Yikes. . .

Wow.

Has it really been so long since I've posted here? Never thought the blog production would fall off so quickly, or so abrubtly. Well, for my three readers out there, here's a quick update on what's going on in the land of Billy;

We've moved! Megan and I are now comforatably settled in a nice two-bedroom rental, all utilities paid, until at least March 30 of next year. It's pretty interesting how we ended up with the place, actually.

After doing some searching, examining various apartments and one other rental home, Megan received a call from a real estate agent in town, who's basically THE real estate agent here on the south side of town. She had a family that was looking to get out of the rental business and sell their properties, only a planned sale was going to fall through, leaving them stuck with the home that they were in. Piling injury to insult, this family had purchased a home elsewhere in town with more room (they have three children) contingent on the sale or rental of their current home. When the weather turns colder in Fort Wayne, the housing market goes with it--it was unlikely that this family would be able to find a buyer in time to make their move.

That's where Megan and I entered the picture. As potential renters, we represented an attractive fit to the family in dire straits. One, we were only looking to rent until the spring, when my grad school decision was more firmed up (more on that in another post). Two, we would be able to move immediately, and were fine with a short-term lease. Three, we had served as references for friends of ours who had rented from this family (the McMillens) two years ago. A deal was quickly struck, and we moved into our new house with help from friends from church and Fort Wayne the next week.

I don't think it will be easy for us to go back to apartment living after being in a house. First, the difference in available space is, well, astonishing to my space-cramped mind (I spent a year in Japan and another in various one- and two-bedroom apartments, mind you). There's actually room for everything to have a place, and everything to be in its place--something that's key when it comes to keeping an orderly home (my wife is very big on this). Second, we're located in an actual neighborhood, with space between our neighbors and us. In our old place, we had a downstairs neighbor that liked to crank her music and sing along to it, usually at 1 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon--difficult to nap with the warbled strains of Celine Deion or Madonna coming up through the floor. Here, there's blessed quiet. Megan said that at first, when a loud car with the base turned up would pass by, she would start to worry about the noise being permanent. When the car passes by and fades in the distance, she realises again what a difference it makes to have a home of one's own.

Third, (and finally, since I'm getting long-winded here) did I mention all utilities paid? Have that heat turned up enough to keep a (very) pregnant lady warm. Have those Christmas lights on the tree--leave them on all night if you want to. Sure, take a long bath. Take one every morning if you like. Without the worry of a huge utility bill arriving in the mail, our winter season is a lot more comfortable.

If I don't post before Christmas, have a sacred and joyous Christmas season.

Billy