Some advice

In my new job, I've had to participate in a number of conferences with educators and parents. It's been fine so far, but boy, was I ever grateful to come upon this highly-nuanced list of Dos and Don'ts related to body language in business settings.

A few highlights:

18. When you pinch the bridge of your nose with your eyes closed, you'll come across in a negative manner.
(You think? I am refraining from giving a specific example of someone who would actually benefit from this one.)

17. Don't rub your eyes with your hands: it signals disbelief at the situation.
(I'm a bit disappointed about this one - I had been using it a lot.)

13. Don’t blink excessively. People will be distracted and wonder if there's something wrong with you.
(This one's for Daniel, not that he reads my blog. Someone tell him.)

71. Don’t shake your fists at someone, as it is extremely aggressive.
(Wha. . ?)

72. Clenched fists raised in the air will indicate that you’re overjoyed or thrilled. Avoid doing this when situations call for restraint.
(If you say so. I saw the principal of a school do this just the other day.)

I hope that the complete list will help to increase your success in business and social interactions. Happy reading.

The writing on the wall

Some background: Daniel and I bought our house from a couple, Tom and Christine, who were in the midst of a divorce. Things appeared to be amicable, but there was certainly some tension between Tom and Christine when we viewed the house before deciding to buy.

Tonight I got a bit "rippy", and started tearing off the old wallpaper in our bedroom. I also pried off the chair rail, to get better access for wallpaper tearing purposes. Under the first piece I removed, I found written in blue crayon, "Tom loves Christine".

Daniel pried off a few more pieces, and on the opposite wall he found, "Christine loves Tom".

Sweet or sad? What do you think? The house sure has a bit of history. I'm glad that walls can't talk. I'm not sure how many more messages I want to find as we tear things up.

*names have been changed, of course, to protect the lovelorn.