Two things

Please watch the video first.


So, two things happened on Tuesday. The first is that I closed on my house. The process was painless. My first time home lender guy, Kevin Smith, was very helpful to me. I met with him and we walked down the block to a title company. They handled everything. They got all the papers together that I needed to sign, explained them all to me and pointed out the details I needed to be aware of. After sighing papers for about 30 mins, the Workmans came in and they signed their papers. And presto! I'm a homeowner! Also, I seemed to make money on the transaction. Well, technically I just got back my own money, but it still feels like I made money. See, I paid the workmans two months of rent and a down payment. After I closed on the house, all that money came back to me. Essentially, they let me live in their house for 1.25 months for just the cost of utilities. They are incredibly nice people and I'm going to try to stay in touch with them. I also got a check from the title company. Something about escrow. I don't understand where that money came from, but I figure it has to be money from the loan. so, I'm taking their check and putting it towards that loan anyway. I also think that if I can tighten my budget, I'll be able to make double payments on the mortage.

Then, after I was done with the closing, I went to the pet store. I had been in earlier looking at cats. They only had two, but the saleswoman pointed me toward the ferrets. For a while now, I've been a closet ferret fan. I never actually thought I would buy one. But, she sold me on the idea and there was also a sweet cage+everything you need deal. So, now I have my first pet: Garret the ferret. He's still too young to know anything. He sleeps alot, but when I take him out, he gets really energetic. If I try to hold him, he'll squirm and climb out. He doesn't respond to me either. But then again, I've only had him two days. I did get him to start using the litter box. That was a plus. Once he gets older and less scared of me, I'll try to train him. Either way, he's hilarious to watch.

Oh yea, I'm also a youth pastor.
I've pulled together all the members I need for the youth praise band. We have our first practice on monday. I also was able to pull together an entire sound system from left over parts from two of the churches. I was pretty proud of that one. It may be a powered mixer, but it comes complete with two monitors, 8 channels, and sweet digital effects which we'll never use! The only things missing are cables that are longer than 3 feet. That would make a crowded stage. So, I do have to go out and buy those, but they should be cheap. It should be really good once the band gets up and running. I've got a really solid lead guitarist and I'll be on piano, which will be the first time ever for praise and worship. Remember, I'm one of those "spend 6 months learning an 18 page song" kind of pianist. But I think I can manage. I've diversified my piano skills since those days. I'm also going to teach the band a theology of worship (thanks John for the idea, and ultimately, thanks Josh Lemons). Oh, and I'm starting a series on how to study the Bible (more kudos to John Bundick). John is more and more becoming my almost-kinda-mentor.

So, things are going well and I'm still single, despite the many grandmas who want to introduce me to their granddaughters. :-)