Quite Continental Charm School Journal- Day 9

Today's Lesson: " A life lived with purpose".  This really is a central tenant of the philosophy by which I've chosen to live my life. In my 25 years, I have learned to always be doing one of three things at any given moment:

1. Making a determination-Deciding what I want my life to be.
2. Soul searching for the path to that determined outcome. This must be revisited daily for evaluation of the path taken so far, and for thoughts on what to do next.
3. Take action based on soul searching to make dreams come true. 

I will keep this one brief, because I think the Charm School post is quite good, and thorough. 

Quite Continental Charm School Journal- Day 8

Today's Lesson is "Family Jewels". I don't really wear jewelry. I've inherited a beautiful, delicate, gold bracelet from my grandmother who passed, had a charm necklace from childhood to the age of 22, and many pairs of pearl earrings. All of those things no longer belong to me. For some reason, I just cannot be trusted with jewelry, because I always break it or lose it...or both. Right now, I really only wear my engagement ring. So far, so good.

I think one advantage of the engagement ring, is it is more than a gift. It is a symbol for my relationship with someone I see every day. I never want him to think I take his gesture lightly. A lot of times, I sit on the train and admire my lover's declaration of commitment to me. Over 2 years after his proposal , people often mistake me for a newly engaged bride to be.

I remain ambivalent about jewelry. One of my personal philosophies is,"Things bring you down". So I'll continue to wear my ring with gratitude and pride, but only time will tell if I manage to accessorize further...

Quite Continental Charm School Journal-Day 5

Today's Lesson: "Winterize your skin". I found that the link to this lesson did not work from the "table of contents" post. I did a quick google search, and the link on this post will get you to the instructions on how to love your skin. Obviously, it is no longer winter, and this winter was particularly mild, here in Boston. However,  I still managed to neglect my poor epidermis, and I found this lesson to be very necessary to prepare myself for the warm weather. So, today I took the time to pamper my skin, and here are my own field notes on the process:

1. I noticed the QCCS post did not mention one very important step in the care and keeping of one's skin (and other body parts), and that is STAYING HYDRATED! I am making it my goal to drink one glass of water before and after each meal, in addition to any other times throughout the day, that I feel moved to wet my whistle.

2. I used a moisturizing/exfoliating sugar scrub from Lush on my haggard feet and legs.

3. I sealed in the moisture and protected my new delicate skin with a generous slathering of Cetaphil Cream on my legs and feet, as well as just a general coating all over my body.

4. I actually do a weekly face exfoliation (every Friday) using St.Ives Apricot Scrub. Otherwise, I wash with Cetaphil face wash.

5. My lip balm of choice is EOS. It is moisturizing without being heavy or sticky, smells GREAT, and is free of questionable ingredients. Plus, the packaging is modern and adorable!

Sometimes I am really good about taking care of and moisturizing my skin (usually during the Summer when it is on full display), and I notice then, that as long as my skin is looking healthy, I don't need to accessorize as heavily or even put on makeup. I look and feel healthy and beautiful just the way I am. I think that is the ultimate goal of this lesson, and this experience.

Before: Dry and Crackd heels

Before: Dull, ashy legs

After: Smooth and supple

After: Glowing healthy skin. Putting my best food forward, so to speak!

Quite Continental Charm School Journal- Day 7

I'm one week into my transformation, and today's lesson is "The Hostess Gift". My mom has nice little hoard of lovely treasures meant to show gratitude to those who welcome her into their homes. While I am aware of the value of this lesson, I do not often find opportunities to put it into action. As a grad student, a large portion of my social life is within the framework of a group project, or grabbing dinner in the basement cafeteria between classes. However, I do get a few opportunities to attend dinner parties during winter and summer break. On those occasions, I usually bring a baked good of some sort. It is nice to give gifts, even small ones, for reasons like " You vacuumed before I came over. Thanks!" I like to think that participating in this ritual I am helping to keep the spirits of giving, appreciation,  and community alive.

Quite Continental Charm School Journal-Day 6

Today's Lesson is "Be fashionably punctual".

VIA

 My best friend, Andi is the embodiment of that phrase. If she says "I'll be there at 8:15", she'll be pulling in the driveway at 8:14, and ringing the bell right on schedule! Part of the reason our friendship works is because we have this yin and yang thing going on. I'm usually punctual, but I'd say about 25% of the time, I find myself in a situation where I've managed my priorities so poorly it affects other people. Sometimes it's because I'm a chronic procrastinator. Sometimes it's because I have too many things to do that are equally important. Either way, this lesson is definitely hitting home today after several "mismanaged" moments in my schedule. Really, if you are late (and I don't mean those times when it truly is not your fault) it usually means you were not making the most of the moments leading up to that one.

I saw a pretty neat quote on pinterest (which unfortunately means it will go uncredited) today that I will use to "punctuate" my thoughts on this lesson:

"What are you doing today? Is it worth trading A DAY of your LIFE?"

Quite Continental Charm School Journal- Day 4

Today's lesson is, "A Firm Handshake". I was lucky to have a family that sets high stock by strong women, so I  had my first handshake coaching session at the tender age of 9. I also remember having a guest speaker come to my seventh grade social studies class talk about the importance of good posture, eye contact, and a firm handshake. I was taught the value of the confidence, honesty, and sense of purpose a good handshake conveys. After this lesson, I'll be sure to remember this as I graduate from school and enter the working world.

If you think your handshake could use some help, the lesson at the charm school has some great pointers.

Quite Continental Charm School Journal- Day 3

Today's Lesson: "Get a Library Card". I already have one, but I understand that the lesson is also about appreciating the value of free information in this country.Sometimes it may feel as though our society has abused, warped, and cheapened this commodity to the point of absurdity. However, the public library system remains a beacon of integrity. I live in Boston, so I am very lucky to have access to many neighborhood branches and the grand Central Library in Copley Square. I did not go to the library today, because I had homework (and plenty of reading) to do, and because the branch in my neighborhood is closed on Sunday anyway.

 I know for sure, the next time I go to the library (hopefully this week), I am making a bee-line towards The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. One of my professors of clinical trial design mentioned it during a talk about research ethics and I haven't been able to get her brief but powerful summary out of my head! As a newly hired research assistant in the area of public health I think it is paramount that I familiarize myself with this story- Heck! I think as a human being who strives to have respect and compassion for other human beings, it is important to know Henrietta's story.



I am so fortunate to live in a city where education and  information is so highly regarded. The Boston Public Library system is more than a gateway to other worlds by way of books (although that is a GREAT thing) but through the library system I have access to lectures, live performances, museums, digital information, lessons in practical skills, and even architectural tours of the Central  Library, itself. All I have to do is accept the responsibility of the care and keeping of my library card.

Tomorrow's lesson: "A Firm Handshake"