Shaking Hands

Ever wonder why some people have never mastered the handshake? Or are you perhaps one of those people? Thankfully i was taught to shake hands at a very young age a truly wonderful life skill.
If you don't already know, or want to polish up on some of those introduction skills here you go.

1. Smile and make eye-contact
2. extend your RIGHT hand at about stomach height about halfway between you and the other individual
3. at contact ensure the webbing between the thumb and pointer finger meet securely
4. only once the webbing has been securely reached do you then close firmly (but don't break their fingers)
5. 1 to 2 slight "shake's" are acceptable before releasing. 

see its pretty simple, however its surprising how often you'll find the common mistakes:

• premature closing (shaking ones fingers)
• loose floppy hands (shaking a fish)
• gripping too hard (having your hands crushed

This may not be for every culture but will help you tremendously in Canadian and American Culture.

The Womans Creed

I used to have this obsession with the nights of the round table. I've always enjoyed a good period "flick" and always admired the valor and life commitment to virtues  which were established in King Arthur's Knights. so needless to say when my husband came across Dake's study of the Proverb's 31 Woman my interest was PEAKED!!

The Proverbs 31 woman is one who's not only resourceful but capable, passionate, and genuine. but beyond that the study that Dake did described what we would see as the 31 Characteristics of a Virtuous Woman. Or... ladies, its our CREED!

This of course got me so excited that I desired this to be my mantra. 

Here it goes: 

31 Characteristics of a Virtuous Woman

1. Morally Perfect
2. Invaluable
3. Trustworthy
4. Inherently good and true
5. Ingenious - proficient
6. Thrifty - laborious
7. Dutiful - considerate
8. Versatile - judicious
9. Tireless - healthy
10. Joyful - efficient
11. Watchful - cautious
12. Thrifty - skillful 
13. Charitable - benevolent
14. Generous - merciful
15. Fearless - provident
16. Clever at decorating - furnishing
17. Refined in taste 
18. Respected - popular
19. Industrious - prosperous
20. Dependable - honest
21. Confident - hopeful
22. Wise - discreet
23. Kind - understanding
24. Prudent - practical
25. Energetic - ever active
26. An ideal wife and mother
27. Honored by her family
28. Excels in virtue
29. God-fearing - humble
30. Deserving - successful
31. Honored by the public

How to live to be 100

So I watched this amazing lecture about centenarians by Dan Buettner on Ted.com.

he eloquently pulled together common lifestyle traits among these groups and presented them as some of the most easy to adopt ideas in life

1. Move Naturally
2. Right Outlook - Downshift, have a sense of purpose
3. Eat Wisely - wine @5 / plant slant / 80% rule
4. Connect - Loved ones first / belong / right tribe

The new year...

Alrighty, so its not quite January 1st, but it is still early in the new year that I can officially say this is my first post of the new year without sounding ridiculous. Ok maybe just a little ridiculous.

I'm sitting here drinking my Caramel Macciato, about to enjoy a pumpkin scone and just wanted to say a big hello.

The new year always brings with it new challenges. Do I get a new gym membership? Do I plan a trip this year? and of course: how do I balance school, job #1, job #2, Volunteer activities, husband, friends, immediate family, the in-laws, the 3 hobby projects, and extended family in order to get the most out of this year.

Ahhhhh BALANCE... my dear old friend.

It is my belief that that we need to start with breathing. taking it all in, appreciating every aspect of our lives. and begin to write them all out.

seeing them on paper helps me gain perspective. I then slowly start to plot them all into my calendar... some are things I MUST do, some are things I WANT to do, some are things I SHOULD do... and the others... I need face facts and scrap them.

Take it slow, breath... and begin.