the one and only Bernard Callebaut.

Not only did we leave with an extraordinary amount of chocolate, we were gifted great memories and time together.

2. Panda Passage

The pandas were to have called Calgary home until 2024, that has sadly since changed and they have made their way back to China.

Prior to that, the Calgary Zoo had given me a number of opportunities to see them in the habitat that was built especially for them.

3. Winefest

The annual Winefest is always one of my favourite moments of the year. It’s a time where some of my very bests friends and I get together as a group and really go all in!

As to be expected the night starts early, ends late and creates memories we laugh about for years to come.

4. Pretty Woman

In 2019 Pretty Woman opened on Broadway in NYC. I was able to see it and immediately fell in love.

Fast forward to 2020 and a trip to London where the show had just opened there and I was able to snag a front row seat in a ticket lottery!

5. LV x Virgial Abloh

Just prior to COVID becoming world news, Virgil Abloh sent an amazing floral inspired spring collection down the runway for Louis Vuitton.

As I watched the show online, I immediately fell in love with the bright and creative designs, knowing I just had to own a piece of it.

After scouring the brand’s shops around the world, I locked in on 1 of the only pochettes in the UK.

6. TV at Home

Throughout the years I’ve been lucky enough to appear on-air with dozens of networks as a lifestyle segments guest.

This year, as the studios closed and the professional camera men, lighting crew and floor directors locked up, I was left to navigate the space on my own and in my own home.

But with the help of others, shooting these segments from home has been a fun learning experience and they’ve ended up looking pretty darn good.

7. Drive ins

As a kid I remember being crammed in the back of the family car and my mom chainsmoking all while I feasted on gads of popcorn watching the double feature at the drive in.

Ahhh the memories.

This year as some public spaces closed, others reopen… The drive in was back and I was here for it!!!

8. Equality

This years saw many more people join together and fight for equality.

And although PRIDE felt cancelled this year, we celebrated 50 years of the Pride Flag and people were introduced again to pioneers like Marsha P. Johnson who stood up decades ago so we could have some of the rights we enjoy today.

9. You are LOVED.

This year I had planned to host a large event as part of the LOVED. movement.

And although a pin was put in on that for 2020, so many amazing brands stepped up and shared their true colors by creating limited edition products to further the message, “You Are LOVED.” with others around the globe!

10. We Yahoo’d Together

Stampede as we know it may have been cancelled but throughout the year we have had opportunities to come together to yahoo.

Whether through socially distanced park dates, zoom calls and small gatherings our western spirit still shone bright when we were able to connect.

This year has certainly had its trying times, but what it’s shown me is that when we come together, even in the smallest ways, we have been able to win big.

Hang in there, stay safe and healthy, there are many more amazing times, filled with great memories to come!

Mr. Fab 2020