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ORMO

This publication is a magazine that features articles about the fashion, music & art industry.

MMXII Staff
Jose Valder Jr - President/ Editor & Chief/Publisher Isabell Gonzalez - Vice President Jerry Gonzalez - Human Recourses Manager Ricardo Benitez - Executive Director Tomas Vasquez - Director of Music & Art Lana Hill - Director of Fashion Tracy Rios - Director of Food/Critic

Hello Everyone, My name is Jose Valdez Jr & I am the Publisher, Editor & Chief of Formo Magazine and I would like to take a moment and thank you for picking up a copy of our 1st issue! Formo is a Latin word meaning to form, shape, model or fashion and thats exactly what we are trying to bring to you in this magazine. Formo will be different from your normal everyday fashion, music, art or food magazine, it will show you a more in depth to each industry and give more character to the article and stories that you read in our magazine. Our mags can be found in San Antonio, Austin & Dallas.

Writers
Lauren Cherry Veronica Gaskey Lauren Hill Tracy Rios Tomas Vasquez Brittany Dunk

Contents
II FORMO MAGAZINE INFO IV PEOPLE DO JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER VII THE ART OF TEACHING VIII TRACYS TASTE OF THE TRUTH X CANDICE SPIVEY (COVER MODEL) XI #FOLLOWTHEMUSIC XII WHATS IN MY CLOSET? FATHER BY DAY, DJ BY NIGHT XIV THEE BODY SHOP XV WHAT IS NWH?! XVI VALENTINE, SHMALENTINE

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III

-PEOPLE DO JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVERNo matter what we do and who we are, we are all professionals in some way. Your professionalism is measured by your integrity, work ethic, experience and believe or not your style, You are judged by the way you operate, communicate, present yourself and last but not least the way you dress. Thats right, you think it doesnt matter that much well it sure does. Believe it or not bad choices of clothing can determine your success of the day. You dont have to be a style expert or a fashion school graduate to put your outfit together.
I recommend you to stick to these three points as your base, comfort, occasion and respect. You want to be comfortable in your clothing, if you are going to the gym, date or a job interview. ill fitted clothes will affect your performance and confidence. Austin is known as a casual town where we like to get out of bed, slide into our shorts and flip flops and go rock the world. Be careful taking advantage of this super casual wear can sometimes be too much. How many times have you go on a nice date all dressed up and you see that casual guy or girl sitting right next to you in a tee and flops. Dress to the occasion, if the event is casual, enjoy yourself and be free, however, be mindful if there are formalities involved. And now you probably wondering how respect fits into the way you dress. Well let me tell you a lot! First of all respect yourself, your body is more than just a piece of meat and obviously you wouldn't put a trash bag over it to go out, or would you? Have you ever heard the saying, "somebody is always watching you." Thats the mind set you need to have at all times in your personal, professional and social life. Starting with the job interview, the minute your applicant walks in, he/she shows you respect by dressing professionally. It means he/she respects the opportunity and you as a possible job provider. What if you are the bride and one of your female guests shows up in all white thats a big sign of disrespect if you ask me. I manage a retail store full of young talented individuals who are proud brand representatives and like to take ownership of their business. I enforce the brand dress code by suggesting to them to consider dressing for work like its a big party and they are the host. Every customer who walks in is a guest, treat them like that, wear the best outfit and style yourself like you are going to the event of your life. Take a pride in your style because your confidence is a mirror for the outside world. I agree with international fashion designer Kenneth Cole who says- Make a Statement!

Story by: Lana Hill (Above)

Auto,Home Business & Life 210-885-7150 (Office) 7330 San Pedro Ave Ste 648

Manuel Baniago

800-801-4779 (Fax)

San Antonio, TX. 78216-6257

Gets You Back Where You Belong!

Blog: www.wod-up.com mbaniago@farmersagent.com http://www.farmersagent.com/mbaniago V

Auto,Home Business & Life 210-885-7150 (Office) 7330 San Pedro Ave Ste 648

Manuel Baniago

800-801-4779 (Fax)

San Antonio, TX. 78216-6257

Manuel Baniago (Center) with Clients of his Wod-Up Team at O.F.F. (Official First Friday) Pub Run

Manuel Baniago (Center), Steve Galvan-Owner of 210 Crossfit (Middle Right), with Clients & Coaches

The "MANNY" Mobile

Hugo & Rosa Morales-Owners of Hair Madness (Far Left & Far Right Bottom), Veronica Morales (Top Left), Manuel Baniago (Center)

Gets You Back Where You Belong!

Blog: www.wod-up.com mbaniago@farmersagent.com http://www.farmersagent.com/mbaniago

The ART Of Teaching

Part 1
Miss Kara Newberry
Center Point ISDTX. 1st Grade

We at Formo believe that Teaching is an ART. Teachers have to invite and figure out many was to keep kids interested in learning what they need to in life. So we chose 1 teacher from each end of the grade spectrum to ask a few questions to see what their thoughts on are on teaching and the ART of it. First up is 1st grade teacher, Miss Kara Newberry and here is what she had to say: Q: Philosophy of Education? A: I view education as a means of helping children reach their full potential not only academically, but also socially & emotionally. I believe you have to capture a childs heart before you can capture their mind. I believe that all children can learn. Children may learn in different ways or have different needs, but all children are capable of learning. As a teacher it is up to me to provide for students needs and differences in such a way that every child has the opportunity to make progress. Q: Why I wanted to become a teacher? A: Ive always known from a very young age that my purpose in life was to work with children. I believe that I was led to the field of teaching because I have a strong desire to be a positive influence in the lives of my students. As a teacher, I believe I am making a positive investment and making a positive difference in my students education. Overall, I have a heart for children and have a passion to see each student be successful. Q: Strengths? A: I think I am dedicated, hard-working, flexible, resourceful, and easy to get along with, but, most importantly, I love children and have a strong desire to see children reach his or her potential. Also, I try hard to will provide a learning environment that is built around positive relationships, recognizes student differences, stimulates learning, and motivates students to learn. Q: Weakness? A: I would probably have to say over planning or time management I usually plan much more than what I am able to accomplish during the day it can sometimes be frustrating because left with the feeling that everything wasnt accomplished. There really just arent enough hours in the school day to complete all that I have planned. Q: Making learning fun and/ or what you would see if you came into my classroom. A: Ive tried to create a relaxed, comfortable, caring learning environment that stimulates learning and encourages my students to want to learn. I try to provide lessons and activities that are interesting and engaging and that teach to different learning needs and styles. To make l earning more interesting or exciting, I may use things such as movement activities, music, or games. I try to create lessons that are interesting, engaging, and that will be presented in a way that will meet the needs of different learning styles. I try to provide hands-on experiences that help students move from the concrete to the abstract. I also integrate technology into lessons which is interactive and engaging. This gives students a chance to interact and play in a way that makes learning fun. Article by: Jose Valdez Jr Make sure to catch part 2 of The ART of Teaching with Q & As from Professor Marc Turner!

VII

Tracys Taste of The Truth

Boehler's It was my fianc and my first visit to Boehlers (pronounced Baylors apparently). Since we were not greeted, we sat ourselves at a table next to the bar. The bartender/ waiter didn't necessarily win Mr. Congeniality (no smile, no warmth, no love), but we were committed, and after waiting ten minutes for his return, we got our beer and appetizer orders in. An acoustic fellow was playing a bit loud, but we were a bit uneasy by our chilly welcome. Enjoying our brewskis, the ceviche arrives...Holy bejeezus, FINALLY, a ceviche not crucified by cocktail sauce or some other unnecessary addition. This was a very generous portion of fresh, diced white fish and salmon that had been marinated in lemon juice, and tossed with diced avocado, jalapeo, tomato, purple onion, and cilantro. The veggie ingredients were finely chopped and PERFECTLY balanced, so as to not snuff out the star of that show, and was served up with a healthy pile of fresh, thin, white corn tortilla chips. The starter salad was fresh, crisp and cold, with homemade ranch (my go-to) and excellent sourdough croutons. At this point, beer and food is setting in, and the loud acoustic guy is now simply background music. The bartender no longer hates us, engaged in a little conversation and even cracked a smile, possibly realizing we were not completely square. The pecan-crusted schnitzel was the biggest Id ever seen (I opted out of sharing this with my fianc), and it blanketed a bed of rich and creamy mashed red potatoes. The schnitz was covered in a simple white cream sauce, sprinkled with capers and a side of stewed purple cabbage. We also ordered the coconut shrimp that was a perfect golden brown, uber-crisp, with a jumbo shrimp inside that was cooked to perfection. For dipping, a little orange mango sauce, and served with a side of pineapple fried rice that added to the crispy goodness perfectly. For dessert, we opted for the Guinness chocolate car bomb, a warm, moist, dark chocolate cake drizzled with Baileys & Jameson Irish Whiskey sauce. The kicker was forking into this thing and watching it ooze a hot delicious mess of molten dark chocolate. Please note, if you do not add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, you may miss the experience in its entirety. The food at Boehler's was ultimately off the chain. Another thanks to Groupon! I cannot WAIT to go back for their signature fried chicken. On Saturdays, they honor all weekly drink specials!! $3 Dos Equis and more! Three thumbs up for Boehlers!! If you would like to take a look at their menu, it can be found at: http://www.boehlersbarandgrille.com/menu.htm

Three thumbs up for Boehlers!!

Story by: Tracy Rios

Formo Magazine Ad Space Available Affordable Rates Starting at $55 Contact Us At 210.677.2432 Or formomagazine@yahoo.com Check Us Out @ Www.formomagazine.com Www.facebook.com/formomagazine
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Model - Candice Spivey from Advenio Models Current City - San Antonio, TX. Clothing Provided By: No Wire Hangers Www.shopnowirehangers.com Front Cover Dress - SMOCK Waist Dress $215 Left Picture Dress - BORDER KIERA Dress $169 Below Picture Dress - DION Dress $ 106 Photographer (COVER,LEFT & BELOW) - Xavier Alexander

Music is the pulse of our city.

From the weekly local cover bands you rock out to at The Falls, to that one band

that traveled half way around the world to perform at the White Rabbit. Here in SA we have the best of both worlds. It seems as though not a week goes by without someone telling me of a new band that Ive never heard of playing down the street. Thats a good thing. It means that more and more kids are growing up practicing on some used Gibson guitar or that avocado green Pearl drum set their parents bought them from the neighborhood pawn shop. Heck, my own dad gave me his vintage 1970s sparkle Ludwig kit when I was just sixteen. Aww, I loved those days The point is that we need music in our lives and we need to teach the new generation to love and appreciate it as much as we do. Sure when most of you hear The Deftones are coming to play at the AT&T Center youre the first one online to shell out 50 to 70 bucks a ticket. Then the next week your co-worker invites you to hear him play at the Limelight for FREE. Instead you choose to go with your friends to Club Empire and end up embarrassing yourself on the dance floor trying to impress that sharply dressed college dropout standing with his friends. With that being said I hope to prove to you that we do indeed have some great talent here and I will do my best to introduce to you the best up and coming bands and musicians here in our fair city. I will also pay respect to the movers & shakers in our community who year after year, have worked hard to bring us the exciting national touring acts that travel through San Antonio. So send me your demos and tell me about your upcoming shows, CD release parties and touring dates. To all my fellow residents of San Antonio I just have to say one thing: I dont ever want to hear someone tell me, This city is boring or there is nothing to do here, pick up a newspaper, pick up a local music magazine and I can promise you one thing. There is ALWAYS something exciting going on here in SA. If you think otherwise well, I guess youre just hangin with the wrong crowd. See you on the strip. G.Tomas Vasquez 2012

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Whats In My Closet?
The successful, stylish, everyday womens guide to looking HOTTEffortlessly.

The Beauty Queen

My style is classic with a twist of color. Everyone should have that perfect dress they can fall back on for any occasion. For me, It's a structured, white, slim-fit sleeveless dress that can be formal or casual - just depending on what accessories I pair with it. I'm hardly ever caught without a pair of earrings, since they draw attention to the face, especially my Kate Spade pearl earrings that hang from gold bows, I wear them almost every day! I'm not afraid to play with color so I have brightly colored cardigans to spice up any old outfit and colorful skinny belts to cinch the waist or add a pop of color! I love looking vivacious and standing out while still looking chic and sophisticated.

The Actress
My style would be classic with a little boho flair at times. A good pair of boots and a black blazer are must haves! They can be styled so many different ways. When It comes to makeup, I always have something on my lips, whether it be lipstick or gloss.

The Model
The #1 rule in beauty- NEVER fall asleep with your make-up on. Wash your face twice a day. In the morning I use a facial brush or exfoliating pads. My daily wear make-up would be Givency and I always use my favorite concealer over and under my eyes, followed my a highlighter. Airflash Foundation Spray at Dior is the one I use to go out an take photos. They are the best! The Beauty Queen - Hoang Kim Cung The Actress - Maci Mayfield The Model - Areana Gabrielle Garza Story by: Lauren Cherry

Father by Day, DJ by Night

Raising a child is a difficult task in itself, but trying to raise three and as a single father and keeping a steady career in the mix is nearly impossible. Yet, despite all odds one San Antonio local seems to be doing just that. Roy Jimenez, also known by San Antonios nightlife as DJ Flex, balances the responsibilities of being a sound father and creating the sound of San Antonios night scene mixing up some hot Top 40. Father by day, DJ by night, Roy Jimenez becomes modern day Superman, yet views his roles with a humble mind-set. To him DJing is more than just a hobby; its a means of release and a unique way of giving back to the streets, a place that he formerly called home. In the beginning the struggles of being a single father took over, leading him to turn to desperate means. With a dramatic 180, Roy accepted his responsibility as a role model to his three children and no longer turned to the streets for an answer. His answer became music. This San Antonio native not only values his family, but also his music and giving the mature and sexy crowd something to unwind to. San Antonio is known for a lot of things, but music is not one of them. Speaking with a the Man of Music himself, DJ Flex helped to shed some light on why San Antonios nightlife just doesnt seem to compete with the big dogs like Houston, Dallas, and Austin. Veronica: DJ Flex, when it comes to competing with Houston, Dallas, and Austin, how does San Antonio stack up? DJ Flex: Sad truth is we dont. Veronica: How do we start putting our nightlife on the map? How do we compete? DJ Flex: The only music San Antonio is really interested in is Top 40. They arent really focused on getting new mu-

sic out there first. We need to make the night scene more mature and classy and with the have music to match. Show cities that San Antonio is also a city where we showcase hot and fresh music as well. Top 40 gets boring, but its what the people want.
Truth is San Antonio, when it comes to our nightlife, Austin, Houston, AND Dallas blows us out of the water. As a city we need to be more motivated and interested and eager in promoting new music first. Help support local talent and be more open minded to new innovative genres of music. Lets put San Antone on the map. Story By: Veronica Gaskey

Fathers Love Letter

An Intimate Message From GOD to You

My Child, You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and
when you rise up. Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28 For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28 I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5 I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16 I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41 And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.2 Corinthians 5:18-19Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7 I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15My question isWill you be my child? John 1:12-13I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad Almighty God

Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications 1999-2011 www.FathersLoveLetter.com

XIII

Thee Body Shop

fitness page

Dear fellow Formo readers, welcome! Here you will receive cutting edge information on understanding your body, and how to properly rebuild it so that all movement is both efficient and effective in and out of the gym. My goal is to educate, equip, empower, and inspire you to change the way to train. So think with me and turn your body into the Machine God created it to be. We are going to take a different approach and focus on smaller, seemingly insignificant muscles and intricate movements that produce specific joint actions. The object of each exercise will be performing them with smooth, controlled, machine like movement. Everything will be tight, every rep, every set, every exercise, every time. There will always be a beginning and an end range of motion; both of which you will be using specific groups of muscles to perform. The main goal of this page will be body awareness. We will discuss some key muscles in the body and their function and effect on the kinetic chain as whole. You will learn the most effective ways to inhibit (loosen), stretch, and strengthen specific muscles in a manner that will help to reduce and eliminate muscle imbalances that manifest themselves in tension, joint pain, and often times injury. Once your body is functioning optimally, you will also look and feel better as well. Your body will be trained to hold itself in place, stand tall and confident, and look the world in the face. You will move with purpose and your mere presence will demand respect. Proper alignment and efficient function of the kinetic reduces physical stress that cause fatigue, aches, pains, injuries, and minor sickness by increasing the circulation of blood, oxygen, and nutrients. This will speed the metabolism, boost the immune system, hasten muscle growth and recovery, and heighten energy levels. Our stress level is detrimental to our health. All of us carry our stress somewhere. Most of us recognize it in our shoulders and neck. And although poor posture and an imbalanced body are holding the tension, it is important to understand that emotional, and psychological stresses play a huge factor on the physical condition of the body as well. In fact, did you know that "die-eases" such as cancer and other bodily dysfunctions can actually be caused by long suppressed emotions and feelings? We could all benefit from learning how slow down, breathe, and relax. Less is more, especially in the gym. The aim is quality of movement and not quantity. Your body will benefit more from concentrating on performing 5 deliberate repetitions, and really focusing on the movement, than 10 less than satisfactory reps performed in haste. So what is the kinetic chain, and how does it work? The kinetic chain is, according to Stiendler (1955), "a combination of several successively arranged joints constituting a complex motor unit". Or, more easily understood, "a chain of joints and other bodily tissues that act together." In order for the kinetic chain to function efficiently, there must be proper length-tension relationships, force-couple relationships, and normal arthrokinematics. Basically, opposing muscles must have the length and tension equal in relation to each other, groups of muscles must work in concert to produce movement and opposing bones must be free to "roll", "slide", and "spin" on the joint surface. A dysfunction in any of the three will cause alteration of the others and disrupt the body's ability to produce movement using the appropriate muscles, in the correct firing order, and with the right amount of force. All movement begins and ends in the core; So, for maximum efficiency, contracting sequence for the chain links should originate in the center and move towards the limbs. Ultimate strength, calorie burn, muscle fiber activation and pump is achieved when the entire kinetic chain is tight and only the muscles directly responsible for the joint actions are in motion. This takes extreme concentration at first, but through "focused" practice, this will become just how your body functions. You will feel solid. Next month we will be discussing muscle imbalances and the knots that form with the muscular system and greatly reduce the optimal function of the kinetic chain. We will be exploring common imbalances and predictable patterns of dysfunction, along with corrective strategies in the foot and ankles to begin rebuilding the machine.
Paul A Castellano, Owner *Thee Body Shop* 451 McCarty Road San Antonio, TX, 78216 (210) 602-5114 paul@theebodyshop.com

www.theebodyshop.com Phil 4:13

What is NWH?!
Formo Magazine got the chance to interview Caroline Basse (LEFT), Owner of No Wire Hangers, to see what her business was all about and to get to know Ms. Basse a little more. Here are the questions that we asked her: 1.) How Old Are You Ms. Basse? 27 2.) First, tell us a little bit about yourself, hobbies, favorite foods, favorite colors etc.? I was born and raised in San Antonio. I attended Alamo Heights and left for college prep school, Chatham Hall in Virginia. After high school I attended Savannah College of Art & Design and was there to study photography. While living in Savannah I started to participate in various FIESTA organizations back in San Antonio. Since being back home I have been enjoying times on Texas lakes and visiting Round Top searching for antiques and vintage finds. I especially enjoy when Rodeo & FIESTA season comes around. It is a festive and special time with great food, music and the bright colors surrounding you. I also love to find time to visit my SCAD college friends that are in Austin. Its such a creative and amazing city to enjoy and take in. I want to start the New Year with enjoying every moment and taking everything in with a smile. 3.) Tell us about your experiences working with fashion in the past and present. I have worked in the retail business since high school at anniegogglyn. I have always had a love for fashion and continued my love for fashion by getting into photography to pursue fashion photography. I attended Savannah College of Art & Design and while there I managed an Italian shoe and clothing store Pattini. Upon my return to San Antonio I continued my work at a local boutique to learn more about the business end of the fashion industry. 4.) Describe your philosophy of fashion? Philosophy of fashion? Mmmmmm I would say, what you think is fashion and what your style of fashion is go for it. For example? I just ran into a friend of mine who just had feather hair extension put in but said, Some people say that its out of fashion. I told her, I think its coming back in but either way I love them. Things in fashion come and go and come back again and what you like and what makes you feel sexy and comfortable with yourself is what counts. I mean look at Lady Gaga half of her outfits dont look sexy or comfortable but to her it is and she doesnt care what others have to say about it, its just her!! 5.) Why did you want to open a fashion boutique? I realized I wanted to open up a boutique while I was working at Pattini. I loved working with the customers and helping them find the perfect outfit, accessorizing their outfits or gifts for a friend/family. When your customer is excited and pleased with you helping them it made your day. 6.) How did you come up with your company name? I choose this name because not only is it one of my favorite classic movies Mommy Dearest and that gave me the inspiration for the name of my online boutique, no wire hangers!!! No... wire... hangers. What's wire hangers doing in this closet when I told you: no wire hangers EVER Faye Dunaway as Joan Crawford -Mommy Dearest-

www.shopnowirehangers.com
Find Us on FaceBook & Twitter as well.! XV

Valentine, Shmalentine!
Valentine, Shmalentine! It is now February.
Red and pink hearts replace the leftover Christmas ornaments from last month at grocery stores, and cheap chocolate boxes galore can be seen on the corner of every isle in the supermarket. Television advertisements claim that Love is in the air in order to justify customers spending hundreds of dollars on stuffed animals, giant balloons, and fancy feasting. It seems as though the much anticipated V-Day puts yet another hole in our wallets. Dont get me wrong, I enjoy seeing people in love, or at least pretending to be for the sake of getting a gift, and I find it heartwarming to witness couples with giddy looks on their faces in anticipation for their future. I just have a problem with the notion that this ONE day is the most important for people in love. I have organized societys behavior towards Valentines Day into four categories: the Anti-Valentines, the Benchwarmers, the Lovers, and the Vultures. The Anti-Valentines are the people who absolutely DREAD Valentines Day. Nothing makes these people more upset than to see two people exchanging gifts and being lovey-dovey on February 14th. If you happen to come in contact with an Anti-Valentine, RUN! The Benchwarmers are the people with high hopes of playing the dating game, but sadly get benched every year. Dont worry Benchwarmers! Youre chance will come soon enough. The Lovers are the couples who have been in their relationship long before Valentines Day, but feel the need to make up for their mistakes by purchasing every stereotypical gift possible. These are the people you see with big beautiful smiles on February 14th and bland straight faces on February 15th. The Vultures are my favorite. This group includes the people who SCAVENGE for a temporary relationship anywhere from one week to one month before Valentines Day. The Vultures can be seen at any store during Valentines week, picking the candy and stuffed animal shelves dry. All that remains after the Vultures have left the store, and their date, is a fragile and confused shell of a hopeful Valentine. Theres no use in running from a Vulture. The best thing you can do is hide! After all has been said and done on Valentines Day, the most important thing to remember is to keep on loving life and keep holding on to the hope of real love. We dont need one day out of the year to remind us to love one another because we should hold on to that feeling all year long. Whether youre spending February 14th with a loved one, a complete stranger, or all alone, I hope you have a wonderful Valentines Day and an amazing February!

Yours Truly, Brittany Dunk