Life Goals (continued)

Over the last few months I've added a few more things to my bucket list: Juggling, become a yoga instructor and participate in some for of triathlon. Given my last few attempts, I'm borderline approaching dilettante territory; but that's another issue all together.

So, the requirements for a triathlon, I need to be able to swim at least 1 km, and have decided to incorporate swimming back into the fitness routine.

Update: I have purchased swimming goggles and Speedos and have started swimming on Sunday mornings. Swimming, is not like riding a bike. I've forgotten how to breath underwater and navigate my head underwater.  After two laps, I'm gassed. My lungs are so bad. It's like I have asthma again. Meanwhile, an old lady overtakes me in the "slow lane".

And so it is: Last day at work

Since my resignation two months ago, I had expected the workload to slow down. However, due to block leave and deadlines it has been quite the opposite - my days have been vigorious, working weekends and maintaining the same intensity as a employee with no end in sight. "Why are you still working so hard?" is the common mantra from friends, I honestly don't know. I guess the issue is, the work needs to be delivered and since I'm the only person around there remains an element of accountability. So I push on, not 100%, but not full time malingering.

With that being said, it has finally started to taper off during this last week. Since returning from Bali I embark on my final four days and it has finally started to taper off. My colleague has returned and the last few days have been dedicated to handovers. I leave before 7 pm and my demeanour noticeably improves up until the final day. I am still sending mails, not everybody knows that my time here is drawing to an end. I order 40 cupcakes, and write up my farewell email.

Today marks my final day with BNP Paribas - It has been an enjoyable three years punctuated by challenges, fulfilment and entertainment both professionally and personally. Thank you to the Client Management team, past and present. To the stakeholders who tried to make life easier for me. Finally, to those who always had the time for a conversation in the kitchen or lifts of Exchange Square and PCCW Tower.

There was always a risk that this would become an award’s acceptance speech, so before I drop the mic I can be contacted on all the regular channels: email, mobile, Facebook and of course Snapchat.

Regards,

Derek

There are faces of confusion, clearly my departure was not advertised and as I walk around and bid farewell to the faces on level 16 the resounding sentiment is "Congratulations". I leave the building and head back to Exchange Square for my exit interview.

Adho Mukha Vrksasana

There are certain cues that help with a handstand. Squeeze your shoulder blades and lock your scapula. Spread the fingers and keep your weight evenly distributed under the top knuckles. Look slightly in front, between your hands. Keep the hips above the shoulders. Squeeze your core and buttocks. Slowly pull your feet off the wall. One foot. Two feet and there you have it, Adho Mukha Vrksasana aka the handstand.

If at any point in the pose you hear a loud snap, it's safe to say that you've probably done something wrong. In fact, a pop sound in any facet of life probably mens something is not right. Unless of course you break joints and ligaments for a living.

It started with a handstand. Ended with an ankle eversion. I'm going to be sore tomorrow.

What do you do when you're free?

The main differences between moving to London and moving to Hong Kong is that there's less expectations; both internally and externally. Externally there appears to be less concern from friends back home, not to say this is a bad thing. In fact the constant harp of "Have you found a job?" and "What have you been doing in your free time?" frequent my facebook and email account far less since making the move to Asia. It's not that they don't care, I suppose they know I've experienced it all before so it will ultimately work out in the end. Honestly, I prefer it that way.

Internally I feel less pressured to find a job, not to say that I'm not looking but if I were to look back at this period when I was in London. I remember entertaining the idea of working at a pub or KFC. This time 'round I know what to expect and am quietly confident. It doesn't hurt that I'm staying with two of my closest mates who have been nothing short of accommodating and encouraging.

With the job market slow I've become used to the unemployed routine. Unemployed routine? We know what you do in your spare time I hear you say? However, this routine is slightly different to the domesticated London Routine - I've made a conscious effort to make the most of Hong Kong away from the career. I mean, I might as well make the most of being overseas.

Yoga, at PURE Fitness

Studying, at the City Hall Library

Cantonese Lessons, at Wanchai

Eating, so much

Traveling, when I can ...