Housing the academic

I live in a rental because I refuse to buy property in a state where my partner cannot find a job.  We are going in to Year 3 of living 700 miles apart, and no end in sight, unless one or both of us is willing to ditch our careers.  Theoretically I could find a job somewhere else.  I might get struck by lightning, too.

The person came over today to inspect the property and bring my new lease.  She said, “Wow, you have a lot of books.”  I never know what to say to that.  I said, “Yup.”

“Are you enjoying your summer off?”  she asked.  “You’re a teacher, right?”

“Yeah,” I said.  “I’m doing a lot of writing.”

“In your free time, just for fun?”

I laughed and laughed.  Then I explained that I need to publish in order to keep my job, so writing is what I do all summer.  I did not explain that I don’t get paid for working in the summer.

Then I asked her to send someone to fix the dryer.  Sigh.