Lantern Festival

Auckland played host to the Chinese Lantern Festival. Well, it still is playing host as it goes on for the entire weekend. But I went last night.

As you can see, there's some pretty cool lanterns out there, hanging from the trees, built up, and floating around Albert Park.

There were also throngs of people there. It was unbelievably busy. The food area was probably the most packed. Though I didn't go to the Karaoke Stage, so I can't know for sure.

Legalease

Finally I put up a photo from New Years. Here's the campsite. Slightly longer exposure to capture the light, hence the blurry figures. But it does make for some crisp lights and mood.

Random topic change. If you haven't already guessed: music holds a special place for me. Whether it's playing or listening to it. If you recall, when in Hamburg, I had to buy myself a guitar to have any hope of retaining my sanity. Some may even remember my elation at being given free reign with the law school's Steinway.

But in terms of listening to music, there's an association with a number of songs, artists and albums. For example the Goo Goo Dolls, Led Zeppelin and Crowded House are associated with certain people, whether they know it or not.

So it's always difficult explaining this to others that don't know me that well. I feel some difficulty when having to explain my attraction to music and my compulsion to play any instrument lying round. It feels that this is something that isn't always properly conveyed let alone understood. I can't say it bothers me terribly. However, I certainly would like them to accept it.

Why am I writing this? I really don't know. Probably in an attempt to distract myself from what really has been bothering me - I'm worried I really will become that stereotypically heartless and soulless lawyer. Yes, I've covered this before. But it's a transition that seems to be coming easier and easier.

Let me explain. It's becoming easier for me to fall into the role of an advocate, pushing my client's best interests and only taking into account any emotional aspect if it serves my purpose. Prime example is listening to people in a mediation, letting them release their concerns, while I sit there, nod, listen and take it onboard showing some sympathy only then to use it to convince them to accept the proposal I'm about to give them. Effective. Very effective. But is it a 'good' thing?

Professional aspects aside, I'm also worried about doing the same in my personal life. I am the sort of person who emotionally invests in everything I do. Typically, I'm emotionally candid. But a couple of events over the last whee while have made me stop and consider whether I need to be a little blank, a little separate, a little heartless.

And that bothers me. To have to live less candidly, less open, less honest to simply make things easier. Is this what everyone does? Or just lawyers?