I went out with my cousin’s cousin last night. He’s in town for two weeks from Montreal for work, and so I took him around to see the Highline, the Biergarten at the Standard, Chelsea, and Eataly. When I last saw him two years ago, I was surprised because his hair was thinning, he had gained considerable weight, and he was still living at home with his mom (he’s a year older than I). This time when I saw him, he had lost the weight I thought he gained, he seems to live a more active lifestyle (and he drinks less), and he’s purchased a condo in downtown Montreal and is planning to move out in a couple months.

I was really happy for him when he told me this over dinner last night. It was like one of those proud moments when someone you care about is changing for the better and not for the worse. He’s being independent! He’s taking care of his health! He’s thinking about his future! Yay! He’s even actively dating and is battling with his mother on how not easy it is to find a girlfriend.

Things have gotten better for him. Too bad they aren’t getting better for his cousin in Brooklyn