May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favor

After 24 days of being here, we have finally found a home (to rent). I had previously written about the difference in viewing homes here vs back at home. Now, to elaborate more on the actual application process. In College Station, we had rented a few apartments. The last two homes we owned, however. The process to rent here was more similar to the process to purchase there. We needed an application and points (IDs, etc.) which is very usual. We also included a letter from ourselves to explain that we had just relocated. We included one letter of reference for Dodger (thanks Emma and Tony!) Yes, you read that correctly. A letter of reference for the dog. It was between that and a doggie resume, and there are only so many ways you can state how awesome a dog is on a resume.

Once we submitted the application, we received a requests for email addresses of our former realtor and our former supervisors. This led to a request from the agent here to them for a reference letter. Our realtor/builder discussed the sale of our home, the condition it was in, and what (if any) damage Dodger had caused. In all honestly, Dodger is not the one I have ever worried about. The kids cause more damage that he would ever consider. Our supervisors received a request as a testimony to our character to ensure that we would make good, reliable tenants.

Yesterday, we were pleased to receive the "offer" of the home. We had a week to decide. We knew right away however that we wanted it. The location and price can't be beat in a city of this size. We can walk to the cafes where we can grab a coffee, we can meet the grandparents at the park or the football oval, and we can walk to four family members homes (making it easy to have a few drinks with dinner when invited over). We move in on July 20.

So, in this case the odds were in our favor.

The odds have also been in the favor of Ian this week who had a "transition" day at his school. He had a great day and really wanted to return for day 2. But considering he just finished first grade in the states, he needs a break. He will start term 3 on July 14. He will have six more months of grade 1. I am hoping he won't grow bored. He indicated that he made several friends which was quite apparent when we were walking out and many of the students were saying "bye Ian." Ian just said "bye" in his cool way and kept walking.

While Ian was at school, Evan went to the leisure center to attend a class. Too bad they told us the wrong time. He was really looking forward to the class (football, soccer, and basketball). I felt so horrible for him. He was fine however when he was able to have a swim and then later head to the library.

As far as the odds not being in our favor...let's talk about the tv. I can't figure out when things are on, even with the guide. It might say 11:30 am, but that could mean anytime it seems. Last night I was watching Jimmy Fallon which was to start at a particular time, but in actuality it was already on. They also have random times for the shows such as 11:02-12:20. And finally, a show will end, an advertisement will come on indicating what is coming on next, and then it will cut into another show. No sense at all I say.

In other news, I am homesick and really just want to sit down and have lunch with my work friends. That would make it seem like a normal day to me. It's odd to check my email and not have 50 million awaiting a response. No one calls, no one writes. It's quite different when you have spent so much time replying to emails and answering calls to having none of it. This probably sounds nice to some of those I use to work with. But my mind is numb from not being used.