Banana is the best artificial fruit flavor

Now and Laters by flickr user Lunchbox Photography

Lori: Do you like Now & Later candy?

Brett: I do.  Especially the banana ones.  But I'm not sure where exactly they are on the tasty/healthy snack grid.

Lori: I can't see being able to drop them into the healthy category.  Probably taste only.

Brett: Maybe I'll hire someone to research that, just to make sure.

Here's a little blog we wrote

Metro train over the Potomac by flickr user LR_PTY

Lori: What is the price of fuel in DC?

Brett: Dude, I drive so infrequently I don't really know.  I just pay whatever they ask when I do need to fill up.

Lori: Public trans for you, then?  Does it take a while to figure out or was it pretty easy right off the bat?

Brett: Yep, I take the Metro to work.  I thought it was pretty easy to figure out, but it helped that when I first moved out here I lived at the end of a line, so it was impossible to get on the train in the wrong direction.  It's nice, you just put in the headphones, play a little Bon Jovi "Blaze of Glory" (or something equally awesome), and relax on the way to work instead of stressing over traffic.

Lori: I try to use the el when I'm in Chicago, but I can't stop worrying that I'll miss my stop.

Brett: Anyone worth his salt can tell you you shouldn't worry, you should be happy.

Bullet with Butterfly Wings

Caged by flickr user sean.granier

Brett: Don't you hate when people walk a round with a 'holier than thou' attitude?

Lori: I do.  Those people usually bite off more than they can chew as well...

Brett: My theory is it's all a façade, and internally they're worried that they're just another unimportant cog in the machine.

Lori: That's like that song... "still just a rat in a cage"... you know, that one.

Brett: Despite all my rage, I do know the song you're referencing.

For those about to rock, we salue you

Rock Band roadie by flickr user jaymiek

Lori: You remember when we formed the best band ever playing Rock Band?  Which did you prefer, drums or vox?

Brett: How could I forget?  I enjoyed playing the drums, fulfilling my latent regret over choosing to play trumpet in high school.  Plus our band was always at its best with you on vocals, duh!

I've heard of a barnburner, but this is ridiculous

Barn by flickr user dawidr

Lori: Does your dad tell you the stories of the shenanigans that used to occur with his brothers in a barn?

Brett: I bet you're thinking of the one that started with the question of who could build the biggest fire and still put it out.  If only they had realized there was only one way to lose that game.

Let's all go to the lobby

Popcorn by flickr user Poison Cupcakes

Lori: When you go to the movies, do you hog the popcorn bucket?

Brett: I like movie theater popcorn, but I usually can't eat too much of it.  After a few handfuls, I'd gladly trade the rest for some candy.

Good Mercutio

Summer Fun in the City - Flash Mob Dance by flickr user City of Melbourne - Official

Brett: Have you ever been part of a flash mob?

Lori: No, but I would in a second.  I keep waiting to be the unsuspecting winner of a new house or something, and to be informed via a flash mob.  Man... that would be a great day.

Brett: That would be awesome!  As long as nobody put a pox on both our houses.

Shutdown Showdown

kilts 013 by flickr user tamblackwood

Lori: Have you ever worn a kilt?

Brett: I have not.  But I have a friend who has, and he swears they are comfortable.

Lori: Well, if you ever try it... take a picture!!

Brett: I will.  I may even join Twitter and make that my first tweet.

Lori: Twitter is a bit like a drug.  I don't tweet much, but I check my feed at least three or four times a day.

Brett: Holy cow!  I better not join.

Lori: I'd follow you if you did though.  Your jokes are always right on the nose, and I usually laugh out loud.

Brett: Thanks!  I could probably come up with some jokes about my woe of being furloughed during the government shutdown...

Lori: I was wondering if this impacted your job.  Is there a roar of discontent in DC right now?

Brett: I'm sure there is, but I don't watch the news often, so I can't tell you exactly how bad it is.  I just know I'm not a fan of being temporarily unemployed.

Lori: I don't need to be told twice to understand that.  I'm sorry!!

Never an after thirst

Bowling Alley by flickr user Great Beyond

Brett: Do you remember Squirt soda?

Lori: I don't.  Sounds like it leaves a memory for you though.

Brett: No specific memories.  It was some sort of lemon-lime soda.  I hate to get even nosier, but were there any now-defunct sodas you liked as a kid?

Lori: Hmm.  Do they still make red creme soda?  It doesn't really go well with chips and dip, but I used to drink it at the bowling alley when I was little.  I called it "the pink drink."

Brett: I'm not sure if they still make red creme soda, but I bet it would go great with some za.

The Body

out for a shoulder stroll by flickr user elmofoto

Lori: Did you ever walk on railroad tracks like the kids in Stand by Me?

Brett: I have.  One time I even found an iguana by the tracks.

Lori: In my mind, you then put it on the back of your neck to ride along on your journey.