For my and Mark's 6 month anniversary, I created a photo gift for him to always have on his bedside table whenever he gets lonely or misses me.

I started by buying a simple photo album, which I lucked out with at Jo-Ann's Fabrics due to their cheap sale prices that day. I vowed not to spend more than $15.

Then, I went to RiteAid and printed out about 20 photos that we had taken over the months (which reminds me that I need to add the next 9 months!) and arranged sets in my mind that were to go into the album.

After I had the sets formed, I turned over the photos one-by-one, and with a permanent pen, I wrote down little sentiments that remind me of Mark, including letters, inside jokes, or words, and the little things he does that make me feel adored/why I chose him for my partner in crime!

Then, I layed in the photos, and let him do the exploring. To this day, Mark adores the photo album, and it will be cherished for years to come. I have been taking part in scrapbooking summer camps since I was 11 years old, and have found a quiet passion within keeping memories alive ever since. I encourage you all to make a photo album for someone you love, or about something you love. You won't regret it.


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This post is part of the category "79 Things". Click to see the complete series of 79 Things.

For the last 8 months, my life has been touched by something quite bigger than myself. Something inspiring, and something much beyond ordinary.

This special thing is called PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). PFLAG helps me and many others come together and fight for the rights they believe in. In my case, equality for LGBTQ.

Volunteering for a nonprofit organization enlightens my soul and gives me time to think about what I can do as a single human entity on this planet.

I help PFLAG host open meetings with films, discussion, and yummy food, and am a part of the national board for my city's chapter that makes the important decisions regarding events, money keeping and accessories for sale. I get to hold conversation with questioning youth and adults, and educate the families and friends. I am proud of us as a group and organization. The fact that one person can extend a hand and make everything a little bit easier is a wonderful thought.

I suggest that you all reach into yourself and figure out what makes you truly happy and content within helping your community. We all owe it to our communities.

Above is a photo of myself and partner Mark, tabling for PFLAG at our city's Pride weekend.

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This post is part of the category "79 Things". Click to see the complete series of 79 Things.

Photo credit: Google Images

As an update for my 79 Thing's "Form an Exercise Routine" post, I figured I would share what has been trimming the knooks and crannies for me lately.

Back in January, I wrapped my hair into a high ponytail and strapped on my sneakers, popping a water bottle into my bag, and driving off to the Gym. For the first time, I had a set mind on burning calories and forming a regular Gym routine.

The four equipment pieces above are what I use the most in my workouts, unless I am taking an occasional hour-long yoga class on Sunday mornings with mom. The treadmill, abdominals, bicycle, and rower. I love to spend at least 25 minutes on these each week day, sometimes half an hour if I am free.

Having a consistent workout schedule has been wonderful and has kept me refreshed in the worst of days. It is a huge stress reliever for me, and very helpful to get some of the "down time" I need to read for classes that I don't typically find interest in.




This post is part of the category "79 Things". Click to see the complete series of 79 Things.

Towards the end of July I decided I was sick of heading towards the “overweight” side of the spectrum and that I was going to buckle down and Get. Me. Some. Exercise! Starting off with some brisk bike rides down the trails with my dad and workouts on the treadmill/rowing machines at the Gym, I finally gave in to forming a daily exercise routine using the WiiFit. Luckily, I get school credit for this.

Every day I do 30 minutes of rigorous strength training and yoga. After clocking my time, I continue with anywhere from 30 to 60 sit-ups before I go off to shower. I would recommend WiiFit and easy around-the-house workouts (cleaning is a great exercise!).

Over time, our bone health deteriorates and it is important we strengthen and train our bodies to adapt to the ongoing changes occurring in our bodies every second of every day. Exercise reduces the risk of heart disease and other life threatening conditions–of course, who wouldn’t assume this?

Do not forget to eat spicy foods before you step on that treadmill; eating spicy foods before exercise helps you begin to increase your metabolism by as much as 50%! Oh, and: don’t consume food after 9PM, all of which is stored as fat. That’s right… Wii talks.


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This post is part of the category "79 Things". Click to see the complete series of 79 Things.

A couple years ago, I went to the lab to get my blood drawn, hoping I would find out any allergic reaction I might have and what my blood type is. Turns out I am allergic to dairy, so from now on I will have a non-dairy, vegetarian, somewhat vegan diet!

My blood type is A positive, which is my mom's type. Because I am adopted, it is hard to know my biological family's health complications. All I know is that asthma was hereditary (and I battled that for six years). My birth mother had asthma, I believe her mom had asthma, and her other kids had asthma-like complications as well. I feel very lucky to have the same blood type as one of my parents, in case I ever need anything medically, or vice versa.

I have begun to read Eat Right 4 Your Type by Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo. It is a book series covering all particular blood types.

Along with the A+ blood type comes B12 deficiency, and I have started taking vitamins for that. There is a plus here: they're cherry flavored!


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This post is part of the category "79 Things". Click to see the complete series of 79 Things.

About a week ago I decided to research some more and tap into my personal style.

First part of this process is learning your silhouette which you do by going to Style Makeover HQ and searching for your body type using their identification list.

The second part is finding out the colors that accent your skin tone, hair color and eye color. I can't say I was surprised at my results, but the experience was a good one.

Here are my results:

Rectangle Body Shape

Your main style aim is to add curves by defining your shoulders.

Do wear shoulder pads, semi-fitted clothes, short-sleeves and sleeve-less tops and dresses, medium to high necklines, dresses that wrap or flow through the waistline, straight to gently flared flat-fronted pants, and a-line shirts.

Do not wear clingy fabrics, fitted clothes, low necklines, baggy tops, baggy pants or narrow skirts.

Balanced Body Type:

Your main style aim is to elongate your mid-torso.

Do wear jewellery, scarves, and garment designs that draw the observer's eye up towards your shoulders and face, medium-long tops, un-tucked tops, tops and bottoms in the same color, skirts and pants with narrow waistbands or no waistbands, straight or flared skirts, waisted, and low-rise or hipster pants.

Do not wear short tops, empire line tops and dresses, wide belts, pants or skirts with a high waistband.

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The second part is the funner one. Now you get to find out what the colors that compliment your body are.

Fashion experts look at your skin, eyes, and hair for complimentary tones. One of the best, but time-consuming approaches, is to go to the mall and ask a professional to assess what colors seem best for you. Asking them won't cost a penny - unless you get sucked into buying a truckload of cosmetics.

In the world of fashion, you'll sometimes hear people talk about what season they are; it is a concept that beauty professionals use to figure out what colors suit people. Check out the list below and see where you fall. If you fit into more than one category, you are most likely a mix of seasons, as most people are!

Winter: Blue or pink undertones (skin), brunettes, dark eyes. Colors that look good: White, black, navy blue, red, shocking pink.

Summer: Blue or pink undertones (skin), natural blondes and brunettes, pale eyes. Colors that look good: Pastels, lavender, plum, rose-brown, soft blue.

Autumn: Golden undertones (skin), redheads and brunettes, golden brown eyes. Colors that look good: Beige, orange, gold, dark brown.

Spring: Golden undertones, freckles (skin), straw-colored or strawberry-blonde hair, blue/green eyes. Colors that look good: Peach, golden yellow, golden brown.

My result:

Winter!

That's silhouettes and colors in a nutshell for ya.

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This post is part of the category "79 Things". Click to see the complete series of 79 Things.

Today I start a new category "79 Things" based on the goal book "97 Things To Do Before You Finish High School". I will be blogging about my experiences with each goal for the next year and a half.

Here's a bit about what you'll expect from this category:

The book is broken up into 9 categories itself!

For Your Personal Development: Deals with unique activities including examining professional artwork, listening to new music and attending theater performances.

For Your Body: Praise the temple that is your body while learning martial arts, detoxing, and learning about your silhouette and colors.

For The World Around You: Get involved in this wonderful planet. Visit a foreign country, participate in a new cultural tradition, or even hike to a mountaintop.

For Community and Environment: Help the planet by visiting your local officials, writing an op-ed, and raising money for charity.

With/For Friends: A special dedication to friends and me-time including activities such as making gifts, dining high on a low budget, and taking a road trip.

With/For Family: Explore the depths of family history with family outings, reaching out to long-lost relatives, and spending quality time with grandparents.

To Express Yourself: Share your talents while designing t-shirts, taking a dance class and creating comic strips.

Because You Should: Make obligations fun by adding spice to your resume, educating yourself on the stock market, and learning basic car maintenance.

Because You're Only Young Once: Embrace your kid side by burying a time capsule, telling someone your darkest secret, or trying a new hairstyle.