My blog writing had trailed off when things started getting complicated...after I left Beida, looking for work, going back to the States and then moving across town after finding my new job.  I have been here for about three months now at Hollyhigh International (www.hollyhigh.cn) and it is quite the experience.  I never thought that I would end up at an investment bank, but all the same, here I am and learning quite a lot.  The work is varied and interesting, but somewhat overwhelming considering that I really did not have any experience in the field.  But things are going well and now that my life is settling down (although I will be moving again this week) I can sit down and write a little bit about what I'm up to.

 

I have to be honest and say that I have made a concious decision to make sure my social life did not suffer with the onslaught of a high-pressure job.  I have tried (and succeeded) to keep meeting up for dinners, stay active in the alumni group and I have even joined the Beijing International Festival Choir (www.beijingifc.org) and if anyone is in Beijing on December 2nd, be sure to come and see our Messiah concert at the Forbidden City Concert Hall!  This past weekend was my first experience with the choir and it was very nice.  I helped out backstage and got to know a bunch of the crew, all fantastic people.  Sunday I had a little meeting about a small "learning club" for local chinese kids and chinese kids who grew up abroad.  Interesting stuff, but still a lot of kinks to work out.  Then in the afternoon I met up with my friends from BTV (you may remember the contest I was in this past Chinese New Year) and did a show on foreigners working in Beijing.  I'm not sure when it will be on, but I'll be sure to make an announcement on my blog as soon as I do. 

 

All in all, Chaoyang has been a little too healthy for my social life and I have slowly been accumulating a sleep deficit, which I hope to pay off during the upcoming National Day holiday.  Although I shall take a couple days and head over to Tianjin to see Zhang Xinyuan and here new little boy.  Also, to get away from Beijing for just a little while.  It will feel good.  Next trip is to Shanghai.  Not sure when....November?  Burrrr!!!