The Dude's Poetry Corner

This is Where I Win.....

Under the bar on a day
I do not want to be there.
 When lead fills my legs
  and jelly my arms.
     This is where I win!

One more rep seems
impossible and I get it.
  The pain in my head
  and my heart blinds me.
     This is where I win!

The voices call me
quitter and loser, ignored. 
   Weakness is banished
    from my memory.
      This is where I win!

At 4:30am and 10:00pm
   And every 2 hours inbetween
       This is where I win!

16 ounces
  12 inches
    1 repetition
        This....
           is.....
             where.....
                I....
                 WIN!

Sometimes It Needs To Be About Nothing

Rest, medidtation, vacation, vegetating or whatever you want to call it. Our minds and bodies need it. Checking out of reality, just for  a bit, can be refreshing and invigorating. Often it can give us inspiration and motivation.


We need to get lost somewhere. Shut off the phone and email and go. A long hike throught the woods, a scenic drive, amausement park, or even a good book can take us away from the "grind" that life can be. Hobbies are excellent escapes. Golf, fishing, painting offer the chance to get out and see something you might not normally view.
Look around and take in the sites, you might be surprised with what you see.


You can meditate,  just learn to slow down and be patient with this. Breathing is essential to this so learn it properly. Have a beach nearby? Get to one and just listen to the waves. Even better go out in the yard, lay down and watch the clouds....Yes is can really  that simple.

The Not So Easy Road....

A little thought occurred over some discussions I have had the last few days. Nothing in life is easy or not as easy as we want it to be. We choose the easy route instead.  This path of least resistance is less stressful that is for sure ,but we need stress to grow and change for the better.

more-carbs-less-cardio-fat-ass by John Romano


Exercise, diet, competing or just the struggles of life force us to look at ourselves deeply and discover who we really are. It can be interesting to look at ourselves when the doo-doo hits the fan and splatters all over our face. The person we see can be frightening and send us running and screaming. Some will just look wipe the crap off and move on.

Instant Karma, Just Add Water

Call it whatever you like: karma, sowing and reaping, butterfly effect, but we cannot deny that there is some force out there that affects a dude's life. A dude has to realize that our actions and attitudes have long ranging consequences.

Anything from a simple smile and hello to saving someone from a burning building creates ripples in our life and the  universe. We all hope that some of the good we do comes back to us in some way, shape or form.

Don't wait around for it or demand it. Let the good come to you when you least expect and be pleasantly surprised. Sometimes this payment will take a lifetime, or many if you believe in reincarnation. It may show up in the most pleasant of circumstances or strangest of situations. These events may even benefit our loved ones and do so in beyond anyones expectations. But, the bad stuff can do the same....

This is a 2 way street. You do pay for the bad things. Often it exacts a vengenace that can be harsh...now this isn't to say all bad things are our fault. Also a good thing to keep in mind: Never wish bad on anyone, no matter how terribel thay are or truly deserve it. This Karma stuff is quite like the weather, unpredictable. Can be deadly or it can be pleasant and refreshing.

Laundering your Karma....can it be done? If you like "My Name is Earl" and have a list then yes! We could all go out and right some of the wrongs we have done. A simple apology or helping hand do wonders. Think it is laundry day...

Dude Speak

Obviously the word Dude and all its variations...Dudebro, Dudesis, El Duderino, His Dudeness...What does it mean? A cool and calm attitude. Doing your thing. Laid back. C'mon lets face it we all want to be "The Dude"

Nicknames...all Dudes have them or give them. It is an honor to be given a nicknam by a Dude. They are good natured and display a Dude's nature. A Dude's nickname should be worn like a medal or badge, maybe even a great pair of tits...The derisive nicknames are often used on the d'bags dudes run into. These nicknames fly right over the d'bags head and yet they think we are being nice to them.

Third person...A true Dude can master this technique of Dude Speak. This requires confidence and the laid back attitude. Not for the new Dude but the experienced Dude. The trick is to use your Dude name. Be warned though, overuse can lead to d'bag status. Once you hit d'bag you have a long road to come back to the fold of Dudedom. Tread lightly dudes...

Dudes speak their minds....Honesty over truth when a Dude speaks. Honesty can be brutal, emotional, and painful. Truth can be twisted, like being politically correct, and therefore quite dishonest. Or truth often smells like Bullsh!t. P.C. speak is all that...DO NOT BE P.C.!!  Call it like it is. At the same time the line is thin and can be crossed very easily with an LCD insult or mispoken word.  Like the messenger in 300 said "Choose your words wisely."

Wimmens....Keep it smooth and simple when talking to the ladies. You like them, tell them. Tell them what you like, but careful on the vulgarity. Or save it for the bedroom. Also practice silence, the best part of music is the pauses between notes. A good look and smile will go farther than any words you can utter.

Finally, words carry weight and power. Do not waste the words you speak or throw them out there haphazardly. Listen more than you talk, after all you have 2 ears and one mouth.

A Dudes hair....

Lets face it hair can be good or it can be downright nasty...Ever see that guy in a speedo that looks like he is smuggling permed weasels?

Manscaping is an art. You have to get it right. Too much off and you can look like an overgrown baby New Year. Too little and you might be spray painted by some overzealous PETA members or cast as a Wookie in the next Star Wars.

But what to take off? There are ladies out there that still like that Burt Reynolds hairy chest. Arms...only if you are a drag queen. Back...ok this is my opinion...hell yes! The junk and nether regions, might be good to trim that stuff up. Just be careful down there and dont forget the crack! Legs are a maybe.

How to do it...Wax, shave, Nair...so many options. All work well but some might require an extra hand. I am not going to give instructions. Just do what works for you.

The stuff on top... Unless your job discourages it, facial is cool. If you like it. Some guys love shaving.
Own that shit when yo grow it! Make it you! Goatee, van dyke, beard, fu manchu, soul patch...so many options. Brave dudes go for the pork chops... If you have a full head of hair relish it! Let it it go! Take care of it though. Nothing nastier than dirty hair and dandruff. Then there are the bald heads... Easy and economical. Careful the first time.

Well thats all I got today. Been hectic the last few days....

That Special Lady and Dudettes

Dudes...lets discuss that Special Lady in your life or maybe you know a Dudette. Single dudes take note. What is it that makes them special and what makes a dudette? That Special one will let you be yourself. She will let you watch the game and even make you something to eat. A few will watch with you but know it is "Sacred" time. They ask questions to show interest but really they are interested in the guy in tight pants.

The Special Lady will support you and your endeavours, as crazy as they may be. She will be your muse and pillar of support, cherish that!  She lates you have guys night and knows you will come home to her. Why? Because she knows you need your time. She will call you out when it gets too insane, listen to her. She often is the voice of reason.

Now here is where the work starts...She will expect the same treatment in return. Let her have her time, but be there for her when it all goes wrong. Even if it doesn't seem like the world is ending to you, it is to her!
But...this is a big BUT...never offer the male answers or solutions. The oil of emotion does not mix well with the water of logic. Hold her and tell her you understand, even if you really don't. One more secret...compliment her often! Notice her hair or new outfit. Might get you lucky later...

Dudettes....these are some special women. I know a few.  They embody the typical womanhood traits discussed above but with a few exceptions....

1. They really love sports. Probably know more than you and do not miss any games, even to go shopping.
2. Dudettes will tell you exactly what they want and when!
3. They handle their own business and are tough. But they will let their emotions through...handle them carefully
4. They take care of themselves for themselves....compliment them anyway!
5. dudettes will be your best buddy and if you are lucky the most fantastic lover.

Again I am foiled in my review of Gladiator. Came home to find Rudy on CMT. Who does not like this movie? Based on the true story of "Rudy" Ruettiger. It is a true underdog/ dream come true movie. Heck you can't beat a story with football, especially Notre Dame football. The scenes shot at the campus really show off how inspiring the place is. Heck I had the same reaction the first time I was there as Ned Beatty/Daniel Ruettiger Sr. did when he got off the bus to see the game. Definitely a must see if you haven't or watch it again if you need a little attitude adjustment.

Oh and here is the real Rudy's site.... http://rudyinternational.com/