Thursday, January 08, 2009

Entry #24

(Electric) Stairway to Heaven
by Kristy Hogue


I hope the stairway to heaven is an escalator—that God has gotten with the times and installed this essential piece of machinery. If not, I don’t think I’ll make it to the pearly gates.

I mean, how could He expect me to after my time in the automated world? The drive to work takes me over an hour—much too far to bike—and there is no way I’m walking to the grocery store. All that frozen food gets heavy; my arms would ache before the first block.

I’ll admit, I’m a little overweight, although I prefer the term chubby. I’m told it adds to my charm. I can’t really help it anyway—no time for the gym. My office relies on me: 9-5 at my cube, with just half an hour for lunch (I like the burrito place down the street). When I leave I’m too exhausted to hit the gym. Work wears you down, you know?

Anyway, the reason I tell you this is because I’m at the doctor’s right now. Bad cholesterol. Doesn’t everyone have it? They suggest I eat from a list of “heart healthy” foods, but everything looks so boring. They’re running more tests—blood, urine. I’m a bit nervous, honestly. So I guess you could say I’m just thinking about stuff at the moment—the stairway and all. I swear I just heard someone whisper “diabetes” in the hallway.

In case the escalator isn’t installed yet, I think I’ll start wearing my Nike’s.

15 comments:

Sameera Ansari said...

It's a pity how technology gets the better of us,and our body.

Nice take :)

wrath999 said...

An enjoyable read

K.Lawson Gilbert said...

This made me a little sad...good take on prompt.

Sarah Hina said...

I really enjoyed the conversational voice here, Kristy. A nice mix of breezy and anxious. And the scene you paint feels very authentic. There's too much time to think in the doctor's office. ;)

Cool interpretation! Very effectively written. :)

Geraldine said...

Another interesting and unique take on this prompt. Like the ending!!!

laughingwolf said...

same concerns i have, well done :)

Lena said...

thats very interesting.. really enjoyed reading your story!! :)

Anil Sawan said...

wow, the last line was the show stopper! she was actually getting ready for her last journey! well written Kristy!

Ruinwen Dagorielle said...

A really great story with a haunting ending. :)

Rachel Green said...

Clever :) Foresight is worth doing something about.

Vesper said...

Doesn't "modern" life do that to all of us? Well written piece with a great internal voice.

JaneyV said...

I love how chatty she is as she stares at her own mortality. All the excuses given for her unhealthy life are the ones we all use. Too busy, too far, too dull, too painful.

I hope God has a transporter like in Star Trek. I like the notion of being beamed up!

Catherine Vibert said...

I am sorry that her modern living is killing her. I hope she starts taking her own personal life seriously and soon! Well written, great narrative.

Esther Avila said...

nicely written
:)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for being a wonderful part of the contest!