These are some great replies. I'm still laffing.....
If you want to go the serious, respectful route (lol) use the chemical sensitivity one. It works great. In nearly every congregation I've been in, there's been SOMEONE who is allergic to the hall....just like I am now...lol. I don't know your situation, but try 'caring for an elderly relative'. Work scheule is a good one, especially if there are other congregations in your area. Of course, if I know JW's, they know half the other cong's around and will call and check up on you.
Brother Nosy: Noticed you've been missing quite a few meetings.
You: Well, I've always put the Kingdom first and felt it was inappropriate to attend college. Now I have to work 16 hours a day to make ends meet so it's really hard on the meeting schedule. Is there any type of loving provision by which I can get paid to attend the meetings?
If all else fails, use the Office Space line:
Brother Nosy: It seems you've been missing a lot of meetings lately.
You: Well, I wouldn't say I've been missing them..ha ha ha ha