In a Word

I haven't seen my work BFF for over a week.  He came into my cube yesterday saying only one word:

"DUDE."

"Dude" can mean almost anything between us but the meaning is usually a given depending on the inflection with which its said.  Allow me to translate.

• I HAVE to talk to you, like NOW. (Said quickly.  Followed by a head nod toward the door.)
• You're so LAME.  (Said with an eye roll.  Usually by me.)
• Ohmahgah, did you HEAR what (insert coworker 1,2,3 to infinity's name here) just said? (Said with an exclamation point and eyes open WIDE.)
• Are you STILL carrying out your jihad on the polar bears?  (Said all curt and judgey like.  Followed by a point to my paper Starbucks cup.  Always by him.)

In yesterday's case "DUDE," said while carrying his organic, free trade, vegetarian, biofuel, made by eskimos in conjunction with the polar bears adopted by the ASPCA and blessed by a rabbi coffee cup, meant: "Must. Get. Coffee. Now."

While in the elevator I brought up "Vacation 2009: Bigger & Badder!"  Or not?  

"Dude.  Yeah."  (Translation: BFF was in the same quandary.) 

We each have four weeks of vacation time that must be used in 2009 ... and SSG has no major travel plans until 2010 when she's planning a trip to Italy (SSG has GOT TO SAVE, because this time?  She's getting some table linens.  I curse you fiscal responsibility in Provence!)

On the one hand, SSG is hesitant to take trips because of the fragile economy.  On the other, she smells DEALS.  And if she can just trim her latte habit, shave her eating out & happy hour habits and continue to turn the occasional trick, SSG might just be goin' on a little vacay next fall. (Totally kidding on one of those money saving methods.  I'd NEVER dream of giving up my happy hours.)

After having to explain why traveling to see every University of Oregon Ducks road game was NOT in SSG's travel plans, but still could be in work BFF's, SSG came up with the following list of places.  One of which she'd like to visit next year:

Savannah, Georgia

It's mainly because SSG wants to pick up a sweet southern accent, but she likes the idea of weeping willows, front porches and who are we kidding?  Mint juleps and southern gentleman.

(Not necessarily in that order.)

Washington D.C.

The monuments, the Smithsonian ... and the chance of seeing the Obamas 

(Really, their new puppy ... good GAWD is this thing going to have to take a shit on the inaugural ball dance floor before we're introduced or WHAT?)

Chicago

Two words: Wrigley and Field.

(Which begs the question why SSG chose a picture of the skyline and NOT Wrigley Field?  

In a word?  DUDE.)

Maine

SSG and her college roommates, Digs & Spleen, have been talking about doing a little road trip action up the Maine coast.  

Because a road trip sounds fun.  

And cheap.

(If it weren't for those pesky little necessities like airfare, rental cars, gas, hotels, food and drinks.)

The Four Seasons

Maui

This is on SSG's "Life List."  

And at a rate of $600 a night, she could stay here for like ... 

a half hour.

But that half hour would be AWESOME.

And as I was standing in the Starbucks line, feeling the cool ocean breeze of Hawaii on my face, sipping a cocktail filled with a dozen different kinds of fruit (and vodka!) and 12 drink umbrellas, I heard something.  

A little voice.  

A guy's voice ... getting louder as it came toward me.  

Who was it?  I could just make him out ... my hot surf instructor?  

He WAS saying dude a lot.

"Dude?  Um, dude!  SSG, DUDE!  They're ready for your coffee order."

Oh, right. 

DUDE.