we are winners!

Johann: Okay, I can see both of you via the live feed.
Pen: Am I clear?
Johann: Lovely as ever. (pause) I just wanted to say, I’m so glad to be talking to both of you. It’s really an honor, you’re blog (pause) is a testament to all blogging. (He coughs, sips water.) Since the interview in October we’ve seen a lot of changes to the blog including the controversial name change of ’06, among numerous sidebar changes, color changes and…

M: Is there a question in there?
J: We’re here to talk about your new BEA award, winner of THE MOST TREACHEROUS COMMUTE.
Pen: (cheerful) Right.
M: And…
Pen: (aside) Mendacious, settle down.
M: Sorry. Go ahead Johann.
J: So,
M: I mean, it’s not like we didn’t have that whole beta-not beta thing to deal with. Trauma! New sign-ins, passwords-
Pen: Yes, Johann, we’re very honored to be twice recipients of the Bloggers Excellence Award. It was something really unexpected and thrilling, and we’re just glad to be a part of the community that recognizes the efforts of all blogdom.

J: Where were you when you first found out you won?

Pen: I was at my refrigerator rustling up a jar of pickles when I received the call. The taste of victory was not unlike a Kosher dill spear: crunchy, sharp, and satisfying.
J: I love pickles.
M: (pause) I was looking at job websites.

J: What is it about your commute that you believe made such a strong impression with the judges?

M: Well, distance mainly.
Pen: Exactly--I live in ILM, which is either at the very end or the very beginning of I-40, depending on your perspective and state of mind. There is actually a sign that says something like: Barstow, CA: 2,554 miles. I don't know what Barstow is all about, but I know that once you get there, you have to drive even further to get to mendacious. Now that's commitment.
M: I don’t recommend Barstow, however, and might I suggest cutting over to the 14 instead. Though they have a huge outdoor thermometer that I’d like to see.
Pen: Awww, that's what I love about California people, it's so charming the way the put "the" in front of their major highways. It makes me want to say "the 40," but no one will know what I'm talking about.

J: Where do you plan to keep your award?

M: Well,--
Pen: I'm still waiting for last year's award to be delivered to my home? Maybe there was only one for the team and mendacious took it for herself... That wouldn't be very nice, by the way. But, if I do get this year's award, and can win the cat fight for ownership/possession, I will place it proudly on my desk shelf next to, who else, but Dwight K. Schrute. I might even dust it now and again.
J: I’m sure you both deserve the honor of the award in your homes.
M: (distracted) I love Lucite. The first one is on one of my garden shelves outside. And um, (clears throat) it looks like Pen can put this one uh- you know because I totally thought they sent two!
Pen: (mutters) Likely story...

J: Tony Robbins once said, 'It's not the events of our lives that shape us, but our beliefs as to what those events mean.' What does your commute mean to you?
Pen: It means free margaritas on Fridays. Mendacious springs for them if I make it out there as promised.
M: God, yes. (awkward pause) Oh, to both. I mean both sound good. Pen coming out, margaritas, all of it. I mean most times I don’t feel like I get to go very far but Pen shows me the distance traveled.
J: What do you draw upon to provide the necessary strength and courage to undertake such a commute?
Pen: Honestly, the cross-country running montage in Forrest Gump--it brings tears to my eyes. Whenever I'm feeling iffy about my next commute, I pop in the movie and fast-forward to those moments. Crazy is as crazy does, man. It's all about seeing the country, meeting the people, and lots and lots of inner reflection. I do not, however, plan to grow a beard.
M: My meta-narrative demands I constantly communicate to the void and to my unsuspecting friends, but you know Jesus mostly.

J: What is your typical reaction to someone whom you've incited into road rage?

M: Mainly it’s laughter, possibly revenge. It depends.
Pen: Delicate vocabulary, eloquent sign language.

J: How do you respond to critics who say your decision to commute like this is reckless and irresponsible?
Pen: Delicate vocabulary, eloquent sign language.
M: (laughter) Nice. I think in order to do what we do we have to put ourselves out there. Sometimes we crash, sometimes we pass go and collect $200. It’s what makes us us. That and we’re possibly really fickle, and really bored.
Pen: Yah, that too. Change is good. Sometimes there’s a transition and other times it comes without warning.
J: Like life. Yes, right. (coughs, sips more water) Oh, hold on a second, I have a text- I’ve got to go- I think I have what I need though- I really appreciate it. (quickly gathering up papers around the computer monitor) Congratulations again on your award Penelope. (pause) And Mendacious. Of course.
M: Right, of course.

J: One last question: The Most Treacherous Commute is an award not to be taken lightly…
M: It’s like being in a Series of Most Unfortunate Events.
J: Because people out there are depending on you now, for content, for insight… what do you think this next year will hold? Do you see yourself in line for a 3rd BEA award?
Pen: It’s too soon to tell! One can only hope people will continue to make the journey with us that or they can just-
M: bite me.
Pen: Yes but never without a salt rim and a slice of lime. I like mine blended.