When I was around junior high age, I developed a pretty nasty allergy to grass. I probably still have it to some degree, but if I sit down in the grass, it will make my skin itch. At that time, I was getting sneezes and swelling… you basic allergy to grass, I guess. 

So one of my chores was mowing the lawn and it seemed to me that this allergy should be a pretty clear cut get-outta-jail card. I proposed to my dad that I probably couldn’t mow the lawn anymore since I was so allergic to grass. 

He contemplated this and, knowing I was actually allergic to grass, bought me, I kid you not, a gas mask. Full on two filters thingy- you know the type with what look like two stumps protruding from each side of your mouth, with straps around the head and everything. This oughta keep you safe, he says. 

So there I am on Saturday afternoons mowing the lawn with this massive dorky-looking mask on. My friends are riding by on their bikes laughing. 

Looking back, I have to admit this was pretty ingenious on his part and I have to tip my metaphorical hat in respect.