It’s been three months back in China and this marks my first post since my return (not off to a great start-blogging wise). I would like to be able to say that I am settled, but there are still major things that need to happen before I can consider myself nestled in. I have however got my apartment all set up, and work is becoming more of a routine. In this regard, I have a grip on the day to day stuff.
Time spent these past few months has largely been occupied with weekend trips to Hong Kong where I am happy to visit Momo and Aunt Janet and Uncle Pat and the kids.
Momo has finally become a big girl and moved off campus to a closet of an apartment in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong where she lives with an old roommate (which now that I think about it, still sounds like she’s in a college dorm… hehe). While waiting for her college graduation ceremony in November, she has already begun training as a financial consultant, and from the looks of it she is doing quite well. Already she is outpacing her peers with the number of client meetings she is able to set up! Go Momo!
Although we closed the distance gap from 8,000 miles and 12 time zones to a mere 30 miles and the same time zone, Momo and I are still feeling the elements of a LDR. Still separated by a border and work obligations, we only get to see each other on the weekends. And given that on some weekends, one or the other may have some sort of activity, it could be two weeks’ time before another meeting. While I try not to take for granted that the amazing has happened for us, it can be lonely from time to time, especially on my end where I still do not have a friend base (save the employees from the noodle shop below my apartment) or a roommate, to help occupy the in between time.
Aunt Janet, Uncle Pat, and the kids have recently returned from summer vacation back in Massachusetts, and they are back into the full swing of things over here. Besides growing like a beanstalk, Kate is also on swim team for the first time. Ethan’s baseball season is starting up, and he will be a senior member of the team. I will be trying to get down to HK often enough to help out as an assistant practice coach. Johnny is taking up rugby again this year. Although, last Sunday when practice was cancelled due to rain (hey, hey, even rugby players need to be wary of catching colds!) it is rumored by his mom that he clenched his fists, and for a 5 year old, gave a heck of a fist pump.
Work
Work has been a ride. I spent my initial weeks here as a translator which helped me to catch up on a lot of what the business is all about. From there, I moved on to going on business trips with the CEO and meeting the CFO from America. Altogether, I have gotten my hands dirty with financial modeling, human resource disputes, legal matters, and of course learning how to run a business (in China!). It’s been challenging and humiliating at times. But in the end, I know it is all a part of obtaining a priceless experience.
Parting Words
So as I sign off here, I want to extend my thanks and warm wishes to everyone back home (and even those who happen find this page while looking for pictures of Mulan!)
I aim to keep it updated more regularly than my first trip to China, with shorter entries. I am however at the mercy of the Chinese government. I can sometimes access wordpress.com, and other times I must wait to enter Hong Kong before I can speak my mind freely-something about the CCP and a lack of human rights?? I’m not sure what it’s all about… But along with word press, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are all blocked. What does that mean for you and me? That means I won’t be able to see when you can’t wait for the weekend, or when Facebook tells me you are now single (when you have been all along). Nor can I stay up to date with the hottest virals out there. So those of you who have been enjoying double rainbow guy for some time now… I just learned of him the other day – and yes “double rainbow, full on… man.”
If you do wish to contact me more efficiently, go for any of the below methods. Hope this reaches the shores of Merrimack and beyond.
John
Cell: (86) 13510338918
Email: gallagherjo.p(at)gmail(dot)com
JohnyG's China Blog 