It’s now been almost six months since I started my new job. It feels less than that and longer all at the same time. I really enjoy working there and right from the beginning have felt a sense of belonging. It’s an inspiring place packed with brilliance and charm and much much more.
Because of the new job I’ve been looking for a new place to live. I can afford to stay where I am but would like to live closer to where I work and can potentially afford to move to something bigger, with no railway line outside and with a garden. I thought it would be a lot easier but it’s proving to be something of a headache. I can’t afford to buy a house so renting is my only option and I’m frustrated at the lack of places available to rent, the lack of living space in those that are available and the fact that, because of the lack of supply, rents are rising. But I’m holding out for somewhere I feel I have to live, somewhere that makes me smile.
Anyway, all that aside, for a while now I’ve wanted to write a (non-exhaustive) list of things that are important to me – my rules to live by if you like. Some serious and some less so! All personal to me.
Love all, trust a few,
Do wrong to none.”William Shakespeare, All’s Well That Ends Well, Act 1, Scene 1
- Be honest. Always. Above all be honest with yourself.
- Be kind. Kindness costs nothing.
- Do what makes you happy (whilst taking note of rule number 2 and breaking no laws) even if others think you’re mad!
- Don’t put up with misogyny, sexism, inequality, intolerance, … etc.
- Never be afraid to fall in love.
- Trust sparingly.
- Remember that sexual orientation is simply about love and attraction.
- Embrace diversity.
- Learn about the world and its people.
- Be brave – wonderful things might happen.
- Eat butter. Love butter!
- Eat cake! There should always be cake!
- Look up. Keeping your head down is only advisable in exams!
- Don’t buy cheap loo roll. Seriously – this is important! No good ever came of it.
- Be proud of your music collection. Even the Stock, Aitken and Waterman.
- Dance – any place, any time, any how.
- Read. Read. Read!
- Read some more.
- Ask questions.
- Smile and laugh … laugh lots!
So basically it all comes down to honesty, kindness, love, cake and laughing! Please feel free to add your own rules to live by in the comments.
Love the inclusion of rule #14. Indeed! Sorry to hear that housing is such a tricky subject over in England, too. It appears as if the British Isles only cater for house-owning 😦 I keep my fingers crossed for you to find a nice place, sooner rather than later. And hope that you continue to find so much joy and inspiration in your place of work!
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Haha…I was almost tempted to put rule 14 at the top! 🙂 Renting is fine but the lack of security bothers me and the fact that I can never truly make the house my own. Most places I’ve seen so far are not as advertised as estate agents use old photos, exaggerate size and don’t tell you that the current tenants like the smell the unwashed dog! Something will turn up eventually, I’m lucky because I don’t have to move, I just want to.
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Dear Kathryn,
I believe I read that you work in a school which I agree is like working with a family. I am an art teacher at a private school where everyone cares about the well being of staff and students.
In the US, security in housing is generally a gaited community. Since you don’t have a time issue forget the real estate agent, and investigate for yourself. We are permitted to send personal e-mails…I bet your colleagues and parents can give you recommendations.
I live very close to the wealthiest, and many have carriage houses that are rentable generally to trustworthy people like you. I wonder if any of your parents have mother-in-law small homes on their property?
Yes, there is the other option of finding a roommate to share expenses which may not sound inviting.
I am tempted to make a list. Since I am now walking (not running yet) after four months of being disabled with a shattered ankle, I definitely need to list my priorities as they have definitely changed.
I am an avid reader like you. Here is one haunting book: COINCIDENCE
by J.W. Ironmonger. It’s a great fictional story that makes one toy in their own life whether events are chance or predestination.
I hope you enjoy the hunt and make in a fun “project”.
Linda Yokel
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Hi Linda, I do work in a school. Sadly, over here most people buy houses and apart from a few house shares and potentially dodgy rentals being listed privately, estate agents are really the only way. Plus the majority of rentals are managed by the estate agents so they’re unavoidable. I’ve always done ok so I’m not worried about that. Very few people have “granny flats” as we call them and I intend to rent a house big enough for a piano 🙂 And I could never share…I’d have to get dressed! 😉
I think priorities always change with circumstances. Glad to hear you’re walking again and thanks for the recommendation.
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well, boyfriend was an estate agent for a while — maybe you’ll meet your dream person that way 🙂
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Stranger things have happened 🙂
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I’ve looked at Leicester real estate in your paper just for the halibut.
Considering pound conversion, there isn’t much under $1,000 a month. Yikes!
I can assume that you spend more per paycheck on housing than we do.
It would difficult for me to live so close to neighbors. It could have its good points, too.
Most of adds don’t list sq. footage which is the first requirement for housing, here.
You have a good adventure ahead…keep updating.
L
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Rents in Leicester are cheap! Less than 100 miles down the road they’re double. I’m looking for somewhere out of the city in a particularly cheap part of the county but it’s still expensive for me. The rent I currently pay is about 40% of my monthly salary. When I move I expect that to go up to between 45% and 50%. Square footage is rarely mentioned unless the room measurements are included but with living space so sparse I find that plenty of square footage is less useful if you lack usable wall space which most houses here seem to. As I say, something will turn up eventually, I’m in no rush 🙂
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Wow, 50% of net? I think I’d emigrate.
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I do have a low salary in this job which has upped that % massively from what it used to be. My rent is currently at least £100 too low for the area in which I live. Been the same for 7 years and it was low when I moved in!
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admire your cheer about it!
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*snorts laughing at rules 14 and 16* 🙂
Another brilliant blog Kathryn, full of sage advice!
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Thanks! I dance in my car, sitting on my sofa, cooking the dinner… 😉
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Wonderful post of substance, Kathryn. As always. I sympathise with the house hunt – son and partner are going through the same thing here in Australia with the purpose of buying. But very difficult to find small, attractive and in a good area. Like you, an estate agent is their only path.
Re the list? Cake, smiling and loo paper! Loving kindness all the time but loving kindness to one’s self as well. The best life starts at home and radiates outward. (hopefully without good toilet-paper NOT caught in one’s knickers!)
Good luck on the home-search!
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Thanks…good luck to your son & partner too! Ah yes…I should probably add the rule “always check your attire carefully before exiting a loo, especially a public one” 🙂
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Great list!
I would add “Eat good chocolate” but apart from that it could be my list too.
Good luck with the house hunt – hopefully there is somewhere out there with a gorgeous white kitchen, lots of bookshelves and space for the piano (you’re my Pinterest buddy and we both have exquisite taste. 😉 )
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Thanks! Love the stuff on Pinterest…and yes, we have great taste! 🙂
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I have enjoyed your post. Those our some great rules to live by. I plan to make the summer break a time to read this year, I don’t seem to have time during the school with working at a school and going to school and text books don’t count.
I hope you are able to find a house to buy, my friend in England still lives with parents, SO and son as it cost so much to buy a house or a flat.
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Thanks. Sadly despite also working in a school I have to work through the summer break 😦 I’ll be renting not buying but still expensive. I would definitely be buying if I could.
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