The name abides

I got an IM today from an old friend : "Have you seen The Big Lebowski?"

I knew what was coming next. All my life I have wanted a nickname that sticks, but I have never been able to be a Pogey or Pony, Blister or Fister, Stoner, Boner, Weasel, Cracker, Buster or Grunt for more than a few weeks at a time. With one exception.

When The Big Lebowski came out, everyone I know called me "The Dude" for about five years. Now, I don't know if you've seen this movie, but it's a comparison that could be interpreted in several ways. It's sort of like being compared to Nick Cage's character in Raising Arizona. All of my friends swore it was only positive, and I have to admit I feel more than a passing kinship with the character. Still, I was not too upset when the movie and characterization faded from the collective consciousness.

But about twice a year or so, someone will see the movie for the first time and feel compelled to let me know how much I remind them of the lead character. I guess for the thousandth time (plus or minus ten), I am learning that we need to be careful what we wish for.