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War Against Whining - Will It Ever End?

Started by Randy · 10 months ago

Times are bleak … the world is in peril … the judges on American Idol don’t have a large repertoire of feedback beyond “Dawg, Dude … it’s kind of pitchy” “Your Amazing so just hold on to your dreams&% ... Continue reading »

56 comments

  • Tami Gill

    1 year ago

    Great list, Randy! This is so fun! Okay here goes, in no particular order:

    1) A husband who has stayed by my side for going on 9 years, despite the fact that I do NOT deserve him.

    2) Two adorable children who make my heart melt just at the sight of them.

    3) Two parents who have supported me with love, encouragement and, yes, money throughout my entire life.

    4) A job that pays enough for me to support my husband and kids while my husband is in law school full time.

    5) A trip to Orlando, Florida, my favorite place on Earth, with the best weather anyone could ask for.

    6) Javier Bardem :-)

    7) Sharp intelligence to make-up for my lack of discipline (thank you Lord)

    8) Friends who have loved me despite my inability to be a good friend in return.

    9) Social networking applications which allow us to meet and develop great friendships with amazing people like Randy.

    10) Most importantly, for the God of wonders beyond our galaxy who has given the greatest gift to all that will accept him - eternal life, and who makes all of the above 9 things even possible.
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    1-4 awwwww. That's awesome.

    5 ... you betchya!

    6 ... ? Is that your soap opera name?

    7 ... you are a smart one you are.

    8 ... love that it automatically turned your 8 into a Mr. cool.

    9 ... awww again, you're nice. I am glad to know amazing you too.

    10 ... amen!
    reply
  • Tain

    1 year ago

    "1) A husband who has stayed by my side for going on 9 years, despite the fact that I do NOT deserve him.
    7) Sharp intelligence to make-up for my lack of discipline (thank you Lord)
    8) Friends who have loved me despite my inability to be a good friend in return."

    You don't know me, and I don't know you, but be careful, hon. Being too self-critical, and having 3 of your top 10 things that you are grateful for being related to something making up for your own shortcomings... It won't do anything but knock you down. Your husband and your friends are in your life because they see something in you that they want to include in THEIR lives. If you focus on the reasons that you don't deserve these relationships, then you will never be able to experience them and appreciate them to their fullest. If you constantly examine the world through a lens that says "I don't deserve these good things, I don't deserve these relationships, I need to make up for these flaws" then you will not be able to appreciate what YOU contribute to the situation, and the impact that you can have on the world will be hobbled by your own lack of self-confidence. You intelligence may very well allow you to be less disciplined, you may not be the perfect wife, and you may not always be the best friend, but it is obvious that you are a positive force on the world around you, or those relationships and that intelligence would not exist or factor into your life. So keep your chin up, and be grateful for who you are, not just the parts of your life that "make up for" or "overlook" the things you aren't.

    Just a random 2 cents worth.

    Tain
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    Ok Tain...good eye, so ... where's your list :)
    reply
  • Eva

    1 year ago

    I think I can, I think I can, I know I can!!!

    1. For spring flowers that are starting to bloom and put a smile on my face every time I walk out my front door.
    2. For my nieces and nephew who light up my life!
    3. My home sweet home that is mine all mine (well, along with the mortgage company's!)
    4. For parents who made and stuck to a commitment to raise me in the church - to be faithful to church - even when I know there were times they didn't feel like going.
    5. For second chances - and third - and fourth - and fifth - from a God who is patient with me and never gives up on me.
    6. For Reeces peanut butter cups - they are very yummy!
    7. For so many wonderful, amazing friends that bring so much support and joy to my life.
    8. For a job that enables me to do so many things, as well as an abundance that I'm able to spread to others.
    9. For music! Oh, how I love to get lost in a great song - belting it out at the top of my lungs!
    10. For technology that has brought the world closer together and introduced me to so many awesome people I would never have met without it.
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    #3 I hear ya sister. #5 & #6 ... raising my and to bear witness
    #10 YaY \o/ <<-- Happy Randy Dude
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    that should be raising my hand in witness :)
    reply
  • Eva

    1 year ago

    It's all good. I know what you mean.
    reply
  • Tain

    1 year ago

    :) and here I thought that'd get me off the hook....

    1) The friends in my life that care so much about me

    2) The family that has finally reopened communication

    3) A consistent source of good food thanks to my college meal plan

    4) A warm, safe place to sleep at night in my dorm

    5) The confidence in myself I am gaining from my experiences with various student groups around campus

    6) The warm sun and cool breeze that told me today that the snow on the ground will be gone soon

    7) The education that I am getting now, which is informing me, broadening my mind, and causing real self-examination, and overall helping me to grow as a person.

    8 ) That deep, untouched forests and mountains still range in many places, so that we can experience their beauty

    9) The music that I can close my eyes and get lost in

    10) The number of random acts of kindness that occur every single moment of every single day
    reply
  • Kenny Warkentin

    1 year ago

    great idea Randy

    10 things....

    1...Jesus...Glorious Jesus...cause, he made me free

    2...Paula...my beautiful wife...who share freedom...and is gorgeous, talented, and the love of my life.

    3...A house to call our own...in 12 days...we can't wait.

    4...parents, who love me, who stand with me and share life.

    5...my mom, who shared her story with Paula and I for the first time last week. She's AMAZING...and has a great story.

    6...A cat names Xica (Sheeka)...the most amazing cat ever.

    7...Blair Whittcomb...my soap opera name...kinda reminds me of a blonde, surfer, with a british accent.

    8...A job that allows me to share my faith, and testify of the Greatness of God.

    9...breath, sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch...thankful everyday.

    10...great friends, amazing church, and art...the music of the soul.
    reply
  • Laura Leigh

    1 year ago

    1. Dishwashers
    2. Long-term friendships
    3. The Chronicles of Narnia books
    4. Bridges of all kinds (musical bridges give songs interest, dental bridges allow people to chew again and their teeth don't get all spacey, the Clark Bridge that seems to be telling me my life purpose, the Millau bridge in France...)
    5. Beautiful stationary
    6. Long evenings of conversation accompanied by coffee
    7. Live music
    8. A God (whose image we bear) who doesn't wipe us all out but devises plans and schemes schemes to bring the banished one near (2 Samuel 14:14)
    9. The smell/feel of the air as a thunderstorm moves in
    10. Roads less traveled
    reply
  • Joyella

    1 year ago

    Okay Randy, thanks for the draft ;)
    1. Everyone keeps saying "a house all my own".... but I don't have one, However, I am thankful for a RENT-FREE apartment on a beautiful piece of property right next to my folks.
    2. The way my daughter twirls around in the dresses I make for her.
    3. New dresses.
    4. A cozy, comfy bed to sleep in every night.
    5. My 3 kids, they make all the sacrifices worthwhile.
    6. Trees, all year round, are just so amazing to me.
    7. The ability to dance.
    8. The feel of sunshine on my face, especially in the midst of a dreary winter.
    9. My dorky minivan that lets me cart my children where ever we need to go.
    10. Girlfriends who think I'm "awesome" ;)--they are awesome too!
    reply
  • Charmaine

    1 year ago

    Hope I can just jump in here..

    It is easy to fall into complaining and into a negative way of thinking but then we can wake up to a new day and recall to whom we owe our very lives and then ask the Father to infuse us with positive thoughts and a heart of rejoicing for our God saves and renews the hearts of all!

    Here's my list:

    1. Forgivness (Christ's gift)
    2. Family
    3. Freinds who never give up on me!
    4. Health
    5. A roof over my head
    6. A job that allows me to share the Gospel openly!
    7. A car that runs.
    8. Mature christian influeneces to rely on for wisdom.
    9. Freedom to express my Christian veiws without persecution (physical).
    10. Eternal Security
    reply
  • Mike Turner

    1 year ago

    My 10 things I'm grateful for:

    1) No addiction to ANY television show... or TV at all for that matter! (Stuff it, American Idol!)
    2) My wife is pregnant with our 4th child, and we've never had to deal with a miscarriage. Every pregnancy has been successful and healthy, although the wifey sure has a tough time with nausea.
    3) Great health benefits (ref #2)
    4) Wonderful work environment.
    5) I belong to a great church body of believers.
    6) No car problems.
    7) The Grace of God despite life circumstances.
    8) I love my iPod.
    9) I have the privilege of going to the gym to blow off steam and feel healthy a few times a week.
    10) I am healthy and physically capable.
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    Great list and I totally understand #9.
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    Awesome list Blair!
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    #5 I did not know that about you. Good to keep in mind.
    #6 I totally knew that about you.
    #9 love that too.
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    #1 swwweeet
    #2 cuuute
    #8 that's cool
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    Of course you can. We are glad you did ... great list :)
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    Hi Mike, great list, but I think #1 was a little whiny :)

    American Idol rocks!
    reply
  • Cindy

    1 year ago

    1. My Unitarian Jihad name: Sister Mushroom Cloud of Tranquility.
    2. The Great Golden Sun Cat, who sits on my lap when I'm on the computer.
    3. A husband who eats anything I cook.
    4. A new undertaking that allows me to be totally passionate, something I have not allowed myself to indulge in for years.
    5. Miniature roses.
    6. Gorgeous papers.
    7. Beautiful fountain pen inks.
    8. Exquisite journals.
    9. Rare steak.
    10. Heron tracks in the mud on the old logging trail I walked this weekend.
    11. Grace. Grace. Grace. Grace. Grace.
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    #1 ::: laughing may face off :::

    *love* your list. Good to see you O' Evil Twin
    reply
  • Mike Turner

    1 year ago

    Dang!
    reply
  • Laura Leigh

    1 year ago

    Oh! I know you!
    #6 Hoorah for gorgeous papers! ...and #7....and #8
    I want a unitarian jihad name.
    reply
  • Kenny Warkentin

    1 year ago

    thought I would share a bit of Manitoba humor...if you want...! See we can laugh about ourselves, and really have to make jokes about our crazy cold winters.

    TEMPERATURE is all RELATIVE

    60 above zero:
    Floridians and Hawaiians turn on the heat.
    People in Manitoba plant gardens.

    50 above zero:
    Californians and Hawaiians shiver uncontrollably.
    People in Manitoba sunbathe.

    40 above zero:
    Italian & English cars won't start.
    People in Manitoba drive with the windows down.

    32 above zero:
    Distilled water freezes.
    The water in Manitoba gets thicker.

    20 above zero:
    Floridians don coats, thermal underwear, gloves, wool hats.
    People in Manitoba throw on a flannel shirt.

    15 above zero:
    New York landlords finally turn up the heat.
    People in Manitoba have the last cookout before it gets cold.

    Zero:
    People in Miami all die.
    People in Manitoba close the windows.

    10 below zero:
    Californians fly away to Mexico or Hawaii
    People in Manitoba get out their winter coats.

    25 below zero:
    Hollywood disintegrates.
    The Girl Guides in Manitoba are selling cookies door to door.

    40 below zero:
    Washington DC runs out of hot air.
    People in Manitoba let the dogs sleep indoors.

    100 below zero:
    Santa Claus abandons the North Pole.
    Manitobans get upset because they can't start the Mini-Van.

    460 below zero:
    ALL atomic motion stops (absolute zero on the Kelvin scale.)
    People in Manitoba start saying...'Cold 'nuff fer ya?'

    500 below zero:
    Hell freezes over.
    All public schools in Manitoba will open 2 hours late.
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    That's hilarious! But I think everyone in Miami will die at 20 above zero :) Orlando (me) could probably tough it out to 15 above.
    reply
  • Cindy

    1 year ago

    YOU like snifty inks and papers and journals and (I assume) fountain pens? Oh my. :) That makes me happy. :) Happyhappyhappyhappyhappy. :)

    As in, Noodler's ink?
    reply
  • Cindy

    1 year ago

    :::picking up face, dusting it off and handing it back:::

    Good to see you, too, Your Equally Evil Twinness.

    :::a bit confused as to whether to speak to your head or the face I'm holding out to you in my hands:::
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    ::: a voice comes from the face in your hands, you look down and I am still laughing ::: bwooohahahahaha :::
    reply
  • Cindy

    1 year ago

    Ah. And a link for you: http://www.elsewhere.org/cgi-bin/jihad

    A Unitarian jihad name of your very own.
    reply
  • Cindy

    1 year ago

    Oh, that's just...

    eeeuuuuuwwww.
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    I am Brother Baseball Bat of Patience :)
    reply
  • B.T.Carolus

    1 year ago

    1. Professors who take time out for me.
    2. My two beautiful labs (who only bark when they're supposed to - mostly).
    3. Pretty handwriting.
    4. LA's bus system works better than anyone thinks.
    5. I have been trained in the fine art of correctly using commas and semi-colons, along with other forms of punctuation.
    6. My Sunday school teachers of yore who made sure I know all my Bible stories (they're more important than one might think).
    7. Food...because it's yummy.
    8. The internet because it makes it easy to talk to my friends, even if they live in foreign countries like New York or Florida.
    9. Green, the prettiest color, and the color of trees.
    10. LA Opera's reserved rush ticket program (go OperaU).
    reply
  • Amy Tracy

    1 year ago

    1. My dog Rosie.
    2. God's provision this last year and a half.
    3. My circle of funny, talented, loving friends.
    4. Great health insurance and all of the coffee and tea I can consume.
    5. My family.
    6. Grace. God's love for me.
    7. Okay, my new Blackberry Pearl ... I LOVE IT!
    8. Ethnic food and city living.
    9. The gift of seeing, hearing, tasting, and touching.
    10. Rosie, again, and all of the friends I've met through her at the beach.
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    #1 #10 ... awwww.
    #2 He is faithful
    #3 I am in that ... like prominently ... right?

    Thanks for adding your list and I won't whine about #4 or #7 (the coffee part.)
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    Cool list but I don't believe you on #4

    and I apologize for, ... you know screwing up #5 so many times with my contributions to this blog.

    # 7 - Food's cool.

    #10 - I am not an Opera fan but I would NOT pass up an opportunity to see Bocelli OR a truly good Opera in person.
    reply
  • B.T.Carolus

    1 year ago

    I will have you know that I have done Hollywood, WeHo, Pasadena, and Downtown on MTA, all from the Eastside (shopping, shopping, shopping!). That is aside from the fact that I use it to get to school everyday (and work some days). The buses run smoothly and on time, are not particularly dirty, are safe, and most of the drivers are nice people. The only problem is that not enough people use them 'outside of peak hours' (i.e. on Saturday and Sunday or after 8:00 pm), so I am stuck at home on weekends. But that is not MTA's fault.

    If Bocelli is the height of your opera appreciation then you are defnitely not an opera fan (but no worries, not many people are)...if you ever have a chance to see Erwin Schrott play Don Giovani, jump at it.

    ETA (see, I really do need the editing feature) Don't worry about your grammar...I am just a picky English major. :)
    reply
  • Cheryl

    1 year ago

    Sister Awl of Compassion here.
    reply
  • Cheryl

    1 year ago

    War on Whining offensive plan of attack:

    List is as follows:
    1)Dr. Seuss socks
    2)Rich singy pianos
    3)Hard working students
    4)111
    5)Frozen waterfalls
    6)Milk and orange juice
    7)A good performance
    8)Haggis (good for teasing children)
    9)Crisp clean bed sheets
    10)Jesus
    reply
  • Laura Leigh

    1 year ago

    Sister Broadsword of Forgiving Kindness
    ::::heading out to the courthouse to make the change::::
    I like-y.
    reply
  • Laura Leigh

    1 year ago

    That's great!
    reply
  • Laura Leigh

    1 year ago

    I love to read comments by picky English majors. The comments tend to take me to MANY radio memories of A Prairie Home Companion and their love of English majors as a running joke line.
    reply
  • Susan H

    1 year ago

    Sister Peaceful Cattle Prod of Enlightenment

    I could have much fun with this name.
    reply
  • Anna Broadway

    1 year ago

    1. Working for an employer where they provide under-desk heaters to warm you and ergo balls to sit on, if you ask
    2. Breathing freely on a regular basis
    3. That I didn't need a rabies shot for my India trip after all
    4. Deepening and expanding friendships as I near the 18-month anniversary of my cross-country move
    5. A church I'm completely happy to be part of
    6. The way God worked out our housing drama last fall
    7. That my sister is back from her deployment and easily reachable by phone again
    8. Working for an employer that lets me wear jeans most of the year
    9. Not struggling with my weight like I did in college and being content with my body
    10. The kindness of friends who just randomly give me clothes I wind up liking a lot.
    11. That I got to add a New York visit to next week's business trip for no extra cost! :)

    This was a good exercise, Randy, thanks. :)
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    ::: high five ::: Good job.
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    You are welcome! Great list and goodness gracious... rabies shots to go to India? That hurts just to even think about.
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    ::: laugh :::
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    I had no idea unitarians could be so scary ::: laughing :::
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    Thanks for the opera advice. As for LA transport, I will cut the bus some slack...it's just the driving that literally gives me migraines. ::: shiver :::
    reply
  • Mindy

    1 year ago

    Sister Icepick of Enlightened Wisdom


    "Icepick"???? Really?
    reply
  • Mindy

    1 year ago

    1. the sound of rain
    2. my Maddiecat
    3. having a grassy field to lay in and stare at the stars
    4. every moment I get to spend with my family
    5. a car that refuses to die no matter how many miles I put on it
    6. friends that make me laugh out loud
    7. the gift of music
    8. Smarties
    9. the privilege of being called to Germany
    10. life in Christ and being loved by Him
    reply
  • B.T.Carolus

    1 year ago

    That's the irony of LA...it's awful to drive here, but nobody can live without his car (except licenseless people like me), which is what makes it horrible to drive here in the first place (that and the fact that no one in SoCal knows how to drive anyway).
    reply
  • Tony Moore

    1 year ago

    Ok, ok, I'll stop whining for a minute...

    Disclaimer: these are listed in no particular order and do not necessarily refer to the 10 things for which I am MOST grateful - just the ones that pop into my limited thinking space. (I will go back and read the 50 other responses AFTER I create my own list.)

    1. Grace (generally referred to as amazing)
    2. Healthy parents
    3. Loving wife
    4. Unemployment checks *REMINDER: Don't whine*
    5. My children who love Jesus as I do
    6. Lunar eclipses that make me feel nearer to Heaven
    7. The red letters
    8. Grandchildren who yell "Papa" when I walk in the door
    9. Variety - not the magazine, but the spice of life
    10. Extra strength Tylenol
    reply
  • Tony Moore

    1 year ago

    I shall now forever be known as Brother Flaming Pitchfork of Moderation.
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    Hi Mindy! Thanks for participating. It's good to see you.
    reply
  • Randy

    1 year ago

    awesome list :), thanks Tony
    reply

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