Technically, I'm an "Enumerator" for the U.S. Census Bureau. That nothing more than a census taker, an expression still used in their commercials on TV. It's a part time, short term job, and I'm having fun meeting all sorts of new people. It took four days of training to learn the ropes, but it was worth it because there's a lot to know before going out and delving into people's lives, short as the intersect with them may be.
While in the middle of this adventure, we seem to have actually sold our house. The nitty-gritty details have to be worked out and the buyers must get financing, but the end is in sight. So, in addition to being a government employee part time, I have to help pack up a large house, sell off things we won't need anymore, make any repairs the buyers insist we have made, and - oh by the way - get our septic system replaced.
Ouch.
That's right, we failed Title 5. The old system got tired. We never had any problems with it - no backups, soggy ground - but it's "technically" a failed system. Outwardly, it looks fine. Inwardly, it's not. It shouldn't take too much time for the repair. We just need to throw money at it.
When we tell people who we've just met about our situation - the move, the new opportunities, living near Six Flags (not kidding) - they always say something like, "well, enjoy your retirement". That gets me. I always have to tell them, "I am not retired, we ar too young!" Do I really look that old? The truth is, I'm simply out of work - between careers to an optimist but, like my Title 5 problem, I have a failed career. There should be a Title Something for that. "I failed Title 999...so I'm looking for something new".
My proposal:
- Title 999 - a failed career
- Title 998 - a failed marriage
- Tittle 997 - ran out of beer
I can hear a future conversation now...
MAN 1: "How's it going?"
MAN 2: "Not so well, I have a Title 999 problem. Looks like Title 998 is shaky. The good news is that, so far, I'm doing OK with 997."
