First World Problems: It’s a new’ish term that seems to be everywhere lately. I like it. It seems to apply to a lot of things that strike me (sometimes after the fact) as really stupid. Generally, I know, in the moment, that I’m kvetching, stuck on something that’s totally a “first world complaint.” It’s amazing how many things we worry about that really are insignificant, in the big picture. Here’s a list of recent ones I’ve stumbled over.
I’ll show you mine, if you show me yours. I know you have some too; share them in the comment section.
1) A lot of my summer clothes don’t fit me; I’ve gained weight. I don’t want to go shopping, because I need to lose this weight, not cover it up. My winter clothes probably don’t fit either, but I refuse to test that theory until September. The more frustrated I get, the harder it is to stick to a diet. Slippery slope.
The Enemy… Or, one of them.
2) I can’t get my son to finish power washing the driveway. He’s snarky every time I bring it up. So my driveway is only half way cleaned, and now the drain trap is plugged too. Dirty pavement; snarky 16-year old. Ugh.
3) The airlines lost our luggage coming back from our vacation in Barbados. I didn’t have my stuff for three days, and when it got here it was all wrinkled and mashed up. (Yeah, I know… waaagh) And it’s the stuff that fits me.
4) I lost my Fitbit, so I had to buy a new one, and it was a real pain in the neck to sinc the new one… Now I need to get moving again. (That’s a two fer one)
5) Met a friend for lunch, and ate way too many nachos! So full— See number 1.
6) I lost my favorite pair of earrings on the way home from the airport Sunday. Such a bummer. I’ve got dozens more, but those were the ones I really loved to wear.
Need to cut this by at least 20%
7) I really need to clean out my closet and get rid of a lot of things. I don’t wear so much of what’s in there, and I need to just sort through it all and donate or sell things. Every time I go in there, I just get stuck. Right now, most of it doesn’t fit anyway. See number 1.
8) The Allergist just told me that I need to start avoiding dairy… or try to cut back. I need to bring my cholesterol down too (genetic). I’m not sure I can go without ice cream, though. Seriously. See number 1.
9) I’m in a funk… It’s getting better, but some days are just harder than others. I keep reminding myself that I’m working my way out of a (nearly two year) depression. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not minimizing depression, but I’m aware that I am “lucky” that I can figure it out, work on the issues, and nurture myself… work on my needs. Those are luxuries that those without resources and support, do not have the benefit of working on. While mental health issues occur in all areas of the world, knowing that I have food, a support system, resources, friends that care… ice cream… makes it all a lot easier to work through. Still, some days are harder than others.
10) I need to finish edits on my novel and move forward with efforts to publish it. As part of my funk, depression, I can’t seem to really dig in and do it. I’m still going back and forth, in my head, about whether to self-publish or try to get published— which causes me to throw my hands up in the air and read other people’s blogs and avoid my writing, instead. The fact that I worry about not posting on my blog enough… distinctly a First World Problem.
11) Eleven kinds of ice-cream in our freezer and no coffee Haggen Daz. Not sure how the hell we ended up with that many ice-creams in our freezer (For the record: there’s usually 1-3), but how could there be none of my favorite? I’m trying not to go buy more. See number 1 and 8. Feh.
12) Our dog has developed some anxiety issues at night. We’ve wondered if he’s developing some dementia (he’s 12), but either way— he’s scratching the doors at night, and being a general pain in the ass.
Twinkle toes, in the sand, are now chipped and ugly.
13) My toenails are a mess. I’m not usually a glitter(y) girl. Picked a sparkly color for our vacation, now I have it chipped and a mess on 8 and two half toes. Haven’t figured out how the two toes ended up with only half polish.
14) “What’s for dinner?” (this could be tied for number one)
15) My new antihistamine is making me really drowsy. I need a nap.
Ok, your turn. Tell me what First World Problems will you admit to? Then, go check out Tales From the Motherland on Facebook and Twitter.
TALES FROM THE MOTHERLAND 
I am sorry to learn that you have so much on your plate right now (except perhaps tonight’s dinner). I would be complaining about the heat had we not escaped LA just in time. I could complain about the rain here in Scotland, but that’s normal. And besides, I’m from Seattle – what’s a little rain?
I totally get the weight loss thing. I have a hard time not cleaning my plate. We are mostly eating out until we settle into a place of our own, and they always serve too much food. Other than that, I cannot complain.
As for your list, I would remind you of the old joke – How do you eat an elephant? (One bite at a time.) Good luck and I hope you do not keep feeling overwhelmed. – Mike
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I’m feeling a lot less overwhelmed Mike, but love that you care. 🙂 Had to start blogging again somewhere and that came up a few times this week. Love the phrase… it’s so apt. It really reminds me that this stuff is the little stuff. For sure. Can’t wait to hear about Scotland! Catching up on over 100 posts, but I saw you have a new one… it’s on my list today!
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Always love reading your rants. I must really be ancient as I hadn’t yet heard the phrase First World Problems. I hear ya about the weight.. seems to have settled in around the middle with no plans to move out. Squatters Rights? Will save my rants for a post– maybe. Happy summer!
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What! No, you have to share them here!! I want your FWProblems! And all that cycling, I hardly believe you have any weight to worry about! But share away. Happy summer back at you friend. 🙂
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I loved reading your rant! You said everything I want to say but squelch or suppress! Truthfully, though, as an outsider looking in you appear incredibly HIGH functioning and productive! Most impressive is the way you juggle family, career, and responsibilities with humor and insight. You go girl!
As for your closet, may I commend you for using the “huggable hangers” – a smart, space saving hanger! Here’s my suggestion – SET A TIMER. Start with 5,10, or 15 mins. and only work for the small amount of time you’ve chosen. Even 5 mins is progress!!! You already seem to have your clothes organized by type (another pat on the back to you). Why not start by pulling out the clothes you know you don’t want to wear again and are ready to donate (stained, out of style, never liked anyway, bad color for you, etc.) Have a large garbage bag or spare box on hand for the donated clothes. As for the clothes you still love but don’t currently fit it, set those aside too but don’t donate. You want to open your closet and feel good about getting dressed, so to have the clothes that no longer fit you staring you in the face is not a morale builder. Try keeping a bin(s) in your closet with these smaller sized clothes so they’ll be on hand (but not in your face) for when you’re ready to wear them again.
When the timer goes off, you may be inspired to continue – that’s great! I’d still suggest setting the timer again. Using a timer is a great way to mark your time, and when you get tired or overwhelmed, you’ll know that you’ve put in a productive chunk of time. Most smart phones have a built-in timer. I use the timer on my iPhone all the time! Also, play some music you enjoy and it will uplift you :-)!
Happy 4th!!
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First of all, how exciting to see you in my comments Jocelyn! I’m touched, and honored (really) that you read the post. I’m equally surprised that you have any of these rants, as I think of YOU as so together… see, it’s all about perception! I read the article you shared a few weeks back about using the timer. I hadn’t tried it yet, but did think it sounded like a great idea and have been planning to try it. My office and my closet are the two big goals for this summer… aside from writing. The music, would definitely help too! Hmm… sounds like you are the perfect motivational speaker! 😉
You have been on my mind a lot lately… out of the blue… so it’s extra cool that I got on line this morning, and there you are! Hugs.
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We just got home from vacation today, and I was grumbling that I had to scrounge around the empty cupboards and fridge for dinner makings since stores are closed today. Of course, I managed just fine. I have first world problems every day, and then I remind myself that these aren’t really problems at all!
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The point exactly. And oh so good to hear from you Carrie! 🙂
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I’m trying to pop in from time to time. 🙂
Oh, by the way, I just had another first-world problem. None of my shows I set on my DVR before leaving on vacation recorded. Carrie is not happy…
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THAT is indeed a FWP! That and: “Oh my G… our DVR is totally full, and I want to record something.” Distinctly FWPs. 😉
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1) Don’t throw anything out or donate it… my best things are things you gave me! I’m coming soon.
2) I will also finish all 11 kinds of icecream in the freezer because I don’t have a dairy problem, baruch Hashem
3) I love you, you’re doing fine. You’re doing plenty of self-nurturing. Natural vacation crash.
yours truly
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Love you too darlin’… we’ll buy you fresh ice cream. I’ll save anything that you might want… some of it, I’m quite sure you won’t want. 😉
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I have moved to a drier climate and my current moisturiser just isn’t cutting it. Life can be cruel! In fairness though, it does sound as though you have a bit on your plate at the moment!
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Welcome to TFTM girleule! I really appreciated that you took the time to stop by and say hi… and share your First World Problem. I have to say, I have really dry skin and if my moisturizer weren’t working, I’d go nuts. I get so itchy and my skin feels awful when it’s dry. It’s true, all of these issues are small when compared to the problems in other parts of the world… but yes, my plate is a little full (and for a while now). That’s probably why nothing fits me anymore! 😉
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I hear ya about your closet. But for me, it’s about piles of things on my bedroom floor. Need to get books off the floor and onto shelves that are a little bit full and need to be purged. But my most recent FWP is that I am using a knee scooter to scoot around lately because I managed to break a foot. Even though they are worlds better than using crutches, my right knee and leg are a bit sore. Once they get stronger, it will be better. But getting hurt when you’re almost 50 truly sucks. (Surgery coming up in a little over a week).
Since I’ve now been dairy free for 2 years, I can highly recommend eating ice cream made with coconut milk. I’ve had chocolate and mint chip so far (found it at Freddie’s in the natural foods area), and they were deeeeelish! Also, if you eat out and want to stay away from dairy, do not eat Mexican! Think Asian (Chinese, Thai, etc.).
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Bummer about the foot! Where are you having surgery? The scooters are so funny looking, but SO much better than crutches!
Get the stuff off the floor… that will make you feel a lot better.
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My doc is in Mt. Vernon, but she’ll be doing the surgery out at Island Hospital in Anac. She she’s patients in 2 towns.
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Good luck! I hope it goes well…
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Me: I’m planning an expensive wedding and I complain about it. But we’ve been over this 😉 #firstworldproblems
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That’s a tough road to travel… lucky you have a partner. xo
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He’s what makes this allllll bearable.
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Awww.
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Oh, My Lady, I understand and I feel your pain because I’m having many of the same first-world problems. The weight gain, the funk, the closet cleaning, the messy toenails (I need a new pedicure ASAP), and I too have lost one of my favorite earrings. It’s no good just having one. My beloved cat Pickles had that nighttime anxiety thing too, maybe the vet can give you some advice on what to do for your dog.
Coincidentally, I had a pint of Haagen-Dazs coffee ice cream yesterday. It’s my favorite flavor. Yep, I had the whole pint (or, at least the “14-oz pint” that HD is ripping us off with). Despite the fact that I too have a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol. Meh.
Get yourself a nice new pair of earrings and a pedicure, My Lady. And be kind to yourself!
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Madame, Good God! We’re twins. 😉 Maybe I’ll send you my earring, and you can wear it with your single… as a new pair? That’s an idea that could catch on! I have little doubt that if we could go get our pedi together, we’d both enjoy the company. Thanks for stopping by! I’m always happy to see you on my pages.
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I agree, we’d have a lovely time getting pedis together! 😀
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Some day… seriously.
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YES. YES YES YES.
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I am in the same clothing boat. Need to lose weight, hesitant to purchase new clothes as if it means I’m accepting this new weight. 🙂
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I suppose there needs to be some acceptance,even to let go. 🙂
Sent from Dawn’s iPhone
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