Bittersweet Symphony

Well, this view is soon going to be a thing of the past.

Wait a minute, it already is a thing of the past!  That was last August, at the Ritz, for James' birthday!  Like we'll stay there again!

So some of you already know this, but here's the news:  we're heading back to Cali, to Cali, to Cali.
(read: London)

Yep, we're going back to Jolly Olde Englande in July.  Um, yeah.  Right when the Olympics are starting.  Just in time for the crowds.  Aiyaaaaaaa!

I can't say I'm totally thrilled.  I feel like I've just really settled down here in HK.  The first year was spent figuring out where everything is.  The second year was spent making those real friendships, not the first-meeting-nice-to-meet-you kind.  The third year (not quite over yet) has been spent making a real life here.  And now that that's done, we're going to have to leave.  Sigh.

AND - I have just set up a business here.  Hopefully I'll be able to continue with the momentum once we get settled back in England, but it sucks that that momentum has been broken by this news of the move.  Most of the next six months will be spent sorting out the move, figuring out where to live, getting the kids into a school....it's going to be impossible to build a business while popping in and out of town.  So:  PAUSE.  I will start again when we get to England.  It's hard not to feel down about it though.  HK is the perfect market for this kind of business - recruiting mums to go back to work, doing part-time or contract work that will fit into the flexible lifestyle they desire.  The network is here, the qualified candidates are here, and the small businesses that need their expertise are here.  Let's just hope Mr. Cameron's push for entrpreneurs will provide the same kind of opportunities for qualified mums in England as there are here.

On the plus side, we'll have a bigger home again, with a garden, near to friends and family.  And skiing.  Let's not forget the skiing!  And golf.

Kate took it pretty well.  She initially said she didn't want to move back, but once I pointed out that one of her best friends will likely be moving back to England in the next year or so, and the other one will likely move back to Italy at some point, which is closer to England than HK, she was OK with it.  And she's looking forward to the garden.  And a house with stairs.

Charlie broke down in tears and cried for about a half hour.  Then he declared that he was going to stay in his room all day (well, except for lunch and dinner, after I pointed out that he is not allowed to eat in his bedroom).  And then he did two maths books to calm himself down.  And then stayed in his room for five hours.  He hasn't really spoken about the move since then.  My poor little sensitive soul.

I'm glad I finally went to see the Symphony of Lights, with sound.  (all these things still to do!  must make bucket list...)