Inspired by Derek Sivers’ Now page. What’s been happening and top of mind.

~Dec 2024

New Chapters

In just the last six month, both of my parents retired from their medical practices — my Mom, psychiatry, and Dad, Gastroenterology — and my sister welcomed a beautiful baby boy to the family.

My parents immigrated to the States to give my sister and I better life, and while it’s impossible to internalize the toil they had to endure to get where they are today, their retirement gave time to reflect on the work and lives they touched over the years. Both received such thoughtful letters and writings from their patients, many of whom they (especially my mom) had worked with for decades. It’s bittersweet watching them embark on this new journey when so much of their life was dedicated to serving others.

With that, their focus has quickly shifted to being full-time grandparents, taking care of my nephew 💙.

While not directly relevant, Andy Bernard’s quote from the office rings so true:

Throughout the last few months, there were parts of work and life that I wished to just end - I was waiting for an end in sight, single-minded to that one thread. That caused a lack of presence in other parts of life, with stress bleeding into unrelated areas. The older I get, the more I realize the number of balls we will continue to the juggle, and the art of compartmentalizing and prioritizing energy - duly appreciating such milestones and moments that are so much more important in the grander scheme.

The baby (Kairav) has been an amazing, talkative addition to the family, and excited to watch him grow up.

Other

Top of mind musings:

• Venture: Found this thread illuminating. Venture looks so alluring from the outside, but the reality of the numbers make it a lot less rosy. Given the long time horizon of private ventures, it’s not as easy quantify success of an investment. But /dev/agents is a telling example of how bloated valuations can get for hot ‘products’ (in this case, reputable founders). These massive valuations call for massive outcomes, which are not just uncommon, but near impossible. The incentives behind venture continue to baffle me.

• Physical Space: I recently moved apartments with my existing roommate, and while it’s just a few blocks away, i’ve sensed a notable uptick in energy with a space that feels a bit more homey. My room (and office) has more light, and the living room is a bit more spacious, creating a noticeable increase in mental space and calm.
• 2025: I don’t necessarily believe in resolutions, but do like the idea of focus areas. I wrote a bit about some ‘things I want to do,’ and plan to make progress on some (given I really didn’t commit to any this year). I’ve found a Hindi class I’ll be starting in January, and have been thinking through a dinner party or ‘coffee-shop’ we could host in our apartment.

Some Monthly Highlights

Given my last update was in May, some highlights from the last six (!) months.

Preface - after writing this I’ve realized this is just a photo dump of food and sunsets. Excuse me before you read ahead.

June/July

My cousin got married!

It was held at Liberty Warehouse in Red Hook, just a few miles south of my abode.

Can see Lady Liberty hanging out in the background!

I visited SF for the first time since moving -

and spent most with friends and family. I opted not to just extend a work trip, which usually leaves me a bit drained, and instead worked out of our HQ in SF and commuting out to family around the Bay. I spent most of the week in the city, indulging on burritos (go to Chuy’s in the Mission) and coffee (go to CoffeeShop in the Mission), and taking in the city views from Dolores. I also rode in a much improved Waymo, went on morning runs through the Marina, and caught up with old co-workers for dinner.

Back in NY, I continued going on runs near the water, and we had finally held our Housewarming in Williamsburg (only seven months late). We made a vat of espresso Cold brews to ensure no one went home sleepy.

I went to DC for July 4th, where I braved the heat for golf, (Cardinals) baseball, and some late-night poker sessions.

I went Ocean City with a group of college friends for a ‘golf and crab trip’ to end out July. Much of our time was either spent putting down crabs or losing golf balls to the woods. If you’re ever there, make sure to check out Seacrets; an experience unlike anything else.

August/September

I went to Chicago with my roommate and a friend for August for an early Birthday trip. We dined well - check out the Salt Air Margarita from Bar Mar, the Aviary experience for experimental cocktails, and Tzuco for dinner (including the Maiz Dessert)

I spent the last few weeks of August back in St. Louis, where I celebrated my and my Mom’s birthdays (hers just a day after mine 😊)

In September, I had a somewhat long discussion with a friend on whether baking was indeed a truly difficult craft. I held a take that most baked good were relatively simple, outside the more intricate pastries and macaroons that require a deeper dedication and skill. My take was that a vast majority simply required extended periods of time. I was challenged to bake a cake (my first), and in means to prove her wrong, I set out to bake a caramel chocolate cake.

I feel both validated and humbled by the experience. It took longer than I wanted and was a mess to clean, but I’m quite happy with the result and do hold that most of the steps felt well-defined. Again, my take is a gross overgeneralization and I am a sucker for great baked goods, but I’d give my effort a solid 8.3/10 (a touch drier than 🤌).

More trips came in Sept, as I visited Kansas City with two friends (one from KC, the other from Baltimore) to see the Chiefs season opener (against the Ravens). I had no dog in the fight meaning I was simply pulled by whoever commanded more excitement day of - turned out to be the Chiefs 🙃. We got to briefly experience the Suite before the game (just left as Taylor was making her way up!), but spent the game itself in last row (yes, against the cement) watching over the sea of fans. It ended in a thriller, and it made me genuinely sad that we lost our past home team due to a frustrating and wrong decision.

Back in New York, I went to my friend’s launch party for his new swimsuit line, which he ideated, developed, and launched, all while working alongside me at Retool (!). I wore his trunks on my last beach vacation and love them (and him) dearly.

I remember having sat with Karim in our office when he first proposed the idea of starting a ‘brand.’ I challenged the idea, unsure what that meant and how it’d take shape. Amazing.

Check out the line here.

October/November

I went to Lucali for the first time, and my gracious roommate spent a few hours of his day off waiting in line for us to try the infamous Pizza. Sadly, I found it underwhelming and strongly prefer L’Industrie.

Later that month, I saw Wicked on Broadway! I had seen Lion King in the first month of moving in with my parents, but love the soundtrack of Wicked and found it a fitting time before the movie (sto be seen). Despite multiple daily showings, the auditorium was full. I scarfed down chicken wings to end the night (BDubs has BOGO on Thursdays!)

I also had my first Apollo and Ess-A bagels in NY (both ranked quite highly). I found both good, thought not sure if I love the open faced concept. My tops are Leon’s in Williamsburg and Thompkins.

Nov started with a friend’s Diwali party. Coming from a traditional Indian household, there’s a special feeling recreating those celebrations with a new generation (having not celebrated much in the last few years). We feasted on homemade Pav Bhaji, Pallak Paneer, and Chai-Infused Old Fashioneds.

I took the last few weeks of November off - I spent a week in Mexico City with friends and then came home for Thanksgiving. It was a much needed and nice break from a long-stretch of work (despite the pictures and trips, work continued to push me in ways I’ll write about it in the future).

Back in New York for the final stretch of 2024 ⌛