A speech, some thoughts, and a response.

From a student’s farewell speech today: “And I’d like to thank Mrs. Eckard, who taught me to stand up and do my thing, and to do it proudly. And to not care what other people think.”

And I have to say that out of all the things I’ve taught, I’m so glad that is what she’s walking away here with.

But it did make me feel stupid for caring so much about Joe and his opinion of me and my hospitality. I feel terribly proud that this is what she learned from my example. I couldn’t have put it better myself.

Also, I’d like to respond to this comment, left by Brad on my post about Joe.

"You put too much emphasis on what people think of you. Just remember that most people spend 95% of their time thinking about one thing: themselves. This guy should have no power over you and only you can let yourself have a bad day.

I'm curious. How do other peoples views and opinions effect (or is it affect--I always get that wrong) you. For instance, if I told you I was a Republican (which I am), would you think more or less of me? Just a little psychology question.

By the way...Joe is really more of an assclown rather than an asshat, but that's really an issue of semantics."

I probably did put too much emphasis on what he thought about me. See, most of the world’s opinion of me just doesn’t really matter at all. However, the people that I consider friends…their opinion does matter. But, he has no power over me now. In fact, I saw him in the car last night, and I didn’t even run him over or anything! Progress!

As to the second paragraph. I’m kind of a weirdo. I look at the people I like, and they don’t really have a lot in common. I base my feelings about people completely on instinct or gut…but honestly, if a person doesn’t get on my nerves, I like them. About 40% of the population gets on my nerves, and the rest I like just fine. I don’t really care about their political views, their religious views, or their outlook on pretty much anything else. It’s more interesting when your friends are different from you. Plus, my whole family…they’re all republicans and I like them fine. However, if your last name was Bush, we wouldn’t be cool. But see, I already decided I like you, Brad, so you being a Republican doesn't really change that. If I said I'm voting for Obama (I am), how would that change your feelings about me, or would you just assume that anyway?

And Joe, well…he’s something for sure, but I’m not sure what.