The Ragged Journal

Tag: wip

  • A Minimalist, #2

    A Minimalist, #2

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    The following days flash by in a manic frenzy. There’s a pep in my step, and my coworkers notice. At work, I normally keep to myself and have an earbud in—listening to podcasts to pass the time.

    I’m not unique, in this regard. Everyone at the office has their own way of distracting themselves from the day-to-day monotony. Some like to chit-chat by the water cooler. Others, who have been here longer, find creative ways to extend their 30-minute lunch break into several hours. Another guy, slightly below management, takes naps right at his desk; not even trying to hide it, his snores mocking the rest of us.

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  • A Minimalist, #1

    A Minimalist, #1

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    I love a good deal. Sometimes I buy things just because they were on sale. A checkered table cloth… eh, no thanks… but if it’s half-off, now we’re talking!

    I’ve been working on my minimalism. From my podcast, JFM tells me, “Everything is 100% off, if you don’t buy it.” But if only he could see how cute these little figurines on my table are; they came with the table cloth. This purchase satisfies my cravings, until I catch myself doomscrolling on Fartbook or InstaGlam—some peppy, young Spinfluencer telling me I’m just two-clicks away from happiness—and the cycle begins again. Promo code. Add to cart. Checkout. Well that was fun, wasn’t it? Are we happy yet?

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  • Survival, WiP Entry #13

    Survival, WiP Entry #13

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    “Bit of advice,” said the stranger.
    “Stay off the old road, after dark. Not safe these days. I seen plenty o’folkes go up that there thoroughfare… never seen from again. It’s a long ways from here to where yer goin’. And there’s not may kind faces in between.”

    “No shortage of ugliness, out there. I don’t mean to scare ya. It just wouldn’t be right not to tell ya, with that little one there with ya… No telling what might happen…”

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  • Entry #37, A Family Man

    Entry #37, A Family Man

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    Installed a bathtub today, mighty fine work if I do say so myself. Only problem is my family hates it.

    “Eww dad, it’s so old and gross,” my eldest says.
    “Really, honey… with how tight money’s been lately… I don’t know.
    I wish you would have talked to me about it first.”

    Why can’t they just be happy.
    Why can’t they just appreciate that I wanted
    to do something nice for us… for the family.
    It’s not this horrible old thing.
    It’s hope! Comfort.
    Sanctuary.

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