INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Draw a rectangle on your fabric that is 812 inches (22cm) tall and twice your shoulder circumference. Cut the rectangle out; you only need 1 piece. This will make a ruffle for your top. The ruffle will act as a decorative element as well as a casing for the elastic. It will also double-up as flowing "sleeves" for the shirt. To get your shoulder circumference: hold a cloth measuring tape behind your back, then wrap it around your shoulders and take the measurement in the front. Turn the shirt right-side-out first. Fold the ruffle down so that it hangs in front of the shirt, also right-side-out. Fold the top, raw edge of the ruffle down by 12 inch (1.3cm) so that it matches up with the rest of the shirt. The left and right edges of the ruffle should be hanging off to the sides. You won't be sewing them to the shirt. Overlap the ends of the elastic by 1 inch (2.5cm), making sure that it is tight enough to hold the shirt up around your shoulders. Sew the elastic using a zigzag stitch. Tuck it into the gap, then sew the gap using a straight stitch.

SUMMARY: Cut an 812in (22cm) wide rectangle that's twice your shoulder circumference. Turn the shirt right-side-out, and fold the top edge of the ruffle down. Sew the elastic together, then stitch the gap shut.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The power is from the hips, just like it is in throwing a ball. Ensure your legs are in the correct positions, shoulder width apart. Have someone test your stance by giving you push or two, to make sure you keep your balance. Ensure your blocking hand is in front, and your punching hand is at nesting against your hip. Start the rotation with your hips. Your back leg is also adding to the force of the rotation. Come around quickly, leaving your fist palm facing up nested against your hip. Do not rise up, keep your head at the same height. Bring your fist around so that it faces down right before you connect. Hit on the center line of your target. Reverse punch using left hand or right hand should impact at the same place, in the center of the target. As you connect, lock your body for a moment as you tense up to make maximum force. Exhale or Kiai as you connect.

SUMMARY: Know that the secret to an effective gyaku-zuki is in the hip rotation. Position yourself in front stance, zenkutsu-dachi. Rotate your body. Rotate your hand and connect with the target. Return to ready position, or repeat.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Quite often a person in a bad mood will leave their mark on those around them. This is often in the form of putting them in a bad mood, as well. People who are close to each other often mimic each other's behaviors, which can leave you feeling cranky. Instead, do your best to stop them from affecting your mood. One of the easiest ways to avoid allowing someone to control your mood is to simply stay away. You may need to leave the room in order to do this, but it is likely your best method. It can be hard to get space if the person lives with you like a parent or a spouse. In such a case, you might identify a "safe zone" in your house or a nearby park where you can get space. You may also want to develop an activity to help you release any negativity, such as going for a long walk in nature or taking a yoga class. There's a good chance you are not the cause of the person's bad mood. There's an even higher chance, however, that the situation will become worse if you take how the person is acting personally. Don't assume that the mood is because of you. You can find out, however, if you ask in a non-accusatory way. Ask the person if they want to talk about why they are in a bad mood. Listen to them if they agree and try not to get upset if they do say it has to do with you. Let it go if they decline your invitation to discuss the matter. For example, your boss might snap at you because he's feeling pressure from his own superior. You might ask, "Is there anything I can do to help?" If not, just give him a wide berth until he calms down. Sometimes you just need to get some space from a situation. If you are constantly around a person, then it is easy to get sucked into their mental energy. You don't have to let someone take their bad mood out on you. Even if they are your partner, you don't have to take it. Remove yourself from the situation if the person's behavior is getting out of line or you can't handle it anymore. You can tell the person, "I see that you are really upset about something, and I'm sorry for that. However, I need to walk away for a minute." Keep in mind that you can choose your level of involvement and sometimes it is best to just ignore the person. Not only is your physical safety a concern, but you should protect your mental health, as well. Being around someone who is constantly in a bad mood can affect your emotional well-being. Consider changing your situation if you find the person's moods are taking a toll on you. If their bad mood is affecting you, then this can have an impact on your physical health. It may be best for you to remove yourself from the situation if this is the case.

SUMMARY:
Avoid allowing the mood to rub off on you. Try not to take it personally. Remove yourself from the situation if you need to. Make your safety a priority.