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Re:
Thanks, mariss. And that's true. I guess the key is to do your best to not let anyone else's judgements dictate how you proceed through life. I know that can be difficult for many, but it's probably one of the only ways to stay sane! 
posted by
JimmyA
on July 29, 2012 at 9:32 AM
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Great Blog, this can happen so often, and so many are down now due to no fault of their own with circumstances going bad with them. Kudos!! 
posted by
mariss9
on July 27, 2012 at 12:16 PM
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Re: Well done! Working with kids who had birth defects and multiple
Absolutely, Katray. Being on the other side of the coin in that incident taught me the value of not judging a book by its cover too, although, like I wrote, I was the cover in that particular scenario. I respect and admire your ability and patience to work with special needs children. To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure if I could do it, but I know a lot of people are grateful to those who can. 
posted by
JimmyA
on July 23, 2012 at 7:51 AM
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Well done! Working with kids who had birth defects and multiple
disabilities taught me never to judge the "cover." Like your experience, it is a lesson always remembered.
posted by
Katray2
on July 22, 2012 at 2:58 PM
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Re:
Thanks, adnohr. Yeah, I know a lot of motorcycle enthusiasts who would never even consider becoming a member of a group like the Hell's Angels, but that's the first thing many people think of when they see ( or hear ) a motorcycle. Hey, I like to have a beer once in a while, but that doesn't mean I'm bucking to become the town drunk! Sometimes people get unnecessarily, and unfairly, stereotyped. So . . . have you rode into town and started any bar fights lately?
posted by
JimmyA
on July 22, 2012 at 10:31 AM
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Re: Jimmy
Good analogy, Naut. I'm sure many's the time that someone might think a "book" looks inviting, but after reading those "forwards" and "prefaces," decides that that book is better left on the shelf! Believe me, there's a few girlfriends from my past that I wish I had read the "preface" a little more deeply before diving into those books! But, we learn from our mistakes, I guess!
posted by
JimmyA
on July 22, 2012 at 10:25 AM
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Re: JimmyA
You're welcome, Justi. I'm glad you liked my little story, but at the same time, I didn't mean to evoke any bad memories for anyone, and I'm sorry to hear about your son. I have a feeling that the whole idea of "not judging a book by its cover," especially when it's applied toward people, is a fairly universal concept, and can be a difficult task for many people, for a variety of reasons. But as we get a little older, and hopefully a little wiser, it gets just a little easier to make the effort to get to know someone before making such judgements. Thanks for your input.
posted by
JimmyA
on July 22, 2012 at 10:21 AM
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Re:
Thanks, FSI. Believe it or not, I didn't mention in my blog that there was actually a small part of me that was somewhat nervous, as if somehow I was the representative of my entire generation, and that if I failed, somehow the party would have been cancelled, and we would have all been shunned from future activities, all because I couldn't solve a few puzzles! But, it all turned out just fine . . . !
posted by
JimmyA
on July 22, 2012 at 10:14 AM
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Re:
I think a lot of us were "pretend rebels" back then, luster. But what's on our faces, or backs, or feet, or head, doesn't always necessarily typify what's in our minds! Some people have to learn that the hard way, or sometimes in an embarrassing way!
posted by
JimmyA
on July 22, 2012 at 10:10 AM
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Re:
All too true, Sam. Sometimes it's difficult, for anyone, to not come to a quick and/or rash judgement based on someone's appearance. People need a little patience, and take the time to get into someone's head somewhat before passing such judgements. This guy did . . . more or less . . . and was almost immediately rebuffed! And it was fun for me too!
posted by
JimmyA
on July 22, 2012 at 10:06 AM
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Re: I just love the way teenagers.....including myself a decade and more
Thus the lesson to be learned, Kabu. Appearances can be deceiving, and I'm sure we've all been in that boat at one time or another, under one circumstance or another. I myself have learned to not be so quick to judge something or someone on appearances alone.
posted by
JimmyA
on July 22, 2012 at 10:02 AM
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Re: JimmyA
Yeah, Wiley, that's why I called it a vindication of sorts. This guy really expected me to either fail miserably, or give up altogether, and he made no bones about letting me know that! Like I wrote, I was very happy to prove him wrong! 
posted by
JimmyA
on July 22, 2012 at 10:00 AM
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I know what you're saying. I drove into town on a motorcycle and all the parents in the town classed me as a Hell's Angel. I thought it was a lark! I ike the way you tell your stories!
posted by
adnohr
on July 22, 2012 at 2:38 AM
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Jimmy
I agree One should at least read the foreword and possibly the preface before making a decision...
posted by
Nautikos
on July 21, 2012 at 9:43 PM
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JimmyA
You bring back both beautiful and sad memories of both my sons. One joined the Navy after graduation. Who thought he would do that? Oh well! Both of them were very smart young men neither made it. The oldest was about to shipout to Cambodia, the night before the guys partied and driving back to base he ran under a truck. He was a beautiful book with changing covers and no ending. I thank you for your story. 
posted by
Justi
on July 21, 2012 at 5:40 PM
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Oh yes, one should not be judged based off of one's appearance. I'm glad to read that you did well with those puzzles there.
posted by
FormerStudentIntern
on July 21, 2012 at 11:21 AM
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these days they would consider that profilling. My son who is 44 now looked similar to you he was a pretend rebel.
posted by
Lanetay
on July 21, 2012 at 9:34 AM
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Very true, one should not be judged by their appearance! sam 
posted by
sam444
on July 20, 2012 at 7:43 PM
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I just love the way teenagers.....including myself a decade and more
before you....how each generation needs to collectively do their own thing different to their parents generation...but cloned to each other.
Good for you showing that pompous ....... that you were a bright young thing inside the cover.
posted by
Kabu
on July 20, 2012 at 5:07 PM
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JimmyA
Hey pard, you had a right to 'judge, he tried to make you a book cover, LOL Good for you just being you and getting into his little game and kind of sticking it to him.
posted by
WileyJohn
on July 20, 2012 at 12:25 PM
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