A year ago today, I was looking forward to having my solo adventure to Ishigaki in early July. My only engagement was to watch an evening show celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the People's Republic of China. Although I had registered, I was not excited to go.
While I was queuing up at the venue reception, I heard a familiar voice from behind: "Peter! How're you doing?" It was a workmate I had not met up with since my ceasing civil service in 2014. Our conversations turned to my way forward: "If you'd consider joining our chambers, I'll talk to the chambers head." He said and I nodded.
Before flying to Ishigaki, I filed all the necessary papers with the Hong Kong Bar Association, seeking, for the first time, its approval of my private practice as a Barrister from September 2017. Although I believed there should not be any legal obstacle in processing my case, the proof of it would be the Bar Association's approval. It came weeks later while I was enjoying scenic Dubrovnik.
This morning, when I resumed my paper hearing as the sole dispute settlement panelist in a case, I felt that I had somewhat re-balanced my life. Neither "no work but all play" (lyrics in my song "Happy Holidays") nor "all work but no play" are really pleasurable. What might not be exciting might still lead to something good after all - so "be engaging!"