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Archive for October, 2015|Monthly archive page

Flashback Friday: Scholar Satisfaction with Strategy

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Study Saturday, Throwback Thursday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 10/30/2015 at 23:30

I’ve advanced from my committee to full faculty defense!

 As I prepare for my first round of presentation(s), I connect the actual theories of my dissertation study with reaching this ultimate finish line of achieving my doctoral degree …

What Worked for Me?

Exemplary Leadership Practices

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Flashback Friday: Acting out a skit for our doctoral program‘s first Halloween luncheon! This was a nice mid-term break from our heavy course load to have fun!

Speaking of PRACTICE, practicing indeed makes perfect in many ways:

  • from doing Tae Bo to lose the “Freshman 15” (8-min. workout 8x/day)
  • to running through my presentation on my own and with my chair

Athlete Satisfaction

  • Satisfaction with  Strategy, Ability Utilization plus Training and Instruction ~ taking the tactics necessary to sticking with the program: my professors emphasized our strengths plus accommodated to our audio, visual and kinesthetic learning styles
  • Satisfaction with Team Integration and Personal Dedication ~ I was blessed to part of a study group who collaborated well and helped out each other, plus when I felt overwhelmed with test anxiety (so I should empathize with my students who experience speech anxiety), I’d work out {Exhibits A and B} to boost and induce my confidence

* Example: When we took our written first-year luminary comprehensive examinations, I saw my fellow physically active classmate stretching, so I also moved my muscles to bring blood flow to my brain, and during our breaks, I’d step outside the academic building for fresh air and relaxing at the gazebo to clear my head

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Flashback Friday: Apparently, I didn’t have shame  in my game by decking myself out in this *DCC* costume! #PostMarathonPhysique

Plus, I’ve considered mistakes that I’ve made that potentially could have set me back from reaching my goal

What Did NOT Work for Me?

  • I lost sight of my “prize” when I focused on external forces, such as a social life or romance ~ which probably would’ve been effective if I had a supportive partner
Reflection

Feline Friday: Sweet Annie the Stats Cat loves her reflection so much that she surrendered to her staring contest and snoozed #SnapCat #CatNap

Reflecting on my growth through this process has made me stronger as a productive person in society, but most of all: one who gives my gifts to GOD!

Fitness & Foodie Friday: Health or Treat? Nooky Quickie

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Fitness Friday, Foodie Friday, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Sports, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 10/30/2015 at 09:00

While trick-or-treaters may be house-hopping and candy-popping this weekend, I’ll continue consuming my healthy supplements on the ☼daily!

Ginkgo Biloba: to promote mental focus

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Centrum VitaMints®: to aquire essential nutrients in a tasty way

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  • I’ve come a long way since my childhood Flinstones chewables ~ which I doubt are the best bet for my teeth with the acidity
  • I’m still not a fan of swallowing tablets without having water and food in handy
  • Therefore, I’m all about double-duty of fulfilling my ☼daily☼ needs while freshening my breath!

Of course, I don’t skimp on the actual food that I need to fuel my brain and body ~ which I’m actually including in an analogy between my marathon and my main statistical method (multiple regression) for my doc research!

Pumpkin Trail Mix

Study Mode Trail Mix: Since almonds helped my bod during my 26.2-mi. course and my mind through my dissertation process, they were the main feature of this snack combo for the crunch + the Pumpkin Spice flavor along with the pumpkin cookies & candy, as well as more chocolate to cover these Brookside blueberries that also benefit the memory!

Study Mode Trail Mix: Since almonds helped my bod during my 26.2-mi. course and my mind through my dissertation process, they were the main feature of this snack combo for the crunch + the Pumpkin Spice flavor along with the pumpkin cookies & candy, as well as more chocolate to cover these Brookside blueberries that also benefit the memory!

Speaking of my race, although I haven’t run as many long distances in awhile, I’ve fit in mini drills to keep my energy levels high while I’ve been drained from my dissertation, a.k.a., my doc docs …

During my dedicated eating time (yes, I must make a meal break away from my computer, according to my Bestie Evie‘s birthday advice), I actually HIIT before I sit!

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Olive Garden Leftovers from Ladies’ Night with the Holy Spiri† (counter-clockwise from bottom right): Chicken Cacciatorie & Cheese Manicotti (2 of my fave entrées rolled into 1) • Pasta e Fagioli w/ breadstick • MinestroneBestie Evie‘s Better-Than-Sex BrowniePumpkin Cheesecake (which took me 4 days to finish!) • Andes Mints ~ gotta ♥love♥ these after-dinner chocolate mints to cap off a classic OG meal!

While I wait for my chow to cook ~ simmering in the crock pot, boiling on the stove, or nooking in the oven/microwave/toaster ~ I do the following quick set(s), to induce more calorie-burning even after I’m done exercising:

Standing ♥Cardio♥

Floor/Mat/Carpet Core

More ♥Cardio♥

  • Dance ’til your ♥heart’s ♪content♫ ~ or your grub is ready

Stretch

Relieve those muscles after sitting at the computer desk and before sitting down to eat

Happy Early Halloween, All †Saints’ Day y el Día de los Muertos! ✌

Throwback Thursday: Double A-Team

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Feline Friday, Home Sweet Home, Public Interest, Relationships, Throwback Thursday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Yours Truly on 10/29/2015 at 08:30

Happy National Cat Day!

PURRfect Moment to PAWS

Asia Lick

Cat Nap-ReadyBig Asia cues me to break from my dissertation

CATch of the Day

Annie Fridge

Caught Pink PawedSweet Annie leaped up to the top of the fridge!

Grad Cat‘s First Halloween

Asia as Stitch

Throwback Thursday: Asia in her Elvis jumpsuit so she & I could be Lilo & Stitch! {Halloween 2006}

Stats Cat‘s Elizabethan Collar

Annie Spay

Throwback Thursdsay: My Loyal Royal Feline Annie in her Elizabethan collar! {March 2010}

Bath Time ~ Baby Me & Mini Me

Bath Cats

Throwback Thursday: Asia faces Annie through the bath tub screen door! {May 2010}

Speaking of cat bath time, here’s to hyping up my students‘ upcoming Demonstration Speeches!

The same cat parent also shows the benefits of having our feline fam …

Happy Howl-o-ween! Trick or Treat?

Thirsty Thursday: Triple T

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Thirsty Thursday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 10/29/2015 at 08:00

T is for …

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How do you use your †ime, †reasure (i.e., tithing) and †alen† in serving GOD?

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We all have unique ways that GOD has called us to serve Him and His people.

I also can continue glorifying GOD as I finish and use my doctoral degree!

Father Bob‘s most recent ✌PTL✌ in his latest greeting to me stands for:

  • Precious
  • Treasure
  • Lady

¡Feliz Día de los Santos y Día de los Muertos!

Working Woman’s Wednesday: Patience = Virtue

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 10/28/2015 at 03:33

Dr. Grassi cites scripture in sustaining patience:

  1. Romans 8:28 ~ GOD works for the good of those who ♥love♥ Him 
  2. Genesis 12:2, 7; Hebrews 6:15 ~ Abraham receiving the ☼promise☼ later in life
  3. 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Galatians 6:10 ~ Paul advising patience with other †faithful† people

I read his testament on patience yesterday, which was wonderful timing because it was just what I needed in multiple aspects of my life:

  1. getting through my dissertation defenses
  2. seeking a career advancement
  3. dealing with difficult people

Before I read his passage, I realized how patience helped me through those obstacles mentioned above:

  1. I received encouragement from my professors
  2. I received my latest teaching assignment
  3. I received a fresh perspective on someone

These were reasons to thank GOD!

When I went through my Confirmation classes, I sought patience as a virtue and still continue pursuing it through all aspects of my life. We live in a world of

  • instant gratification
  • sense of urgency

Yet …

If we patiently wait, we’ll have more reason to ☼celebrate.

As we commonly say, and I first heard from my eighth grade math teacher:

Good things come to those who wait, for they will be ☼rewarded☼ ten-fold.

Plus, as my buddy, Big D has mentioned:

Anticipation creates ☼excitement.

Spiritual Sources

Beauty Tuesday: All-Weather Non-Leather

In ♥ & Soul, Beauty Tuesday, Community, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 10/27/2015 at 10:00

Regardless of the season, we must treat our skin, hair and nails as we would our finest silk and favorite fabrics ~ with the best care!

One of my main go to basics: Eucerin Aquaphor (petroleum-based ointment)

Eucerin Aquaphor

I dig the *NEW* Eucerin Aquaphor “no-touch” applicator ~ with user-friendly sponge surface & plastic cap (sometimes packaging works if it’s functional)

Now here’s one of my newbies: L’Oréal® Nutri-Gloss Gylco-Silk

L'oréal Blake Lively

You too can score a *FREE* sample of L’Oréal® Advanced HairCare here! Choose among different selections depending on your hair type & needs ~ endorsed by celebrities (such as Ryan Reynolds wifey Blake Lively)

Sports Sunday Fun Day: Maligayang Bati, Papa Jun!

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Home Sweet Home, Relationships, Sports Sunday, Sunday Fun Day, Travel, Weekly Wonders, Yours Truly on 10/25/2015 at 15:00

♪Happy ☼Birthday☼♫ to my Dad today!

Go, *Dallas Cowboys* this NFL ☼Sunday!

Cowboys Fans

Throwback: Papa Jun & I en route to our *Dallas Cowboys* game against the Philly Eagles during the ‘BOYS‘ first season at its new home field (then-Cowboys Stadium/now-AT&T Stadium)

Just like any fortunate child who has grown up with a father or paternal figure, I feel extremely †blessed† and grateful to still have mine as a constant part of my life.

Dad the DCC Fan

Throwback: Papa Jun & I have a good view of *America’s Team* and *America’s Sweethearts from 6 rows behind the end zone!

Papa Jun is one of the most well-rounded people who I know and admire:

Even as an adult, I still keep learning from my Dad, who always enlightens me everyday, through his example and his wisdom as a prayerful soon-to-be first-time grandfather with whom I attended Church today. Cheers, Pops!

Maligayang Bati, Papa Jun, at ♥Mahal♥ Kita!

✌ R.I.P., Flip Saunders of the NBA ✌

Foodie Friday: Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice!

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Foodie Friday, Health, Home Sweet Home, Public Interest, Relationships, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Yours Truly on 10/23/2015 at 11:00

What’s better than carving and painting jack-o-lanterns?

Eating pumpkin … At least for yours truly!

I’ve already gone PSL-out and then some:

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Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Cheesecake dessert cookies & Pumpkin Spice Milano + Blue Diamond Pumpkin Spice Almonds from CVS | Quest Bar Pumpkin Pie energy bar (which we used to give away from Pretty Fit) from Market Street

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  • I’m nuts for pumpkins!
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Dynamic Dessert Duo: Olive Garden‘s Pumpkin Cheesecake

In fact, I used to buy a full pie for the fam to celebrate Halloween/Thanksgiving/my sis‘ birthday since college

(the Fazoli’s Ghirardelli tops a close 2nd)

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  • Even Yogurt!

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I’m flipping over this YOLOyo!

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TGIF *Friday Night* Addendum

Now I’m somewhat relieved that this weekend’s Halloween party has been canceled/postponed due to t-storms (Hurricane Patricia’s just further down south) ~ so in addition to preparing for my next round, I also can have some down time …

Bring on the cozy comforts of hot cocoa & mac ‘n’ cheese, please!

Beauty Tuesday: Steel Butterfly Stilettos

In ♥ & Soul, Beauty Tuesday, Community, Home Sweet Home, Public Interest, Relationships, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Yours Truly on 10/20/2015 at 10:00

Here’s a hint of what I’ll be this Halloween

Filipiniana Asia

Throwback: My *Philippine Flag* Mestiza Gown complete with Butterfly Sleeves for the Filipinana Gala that I covered (press and photo) back in 2009 ~ Asia the #PhotoBombDotCom before Annie‘s birth ♥Annie-versary♥

Clue: She’s known as the Steel Butterfly who scared off the Beatles who flew far from the Philippines never ever to return.

Boo Dog

Meet BOO ~ who’ll play the Pinoy Pomeranian pup this weekend (since the P.I. First Lady had a canine as her sidekick)

After winning the costume contest these past couple of years, will I come back for a 3-peat, suggested my boy *USMC* Kyle with a smile?

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Just a few of my favorite all-season shoes … Love my Brett Favre photobomb?

While what was on my head (the crow as Lone Ranger‘s Tonto in 2013 & my beehive gone live in 2014) did the trick ~ or treat? ~ will this year’s fate be helped with what I wear on my feet?

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I was choosing between my silver {from O’Shoes} or gold skinny heels to boost my height & compliment my festive sequins

Speaking of stilettos, this Muse of Manila who I’ll portray this Saturday was known to have 3K pairs of shoes!

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My skinny heels wouldn’t be complete without these Solemates High Heeler® ~ so I won’t stay stuck in the mud or other stilleto-unfriendly surfaces!

Just to be on the safe side, I wouldn’t endorse wearing heels all day everyday ~ more in moderation … and always have a back-up pair of flats!

Sports Sunday: A-Rod Badace Pass

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Sports, Sports Sunday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 10/18/2015 at 14:30

Alex Rodriguez has had my ♥heart♥ as a MLB *superstar*

A-Rod

♫Strolling Down Memory Lane♪ ☼Sunday☼ Cruise throwback: ♠A-Rod♠ with the *Texas Rangers*

  • since he was a rookie with the Seattle Mariners over two decades ago
  • through his career with the Texas Rangers
  • and even when he went to the New York Yankees
Asia & I rep A-Rod

♫Strolling Down Memory Lane♪ ☼Sunday☼ Cruise throwback: My blue-eyed girl ♥Asia♥ welcomes me home from Cali on Labor Day ’06 as we rep ♠A-Rod♠ & our *Texas Rangers* (selfie with my digi-cam before they existed on our smartphones & before iPhones existed!)

Despite the scandals that earned him a spot on my Top 5 Bawlers Ballers, I still admire him

  • in the ball park
  • and off the field
Christian & Me in Hats

♫Strolling Down Memory Lane♪ ☼Sunday☼ Cruise throwback: I still sported my love for ♠A-Rod♠ back in the day on the West Coast on *4th of July ’07* in the Bay!

Now into the pro baseball post-season, catch ♠A-Rod♠ in action on FOX Sports!