It's been great!

Dear Wednesday Whining Community --  

 WW has been a treasured community to me! I am very grateful, and I'd like that friendship and camaraderie to continue. We have been at this site for almost 11 years, can you believe it?  And some years before that, at Phantom's place. 

After discussion among moderators, we have reached consensus that it's time to start a new iteration of the group, and therefore we are starting a closed (secret) group on Facebook -- with a format more along the lines of no weekly host, anybody can W/AW when they are moved; and members can respond to individual topics, rather than having a running thread about the everything.  It will be called Whines; Anti-Whines; Whatever Works. 

Among the reasons are these.  It has become burdensome to continue the weekly format, with hosts every week.  While this website is not searchable via google, if anybody knows the website address, it is also not entirely private -- and, some of us have held back on posting for that reason.  This site is also not very accessible via mobile devices, and members have mentioned they cannot access it via work computers -- so, it is not convenient to use (unlike FB, which is reportedly easy to use via phone). 

A "secret" facebook page is not searchable, indexed, or viewable by anyone but a member of that group.  Members are invited, and must be approved by an admin or moderator. It is NOT public. Stuff there cannot be “shared” on other FB pages.  That is what we're opting to do. 

Moderators are in FB or other contact with a good many members, current and past.  If you know of someone who has been part of this group, they can be suggested for membership in the new group.  If members are interested but not contacted in the next few days about the new site, please contact a moderator!

It's been an excellent ride.  We're holding everybody in our hearts, and are grateful for the friendships.  xoxoxo

Happy Thanksgiving Whines, US pixies!

It's Thanksgiving this week in US pixie world. In honour of the day, feel free to share recipes and enjoy hearty debate about important matters such as "Cranberries: Whole or Jelly?"

How is your week shaping up?

The Super Bowl of Whining!

Here we are, Pixies!  Today's game play promises to be intense!  We have several veterans players who've been looking sharp all season long, but never underestimate the come-from-behind whining from our newer players.  It looks to be a great match-up, so let's get on down to the field where the action is going on!
(Not that I'm actually watching the Stupid Bowl, but you get the general drift.)

Hippo Holidays Food Edition

Thanksgiving is the week in the U.S., which immediately catapults us into the "You Will Be Festive, Dammit" season of cheer, beginning with the traditional trampling of the competitors at  various insane black friday sales.

Obviously, there is a high potential for both regular and holiday-related whines this week, and we are here for you!  But please also feel free to share your favorite recipes, stories of amazing feasts, and the like!

And any gratitudes you'd like to share, of course!  Antiwhines are always welcome.

We're going to son's girlfriend's parents' Thanksgiving, which features an abundance of family, friends, food, and dogs.  It's hilarious, too, because GF's dad always invites his best friends and their families, so they pull out all these stories from high school and college, break spontaneously into song, etc.

Anyway, we're taking a savory sweet potato gratin (oh, heck -- forgot the cream) and an apple-blueberry pie.  I'll make some cranberry sauce, too -- for us, they don't need more at the feast.

What's cooking with you?

Because a little birdy told me that we need an early edition

Bring us your tired, your sick, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to whine free!

SPECIAL EDITION: RECIPE EXCHANGE!

Happy Hanukkah to those celebrating!  And Merry Christmas, Festivus, whatever you celebrate!

Let's share some recipes!  Someone else will need to bring the latkes, as I am hopeless.  But I'll get the ball rolling with some delicious stuffing.

~~~~~~~~~
ETA:  I republished to move this thread up.

Cookie Swap, Recipe Swap, and Other Deliciousness Thread

Ask, Neighbor Lady, and here it is!

Are you interested in a Holiday Cookie Swap? KLee will organize, just comment here that you want to send and receive a batch of cookies and/or other goodies, and KLee will fill in the details.

Are you looking for a recipe or have one to share? Turkey tips? Stuffing/dressing controversies? Favorite Holiday Punch? What to serve at the Open House for the whole congregation (er, maybe that's just me)? What to fix for supper while you're busy with other holiday baking? Comment here, too.

Edited to add:

Details added to comments about how to participate in the Cookie Swap! If you would like to participate, please see the comments and follow the directions! Thanks! -- KLee

Thanksgiving!

It's the start of the holiday marathon season, although it appears that certain businesses believe in the 12 Weeks of Christmas. Pixies disapprove, business-people!

Anyway, Thanksgiving means feasting and family and all that good stuff, usually. But tensions can run just a wee tiny bit high, too. Bring your anti-whines and whines, big and small!

My cousin is hosting, and he invited a LOT of people. So, 13 said yes, 3 said maybe, a bunch said no, and -- drumroll, please -- 14 have not responded despite reminders. Boo!

My friend also complains that she invited a friend's family with the understanding that the friend would help (although last time, the friend's friend "helped" by giving her a recipe, bringing 3 extra people, and showing up 1.5 hours late), and she kept getting excuses about planning, so my friend made reservations for everyone (because she really hates the cooking and worry and cleanup). So, her friend said, "Oh, that's not our thing. We'll just come by after dinner." Rude!

I'll be making cranberries, stuffing, sweet potato gratin, veggies and dip, and it will be glorious because I do not have to clean my personal house for the festivities. Yay! Son is making a pumpkin pie with a pumpkin from his very own garden -- who knew he'd turn out to be an urban gardener?

AW: Remember the snafu with daughter's grade from the summer, where a bunch of her work got lost? She re-bought the book, re-did the assignments that went missing, and was not getting any response from the teacher. Finally, she learned today that she got a B+. Yay! She's graduating next month!

W: Son's car died again. Fuel pump. Cousin's car died. Ran over a big-rig hubcap, which took out two tires and the engine won't start. This is obviously an epidemic.

What's happening in your world?

P.S. -- If you are interested in the cookie swap being organized by our own KLee, check the post below and contact KLee!

Dear Universe

Dear Universe:

You suck. We mean it. You have earned a number of visits from the Cluestick Posse this week, and I want to warn you, they are in a mood. You just have to mess with perfectly nice people, don't you? And the fireplacing cancer visited upon random people just wasn't enough for you, was it? Don't you think smiting Japan was a rather extreme, show-offy measure? You, Universe, are on a time out. We expect better behavior, pronto.

Love, The United Federation of Pixies

~~~~~~~~~~~~

This week's ceremony is brought to you by Aunt Kathy's Crab Cakes, on special this week at a fine whining establishment near you!

In the Old Skool category, Liz takes home the trophy with her Dunkin' Donuts complaint: they gave her the wrong donuts.

The Cluestick Posse is dispatched to the Fussy Church Lady (aka Official Church Bully) who sent Sue a nastygram about a prayer shawl, undelivered to a grieving parishoner due to circumstances beyond Sue's control. Some people could use a better hobby, no?

The coveted Elevated Risk of Mullet Award goes to Emily, who wonders "Sue--what is my MIL doing in your church? (Maybe there's a global network of fussy ladies?)"

The Kudos Posse is pleased to pay a visit to Esperanza's Baboo's Dr. Punctual! The importance of punctuality, and full attention, is not to be overstated -- especially with Baboos in tow. Kudos also to the Sweet Baboo herself, for really fabulous progress!

The Noxious Substance of the Week Award goes to gasoline, which in addition to costing a minor fortune these days, keeps dripping on people's shoes and clothing, causing headaches, excess laundry, and the premature disposal of shoes. Accepting the award on behalf of gasoline, which is not invited to this party, are Emily, Liz, and Sarah.

Annoying Repair Person of the Week Award goes to Sue's copy guy, who might fit her in sometime this year, or maybe not, things are busy doncha know.

Special Achievement Award, Stirring Things Up Then Dropping Off the Face of the Earth Division goes to Esperanza's [relative], for reasons stated.

Teachers Are Definitely Underpaid Award to Amy, who reports: My students' essays are so awful. So very awful. I just want to cry, they are so bad. Even my best student's essay is only mediocre at best. And I'm out of emergency chocolate. :( Sending emergency thin mints!

Sarah wins the Hormonal Storm Award, for battle duty, with an Anti-Whine Laurel for this gem: AW: Knowing it is wild hormones does makes me step make from the ledge of despair over which I theatrically consider throwing myself.

Hugs to everyone with relatives, headaches, the fireplacing cancer in their lives, pook, laundry, and other afflictions. See you next week, when the wonderful Redzils will host!

Ring Out the Old, Bring On the New

Welcome, Pixies, to the last edition of 2010! What stands out for you about this past year? Or decade? What are your hopes for the coming year?

Remember Y2K? I'll nominate that for the top non-catastrophe of the last 10 years. Another decadal event: Saturday was 30 years since I met my beloved. That's a big round number, suggesting a certain amount of ancientness, but we're still having fun.

There are things about 2010 that I won't mind leaving behind. Rough year economically and politically; rough times for many Pixies and other friends. An unbloggable family drama stretched over nearly the entire year, but is finally, thankfully over.

The biggest anti-whine is that my kids are doing well, moving forward, happy. We had a very exciting time visiting daughter when she was in Japan. And this coming year, she'll graduate college and discover whatever it is she will do next.

What's on your mind as you review the old year and look forward to the new?

Awards!

Everyone brought such wonderful food! And fabulous whines!

So, without further ado: The Mashed Veggies With a Side of Plague award goes to Esperanza, whose two children have 6 illnesses between them.

The I've Got Cranberry Sauce but Where's My Coffee Award goes to Miranda.

Sue wins the Best Recipe of All - A Good Marriage award. And also, the I Read Your Recipe Aloud Award for the gravy.

Sending out the Cluestick Posse to sort out various judgmental grannies. I am appalled that we're going to have to remind them that Unconditional Love is part of the job description.

Sending Zyrtec to Sarah at Ratatat, and BCP to Kathy A. I'm so sorry you've been sent back a year by the Thanksgiving visit of old Flo. She came to visit me, too, but I was expecting her.

Sending love and condolences to KLee's family for the loss of her beloved Aunt.

And finally, the best Anti-whine award to Sarah-at-ratatat, for getting the job! WOOT!

See you all back here...today! or maybe tomorrow! When your host will be....Esperanza!

Awards! Hosted by Sokka, the Haiku-bender

Plentiful Haikus
Flow through Wednesday sweeping
Unhappiness out

Esperanza wins the Most Stylish Single Parent Award

Emily wins the Every Load Has A Silver Clothes Line Award with her paean to Summer chores.

A Nonnie Mouse wins the Weird Al Award for her song to a Greedy Trustee.

Sue wins the And The Pixies Say, "AMEN" Award for her re-telling of Genesis.

Days wins the Couplet Award

Amy, I know of what you whine. And your Haiku apology is a thing of beauty.

I love Days' Ode to A Cluestick and Kathy A.'s Pixie Sunshine

And kudos to the rest of you all dealing with moving, mosquitos, potty training, waiting for news, possible illness, too short dresses (try Nordies?), anxious children, obnoxious alarm clocks, familiar strangers at reunions, plumbing issues, busted and/or misbehaving and/or appropriated computers, and songs you. just. cannot. get. out. of. your. head.

Thank you for your commiseration on my ice-cream-lessness.

Tune in next week when our host will be.......announced!

Comments on IE seem to be messed up. If you click on the title of this post, you'll get to a page that will let you post a comment. Or try it in Firefox.

WW - Style Week Edition!

The work week, it makes me, it makes me so whiny whiny
The work week, it makes me, it makes me so whiny whiny
I want to watch tv and sit on my hiney hiney
My friends at Wednesday Whines.

This week: A challenge! Cudgel your brainies brainies
This week: A challenge! Cudgel your brainies brainies
Whine with style to make sunshine out of rainies
My friends at Wednesday Whines

Your whine can be tragic, but write it with style-y style-y
Your whine can be tragic, but write it with style-y style-y
Awards this week will go on for a mile-y mile-y
My friends at Wednesday Whines

So bring on your Haikus! Your palindromes and parodies!
So bring on your Haikus! Your palindromes and parodies!
Sickness! Floods! Bark! Pook and Families!
My friends at Wednesday Whines

Special Edition: Super Snow-valanche!

Yikes, it looks like this storm is out-doing the last big one! We just have more rain (again), but many pixies live in the Land O'Snow. Hope everyone is doing OK!

I also hear tell of some football game, which apparently requires every viewer to acquire quantities of nachos and/or chicken wings, at a minimum. Haven't there been enough football games already? I shall be avoiding the Sports Worship area of the house during the relevant time frame, whenever that is.

Thread now open for your emergency weekend whining pleasure.

The Whines of 2009!

Welcome, Pixies, to the Year-End Edition of the Whiner's Ball! As most of you know, we consider the WW community to be a place where we can leave all of those little troubles that plague us far, far behind. I know, in my own case, having a place where I can get even the most piddly, insignificant-seeming worries off of my chest has made a real difference. I have come to cherish my WW friends, and to look forward to our discussions and relish the fact that I always have a place where SOMEONE understands. The WW community has become a virtual room where friends gather on the comfy couches and have fellowship.

2009 was a rough year for many people, pixies included. We've heard some awful, heart-breaking whines, but we've heard some positive and uplifting anti-whines as well. This is your chance to tell us about the things that 2009 brought you, for better or for worse.

You may whine in all traditional categories, as normal, and there will be a special Whine of The Year prize as well. This is given out at my sole discretion (To hell with what all the other moderators think! What a way to make friends and influence people, no?!?) for the most awful, biggest, heaviest whine of them all. Other prizes are up for grabs, depending on the category and seasonal whim. Regular weekly whines are permissible, and moreover, suggested!

To you, pixies, I send wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2010. May all of your cares be small, and may all of your joys be great! May your significant others realize your worth and make light your burdens; may your children grow to love you more each day, and may each day with your families be better than the one before. I know all the other moderators join me in saluting each of you for making the WW the place that it is today, and send you all our best and hope we keep this community alive for a long, long time to come.

Let the final whine of 2009 begin!

Oh Anti-Whine, Oh Anti-Whine

SNOWPOCALYPSE!

OH MERCIFUL HEAVENS! IT'S GONNA SNOW!

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DOOOOOOOO???????



One thing's for sure, I probably won't be canvassing. Or going to the NARAL holiday party. But I hope I'll be doing both.

How's about you, pixies? Especially Elizabeth, whose idea this was.

Thanksgiving makes a really good word to use in Hangman

Very few vowels, and a bunch of uncommonly used consonants. If you're playing Hangman in the Spring, you'll definitely win the round. Not so much in November.

We're going to be driving 6 hours up to my mom's house tomorrow. Then Saturday, we're driving down to NYC. Then Sunday, we'll be driving back here. I may or may not be on-line for most of that. Please leave your whines here. Whining will be open through at least Saturday, given the high whine content of most T'giving get-togethers.

Edited to add, I'm sorry that this is a United States-centric post. All non-T'giving and International whines also accepted.

Special Edition: Summer Food!

In celebration of summertime and national holidays, why don't we share some of our favorite summer foods?

My contribution is modest, but a family favorite: pasta salad. We can live on this for days [unless my son comes home with friends, in which case it doesn't last], and it is the perfect picnic/potluck offering. My cooking tends toward "a little of this, a little of that," so this recipe is not exactly precise; however, it is great in many variations -- add or subtract what you choose!

PASTA SALAD

1 lb. dry pasta [rotini, penne, elbows, bowties, etc. -- I especially like rainbow rotini for its shape and colors]. Get a big pot of water boiling, and cook to al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.

While the water is heating, toss the following into a big plastic container or bowl [I use a 1.6 gal. container, to allow room for mixing]:

* 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 can black olives [whole or sliced], drained and rinsed
* 1 jar of marinated artichoke hearts, drained [no rinse] - slice to smaller pieces if desired
* some green onions, sliced thinly
* handful of frozen corn niblets
* handful of frozen shelled edamame, baby lima beans, whatever -- they'll thaw
* other fresh or cooked veggies as desired; chopped bell peppers are colorful and tasty
* some italian salad dressing [start with maybe 1/2 cup]
* a few dashes of sweet rice vinegar, to add a gentle tang and cut the oiliness of the dressing
* salt, pepper, some fresh or dried basil, garlic, dill, hot paprika, oregano -- be a little generous, because this will flavor all the pasta, too

When the pasta is cooked, rinsed, and drained, toss it in with the veggies/beans/dressing, and mix well. Add more dressing, tiny bit of vinegar, and/or spices as needed. For a little more zing, you can add a few dashes of hot sauce. You want enough dressing to flavor the pasta, but not so much that it is swimming. Chill for a couple of hours and let the flavors sink in.

Additional yummies can be added before chilling: small chunks of fresh mozzarella; sprinkle of blue cheese; cherry tomatoes; whatever you have around.

What does your family like in summer?

WW: The Holiday Edition

...or otherwise known as "Holiday Hell." I have opened the thread not exactly early, but it will stay open until Friday. On Friday, I'll post the awards, so don't be alarmed that they're late. This will give everyone a chance to get their holiday-related whines in.

Normal prizes are up for grabs as usual, but also ones for the best holiday story, worst holiday experience, and the newly patented "Christmas-Themed Slice of Hell" which goes to the best (worst?) or funniest holiday story.

To all of the WWers out there, I hope that your holidays, no matter what you celebrate, are full of love and joy, and that you find fulfillment in whatever you are searching for. May your bank accounts be full, may your sorrows be few, and may you have peace and prosperity in the coming new year.