Nice Double Helix You Got There, Baby

Genetics are awesome, don't you think? Just awesome.

In October, The Hubs and I submitted samples (read: tubes of spit) to 23andMe to have our DNA analyzed. Recreational DNA analysis has become popular and we've read quite a bit about about some of the companies involved and the kinds of results the curious consumer can receive. 

We chose 23andMe because they'd received a lot of coverage and some positive reviews, so we felt comfortable sending them our spit. At the time, they offered both health and ancestral breakdowns, however the FDA recently put a stop to their health offerings because of how the data was extrapolated and conveyed and how folks interpreted (freaked?) and used the data (freaked in the general direction of their doctors).

I know you...

In November, we received our results. Health-wise, they were as I expected. I know the majority of my immediate family's health history, so I know that I have generally elevated risks of heart disease and diabetes (thanks, Mom and Dad) (I'm kidding, I love you and your genes, promise). The health results also go through some genetic-based drug responses, inherited conditions, and traits, like my apparently wet earwax:

lol, sprinter

However, for us, the real fun was in our ancestry results. Seriously, how cool is this?

Oog, fire.

For me, I really wanted to see the my genetic origins. I'm Mexican-American, so I expected my results to show me something interesting. The Hubs...well, The Hubs is as Caucasian European as schnitzel and his genetic composition reflects it. Blue is European. How much blue are we seeing here?

Like, BLUE.

According to the results, he's 99.6% European. That's...definitive.

And mine? I'm pretty damn proud of mine. I'm from all over and I love it.

Colorrrrrs!

While some of my information is "Nonspecific European" or "Nonspecific East Asian & Native American," based on my family history, I can assume the Nonspecific East Asian & Native American is actually Native American. I'd been told my maternal side has a good chunk of "indigenous peoples of Mexico," but it was nice to see some confirmation.

100% me, baby

Side note: I was trying to find a proper distinction for "indigenous peoples of Mexico" by doing a bit of Googling and this is the garbage I got within the top 5 results. Sigh. 

(╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻)

You can also do a chromosomal view of the ancestry composition. Chromosomal view. We live in the future, people!

Potpourri 

23andme has a pile of other features, but that would make for a long blog post that reads like an advertisement. For The Hubs and I, this is a fun science experiment. For some people, this has been enlightening and for others, frightening. Some people don't want to know and some can't not know. If you have questions about this, I'd be happy to privately discuss some of my results or about the service itself. If you're curious about the service, I can also send you a 23andme invite.

At least now you can know there's a genetic basis for not liking cilantro.

Victory is MINE!

Back in February, I told you about my strategy for getting my paws on a PS4 without paying for it. I'd identified a handful of sources of extra (tiny bits) of income and we've been accumulating Amazon credit for several months. It was slow, but steady, and we were making progress. We finally made the decision to trade in our Wii, games, accessories, and an old iPod and that's what helped us reach our final goal.

...aaaaaaaalmost.

Well, almost anyway. We were ~8 bucks short. Meh. 

At least Megatron's impressed, which means a job well done. We might be a little thrilled with too.

Is not food? :(

The next thing we're saving for is a sink for a future bathroom remodel. Maybe. That's a little boring. Maybe I'll work on some roller skates.

Hmm, tough one.

Kermit Lied

Kermit, that lovable frog, has been lying to you this whole time. 

It is easy being green.

Now, before you start making faces at me, let me begin by saying that "being green" is tossed around quite a bit nowadays and is often mocked. Some folks with certain political affiliations are quick to label the behaviors as "liberal" and "hippie", etc. Guess what? I don't care. I don't care what you think of me or these activities. You're being selfish and lazy if you're not actively participating in preservation of this place we call home. In the name of your children, grandchildren, and all the puppies and kitties, do something. This has nothing to do with who you elected to be in office. This has nothing to do with your idea of masculinity (because those blue rubber testicles you have hanging from your diesel truck are totally taking care of that for you). I'm not telling you to go hug a baby seal or save the whales. I'm just asking you to pick up after yourself (because yo mamma don't work here) and make smarter decisions about some very simple everyday choices.

And I'm going to help you with those choices.

Every other week I'm going to cover a topic on how you can 1) be a little greener and 2) hopefully save money doing it. I'll discuss some issues surrounding the topic, like why you may want to make some changes, and I'll list varying degrees of actionable options depending on your budget and time/dedication. I'll also do good/better/best product discussions to help you along your way. You can help me come up with topics by either leaving comments here on the blog or on Facebook. Nothing is off limits. If there's not a specific topic people want me to discuss, I'll mention small things The Hubs and I have done over time to make our home more energy efficient and our lives easier. 

Again, I want to emphasize just how easy this can be. Some of you who have spoken with us regarding any green-related topic will know that we've managed to do quite a bit and it may seem overwhelming. Please keep this in mind: We've been in our house for seven years and we've been slowly making changes to our home and lives over this entire period of time. We're also not the greenest people in the world. We don't live in a commune. We don't wear Birkenstocks. We don't smell (I hope). We like our material things and we're not huge on sacrifice (oops). So, trust me when I tell you that if it's easy enough for The Hubs and I, it's probably easy for you too. I believe in you.

But seriously, why wouldn't you want to hug a baby seal?

Leave me comments here or on Facebook or Twitter and let me know what you think our first topic should be!

Bees?

I've been nudged into creating a blog, so here it is.

I've always felt that any blog I create would be perceived as narcissistic because blogs are perfect Me Machines and I'm not a huge fan of this sort of activity. Isn't that the point, though? I'm a very busy person and it's hard to keep all of my doings and interests straightened out and every now and then someone is genuinely interested in why I'm so busy.

So with this, I'm going to show you all the things.

Additionally, I'm hoping this will help me articulate some of my emotions. I feel I've become emotionally detached as a way of coping with my stress and autoimmune issues and while this has absolutely allowed me to adjust and stay functional, life isn't as bright. The last couple of years, I've noticed I'm becoming less empathetic and for now, it's concerning. There may come a time where I'm not concerned and I'd rather that not happen.

Anyway, I'm Lori. I'm 30. I work full-time and I'm a part-time Arts & Technology student at the University of Texas at Dallas. I'm trying to decide if I want to get into game design or 3D modeling. This career shift is...scary. Scary, but necessary. You see, when I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2010, I spent some time reflecting and upon learning that my life will likely be shorter than it otherwise might be, I decided I'd much rather spend my time doing things I love (or at least like) than not. Wouldn't you?

So! Here I am, rebooting at a time when my friends, family, and peers seem to be settled and progressing. It's frightening and exhilarating.

I've also started gardening, but whatevs.