Today, we sign our apartment lease for next year.  One of the “horror stories” we’ve been hearing about from everyone is the problems that occur when it’s time to renew for the next school year.  I’ve been dreading the negotiation process, but if we had to move, we needed to begin planning now.

I contacted our agent, Lisa, asking about the renewal process.  She got back to me a few days later with the news that our landlord would renew at the same price.  This is great news!  Everyone else we’ve talked to is getting an increase.

Our landlord arrives, on schedule, but Lisa is late.  While waiting, I find out our landlord is an opthamologist at a local hospital.  We discuss and compare various medical profession comparisons between China & the US.  Finally Lisa arrives, saving both of us from the strained conversation.  The lease signing takes place, and they leave.  Outside of the pained conversation between myself and our landlord it was a successful visit.

The rest of the day is spent with schoolwork and “Lost” episodes.

Mindy, the BISS Athletic Director, has dog named Izzy. It has several outfits. This is the St Patrick’s Day attire.