Hey Neverman, welcome!
I started out lucid dreaming because out of the blue I had one, so I didn't have the skepticism that probably someone just hearing about it would have. Regarding your first lucid dream, you may end up waking up quickly if you get too excited, so be aware that the very first might not be the most dazzling experience quality-wise, though having your first lucid should be an exciting experience all on its own Maybe check out the Dream Stabilization tutorial, and remember when you are reality checking to also tell yourself to stabilize!
It sounds like you're off to a good start though, especially with reading as much as you can. As far as the dream sign goes, that is definitely a possible dream sign. You may want to do something like print up pictures of these columns and leave them around your room/house to prompt you to RC when you see them. Just keep up with the reality checking, you should get results especially if you are putting in the effort and consideration that it sounds like you are More dream signs may start to become evident over time too, so just keep the DJ and look out for people, places, emotions, situations, etc.
Good luck!