The Hunger Games and stupid posts on Facebook

I'm pretty happy to be writing one of my first Soapbox posts... I do apologize that I've been off the radar for so long, but I"m back because I have been so  irritated inspired in the past few days by all this hubbub about the Hunger Games and the imminent deterioration of the preteen age group associated. I've seen so many people on Facebook talking about these books now that the movie is out.  (The movie is fantastic in case you were wondering).  So what is it that's gotten under my skin?

I am not one to start drama on FB, I hate that.  But, sometimes those people (and we all know some), like to make drama over topics they know nothing about. I can't tell you the number of people I've seen talking down about books which they have NOT READ.  It really is humorous that they do this because it just makes them look silly annoying. I also heard that school districts are (just now) taking these books off of reading list due to the violence. This is, no doubt, in response to complaints from people who have not read the books and have only seen previews to the movie.   To this I say: "Quit your belly aching!"

Now, I am not a parent, which surely discredits me to most who have spoken out in the name of adolescent innocence stripped by reading the Hunger Games. But, I have read the books.  And if I had children middle school aged or above, I would let them read the books.  I would also let them watch the movie.  I can honestly say that the overall  message of the trilogy, literary and cinematic alike, is NOT children killing children is OK.  If the neigh-Sayers on Facebook and our local principals' offices had read the books, I would imagine this might not be such an issue. The overall messages of the trilogy, in my humble opinion, would be:

1. Killing is a horrible thing: These books do not celebrate murder of innocent lives.  The entire mood of the book is oppressed. The killing in the arena is the strongest display, but I think the author was intentional in this.  When I first heard the premise of the books, I though "That's appalling that that could happen"  and IF it were true, it would surely be appalling.  There are  many appalling things happening in the world, but I'm not going to bury my head in the sand and pretend it's not there and tell children all is well in the world. 

2. One person can make a difference.  In the face of terrible odds (no pun intended) and an oppressive overbearing controlling government, Katniss  inspires a whole country by being herself.  Loving and courageous.

3. Stay with me on this one... Our role in gov't (elections etc,) does matter. This may sound like a stretch, but I think this is one reason these books should be allowed to stay on school reading lists.  There are a lot of lessons that could be taught from the books in relation to culture, government, and possibilities of the future if we do not get involved in our communities and government. Don't get me wrong, I'm certainly no activists, I just think the books have some really good things to help us think about certain things.

My last point is that we need to be encouraging young people to read.  Especially in our state where literacy is such an issue.  These books have caught on like wildfire and if students want to read these in school, we should let them.  It's a really entertaining story, we should just let it be.

Again, I don't like to start drama, I just think some are ridiculous for making FB posts celebrating school districts decisions to take it away and complaining about violence in a book you've never read. 

That's all. I welcome your comments.  What did you think of the movie?

House Hunters Starkville

Can I just tell you  how frustrated I am..... Also excited, but I'll get to that.  I started this post on Tuesday after Ben and I went to look at a house. We've been searching for a place to call our own for months now.. Almost a year now. It really boggles my mind how high the market is here. I guess it shouldn't... The University  drives up the prices here and our Realtor says this is the first time in over 20 years that Starkville has been a "buyer's market."  That being said... it's really hard for a young couple just out of college to afford to buy a house.  The issue is that we pay more than some pay for a mortgage in rent each month for a 2bed 1bath apartment. Plus, we're working on 2 years of marriage and we want to stay in the area. We feel it's the right time to look.

We started last Spring and we've been looking off and on since then. We've been inside to tour at least 10-15 houses.  If you haven't ever done this, just get ready.       It. Is. Exhausting.  There are so many decisions to make and it is stressful.  Here are some of the houses we've looked at.

This one we  I really like.  Cute, cozy. Problem: Tiny yard big price.

Eh.... This one had a scary basement laundry situation... Weird layout.

This one we both fell in love with. Can't you just see it at Christmas time?  Out in the country with lights all around the porch???  We put an offer in, it was accepted. It was going to be home.  Then we found some foundation issues and it just didn't feel right. We had to withdraw.  I began to get frustrated.  Also, since then the price has dropped 24K below our offer.  I call that the Lord looking out for us.  So we moved on. 

We've looked at a few others since. I don't have pictures of them since they are off the market now (I think)

Then we went to look at this one on Tuesday. It was sort of my breaking point.

What you can't see from this picture is the pond in the backyard. Like legit little fishing pond on nearly 3 acres.  Ben was thrilled. I wanted to cry. The house had the STRANGEST layout and the "remodeling" that was done really looked like a coat of paint and some new carpet in my opinion. I was just so frustrated and overwhelmed with the whole thing.  I watch the market online pretty much daily, so I know the market here as well as any. I felt like there was just no option for us right now. Then we have to keep thinking about a lease at the apartment and all of that.

I got all mopey and emotional about it and downright negative if I'm honest.  I felt bad that Ben liked it and I didn't and just started to feel guilty that he was willing to give up what he wanted most (land/space) as long as I got what I want (pretty house inside).  I have really come to see that house hunting can make or break a relationship. Or, at minimum, define or stress the relationship.  I've been so blessed going through this with Ben. He's been so positive and supportive and he truly wants me to have a house that I love.  He just loves me that way! :)  

My point is, I just needed to rant about this a little.  I've been so angry with the market here. There are so many houses for sale, but they are all around 170K or above (usually way above).  The ones under are few and far between and usually need some work even just cosmetically.  I've felt like it was unfair and I was happy being a baby about it. But, the Lord with provide us with a home. I know that to be true... And when it happens it'll be awesome and we'll know it was Him working for our good all along.

Now to the excited part... There is one I have my eye on. It's fresh on the market. My hopes are pretty way-too-high-for-my-own-good. We're going to look at it soon. I'll keep you posted!