Its been about 8 months since my last post, and about 6 months since leaving Hong Kong for the space and family in North America -- for good! My company transferred me to lead a large consulting team just outside New York City, in a town called Florham Park New Jersey. I started my new position at end of December 2015, and the family moved here in early January 2016!
In late Fall 2015, we packed up our things (the movers did), and Stephen quit his job, and so did I (technically, I quit HK and got rehired with new package in U.S., not an overseas posting!)... we took a weeklong fun but rainy trip to Vancouver on our way to Toronto. Saw my sister Amy, our friends Denise and Rob and other friends around my old 'hood (lived there back in 2001-2003, then 2008 again).
After Christmas in Toronto, then we flew to Jersey City, the urban-ish, more space/stroller-friendly town just a boat or "PATH" train from NYC. We were in temporary corporate housing for a few months. I personally really liked the urban-ness but space, i.e. next door to a huge mall, a mile from Target, 2 mins walk to train stations and groceries, and beautiful views of the city. But JC is a bit 'sterile' (vs. neighbour Hoboken), especially the Newport area where we lived. My commute to work was about 45 mins which is OK, but with Benjamin transitioning to daycare near my office, it was too long for him I think!
In March we moved to the real suburbs, near Chatham NJ (15 mins from work). We drove two brand new cars from Toronto (due to Canadian dollar, buying then driving here saved us thousands!), and now we need to drive everywhere. The townhouse we're in is quite comfortable. Its 50% bigger than our spacious HK pad... 2.5 baths.... but with a separate laundry room and of course, dishwasher!
Starting to look for property but depends on Stephen's job location and of course which specific area (we don't know many people at all, nor the area, which is fraught with sky high property taxes but supposedly great schools!
In April, we gave birth to a new baby girl and named her Madison Joanna. After a successful VBAC with a decent OB/GYN, we briefly went into hibernation but now can breathe again as her sleeping improves.
Reflecting back, Asia was a great 5 years to 'see the world', do lots more traveling and meet interesting global citizens. Back here in U.S., it is challenging enough to get people who know Canada :) But food is plentiful, cheap, parks are green and spacious, our kids are in same timezone as family, and our life is definitely quieter but more comfortable.
What next for us? Definitely not Asia pace again, but the real question now is... is real suburbia for us? Its a tad quiet and I'm in the car a lot...step counters really suffering...
