Job Discussion Forums

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

There is nothing like a move that causes you to simplify your life. Due to the rain, we have to move to a new flat. It's only across town, but it's a great excuse to get rid of stuff that I've accumulated these past months.

It's amazing how much stuff I've got!

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I too was happy to thin out my belongings. I don't think my ex was too thrilled, though, because they're all piled up in his garage now.

I really wanted to try to live a spartan life in Japan, because I know what a pain it is to have to get rid of it all. I was doing OK for about two months, and then a friend of mine headed back to the States and left me all of her stuff. And I started thinking, "You know, I really want to be comfortable here..." Now I've got a seemingly endless list of household gadgets, small appliances, etc. that I "need" to make myself feel more at home.

I am already dreading my return home (in, what, two or three years???).

d

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I have got a different situation. I am moving next month (only 1 km away) but we are moving into a house that is almost 3 times the size of our current apt. The house isn't huge, just that this is soooo small.
I still love to get rid of stuff, but knowing we have the space.......

Wolf · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 1245 Location: Middle Earth

I know what that's like. When I moved from Japan to China, I had to get rid of/throw out/sell/give away a lot of stuff. I might end up moving again soon - as my MA might require better access to libraries and jobs that pay money in amounts great enough to satisfy my expenses. I'll have to do it all over again. Confused

Bliss.

I need to rent a small apartment. If I have a small living space, then there's only so much stuff I'll want to put in it. . . .

dduck · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 422 Location: In the middle

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

That's why I like the ESL lifestyle. My goal is to get down to a two suitcase and one carry-on existence. The apartment provided is paid for and the furniture is provided; however, it is nice to customize your pad with some fittings of your own. Heck, buy it, use it and then give it to your students when you leave. That gives you an excuse to always buy something new and upgrade. Wink

I personally can't stand having too many things and a good spring cleaning always is refreshing.

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

I do want to buy a good laptop though. It's compact so it won't put a dent into my two suitcase/one carry-on lifestyle and it's everything all rolled into one: word processor, DVD player, video game machine....

Guest · Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2003 4:05 am Post subject:

Yes, collecting things along the way is one problem with this life. I have only been here for 3 weeks and I have already bought 2 DOLLS (I collect dolls) . Fortunately for me there are not many interesting ones here - I would be in trouble if I was in Hong Kong.

My friend here, Jeanie, has been here since January this year and she is leaving in December. She will have to get rid of her bicycle and she has also bought a DVD player which she will take with her, but when she finally returned to Australia - she will have so much stuff. It is a nightmare really - what to do with it all. I will just leave books , winter clothes etc. here for the next teacher because where I live, it never gets below 7 degrees celcius.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Will. · Joined: 02 May 2003 Posts: 783 Location: London Uk

Isn't it nice when you receive a care package from the previous tenant that the landlord hasn't stolen. Larger schools of my ken kept a large box available for exchange/donation of household and personal goods for their teaching staff.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

A laptop is the best thing I own living overseas. I've had it for 2 months now and can't believe how much better life is. The internet keeps you in close contact with everyone (maybe too close). It is also small and you can put it away if need be.

One problem about moving into a furnished apt is the stuff isn't yours so it is difficult to get rid of things you don't like. Whoops! I dropped the green mug. Embarassed

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

Hey that was my green mug! Wink

I agree, Gordon. The apartment is paid for but sometimes the decor can be depressing and the furniture just downright ugly.

The bad with the good I guess.

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2003 8:03 am Post subject:

One of my pet hates is how people here in KSA SELL stuff when they're leaving!

Not just major stuff like TVs or computeres either!

I'm talking light bulbs, razor blades and - wiat for it - used footwear!

Talk about squeezing the last penny - or rial - out of a place!

SueH · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Posts: 1022 Location: Northern Italy

Used footwear, razor blades? So are there buyers??

Do you think it's the type of people who go there or does the place just corrupt them?

What's it like working with such small minded people, Cleopatra - do tell!

Sue