Hugs, tears and envy

What a week so far. Bike has been loaded and tested and is now boxed.

Thor - my stead for the adventure ahead

Panniers are needing another repack and a level of ruthlessness on weight that I am procrastinating over by writing this. Reading, Scotland, London, Reading has been the travels since Monday.

Yesterday saw me say goodbye, farewell, au revior to a client with which I have such an affinity. I will sorely miss those that I have come to regard as friends. It is a mad, ambiguous, challenging place that operates at the speed of many antelopes. I love it and my decision has significantly impacted on a number of people. That is not me trumpeting my own sense of self importance but I know from the feedback, hugs and tears that I will be missed or maybe they were tears of relief that now he has gone calmness can be restored. Whatever legacy I have left I feel proud to have worked with awesome people who believe in better (ooh is that a bit cheesy?)

Today I said goodbye to another client and group of friends. In terms of tears there were definitely more but not being competitive that isn't what mattered! I have been with this client for 2 years and I have made some very good friends who will stay with me for life. Many are delighted that I am off as it will enable them to concentrate on what they need to do versus acting as props for me ;-) I have had some awesome feedback over the last 2 days from individuals who I care about and they care about me and Izzy one heck of a lot.

Others have been envious, excited, jealous or just plain happy x a gazillion for both me, Izzy and us. No pressure then!

I want to give my thanks to a number of people in this blog and they are not in an order other than that which tumbles from my mind. Simon - listening, challenging, being there. Nic - listening, listening to the other stuff, helping me understand the present and that it will be great and being there. Stalker - undeniably the person who is more selfless than last years winner of the Most Selfless Person World Championships, my friend, Izzy's friend and confidant. CK - has done more in sharing to both of us than she can ever possibly realise, I will be thinking of you and am only an email away and will now know which lordy/bling direction to go in! Jon - you have manned the helm, steered the ship, rowed the boat and stormed the trenches, all whilst caring, it has been an immense pleasure working with you. SP - there has always been something that connected us right from March 2008, friendships like ours don't grow on trees, i will preserve what we have. Jasmine, for hearing the happiness in your voice.
Lani, Clayton, Clive, Susie, Linda, Joolz, Jenny, Annie & Nick, Janet, Conrad, Ali C, Steve for the genuine excitement and support you have given me and/or Izzy over the last 2 months and beyond. Oh and Lorraine in Boots yesterday who became my personal shopper for 30 mins which was just so cool and very kind.

Tonight is a get things sorted night and progressing well. Tomorrow I spend the day with my munchkins. It is our day and will be as they want it to be. It will be a tough farewell tomorrow night but it will be as it is and needs to be.

I know hotel is booked, itinerary is scoped for the next 6 days and route has been sketched. The next chapter in my life is about to begin.