rootytuesday:: hip-hop violinist.

happy rootytuesday!

I found this video a few weeks ago and have had it on loop ever since.  I absolutely LOVE this!
I'm pretty sure I get chills every time it plays -- from the music AND the message.



Oh to have talent like that. Simply amazing. I couldn't help but share.

Enjoy!

Monday? Try NOMday!

"Monday is a lame way to spend 1/7 of your life."  -- Author Unknown


Poor Monday has a bad rep.
Most days I agree, but due to the wondrous amount of sleep I got this weekend...it's not so bad!

*gasp*

Amazing, I know.

The majority of my immense giddiness is due to one amazing co-worker and his epic baking skills.

Just about everyone I know loves a chocolate chip cookie.  Now that I think of it, I've never met a person that would turn down that chocolatey awesomeness.  It is also very rare to find a person who doesn't enjoy the comfort of a glass of milk and Oreos.

But combine the two?

Oh yes, my friend.  He did.

I submit to you the Chocolate Chip Oreo Cookie.

It is because of this epic treat that I have decided to no longer refer to this day as Monday.
No, no.  It is now NOMday.

You're welcome.

mersic.

Let's get creative & pass the time. :]

Of course, I have to admit that I have been playing around with this this for quite a while.  It's pretty cool & is just the thing to make up a good weekend "pass the time" post.

Enjoy.


The Super Amazing Thing I'm Talking About

rootytuesday:: stylophone love.

In honor of my amazing birthday present from the wonderful Jo Tingin, today's rootytuesday post is devoted to the stylophone beatbox.  

Now, I realize that the awesomeness of this gift isn't obvious to everyone.  I'm a bit of a music geek.  So, to avoid the struggle of explaining this awesomeness, I present the video that inspired this love.   Enjoy & be inspired.







Prepare yourself for a future stylophone band featuring yours truly.


It's inevitable, you know.

thirty1.

The sixth day of the fourth month has come and gone....again.

I think birthdays are important, especially considering the condition of those who no longer have them.  While turning 31 may be bringing me to the realization that I am now in my thirties, I still enjoy the festivities. 

Still, I realize that I'm getting older.  This is the oldest I've ever been.
This is what thirty-one years looks like.

While I am thankful that the chili bowl phase is gone, I'm still a bit weary of being older.

Since turning 30 last year, I have celebrated birth weeks rather than birthdays.  This is a brilliant tradition in my opinion.  This year, I awoke like a child on Christmas morning.  Bright-eyed & bushy-tailed.   It was all for good reason.  This has been an amazing birth week.

It all started when I arrived to work that morning.  My co-workers may have had something to do with this.

The day also included:

*Asian-themed potluck
*Hostess Ding Dong birthday cake
*Homemade Chocolate Chip cookies from my "California Grandmother"

I was also given this amazing cupcake by a co-worker.

And....my "California brother" Matt gave me something amazing.  No clue what it's called, but I like to call it "Yummy Coconutty Ice Cream Goodness."

 Yummo!!

Also, what makes a great present for me?  Ninja Turtles.  (I'm a nerd.)

That night, we hit up Buffalo Wild Wings with some friends and my birthday twin, Tim.

My TWO sides of Asian Zing. :]

Saturday was the best day ever.  I started the day with a girls' day in San Francisco with Jeni, Cressie & Danielle.

I LOVE to spend time near the water.  Cressie, our amazing chaffuer, was nice enough to let me spend most of our day there.  Bath houses.  Beaches.  Golden Gate.  Great food.  Amazing day!

Cressie Bob.

...frustration with the wind.

Jeni.

Danielle's a ballerina.

Hook'em Horns!

...and finally a stop at one of our favorite spots in San Fran.  Best cream puffs in the WORLD!

We left San Francisco in time to get back to the Dodd house for the Nerdy Shirt Thirty1 party.

Finally....the best birthday present award goes to my AMAZING friend, Jo Tingin.

A stylophone beatbox!!  

So far, 31 is looking pretty grand.

in memory...

This week has been majorly lame.  I want a redo.


This week, my Uncle Don lost his courageous fight against cancer.  It seems as if one day I'm getting a bear hug & kiss on the cheek...the next, I'm saying goodbye.  At least, saying goodbye the best I know how from 1700 miles away.


I'm going to miss that handsome guy.
  
Terribly.


Those who knew him were blessed, and those who didn't totally missed out.  I am so glad that I not only knew him, but I was family.  


Many of you may know that I've been involved with the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life for a few years now.  This is my 4th year and I am the co-captain of our Relay team at work, the LNS Curewriters.  I set a goal last year and set out to participate in honor of my uncle Don and in memory of my Aunt Barbara.

Relay For Life is my personal opportunity to fight back against cancer by raising funds and awareness.  I fight so one day no one has to ever face cancer.  
It's amazing to think that millions of people will be diagnosed with cancer this year.  It has already taken so many amazing people that I love.  People like my grandfathers, Marshall Whitlock & JB Thomas; my aunt, Barbara Whitlock; as well as my wonderful friend, Danna.  Many I know, like my friends, Hollie & Joanne, are still fighting. Because of them, I am trying to do my part.


Now, more than ever, I want to do what I can to fight back against this ugly disease. 


If cancer has affected or taken someone you love dearly, please support my efforts this year in Relay For Life by making a donation.  Together, we have the power to make a difference.


Make a donation to Relay For Life here.

Thanks in advance for your help!


I love you Uncle Don.

two oh one one.

Believe me, I recognize how cliche it is that I'm finally writing again during the first week of January.  


Disclaimer:  This is NOT due to a lame New Year's resolution.


However, I am coincidentally back to blogging thanks to the mister.  It's actually amazing how torturous it can be to go months without wi-fi.  Yes....I realize how nerdy that sounds.
So, in order to embrace the cliche....let's talk resolutions.


As I've said before, I'm not one to make resolutions just because it's the start of a new year.  I am, however, a goal setter.  My goals for this year?  Well, besides the ever so popular "workout until my eyes bleed & swear off all solid foods until I lose 452 lbs" resolution, I have a few more attainable goals.


Uno.  
Read more books.  -- I actually love to read.  Unfortunately, there is a part of me that never makes time to sit down and enjoy a good book.  Shameful, I know.  I have a stack next my bed just waiting to be read...and I will do just that. 
Dos.
Improve my guitar chops. -- Yeah, I've been playing around for years.  I think it's about time that improve on my theory and all-around skills.  Actually, I started my first official "lesson" yesterday.  This time next year I will be wielding the skills comparable to Rodrigo y Gabriela.  Not sure how good that is?  Check them out here.
Tres.
Become a "super cleaning fairy." -- Yes, I am OCD.  Although I enjoy organizing and keeping my house clean, I want to create a schedule for my "chores" and stick with it.  I see it more as time management.  How exciting.


I usually just stick to three goals each year.  Seems realistic & attainable. We'll just have to wait and see how it all works out.   I will, however, be sure to blog my little heart out as long as I have wi-fi here in the Dodd house.  


Here's to 2011! :]