Dude could be the perfect word.
So simple. So many uses.
But where does it come from?
Thanks to Slate for the Etymology of Dude. More accurately, thanks to some rad researcher dudes.
A massive, decade-long “dude” research project has finally yielded convincing results.
What’s the answer?
Yankee Doodle Dandy!
I’ll let you take a gander at Slate for the details.
But dang that seems obvious.
Little Dude – Before THE Haircut
Short, but sweet.
I’d like to think I have a firm grasp on the majority of these tips, but some great reminders never hurt.
12 Tips for being a radical dad [from LifeHack]…
We’ve reached the ninja stage at the Dude Casa.
Ninjago is all the rage with Little Dude, and Teen Age Mutant Ninja Turtles are enjoying a resurgence.
It’s a good stage.
Turns out the local Tae Kwan Do class is accepting little ninjas.
The little man is a bit under the age limit, but we tested the scene with good success.
The newest ninja at his first class…
I’ve told Mrs. Dude I intend to live to 137.
Not sure why 137. Or how to make that possible.
But it seems like a good idea to set big goals with life expectancy.
I’m psyched to find this sweet list of 10 tips to stay young forever from a Shaolin Monk:
The Littlest Dude (aka – the boy with too many names) is 9 days short of the numero uno! Crazy.
And this dude needed a haircut, something fierce.
His self-created mullet lasted longer than his older bro, who scored his first buzz cut week 15, but it needed to go.
With buzzers in hand, we knocked that toupee-looking coif down to a awfully handsome shaved melon.
Lookin’ good for that 1st b-day!
As we hike down the path of 2014, this is a pretty great video to remind us to connect with others.
Empathy does not equal sympathy. And that difference is worth a little added effort.
Hat tip SwissMiss.
January 10 already?! Dang, life moves quickly.
While we’re at it, 2014 already?! Yowza.
I’d say 10 days in is still within the “let’s reflect” and “look ahead” time frame.
Short. But sweet.
3 kids. 1 dog. Countless presents. 1 car.
11 hours up. 13 hours back. 7 days of family holiday chaos.
6 adults. 7 kids (under 10). 1 roof.
Christmas Eve with the Dude’s 97 (yes, 97!) year old Grandfather…and 33 of our closest relatives.
QT with family unseen for years.
Perhaps a tense family moment or two. (No holiday would be complete without them.)
A trip to the local casino for a photo opp next to the fake Christmas tree, indoor waterfall, AND escalator.
A couple Santa sightings.
Homemade Christmas tree ornaments.
Many battle royals.
And Christmas Day full of holiday magic…
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmuWgpK3rMA[/youtube]
Safe to say The Dudes enjoyed a pretty rad holiday. Hope y’all did as well.
See you on the other side of 2013.
PS – End of Year lists are all the rage. Here’s a few tasty nuggets…
December already?! How does time move so quickly?
Tomorrow afternoon, the Dudes ship off on a two-day, 10 hour Cannonball Run up the Eastern Seaboard to enjoy an extended family holiday. Festivus at its best!
Ever felt like this during the holidays?
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNFXk0GFiHc[/youtube]
Before our journey begins, a little holiday assistance from me to you…
1. Holidays = Meditation? | A great read from Zen Habits: Family Gatherings – The Ultimate Mindfulness Training Ground. My personal fav…
Let go of control. Stress often comes because we want to control how things go. Of course, we don’t really have control — we just think we do, or want to have control. Practice letting go and letting things happen. Practice not resisting what happens. Practice being happy no matter what happens.
2. Yule Log 2.0: If you don’t have a blazin’ fire to keep you toasty, let Yule Log 2.0 give you all the ambiance you need. Choose your fav, switch to full-screen, and let the magic happen.
3. A traditionalist? | Let Netflix take care of your fake fire needs…
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3Vuwop3MGA[/youtube]
Last, but certainly not least, Festivus for the Rest of Us!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS7-jcsB_WQ[/youtube]
Shock Factor: The subjective measure of the psychological “impact” of any given event.
The Dude has been accused of enjoying the shock factor. Hence the title of this post?
It seems Little Dude shares this quality.
The three and a half year old is growing into his boyhood – chock-full of all the “poopie dutie” talk you can handle.
The Dudes were lucky enough to spend Turkey Day in the mountains of West Virginia, and Little Dude’s conversations headed towards bathroom-talk very quickly…just to see the reactions.
As we awoke early one morning to enjoy the quiet of the mountains, we wiped the sleep from our eyes and gazed out at the skyline in the distance. Little Dude nonchalantly mentioned to the Princess and I:
Buttholes.
Very matter of fact. No emotion. And again.
Buttholes.
Princess immediately followed with:
Stop!!! That’s gross!!!
And Little Dude – turning his gaze back to the skyline, with a confidence beyond his years:
No. They are beautiful.
Three year old boys. A natural wonder.
I chose not to respond. Luckily, I have not heard this discussion again.
Where does this insanity come from?!?
On the flip side, the sweetness is equally as amazing. Randomly, Little Dude likes to share…
I love you. I need a hug.
Other than discussions of unmentionable anatomy, the mountain/Turkey Day festivities were fab, including…
Sledding, photo bombs, hikes to the Big Daddy Tree, snowball fights, s’mores, fried turkeys, grilled oysters and lots o’ family time…
Although, it is nice to be home. And get the kids back to work (notice the Princess and her pace, and of course Little Dude’s focus on safety-first)…
Notable updates…
Update:
Everything you need to know about the sweet Turkey Day cabin wrapped into some smooth jazz from Ylvis. A lyrical genius.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVyDovLA2vw[/youtube]