The Right Number

I’ve wondered for years what it was like behind the curtain of the big banks during bonus time. I’ve finally got a front row seat and it’s intriguing. There’s been a flurry of machinations , maneuverings and wiles. Non from me of course (not this year at least) as I’m a complete neophyte to this strange world. I’m just glad that my first 6 months at the bank even got me a bonus. Lots to ruminate on … An article in today’s FT helped provide fodder.

Lions All Day!

A lion dance troop practically lived at the office all day today. The pair of lions spent half a day just on my side of the office visiting every department and team. The drums and cymbals were defeating. I was most amused at the artful and auspicious arrangements of oranges the lions would leave behind. One was even thoughtful enough to leave some lucky numbers on a calculator – a pretty modern innovation! I enjoyed the festivities though my eardrums are throbbing.

CNY Traditions

Since we are still celebrating the Chinese New Year, we thought we’d gamble. The chips are a motley assortment of cotton buds and toothpicks!

Dessert

After dinner, we trooped over to Luke’s Chop House for milkshakes. Uh.. We also decided that a veal chop and a side of bacon would be nice for dessert!

Cousins Night Out

At La Cicala with the kids.

Bonding

Awwwww!

Lo Hei

Now that I’m working… The frequency of Chinese New Year Lo Hei lunches has doubled my usual quota. Today’s lunch is the first of 4 for work. Can’t complain… It’s festive and fun.

Should art really be for its own sake alone? | Alain de Botton | Comment is free | The Guardian

Should art really be for its own sake alone? | Alain de Botton | Comment is free | The Guardian.

A cogent argument for a different and perhaps where fitting, a more effective curatorial approach.

Wouldn’t It Be Nice?

 

Babel

It’s been 3 days of family, friends and feasting, and I’ve run out of stamina. Tonight’s dinner was a good one to hit “pause” at before we resume with more Chinese New Year festivities. I am still dizzy from dinner where I was toggling back and forth between, Mandarin, Cantonese and English (both the American and local vernacular!). It was quite the Tower of Babel. Recovery needed… I have dinners on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and Lunches on both Saturday and Sunday. Yikes! Work beckons in a few hours. It’s been a whirlwind first few days of the Chinese New Year.