Well, it finally happened.  After several months of camping out on TER, reading reviews and the DC board, learning and planning, I made the leap today and had my first date.  I used a notable local agency here because they seemed the most receptive to a brand new customer with serious privacy concerns.  After the verification, which took some doing (because of me being a pain in the butt and how I wanted to do things), the rest of it went like clockwork.  I chose a lady who was well-reviewed, so I felt pretty safe about things.  Honestly, I was a complete nervous wreck as I have never done this before; there was a moment when I wondered if I'd knock on the door or escape.  But all went very well and I am grateful to the agency and to the wonderful girl, who really worked hard to put me at ease.  I'd just like to say how awesome TER is and how helpful the reviews and reviewers are.  TER is a fantastic resource for this community and I hope to give back in a way that helps others the way this board has helped me (I suppose I'll start with mf first review).  Thanks to all.