Life

Day 2, Run 2
And now time to finish the workday before retiring these shoes and trying a new pair

First day of the week first run of the week

A person is taking a selfie on a track, showing details of an afternoon run including the distance, time, and pace with buildings in the background.

A lovely summer weekend before the rain and the start of the ”rentrée”

A green park with tall trees is situated in front of a distinctive multi-story building. A person is holding two cans of Yeo's drinks, one lychee-flavored and the other soy bean, in front of a refrigerated display stocked with various beverages. A narrow street with modern, angular buildings on both sides and an arched structure at the end under a clear blue sky. A green iron bridge stretches over a canal beside modern buildings, with a mural and a café visible along the waterfront. A weathered brick wall features a wooden door and a street sign labeled ‘Rue de Crimée’ with a building in the background. A vibrant mural depicts a hand using chopsticks to pick up pieces of sushi, set against a graffiti-covered wall with barbed wire above. Two people wearing sunglasses are outdoors, with one pushing a stroller near wooden structures. A plate of fried appetizers with dipping sauce is set on a wooden table alongside glasses and someone preparing to eat with a knife and fork. A quiet street lined with classic European-style buildings basks in the bright sunlight under a clear blue sky. Urban landscape at sunset with buildings and trees against a colorful sky.

8/19/25 →

Day two: back to back

A person wearing a red shirt is taking a selfie on an outdoor running track, with workout details overlaid on the image.

8/19/25 →

My First Five Steam Purchases (after reading the related article on The Verge):

Torchlight
Team Fortress 2
Portal 2
Poker Night
Left 4 Dead 2
Plants vs. Zombies

A list of video games with corresponding dates is displayed.

8/18/25 →

Considering the stadium and running track are close to where I live I’m trying to set up new routines to get in better shape and become healthier

8/17/25 →

Final holiday pics before getting back to work tomorrow: a well deserved break and staycation!

A child in a red dress walks towards an ornate, historic building with statues and architectural details. A spacious art gallery features ornate ceiling, wooden floors, and walls adorned with large framed paintings, accompanied by plush seating for visitors. A majestic castle stands beside a serene lake under a partly cloudy sky, surrounded by lush greenery. Two children in strollers are reaching out to hold hands. A street scene in a sunny city features a vintage advertisement on a building facade, lush greenery, and a small market or kiosk. People are gathered in a bright, modern café with a mirror displaying a decorative world map on the wall. Two women are sitting on a picnic blanket on a grassy area while a small child stands nearby. People are dining outdoors in a courtyard with historic architecture and ivy-covered walls. A young child in a checkered dress walks along a cobblestone path with an adult in the background. A table with a cappuccino, an empty espresso cup, a chocolate chip scone on a saucer with a spoon, a basket of bread, and two people's legs nearby. A cozy café features wooden flooring, modern chairs, round tables, and warm globe lights, with plants and framed art for decoration. A charming Parisian building with classic architecture is framed by lush trees under a blue sky. A plate of penne pasta is topped with mushrooms, cheese, and fresh basil, served on a decorative blue and white dish.

8/17/25 →

📰🎙️🎧 NYT: Where have all my male friendships gone 😢

Two armored figures holding hands are depicted above a headline about male friendships. An illustration of three abstract figures accompanies the podcast episode titled 'Where Did All My Male Friendships Go?' detailing a man's journey to overcome loneliness and reconnect with friends.

The Power of Politeness | The Atlantic

8/7/25

The idea of Kindness being Punk, continuing to grow and get good traction. I love it!

When you become less polite, the alteration in your conduct can make you less happy, more depressed, and angrier about life.

(…) One study [allows] us to infer that you inherit some politeness from your parents partly through your genes, but more through how you were brought up. This also implies that you can become more polite with good influences and by cultivating positive habits.

Researchers (…) showed that being polite to others raises happiness and lowers anger. (…) Being impolite is more like scratching at your poison-ivy rash. Giving in to the urge makes things worse.

(…) I see politeness as today’s punk rock because it so transgresses the spirit of our times. And like punk rock, when you empower yourself with politeness, you feel exhilarated. It is the ultimate exercise in freedom: the freedom to be the person I want to be in the face of a cultural tyranny.

[≠]

A person with a floral-patterned mask featuring smiling flowers is illustrated above a text about the power of politeness by Arthur C. Brooks.

8/6/25 →

Our Parisian/home staycation continues…

Today started with a homemade brunch, before a visit to the Great Mosque of Paris, a delicious lunch, and a walk across town!

Stumbled upon the memorial of the November 13th, 2015 terrorist attacks — a stunning, well-designed square across City Hall

A breakfast setup with a plate of food and a glass of coffee on a table, featuring items like Tabasco sauce and seasoning. A quiet urban street lined with parked cars and scooters offers a view of a tall, ornate building in the background under a partly cloudy sky. A spacious, ornate courtyard features tall arches, decorative columns, and a central fountain. A lush garden with a central fountain is framed by an ornate archway and vibrant greenery. A woman stands near a decorative fountain surrounded by vibrant pink flowers and intricate architecture. A meal featuring a dish with octopus and garnishes is served on a white table alongside glasses of water and wine, with a person in the background. A street with classic European architecture leads to a grand domed building under a clear blue sky. A grand architectural scene features historic buildings with tall columns under a clear blue sky, alongside parked cars and a few people strolling nearby. A street market stall under large trees displays various art prints, books, and postcards on a sunny day. A hand is holding a cup of iced coffee in front of a stroller, where a child is sitting and eating. A simple storefront sign featuring a drawing of a hand is mounted on the corner of a building with blue and beige accents. A historic building with ornate architecture is surrounded by a lush garden and trees, with people walking and relaxing.

8/6/25 →

More holiday shenanigans

A cup of coffee sits on a patterned table outside near a grand building with a clock tower. A man wearing a floral shirt is seated on a couch, interacting with a young child standing beside a marble table with items on it. An adult and a child are walking on a decorative floor in an ornate room with large windows. A person is taking a photo of their reflection in a mirrored table with two cups of coffee on it. A man is helping a young child at a playground with a play structure nearby, while other people and trees are in the background. Appetizing flatbreads topped with vegetables are served on a table alongside two red drinks. A rooftop terrace features a closed umbrella, potted plants, and wrought-iron furniture, overlooking a cityscape under a clear blue sky.

8/4/25 →

Quiet morning in the neighborhoood.

It was really nice to see kids welcoming my (much younger) daughter and letting her play with them, trying to get her to kick the ball ⚽️

Heartwarming moments 🥰 🥹

A child stands alone on a colorful, outdoor sports court under a clear sky, surrounded by a fence and trees.

8/3/25 →

Vacation Day 03: 🧋☕️🍦

#CongCaPhe #Paris

A Cộng Cà Phê coffee shop is situated on the corner of a street with beige buildings in the background. A group of people browse merchandise displayed on wooden shelves, with bags labeled ‘HA NÓI’ and ‘DA NANG’ prominently featured. People are standing in line inside a wooden-themed cafe with shelves displaying various products. A cozy café scene features people sitting at tables, engaging in conversation, with a wall decorated with colorful teapots. A park scene shows people walking and gathering near a large reflective sphere and a Ferris wheel under a partly cloudy sky.

Day 2 of our summer break ☀️🏞️🏙️

8/2/25

Went out to Musée de L’Homme for the exhibition on Wax Textile, and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in fashion, colonialism, ethnography, culture, and global trade.

Then had lunch at Schwartz’s Deli before enjoying the sight, and spending time with some of our friends living close to the Eiffel Tower on Rive Droite.

A vibrant red wall features digital displays with various colorful patterns and the bold word "wax" in the center. A gallery exhibit showcases vibrant, colorful artworks and patterned clothing on mannequins against a white wall. A plate of food featuring a sandwich with pickles, fries, and coleslaw is accompanied by condiments, a glass of beer, and a water bottle on a table. A person is standing on a sidewalk taking a photo of the Eiffel Tower in the distance, surrounded by trees and urban scenery. A chalkboard outside a deli humorously references loss of hope, cash, jobs, and bacon, while a person works inside. Two people are taking a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower on a sunny day.

Day 1 of our summer break ☀️ 🍪 🥃 😘

8/1/25

Including delicious cookies and affogatos from Crème and a visit to the National Archives and seeing the official handwritten “Appeal of June 18th” from General Charles De Gaulle, which he broadcast on the BBC from London while in exile, on June 18th 1940, trying to inspire the French to resist their invaders.

Also: Happy International Spritz Day! Grateful that we have a lovely big Eataly here in Paris 🇮🇹

7/30/25 →

Work lunches with visiting coworkers 😊

7/28/25 →

Mail day 📚 🗞️ 📰 🥃

7/28/25 →

Family weekend fun at the Buttes Chaumont

7/24/25 →

2022-2025 RIP 🪦 👼 🌾 🍚

7/21/25 →

Solo for lunch today and had to run an errand so stopped by my local café for a delicious lunch.

Auto-generated description: A plate with steak, fries, and salad is on a table alongside a glass of beer, water bottle, and a basket of bread.

7/21/25 →

Updated my /now page :)

7/20/25 →

A lovely lovely weekend

A narrow cobblestone street is lined with Parisian buildings and a café with glowing lights, creating a cozy atmosphere.

7/20/25 →

My wife has been sharing some of our most personal cultural stories over on her newsletter

A new series, ‘Living Between’, is introduced as a platform for exploring cultural connections and personal stories, featuring a community of over 500 readers.

7/13/25 →

Very wholesome afternoon with close friends at the #FondationLouisVuitton for the David #Hockney exhibition yesterday!

A modern architectural structure with curved glass and metal elements stands against a blue sky. A large, golden, flower-shaped sculpture is displayed in a landscaped park setting, with trees and buildings in the background under a blue sky with scattered clouds. A group of people is sitting in a dark room with vibrant, colorful digital art projections on the walls. People are viewing colorful landscape paintings showcased in an art gallery. People are sitting on benches and the floor inside a room with blue lighting and star-like projections on the walls. A group of people stands in front of a modern, angular glass building under a partly cloudy sky. A person takes a photo of a seated individual against a blue backdrop, with natural light streaming in through large windows. People are walking around and observing artwork in a spacious, modern gallery with lit display tables and large paintings on the walls. Two people walk down a sunlit path surrounded by lush trees. Holding a partially eaten sandwich wrapped in foil, a person stands near a stroller with a child inside at a playground. A fast food restaurant counter displays various menu options featuring smoked meats and sandwiches.

7/8/25 →

🎥🎸Simple Plan: The Kids in the Crowd ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A documentary on my favorite band? Sign me up!!!

A band poses energetically with guitars and drums on stage in front of a cheering crowd, with "Simple Plan" and "The Kids in the Crowd" text above and below them.

7/7/25 →

🎥 F1: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Oh this was hella fun and so immersive in IMAX

A man in racing gear stands confidently in front of a Formula 1 car with a dramatic sky in the background.

Last week’s shenanigans

7/7/25

The end to another eventful week and weekend…

Pics 1-6: Beating the heatwave during a team dinner at Uma Nota, a delicious Brazilian/Japanese fusion place. Passionfruit Ceviche was mindblowing
Pics 7-10: home life
Pics 11-13: Streem food market for Le Food Market’s 10-year anniversary
Pics 14-17: running errands around Rive Gauche
Pics: 18-19: the Olympic Vask is back this summer. Felt emotional, proud, and nostalgic walking past it!
Pic 20: singin’ in the rain
Pic 21: home

A glass of beer with the label 'L.B.F.' is placed on a bright yellow table in a lively bar setting. A group of people are socializing in a lively venue, with a colorful background featuring the words 'BOMB SQUAD.' Auto-generated description: A table displays a variety of dishes including a bowl of thinly sliced fish garnished with herbs, a plate of cubed sesame snacks, and a bowl of fried appetizers with dipping sauce. Auto-generated description: Pink flowers and a cactus are in the foreground with trees and a building in the background. Auto-generated description: A delicious pizza topped with cheese, sliced mushrooms, olives, and herbs is served on a wooden board, accompanied by a glass of red wine. Auto-generated description: Two people are serving plates of food at an outdoor stall with a green and white striped tablecloth. Auto-generated description: A bustling street scene shows people gathered at long wooden tables enjoying food and drinks in an urban setting. Auto-generated description: Bottles of wine and small jars are displayed on a wooden counter in a store with shelves stocked with various products in the background. Auto-generated description: People walk and cycle along a street lined with historical buildings and a French flag visible in the background under a cloudy sky. Auto-generated description: A large balloon and a Ferris wheel are situated in a park with colorful flowers, against a backdrop of architectural buildings. Auto-generated description: Sunlight illuminates a bookshelf with books, a blue soccer ball, and bags on a wooden floor.

Weekend Shenanigans

6/29/25

Friend’s Birthday Party
Cityscape
Discovering a new spot for lunch
A walk around the Jardins du Luxembourg
Some more city adventures

6/25/25 →

Coworkers went out and brought me a Viet Avocado Shake (Sinh To Bo) 😋🥑🥤#heatwave

A person wearing glasses and a basketball jersey is sipping a drink through a straw while sitting indoors. A bobblehead figure holding a basketball stands next to a cup containing a green drink with a straw on a wooden desk.

6/23/25 →

A nice evening to catchup on Monocle’s latest issue, with a big section dedicated to the best cities for Quality of Life.

Especially delighted to see a quote from Jordane Giuly — with whom I worked during my Spendesk days— about how Paris has improved as a place for business, and especially for technology companies of all sizes. Even less surprising was seeing Lindsey’s name in a quote about how the city has changed over the years.

It’s something that I’ve noticed over the past decade, and part of the reason why I’ve been back living around Paris for the past 6 years. Great quality of life, great work life balance, and — unlike 10-15 years ago— much more welcoming to foreigners and non-francophone visitors than it’s ever been.

Respect the city and its inhabitants and it’ll pay dividends the next time you visit for pleasure or for business :)

A person holds a Monocle magazine while sitting on a patio with outdoor furniture and potted plants. A person is reading a magazine on a patio with outdoor furniture and plants in the background. A page from Monocle magazine discusses urban development and environmental initiatives in Paris. A magazine page details Paris's development and cultural prominence, featuring a small image of a cityscape with greenery. A black Monocle tote bag on a bed is accompanied by a Monocle magazine and a small round tag.