It occurred to me yesterday that I complain for a living.
In fact, when one files a lawsuit in Federal Court, the initial document is called a COMPLAINT. I practice only in state court, in Missouri. We’re more civilized. We “petition” the Court rather than “complaining” to the Court, but it’s really the same. We pursue causes of action for our clients. We bring their troubles to the place where troubles gain official recognition.
My side-work entails wandering around Kansas City looking for ways to make life more accessible for humans, especially disabled humans. Quite frankly, the only way to do this involves complaining! Moreover, as an avocation, I like to cajole, bludgeon, sweet-talk or bully bureaucracy into changing its practices, policies and procedures to be more user- and consumer-friendly.
I do espouse the “more flies with honey than fly paper” philosophy, but sometimes, fly-paper is the only useful tool in one’s arsenal. So my new dilemma: How to reconcile my vocation and my avocation with my quest to live complaint-free?
Cogitation ensues; will update you when it percolates!
I love reading these, but I told you when you first started this that: 1–complaining is good as long as it is done to accomplish a goal; and 2– our jobs are to complain on behalf of our clients, whether they are being denied their time with their children or whether they were harassed by an employer, or injured by a faulty product. I admire your quest, but I really don’t see it as realistic. And besides, how can one NOT complain about this weather? Now those may be the complaints that accomplish nothing and are therefore perhaps ones we should avoid, but they sure make me feel better–especially when I dream of pointing a 9 mm at the head of that damn little groundhog!!
I love you, Yorkielaw! And I am always glad to hear your thoughts and observations. Now, if I were complaining, I’d complain about how good you are at Words With Friends!!! Stay warm!!!!