Yes Viginia, There is a Big Lebowski and then there's DUDE

The Dude abides man.

Bowling... It had been a long time.

Glenn and I rented "The Big Lebowski" and were sitting in our assigned seats in the kitchen watching it. I have been thinking lately about the kind of ruts we all find ourselves in, and was feeling as if, we have landed on our own.

Our house is pretty large. It was expanded to accommodate our two children and their friends. I envisioned family gatherings and big parties as the house expanded. Now, with the girls gone, and people busy with this and that, our big house sits 80% uninhabited. We spend the majority of our time in two rooms, the kitchen and the bedroom. We sit at a large table meant to sit six. We eat our meals here. We watch TV here. And here was where we sat as the Dude began his adventure.

If you haven't seen this movie, go get it. Prepare yourself for an abundant use of the the F word. (Rivalling Reservoir Dogs)

The Stranger: There's just one thing, Dude. The Dude: And what's that? The Stranger: Do you have to use so many cuss words? The Dude: What the fuck you talking about? The Stranger: Okay, Dude. Have it your way.

So anyway... the movie is about the Dude, also known as Jeffrey Lebowski, a mistaken identity, a rug that has been peed on, bowling, white Russians, porn stars and nihilists, friendship and laziness, memorial services and did I mention bowling?

After the movie was over Glenn exclaimed "Let's go bowling to pay homage to the Dude."

We grabbed our coats and headed out into the cold November night headed toward Country Club Bowl in San Rafael. The place was nearly deserted. We were assigned lane #6. With out bowling shoes in place and a drink in our hand, we completed 4 games. One of the staff came by smiling and said "you guys are having a good time." I have to say, given the circumstances, I was impressed with our showing. The barman came around and announced to us...(since we were the only ones still there) "Last call!"

As we returned home, I had a huge smile on my face. The Dude would be proud, even if we didn't drink white Russians.

Sometimes the best solution for being in a rut, is to climb out.