TGIF (story by Jill inspired by Jennifer's photo)

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This photo was the first prompt Jenn gave me on April 23, 2021. It made me want to write about someone who is always rushing and maybe not always getting everywhere quite on time. Couple that with the fact that my own dog, Lucky, actually didn't howl early—as she always does—on a day leading up to this prompt. I actually didn't have my charger plugged into the wall that day either, so I used that as inspiration. Unlike the character, I did make it to work on time though. I can be really quick when I need to be! Here's what I wrote...

TGIF

    If I hadn’t been running so late today, I wouldn’t have blown my diet. But, truly, what diet? The idea is mostly a private joke I keep having with jeans lately. 

    My alarm never went off this morning. 

    Turns out my phone had been plugged into the charger, but the charger hadn’t actually been plugged into the wall. Lesson learned. My dog, who seems to religiously howl each morning by 5:45 a.m., decided she needed her beauty rest today and slept in. So, I did too. 

    Man’s best friend …  Too bad I don’t have a penis.

    So there was rushing and fumbling and grumbling and bitching as I stumbled through my abbreviated morning routine. “Screw. This. Shit!” I said more than once in the process. And I’ll admit it, in spite of the fact that I was running late, I did take the time to pause between each word, letting them fully roll around my tongue, and teeth, and lips before exhaling them into the air around me, as my morning meditation of sorts. 

    After all, some rituals should remain constant, even in the chaos. 

    But I did get out the door. And, considering how late I had woken up, I was mostly on time for my first appointment. I mean, I got there within the 30 minute grace window that I thought most people allowed. This client didn’t seem to be, well, as gracious, and I lost a sale. 

    So, there’s that. 

    Tonight I’ll have a strongly worded chat with my pup. More importantly, I’ll actually make sure my phone is plugged in on both ends. And tomorrow, I’ll crush it. 

    I mean, it’s Saturday, and I’m off. 

    So, there’s hope.

—Jill Morse (written April 24, 2021)


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