There Is Something to Communism

I recently have been strgguling mightily with the fact that my husband and I pay more in rent than just about everyone we know pay for their mortgages. It seems just plain wrong that so little attractive, affordable housing exists. For instance, the least expensive property in the neighborhood where our apartment complex is lists at the low, low price of $380,000...and it is a condo. No single famiy home lists below $1 million dollars. It was laughable when we first moved here, but now I see the almost $2000 a month we pay in rent floating away as we receive no benefits from it. I guess I am also frustrated that several of my friends are now on their second homes and others are currently preparing to move into thier firsts. I know it is considered tacky by some to talk about money, but some days the outrageousness of things needs to be aired. At least, I think so.

There is no doubt, of course, that I am extremely fortunate. I have an extra bedroom for our guests to stay in. I have more than enough to eat, as the size of my jeans indicate. I have relatively affordable healthcare. My husband and I both have dependable jobs that bring in reliable and consistent income. We are able to enjoy fun trips away, go to the movies every once in a while, and are even fortunate enough to be able to choose to give some of our money away. However, it still makes me a little sad to know that at least my first child will not have a swingset in his or her yard to play on like I did, that we don't have a place to grow flowers or bar-b-que chicken on the grill, and that there is no backyard for a dog to run around in.

I guess in the end, though, I should remember that, while it is okay to be frustrated, I shouldn't whine too much. Less than a mile away 30 women, most of whom spend their days working minimum wage jobs, sleep on cots on the third floor of a church education building...and they only have that luxury from October to March.