There is a predictable schedule to things when I'm committing to a Big Thing™. In this case, it is renting a house. The landlord decided that me and Fluffy were the best couple of everyone who applied and, today, I handed over a check for lots of money for the damage and pet deposits.

I think I'm doing the right thing. It's exciting and terrifying at the same time. And also didn't help that I saw standing water near the foundation since we have had heavy rain for three days now. Now, I did check the wall inside but didn't see any water damage inside for that corner, nor fresh paint to cover it, so it's probably nothing serious. But, I did mention it and he said he'll fix it.

We'll see.

It's like blind dating again. You never know if you get a dentist who claims you'll have horrible problems Real Soon™ if you don't get surgery. I'll do it eventually--maybe this year--but I'm not holding my breath. Same with the doctor, landlords, and everything else.

I know I'm lucky in general. My apartment here is... well, fantastic. It was exactly what I needed when I needed it. And it was the first place I looked at. This house we are going to be renting is the first and only place we checked out; but it felt "right" so I'm happy to go with it. My life has a lot of firsts when it comes to real estate. The first three houses I bought were the first place we looked at. Each time, it was exactly what I needed at the time.

Call it faith, but I think this is the right thing. Or, what I need at this point in my life.

Still doesn't make it any less scarier.

But, I now have an oral contract and a receipt for the deposit. I think I can start to believe it is going to happen.

Now, if my old bank would acknowledge that I just refinanced.