My family and I are extremely proud of our heritage. As a half-Armenian girl growing up, my dad taught me a lot about Armenian culture and I do feel a real connection with my heritage, so today I would like to honor the Armenian people that were killed in 1915 during the Armenian Genocide.

I feel that the Armenian Genocide is somewhat of a taboo subject, and people are uncomfortable talking about it. Well out of respect for all those innocent people that died, I'm putting a spotlight on it today. Today only 21 countries have recognized the killings as a genocide. I wasn't there, and I know sometimes history books aren't necessarily 100% correct, but regardless of the term used to label what happened, over a million people died, and that deserves some recognition on this day.

I'm sending out love to my family and friends, to anyone that had friends and relatives affected by the tragedy and to all Armenians who stand proud!

I read in the comments that some of you thought it was inappropriate for me not to post about the anniversary of Armenian genocide (which took place just after World War I) and that I was being selfish for spending my day shopping instead.

For those of you who don't already know, I am half Armenian. I do not speak Armenian, but my late father instilled in us a lot of Armenian culture. My dad was half Turkish Armenian and half Russian Armenian and my mother is German, Irish and Scottish.

Judging by the pictures you have seen on this site and from what the gossip blogs have been saying, I can see why you may have gotten the wrong idea. But that's what the media put out... They didn't know I was leaving for Australia, spending my only free day with my boyfriend, running every possible errand because I won't be home for six weeks. From Australia, I land in Los Angeles and have just a few hours to switch bags before I leave for Shreveport, Louisiana, and won't be back for more than a month!

After my day of running errands, I spent the evening with my late father's side of the family. I went to an Armenian dinner with my family, like we often do. Of course, cameras weren't there for that -- and some things I like to keep private.

But all of the chatter really got me thinking... Do I know as much about my Armenian history as I would like to? The honest answer is... no.

That night at dinner my sisters, brother and I decided it is mandatory that we go to Armenia. None of us have ever been, neither had my dad and neither have my grandparents! My great grandparents were from Armenia and escaped the genocide. No one has been back since. All I know about my country is what I read and pictures I see on the Internet.

My parents couldn't tell us stories because no one has been! So, this generation is going to change that! We don't know when we are going to go, but we four kids have decided it is something we should do! I heard it is beautiful and we are all really excited about it!

I will definately keep you posted on the details of that trip! It would make my dad so proud!

Back when my father was alive, we didn't use digital cameras, so I don't have many pictures with him on my computer. But when I get home I am going to get a scanner so I can show you guys how handsome my daddy was.

I am also going to be honest, I don't speak Armenian (I know, a lot of you have asked). And I don't know all of the historical details -- so if you have some stories to share with me, I would love that!

What does the Armenian genocide mean to you? Let me know!