As a junior I am a member of the 500 something most stressed out people in school. Not only am I a junior but I am a student, along with about 2100 other kids, at one of the top ten high schools in the state and while the stress at any school can get rough, everyone knows that the pressure can be intense and the workload can be high. So in the spirit of staying sane, I have started this blog to remind my fellow knights, and myself for that matter, to stop and smell the roses, take a walk in the park or watch a funny movie; essentially want everyone to take a deep breath and smile. Inspired by the website 1000awesomethings.com, I will be posting this blog twice a week until the the end to the school year, 82 times in all, about things that are meant to make you grin. Happy moments, enjoyable memories, blissful feelings; you name it, I’ll post it. So, overall, take a minute to just relax and think happy thoughts.
Thought #7- The perfect high five
A perfect test grade, game- changing play, brilliant idea or a slick move are all events worth being celebrated. Sure these could earn a nice pat on the back and an encouraging word but what they really deserve is a good ole’ high- five.
But sometimes just a plain old high- five isn’t good enough. When that perfect test grade is in AP US History, that game- changing play wins a championship, the brilliant idea cures cancer and that slick move is done by the likes of James Bond, then just a simple high- five will not suffice.
They need the perfect high- five.
Now I know that some of you will argue that there is no such thing as perfection, and in many respects that is true, but in the world of high- fives this state of pure beauty is attainable.
Both individuals involved are ready, with palms open and high in the air. They come together at the same speed and at the same trajectory ready to meet near the middle. When the palms finally meet they make a slapping noise of pure melodic quality. Both parties are happy and the weaker of the two in not left with a stinging, red hand.
All too often does the high- five-er get completely rejected by the high- five-ee or does the strong one make his co- high fiver wince in pain because he smacks them a little too hard. Occasionally the two miss all together. Basically high- fives can become embarrassing for all parties if not executed correctly.
These potentially awkward moments are easier to avoid than many people realize as long as they follow three simple steps.
Step one: Always initiate with your hand high and palm stretched wide.
Step two: Look at the other person’s elbow not their hand.
Step three: Make your palm into a slight cup shape to achieve the ultimate clap- age.
But, hey, if you don’t trust me, check out these guys because they’ve got it down.