I stopped cold in the middle of the shopping aisle. Something was wrong, but what? At first the silence in my mind was so subtle that I couldn’t grasp its significance. Then it dawned on me: The recitation of my shopping list that had been playing on a continual loop in my mind ever since I left the house was no longer there. It had stopped, stripping my memory of all the gotta have it items that were important enough for me to leave my home on a pajama day. I’d begrudgingly put on real clothes for this trip, and for the life of me I didn’t know what was so urgent any more. I could feel the internal lecture begin:
You could have written things down. You know how to write, and you always have paper on you. You even have that smart phone app. But, no, “I can remember it.”
I was about to get completely frustrated with myself, when I heard a loud throat clearing behind me. It turns out that my cart was completely blocking the aisle. I wrangled it to one side, and a man sped past. I offered a sheepish “Sorry” as he passed.
Patsy Cline’s “I’m sorry” started playing in my head. “That’s it! If I don’t send out a card today, I’ll need a belated birthday card!”
Excited, I started heading to that part of the store. Once my mind released the first item, the rest started falling back into place. Some took more teasing than others to pry them free, but at last my cart all the items I needed. It hadn’t been a waste of getting dressed after all. 
This post is my first ever submission to a writing contest called Trifecta. Each week they give a word that has to be included in the post, using a specific definition. The catch is each post must be between 33 and 333 words. My post today, all 288 words of it, was brought you by the word grasp, more specifically the third definition of the word meaning “to lay hold of with the mind : comprehend.”
I loved this activity! It reminded me of my high school AP English class with all our writing prompts. I liked this one better, though, since it gave a lot more freedom. Wait a minute, who said that? It couldn’t have been me since I gave my imagination away in the fifth grade. I might have been taken over by the pod people!
Am I the only one that long for days when I don’t have to change out of my pjs and leave the house? or Does anyone else participate in the Trifecta challenge?
Grown Up, Now What? 
I love pajama days. Whether your post was fictional or not, I am also a person who will always forget at least one thing at the store if I don’t write down a list. I used to have such a good memory when I was younger. I wonder where it went?
LikeLike
My post was a compilation of a million visits where I decided I didn’t need a list because I can remember 3-4 things. Never works. I always forget something. You’d think I’d learn!
Glad to know I’m not alone in having a memory live a sieve!
LikeLike
I forget everything. What is that app, please?
Pajama days are awesome. I always crack myself up when I find myself thinking “Did I really get dressed for this???”
Did not know of the Trifecta Challenge, but I’m intrigued…have to check that out.
LikeLike
The app is called “colornotes” and it is for android.
It is so cool that I’m not the only one who enjoys pajama days!!!! I think it is awesome that it is a “thing!”
A blog I read (Rivera Runs Through It) regularly participates in the Trifecta Challenge, which is where I heard about it. It was so exciting to submit an entry. Wow, I really need to get a life!
LikeLike
Welcome to Trifecta! The challenges are a lot of fun…I’ve been writing with them for over a year now 🙂
I’m glad she remembered her list. For some reason my brain has a permanent block and once it’s gone, it’s gone. I have to write my lists…but the sad thing is, I often lose the lists. Yeah, there’s not much hope for me…
LikeLike
Hi Janna, welcome to “Grown Up, Now What?” So glad you could stop by.
I normally can tease one or two items from my blanked mind, but seldom can I get all of them. If my mental list is to a tune, I have a better chance.
I really enjoyed Trifecta. I’ll probably participate again from time to time.
LikeLike
“Grown Up, Now What” for President! Pajama days? That’s genius. I need to get me some of that. Thanks so much for linking up with Trifecta! Welcome to the challenge. I’m glad you enjoyed the prompt, and I hope you’ll pop in again soon. Remember to come back to the site to vote for your top three favorite posts–every third week is a community-judged challenge.
LikeLike
Thank you for stopping by, Trifecta!
Definitely add some pajama days. Your life will never be the same again! 🙂
I’m on my way over to your site to vote for my top three now.
LikeLike
“Real clothes”. I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks like that. This is a great first piece!
LikeLike
Thank you! Trifecta is so much fun. I’m really enjoying reading the entries, and the people are so nice. What a wonderful introduction to the contest.
LikeLike
I love how genuine your voice is in this piece. Not sure if it was pulled from real life, or complete fiction, but either way I can totally relate! Great job, and welcome to Trifecta! It’s a great place to dip your toes back into the writing sea.
LikeLike
I’m glad I was able to make it feel real. I’ve had that same mental conversation more times than I can remember.
“Dipping my toes in” is a good description of Trifecta. Much less scary than jumping off the high dive on my first time out!
LikeLike
If I didn’t write things down, I would probably forget them. I’ve got into the habit of taking a note on my phone just so I can always look it up later. In fact I did that this weekend when I went to Chicago. I dropped off my car and made a note where it was located. So when I got back, I just looked it up. After walking around a few car parks, I’ve learned my lesson.
LikeLike
Although I’ve had my smart phone for a few years now, I still find certain things about it novel. The last time I left my car in a huge lot, I was so afraid I’d forget where it was. I took out my phone and took a picture of it with a directional signpost (A3) in the background. I felt so clever. I probably otherwise would have ended up being THAT person riding around on the security golf cart going up and down every aisle of every lot!
LikeLike
I see the Trifecta trike all over blogworld, but I’ve never done it. Maybe someday! You did a great job.
I love your concept of pajama days. And I hate impatient fellow shoppers. And forgetting my list.
LikeLike
I’d been looking at Trifecta for AGES, but was not inspired by it. Finally, it just clicked.
I think everyone deserves pajama days! Try it out. It’s a blast, so long as the reason you are doing it isn’t because you are sick.
LikeLike