We are so lucky and have so much.
I, personally, have lived a charmed life. That doesn’t mean I don’t have problems and complaints, but I’d say my frustrations are pretty minor.
For instance, this morning I stepped in cat vomit as I was getting ready for work. While untimely and disgusting, stepping in cat upchuck hasn’t damaged me in any apparent permanent manner. When it happened I had instant access to water and soap to wash my foot, a clean pair of socks, and a designated rag, scrubby brush and special carpet cleaner to make the watery, hairball-filled, partially-digested food mess disappear.
Then there are the frustrating, petty experiences that I can’t complain about, because to do so would would make me look like total a total asshole. Like my annoyance this morning at having to settle for a Cherry slushie because the regular Coke slushie machine was broken. What asshole would even put a “problem” like that in print? Oh…
A broken slushie machine is an example of a First World Problem.
Urban Dictionary defines First World Problems as “Problems from living in a wealthy, industrialized nation that third worlders would probably roll their eyes at.”
Aw, crap, I don’t know which 1 carat diamond encrusted platinum ring to buy!
In my far from exhaustive Bing search I found several websites that catalog examples of First World Problems, a Facebook site, and a Twitter hashtag devoted to these usually intentionally funny anecdotes of the issues that nag at those of us living relatively high on the hog.
As human beings we tend to get wrapped up in ourselves, but we also know that somewhere someone else has it harder than us. The thing that I like about highlighting our First World Problems is that it illustrates just how silly we can get about our day-to-day experiences, and it serves to remind me that there are bigger problems to address.
So let’s address them – at least in a small way – and have a good laugh at ourselves in the meantime.
I introduce to you, my dear readers:
The First World Problems Contest!
Here’s how it works:
- In the blog comments post a First World Problem (FWP) that is plaguing your day.
- At the end of the contest I will compile all of the entries and create a poll of my favorite 5-10 FWPs.
- YOU, the readers, will have to opportunity to to vote for your favorite FWP. The submission with the most votes wins.
- I will email the winner a $25 Kiva gift certificate!
Kiva.org is a microlending website that allows individuals to loan money to low-income entrepeneurs from all over the world. You go to the website, browse the small business owners or groups who are seeking funds and then you lend your $25 to someone who wants to put it to good use. The business owner repays the loan over time (if all goes as planned), then you can choose to roll your returned investment into another loan!
The Hubby and I participate in Kiva. We enjoy learning about the work that others are doing in different parts of the world, and it feels good to be a part of an organization that is getting these entrepeneurs the funds they need to help their businesses grow.
Contest Details and Guidelines
- Comments are open NOW. Entries will be closed at 8pm (+/- a few minutes) central time on Sunday (1/9/11).
- On Monday I will post the poll with my favorite FWPs. The poll will be open until 8pm (+/- a few minutes) central time Wednesday (1/12/11). I will tally your votes and announce the winner on Thursday.
- The Kiva gift certificate will be delivered to the winner by email.
- Anyone can post, and you can enter as many times as you like, but my top favorite entries will not include multiple submissions from any one contributor.
- If the winner does not wish to claim the Kiva gift certificate, the contributer with the next greatest number of votes will have the option to accept it. And so on.
I think that’s it. Disclaimers…hmmm…I’m sponsoring this contest all on my own. Kiva.org is not involved with this blog. Once you get the gift certificate, we’re done – don’t get mad at me if you lose your $25 investment. I recommend understanding how the lending process works before you get started. (Kiva’s About sections and Terms and Conditions are a good place to begin)
Thanks in advance to everyone for visiting my blog and for participating in the First World Problems Contest!