february 2025

It was valentine’s day this month, and I’d like to share a version of what I wrote to Ashley.

dear ashley

I’ve always taken geographical proximity to mean a lot. The closer I am to someone, physically, the more I can focus on them. The easier it is to empathize with them.

Along those lines, life’s gotten comfier since we’ve moved in together.

It’s nice not have to think about when I’ll see you next.

It’s nice to be able to talk about things in person instead of through a phone.

It’s nice to curate a space together.

It’s nice to host people as a couple.

It’s nice to cook for each other.

It’s nice to see each other after a long day.

Sometimes life is just moving forward until you get knocked down. Which makes it hard to build something lasting.

I’ve found that the closer we are, the more support we can give each other. Recovering from those hard days is easier. And I think a relationship is built for those moments - it gets stronger because of those moments. Like an antifragile system.

I’m lucky (and grateful) to have you around. As my editor, partner, roommate, friend ♥️.

a background tone

Ever since Trump’s inauguration, there’s been a constant buzzing in the back of my head - like a mosquito. I suspect it’ll linger for at least four years.

So that’s flavoured everything this month :( It’s an atmosphere that will take some getting used to.

lonesome dove

Fortunately, I was reading a good book that allowed for some escapism. It’s a habit of mine to rave about every single book I’ve read, and I’m doing the same for this one.

Ashley is well aware of how much I love this book because I keep explaining it to her and gasping out loud every time something happens.

Not sure why I haven’t read a Western before. It’s fantastic how small their world is. Just you, your horse, your outfit and the plains.

It’s a story about two old Texas Rangers and a bunch of cowboys.

“Son, this is a sad thing,” Augustus said. “Loss of life always is. But the life is lost for good. Don’t you go attempting vengeance…He went over and tightened the girth on his saddle. “Don’t be trying to give back pain for pain,” he said. “You can’t get even measures in business like this. You best go find your wife.”

He and Augustus had discussed the question of leadership many times. “It ain’t complicated,” Augustus maintained. “Most men doubt their own abilities. You don’t. It’s no wonder they want to keep you around. It keeps them from having to worry about failure all the time.”

I enjoyed every second.

Thank you, Stuart, for the recommendation.

specific observations about Halifax

I spent a lovely week in Halifax visiting Satish and Ran. Here are some things I noticed:

After finishing a meal at a restaurant, the waiter won’t rush you with the bill. They let you stick around!
The Halifax Central Library might be my favourite library of all time. It’s beautiful and huge and comfortable and also feels like a community center.
The snow and ice in Halifax is, in effect, part of the sidewalk. It has the same structural integrity as concrete as far as I’m concerned.

Halifax has an intense, vibrant and outgoing spirit. I’d like to return soon.

other things that happened

learned not to fly through Pearson in February
watched Team Canada defeat the U.S. in the 4 Nations final
bought a drysuit for free diving
rediscovered the apple, ham, and brie sandwich

That’s it, bye! 🇨🇦