Summer, summer, summertime

Okay, we officially suck. We're slackers. We admit it. It's summer, it's hot, and, well, okay, I'm out of excuses.

I've been lamenting the fact that my kids will never have a "real" summer vacation. Sure, they won't have school, but they'll spend their days at the Y or at Parks Department day camps or whatever else we can scrounge up to keep them occupied during the day while we work. I'm so sad that they won't be bumming around the house, riding bikes around the neighborhood, exploring the back yard.... you get the idea.

What did you enjoy doing during the summers when you were little?

The time of our lives, anticipation.

If any of you are my Facebook friends, you know that I am suffering from post-vacation depression. (Or, as A Pea puts it, I have a "vacation hangover.") We just got back from a great trip to Orlando with my p's and I'm still reliving the moments of my kids experiencing Disney World for the first time. Vacations are just too short. Sniff.

Since the peas have had a looooong hiatus, I thought I'd try to kick things back off with a question today.

What was your best vacation ever?

What did you do last night?

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that only one of you can say that you were in labor!

Congratulations to Erin on the birth of Baby S.!!!

Pea love to you, little man!

It's not easy being green.

I saw a commercial the other day for some company or other, and it was all about being "Green." We just had a presentation at a recent Administrators' Forum on campus about Sustainability. It's all the rage. And, I have to confess, I'm a bit annoyed by it.

Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that at least there's a new craze with a positive global impact, but I'm kind of annoyed that it's the new trendy thing to do. Why can't people just be environmentally responsible? Why does it have to be the trendy thing to do in order for people to buy into it? Can't people just see the necessity of being "Green" without it being a fad? Why was it not cool to recycle before but it is now? IT'S ALWAYS BEEN IMPORTANT!

I'm sad that Corporate America is now doing this, not because they necessarily feel that it's important, but because they know that it's what their consumers want. I know, I know, I shouldn't complain -- at least there will hopefully be a positive outcome and we can "Start Global Cooling" (I saw this on a bumper sticker yesterday). But come on, people.... did you really not know about turning off the water in between toothbrush rinses before you saw the Home Depot commercial? Did you not know that you can ride your bike to save gas and strengthen your cardiovascular system? Once the next fad gets ushered in, will energy efficient light bulbs become a thing of the past?

I don't necessarily have a question for the day, but I'd like you all to chime in with your thoughts. Yea or nay to the new Sustainability Movement?

Reality fantasy check

I had lunch today with an old friend that I have not seen or talked to in, oh, probably 10 years or so. It was fantastic! I was quite jealous, though, because as I was scrambling to get back to work at a decent time, she had all the time in the world. She is doing some project management work, but on a pretty limited basis and is, for all intents and purposes, retired.

Ahhhh, the elusive R word that we all long for....

If you could retire today and know that you would be financially-but-not-extravagantly secure, what would you really do with your time? Yes, this is kind of a fantasy, but I'm not talking the cruises-around-the-world-every-month, spa-day-every-day type of living. Realistically, what would you like to do with your life if you didn't have to work every day?

I'm gonna be in the front roooowwww!

This weather is amazing! I would give anything to have a week off, completely free of responsibilities, to just kick back and enjoy the weather. On my fantasy week off, I would love to go to Ravinia and hang out with good friends, some wine and a picnic. (Who's in??)

Fantasizing about this led me to today's question...

If someone gave you free front row tickets to any concert of your choice, which artist/group would you like to see?

My Achy Breaky Heart

I'm listening to my iPod this afternoon, and "Every Rose Has its Thorn" just came on. Every time I hear this song, it absolutely breaks my heart. And, for once, it's not even related to an ex or past crush. Cheesy as it is, this song just is incredibly sad to me. "And now I hear you found somebody new, and that I never meant that much to you..." How does that not wrench your heart??

I was watching some VH-1 countdown once (Top 100 Breakup Songs, or something), and I could not believe that this was not #1. It was some random Michael Jackson song that I had never even heard of, much less cried to. How is that possible??

Okay, now I'm just babbling. It's been a long day and I felt the need to post a new QOD since we've been MIA for a while.

What songs break your heart every time you hear them, regardless of if they remind you of an ex?

Where's My Bag Phone?

My internet was down today.

For hours.

Now anyone that knows me also knows that I am nothing without my 'net. I felt the beads of sweat begin to form on my brow as I watched my little icon fruitlessly attempt a wireless connection, and watching the same panic stricken look overtake my co-workers showed me that I wasn't alone in my symptoms of withdrawal.

Ten years ago, I barely knew what the internet was. I had never heard of instant messaging, and gmail wasn't even a glimmer in my eye. Yet here I am now, bootlegging a LAN connection from the cube next to mine to hitchhike my way onto the super highway that has hijacked my life.

How did we ever get to this place? People have done without them for ages, but there are certain things that throw our lives into a complete tailspin when they're ripped from our grasp. Maybe you freak out if the microwave goes on the fritz b/c you need your Orville and you need it NOW! Or possibly you fail to believe that your satellite can't receive its signal and choose instead to channel up and down aimlessly hoping to stumble on just one second of Dancing with the Stars.

Tell us about the "modern conveniences" of your life that you simply cannot do without.

I can smile at the old days

Today's question is in tribute to my grandma, who passed away on Friday.

I have so many wonderful memories of her (and my grandpa) from growing up. We spent so much time with them, doing everything from playing baseball in their backyard to helping in the kitchen. They were completely and totally everything you think of when you think of "grandparents." I'm sure many of you have special memories of your own that bring a smile to your face when you think about them.

What is your fondest memory of your grandparents?

I'm a Believer

Easter has come and gone. Peter Cottontail is hopping back up the bunny trail, and parents everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief that their Easter Bunny duties are over. No more crouching down in impossibly small places to hide eggs and scrounging around for the perfect solid milk chocolate Easter bunny for the little ones' baskets (because everyone knows the hollow ones are a total letdown). Other than a possible visit or two from the Tooth Fairy that makes you wriggle a few bucks under your child's pillow, you're safe until December when you need to start perfecting your Ho Ho Hos and dropping hints as to what kind of cookies "Santa" really likes to find waiting w/that tall glass of milk on Christmas Eve.

Yes, holidays are so much more innocent for the young believers. We've all been there... enamored with the magic of the holidays until somehow, things just don't quite add up anymore. Maybe it was the glimpse of Uncle Joe passed out downstairs in his Santa suit with a bottle of whiskey on Christmas Eve, or the sight of Mom stuffing in a few last minute basket items that pesky bunny "forgot."

Tell us how you finally learned the truth or when you started to question the logistics of it all. Maybe you're frantically trying to keep the dream alive for your own kids or secretly wishing they'd just figure it out already. Either way, let us know about your own holiday hijinx of years gone by.

Read My... Shirt?

I have never felt safer than I do working here. Everywhere I look, I see members of our Security team, and the other day, I even saw someone from the FBI! Well, at least I thought I did until, using my own detective skills, I discovered that this fine chap was in charge of a new branch of governmental protection... Female Body Inspection.

Ugh. I'm happy that your daughter is Daddy's Little Diva and that Jesus is your homeboy. But do you really need to display it on a shirt for the world to know? It seems that now more than ever, words are printed all over our attire. Shirts, hats, bags... you name it. They all seem to be saying something.

My apologies if your clothing falls into this category. By all means, let us know what your favorite expressive shirts say and why you love them so much. We're two pretty open-minded peas. Otherwise, tell us about some of the more ridiculous, rude or downright weird clothing statements (literally) that you've seen lately.

Hollywood! La la la la la la la, Hollywood!

I am forever telling A Pea that someone needs to make a movie about her life. Specifically, about the crazy men that she attracts. I'd pay money to see it. I'm pretty sure people would be rolling in the aisles. I envision scene after scene of crazy date after crazy date. Or phone call, take your pick.

Which, of course, leads to the inevitable question, "Okay, T Pea, but who would play me?"

Hm.

"I'm not sure, that's a good question. In fact, that's a GREAT question for today's QOD!"

"Okay. Who's going to write it?"

I guess that would be me, what with the new filters at A Pea's work and all. (Curse them. Don't they know we have important business to conduct here?)

Don't you love how I've extended this into so much more than it really is? Okay, I'll cut to the chase. We'll go with a classic/old standby today.

If someone was going to make a movie out of your life, who would play you?

What a way to make a living.

While we're on the topic of jobs...

My father-in-law is addicted to that show -- "Worst Jobs Ever," or something like that. (I'm trying to find the actual name and am not having much luck -- anyone know what I'm talking about?) There are days when I may be frustrated in my job, but I do have to admit that it is not the Worst Job Ever. In fact, I actually like it most days. And on the days that I don't, well... at least I'm not cleaning Port-O-Potties for a living.

I know some of you have had some rather, well, interesting jobs. Take a break from your [hopefully not horrible] day and tell us about your Worst Job Ever. Or, if you don't really have a horror story, tell us about some of the weirdest things you've ever done to make a buck and put beer food on the table.

Take This Job...

Country music fan or not, you probably know how the rest of the blog title goes. Forgive me, but it's Monday, and I just can't bring myself to focus on things for one more minute.

Have you ever wished that you were one of those people who got up in the morning excited to go to work? Or maybe you are one of the lucky chosen few that feel that way. (If so, send a few pointers to the rest of us, will ya?) But if you, like me, have questioned whether or not these people actually exist, chances are you're not among them. Nonetheless, it's hard not to admire them and believe that someday, you too will stumble across an opportunity that brings you that kind of contentment. Maybe, just maybe, there is a job out there that can capture the joy, passion, creativity or whatever else is lacking in your current situation.

Taking into account that money is no option (you've got plenty) and you're free to choose a job that would bring you the riches that wealth alone can't offer, what job would materialize from your dream world to occupy your waking hours?

Pucker Up, Buttercup

Last night, ABC debuted a trainwreck of a show known as "Here Come the Newlyweds." Expecting an up-to-date version of the sometimes ridiculous, always amusing Newlywed Game, my mom tuned in, only to be disappointed by the lackluster show and its dimwitted participants.

She shared that in one of the brilliant skits, the lucky grooms were blindfolded and had to correctly identify their wives after being kissed on the cheek by all the females. Seriously, how the heck would you know?! Your loved one's kiss would have to be pretty memorable to register recognition with a simple peck on the check.

But then again, some kisses are that memorable. More often that not, good or bad, it's the first kiss. We aren't asking for gory details, but give us a bit of a hint as to what it was like for you. Maybe you were the boy on the playground pinning down all the girls in first grade, or possibly you were the late bloomer that didn't understand what all the hype was about until you were well into high school. Were you so happy to finally seal the deal with your long sought after crush, or did you find yourself wondering why you had just locked lips with the creepy kid next door in a twisted 4th grade game of spin the bottle? Whatever the circumstances, we're pretty sure you have some kind of story. Fill us in :)

Contest winner!

Congratulations to Jenn for winning the Refer-a-Blogger contest! Jenn, watch your mail for your prize. :)

(But you know how I am with sending packages... I'm better off bringing it in May -- you'll probably get it more quickly that way. Hee hee.)

Who Woulda Thought?

I'm a numismatist.

Okay, so maybe I'm not. (It's a coin collector, btw.) But I bet I made you crinkle your forehead in wonder and think "What the heck is she talking about? A Pea collects coins??" Or maybe you really are a fan of all things Franklin Mint and were thrilled to confide in a fellow coin lover after keeping your covert obsession secret all these years.

We all have things about us that people are shocked to know... those little idiosyncrasies that make each of us so complex and fascinating. Embarrassing or not, each of us has traits, habits or hobbies that surprise even our closest friends. Just when they think they have us figured out, we throw a curve ball in there. A simple librarian? I think not... unless that means all librarians rock out to Def Leppard in their living rooms.

We'll leave this one pretty open-ended to give you the chance to go where ever you may please with your response. Tell us how you wish that you could have cited your fluency in Pig Latin under the language section of your latest job application or once took the stage in your high school talent show to share your hidden juggling abilities with the world at large. Let us in a little bit. What is/are something(s) people would be surprised to learn about you?

And The Oscar Goes To...

I don't watch the Oscars. I'm not a movie buff to begin with, and the films that rank high on my list are usually far from any Academy worthy efforts. Rather than stare at the tv in complete confusion while actors I've never heard of accept awards for movies I've never seen, I usually skip the ceremony and catch the highlights on the next day's news feeds. (Aside from the fashion - you know I'm all about E!'s coverage of the pre-show.)

Personally, I'm a bigger fan of the Razzies - the awards that recognize all that is bad about movies. Or should I say they point out the creative genius of such stellar films as The Hottie and the Nottie and polish the acting chops of true stars of our time, like the Wayans Brothers. Alas, these stars may never be recognized by the Academy, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for a little creative liberty with the category list, right?

So, imagine if you will, you receive a mysterious envelope in the mail, bearing the seal of the Academy and a silhouette of that trademark Oscar statuette emblazoned on the flap. Oscar is looking to go a little non-traditional this year, and they need your help. In hopes of waking up viewers who nod off somewhere between Best Cinematography and Best Sound Effects editing, they're asking your opinion about what category should exist but doesn't.

So, help them spice things up a bit. If you were able to create a new "Best ..." award, what would it be and who/what would be the lucky recipient?

I'll take "Come again?" for $200, Alex.

Let's turn the tables today.

We here at Two Peas like to stand on our double wide soapbox and rant and rave about all of the idiots that we come across on (what seems like) a daily basis. But we confess that we are not perfect. (I know, I know, you're having a hard time believing that, aren't you?) We, too, have been known to be idiots on occasion.

So, let's make today Confession Friday. Everyone's said or done something in their lives that they are (to say the least) not proud of. Share some of your doozies. We promise not to laugh. Too hard.

Earworm

One of the main reasons that I can't wait for winter to be over is: country music.

Yes, country music. I can't stand it. A song here or there isn't too bad, but I just can't stand listening to song after song after song. Unfortunately, school closings in our area are announced on the local country music station. So, every winter I reset my clock radio to Indiana 105 ( o/~ Indiana 105 wea-ther! ~\o ) and listen for the school closings in between hitting the snooze button on blustery/icy mornings.

This morning, however, I was treated to an oldie but goodie -- Kenny Rogers' "The Gambler." Unfortunately, it is now stuck in my head and I just can't shake it.

You got to know when to hold 'em,
(When to hold 'em!)
Know when to fold 'em,
(When to fold 'em!)
Know when to walk away,
And know when to run.

Those earworm songs are like leeches -- you just can't shake 'em! They move in to your brain, unpack, and settle back into their recliners for the long-haul before you know what hit you.

What are some of the songs that make you think, "Oh, no.... this is going to stick in my head for the next week!" as soon as you hear the first few notes?