Well I say as long as there is no work, it's always bliss. Weekend started early for me with the annual Banking Christmas Party organised by the head of banking, held now for second year in a row at the Royal Exchange. I missed it last year because I was back home for our second wedding but am glad I could make it this year. Everyone was in anticipation because our CEO Jamie Dimon would be attending. People have various opinion of him, but to someone like me who has been in this bank for almost 10 years, it is a secret dream of mine to meet and greet him someday. He has been diagnosed with throat cancer a few months back and I understand this party would be his first official engagement after his series of chemo. He still turned up looking all smiley and stood at the door to shake hands and greet every.single.person who walked through that door that night. K says it's a very good strategy "because that's how you get into the hearts of people". Purposeful strategy or not, all I can say is.. it works!! We also had the head of global banking, and the head of EMEA banking greeting us at the door.
Before moving to the investment banking side of things, I would never in a million years be invited to a black tie event like this in the bank. Sure we had the annual Christmas party with the (boorish) traders and it got more rowdy as the night went on with lots of alcohol and crazy dancing but this was different. It was also very nice for me to meet all the junior bankers that I work with in other locations but never in person. Somehow I feel like I am closer to the German team I don't know why but maybe it's an overspill from my already strong German ties :)
It was also my secret dream to have a picture with Jamie Dimon. Last year he took loads of photos and selfies and what have you with a lot of people and so I happily told my team mates it's my turn this year. Unfortunately - but also understandably - he left early to rest. Anyway it was good enough to meet and greet him in person.
I shall not go one because K insists I've been thoroughly brain washed and institutionalised. lol
It was very dim and difficult to take photos at the venue so I only managed two before the event started properly.
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| In the beautiful Royal Exchange |
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| The glittery stage all set up for the live band |
Saturday morning I had to go to Borough Market on a mission for some fabulous coffee powder and so K came along and we went for a nice brunch at Le Pain Quotidien.
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| There was so much food I felt we rolled out of the restaurant. |
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| So glad to see my fav flower shop at Borough Market Chez Michelle reopen a few doors down the road |
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| Winter vegetables |
It was a short morning out to London Bridge and we reached home about 2pm where K happily went upstairs for a snooze and I pottered about the house doing housework.
I was inspired to make us some pancakes for breakfast on Sunday morning and so spent a good hour in the kitchen making these nana pancakes from scratch! I had to refer to the recipe on my blog and realised the last time I made them were April 2011!
On a separate note, isn't my niece baby Sarah such a darling!
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| "You gotta move it, move it…!" |
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| "Check me out busting those moves!" |
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| A happy Sarah in a dress and a bunny blankie I bought for her |
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