Tags
astronauts, careers, conflict, fiction, Juggling, life styles, modern life, stress, Trifecta, Trifecta Writing Challenge
This week’s Trifectra challenge: Use the third definition of the word Juggle in a piece no shorter than 33 words, no longer than 333. 3: to handle or deal with usually several things (as obligations) at one time so as to satisfy often competing requirements <juggle the responsibilities of family life and full-time job — Jane S. Gould>
These are such fun little exercises. If you haven’t tried one yet, jump in! I launched 333 words this time.
Down Time
Honey, the twins need a ride home from swimming practice at 4:30.
Yeah?
So can you run over and pick them up?
Janice, I just got home. My desk is piled with papers, bills, messages . . . I need a little down time.
It’s good to have you home, Roger. Really. The boys will be so excited to see you. Thanks for pitching in. That drive during rush hour always puts me behind schedule.
I did not agree to pick them up, Janice. I said I need some down time!
You need down time? Oh yeah, tell me about it Roger. While you’ve been flying through space, joking with Russians and making headlines, I’ve been home alone, juggling my workload, your workload and the kids’ workload. Down time, my ass! I worked 60 hours at the office last week, in addition to chairing the PTA meeting, grocery shopping, fixing two meals a day, doing the laundry, making sure the kids made it to school on time, picking up your dog’s shit off the lawn before mowing the fucking lawn. I took Sam to the dentist and helped Julie with her science project. I paid the mortgage and the utilities, scheduled the van for an oil change and service. Down time? I don’t even know what that is.
Janice, I don’t understand why you can’t appreciate what I do for us . . . for this country! Everyone else recognizes my contributions to science and space exploration and even world peace. My “joking with Russians,” as you so glibly put it, keeps our two countries talking and communicating instead aiming missiles at each other. Now, I’m really exhausted . . .
Well bully for world peace. If you don’t get your ass in the car and pick up the boys at the pool, there’ll be missiles aimed your way right here at home. Down time! I’ve gotta get Julie’s ballet leotard mended and get dinner in the oven. Get going, or you’ll be late!
Sybil said:
What do I think ? I think he’s sorry he came back from space. 😉
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rangewriter said:
I wonder if she is, too? ;-0
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deanabo said:
Sometimes its hard to realize how much the other one does for the relationship
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rangewriter said:
Yes, I think these two need some quiet time together, eh?
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Dia said:
They sound like a couple of overachievers to me. 🙂
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rangewriter said:
The world is filled with them. Nauseating, eh?
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jannatwrites said:
I can relate to her feelings in this. Sometimes it seems there is too much to do and not enough minutes in the day to work it all in.
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rangewriter said:
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Janna! 😉
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Scriptor Obscura said:
Long long time ago I went to school with and knew a girl whose father had been an astronaut, he wasn’t anymore when I knew her, but he still had all his astronaut stuff, patches, etc. in his office when I went to their house.
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rangewriter said:
I bet that was cool! I have no idea where this came from. I don’t have anything against astronauts. Especially, Gabby Gifford’s astronaut. I can imagine the difficulties between a stay-on-the-ground mom and a flying-around-the-world dad.
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Dia said:
p.s. Your dialogue flows naturally, too. Nice.
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rangewriter said:
Thanks! You know that last bit of stuff I was madly writing while you were madly closing up shop? I lost it. Apparently I did not hit “save” before I shut down the laptop. What a beginner’s mistake!
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Dia said:
Fuck!! I thought the material you read at the meeting sounded a little different but I thought it was rewrite.
And it’s funny…I have a vivid image in my mind of you sitting there intently writing, totally lost to all my chaos, as the muse gripped you. I got such a thrill out of it…total inspiration. My writing has been so tortured of late I just WISH I could become that oblivious to the rest of the chaos in my life! It was so great!
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ramblingsfromamum said:
The white rabbit – so much to do- so little time. Get of your arse Roger and help with the damn kids… loved the flow of the realistic dialogue.
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rangewriter said:
Thanks. I’m trying to get comfortable writing dialogue.
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Draug419 said:
lmao this is so great.
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rangewriter said:
Shucks, compared to what you come up with, it’s child’s play. But thanks for being generous!
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kymminbarcelona said:
The argument echoed round the world!
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rangewriter said:
Yea, not exactly innovative, eh? But it was fun.
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Annabelle said:
That made me laugh. Sounds like he needed chewing out!
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rangewriter said:
Spending too much time with his head above the clouds, eh?
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Linda said:
Hahahahah! Totally satisfying read!!
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rangewriter said:
Glad to bring a grin to your day!
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Sharp Little Pencil said:
Rangewriter, thanks for stopping my blog and sharing thoughts on Mother Jones! This conversation is eerily familiar because… I’m a former jazz singer and single mom, which was Juggling 5.9, but now I’m married to a pastor, and the back and forth was hilariously familiar… “I am working for God.” “Yeah, well my God says pick up a damned dishtowel and dry some dishes!!”” Ha ha ha. Well done, hon. Amy
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rangewriter said:
Ya know, perspective is everything. No matter how important we think we are, no matter how lofty our professions, those domestic issues rule our lives. Thanks for taking the time to share!
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writingfeemail said:
Down time? I wish!
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rangewriter said:
Yeah, seems to be everyone’s wish. Thanks for dropping by.
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Arindam said:
It was a great read!! 🙂
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rangewriter said:
I’m glad you enjoyed it Arindam. Those Trifecta challenges are great little exercises.
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bronxboy55 said:
I can imagine listening to this conversation while the guy is still in space and he’s talking to his wife at home. One of those situations where they don’t know the microphone is on and the whole world is listening.
Great story, Linda.
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rangewriter said:
Aha, trust you to top the story off with a tower of whipped cream! Thanks for dropping by Charles. You always put a smile on my face.
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Renee TennisMcKinley (@2old2tap) said:
Love it! Haven’t we all had these conversations? I really enjoyed her lack of awe for his job.
Nicely done!
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rangewriter said:
Thanks, Renee!
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