Spirit Sunday: NBA All-Star Edition ~ Valentine’s Shine

Happy ♥Valentine’s♥ Day to the loves of my life: the LORD my GOD

@annaakana @ghostandstarsapparel #GSSideShowDress #MardiGras #NewOrleansMask #ValentinesDay #SweetheartBall #ValentinesDance #MayICutIn #MayIHaveThisDance #DanceWithMyFather #DaddysGirl #LikeMotherLikeDaughter #family #love #heart #hugs #kisses #sweetheart #XOXO #BlowingKisses #valentines #dance #party #CupidShuffle #XO #DrDISPOmakeover #DonateAfterIGraduate #MaggieMagic #SinglesAwareness #FlyingSolo #DrDISPObustAFlow 🎭💝💃🏻👠👛💋💁🏻🎓

• my parents

#HappyValentinesDay #ValentinesFelines #BeMine #FineFeline #SisKiss #KissBlow #BowAndArrow #DrDISPObustAFlow #XO #XOXO #CupidShuffle #Cupid #ConversationHearts #sweetheart #heart #hugs #kisses #love #ValentinesDay #valentines #felines #DecadeOfASIA #SweetANNIE #DoubleATeam #GradCat #StatsCat #SisterlyLove #SisLove #AteASIA #LilSisANNIE 😻🐱🐯🦁🐈🐆🐅🎀🎁💝💖💘💗💓💞💕❣❤️💛💚💙💜💟🏆🎓📊📈📉🙅🏻💋

• and my ♥valentines♥ felines!

Study Saturday: The Show Must Go On…

Happy One-Week Anniversary of my Doc Grad!

This is where I reminisce about GOD’s plan.

When I thought that things were going wrong just because they didn’t go my way, it turned out that everything fell into place perfectly:

My Intent	What Went Wrong	GOD’s Perfect Plan
To wear my medal at my public dissertation defense and graduation	I couldn’t find it where I thought that I stored it … or anywhere else	Bishop Mike blessed me before my dissertation defense and gave me the Pope Francis rosary
To have my professors sign my dissertation with our dissertation signature pen	I misplaced it from the special spot where I set it aside for the past few years	Brought the “I Thank GOD for You” pen that Sister Jyothi gave us Religious Education teachers
To film my public dissertation defense with the tripod from Bestie Evie	Despite deleting Fast and Furious from my 128GB iPhone 6 plus, I still ran out of storage space as I presented results for my 15th out of 17 null hypothesis	Lessons learned: don’t consume too much memory on my devices or include so many variables in my research – but at least I recorded the majority
To walk across the stage without falling flat on my face – while wearing my cowboy boots instead of stilettos (like my high heels at my previous graduations)	I faced my school President while my dissertation chair hooded me instead of the crowd like the rest of the doctoral candidates	Bestie Evie pointed out that she noticed how I did the sign of the cross before I walked across the stage – which showed  that I put GOD first
To reserve the restaurant for my luncheon 3h after my graduation start time	Car accident on the major incident delayed our graduation procession, and major traffic jam getting out of parking lot delayed my reception	Time to catch up with my dad’s fellow Filipino Catholic USAF buddy with whom he was stationed in Germany and his wife (so we didn’t join impatient drivers and passengers) – shared stories

Thanks: GOD, my parents, my bestie Evie & her family, Drs. D & C-B, my colleagues + Team Dr. D for sticking w/me through my PhD journey! Scored this goal, now onto my next role #TitaElaine #MiniCOOLEYonTheWay #AnydayThisHOLYday #DISPObustAFlow #DrDISPObustAFlow #DISPO #TeamDrDISPO #TeamDrD #DrD #PhD #DoctorOfPhilosophy #3rdDegree (3 stripes) #OurLadyOfTheLakeUniversity #OurLadyOfTheLake #TheLake #OLLUSaints #Saints #WingsUp #PTL #PraiseTheLORD #PreciousTreasureLady #PrettyToughLady #WhatAWayToWrapUp2015 #YearOfFinishing #appreciate #graduate #celebrate #cheers #salud #GODblessUsEveryone ☝🏽️✌🏽🙏🏽👐🏽💒🏤⛲️🎓🎤🏅🏆🏈🏀⚾️🎾⚽️⛳️✨💫🌠🎇🎆🍾🍹🍷🍸🍻🍝🍨🍮

¡Gracias a Díos!

Movie Monday: Big and Small Screen

Tomorrow is the Big Day, as my family and take off to my Dissertation Defense!

Meanwhile, we actually caught three films on DVD during THANKSgiving weekend:

• Aloha
• Ricki and the Flash
• The Age of Adeline

Initially, I only was interested in Aloha, mainly for the Air Force (not to mention Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone who I especially liked as Gwen Stacy from The Amazing Spider-Man, and Rachel McAdams from The Notebook that we watched on our first Movie Night with my parents as empty nesters a decade ago) ~ but I ended up sticking around with my folks for the rest to make the most out of our time together (and ended up getting hair inspiration from the other two movies ~ especially from Blake Lively as Adeline, a.k.a. Amanda and Jenny).

After I present my sports study, these are the *NEW* football flicks that I must catch that are relevant to my research:

• My All American ~ recently released last month’s Friday, the 13th

• Concussion ~ coming this CHRISTmas!

Manic Movie Musical Monday: More to Life than Me

Peace✌ to Paris

Trivial problems in our own lives don’t compare to world issues such as this traumatic terrorist act.

Therefore, tuning into Ryan Higa‘s First World Problems puts our own woes into a fresh perspective:

Original (2012) — *NEW* iPhone 5 

More Recent (2014) — NON-iPhone 5 compatible

Speaking of terrorist acts, we also live in a time when natural disasters draw our attention to devastating death tolls from either, leaving us with uncertain times.

San Andreas shows us the measures that we may take by human nature to save our ♥loved♥ ones and survive.

MCM (Man Crush Monday): Dwayne Johnson *stars*

Another Action-Packed Adventurous San Andreas Trailer

This was an excellent flick pick for Movie Night at home with the fam ~ especially since it showcased family!

I certainly needed some down time (even bypassing party and Fight Night invites) after my faculty defense!

With the HOLYdays around the corner plus after a productive day of grading speeches and practicing my own presentation …

♪Chestnuts Roasting on an Open-Fire♫ = exactly what this soon-to-be Doctor ordered!

Motivational Monday: Non-Trick Treats

We can’t go wrong with positive reinforcement …

Childhood Examples

• behaving all year long –> CHRISTmas gifts from “Santa”
• pulling out your baby teeth –> chunk change from the “Tooth Fairy”
• asking “Trick or Treat?” politely –> candy and other goodies (such as Bible verses or prayer cards)
• reading x# of pages or books –> “Book It” (now “Accelerated Reader”) points and prizes ~ like a personal pan pizza from the Hut

Lately, rewarding myself helps ease the toughness of a rigorous project!

Adult Examples

• with my wider budget: *Dallas Cowboys* games toward the end of the season after the fall semester
• with my now tighter budget: books and video ~ which I planned to read and watch after I advance

Great timing since I just progressed onto my next series!

• Furious 7 ~ complete with Target exclusive ♫music samples♪
• The Glam Guide ~ by beauty guru and online force Fleur De Force

3:33 ~ make a wish!!! ✌

Go, *Dez Bryant* ~  in his return to the field for NFL ☼Sunday☼ yesterday!

Working Woman’s Wednesday: Dissertation Declutter

Kicking off my first committee defense day: coffee mug for this clutterbug–shutterbug/my cup of joe & carrot cake from the baby shower of my Sis Jo Mama!

Happy National Dessert Day!

C is for … Carrot Cake * Cream Cheese * Chopped Pecans

My peers who’ve preceded me in finishing their doctor of philosophy degrees can agree:

Cleaner and clearer are better.

That means: clean desks and clear minds …

Plus clean PowerPoints to clear our minds!

Two of my esteemed classmates who graduated a few years ago and whose guidance I sought for my paper and slideshow both explicitly pointed out that I most certainly must cut back

Down to 120-140 slides, no more than 150!

As the ☼summer☼ drew to a close ~ during my most recent hurdle (that lasted four months as we entered fall term), my statistics ~ I already reached 300+ slides and reached 300+ pages of my dissertation

Yet that’s way too many to fit into a two-hour presentation (including professors‘ Q&A) ~ so I’ve reduced down to almost ½ so far!

This slide: an indicator that I measured a TON of stats! I ended up taking out 50+ slides last night … Shooting to eliminate more. Next issue: making sure that the fewer slides that I look less cluttered!

Just as I’ve had to minimize my clutter-bug and shutter-bug ways, I’m also de-cluttering / cleaning and clearing up my PowerPoint

That way, I can advance into the next round!

Study Saturday: Presentation Prep

Who would’ve thought that the advice offered by Belinda Selene in this month’s Seventeen magazine would actually help yours truly (who’s double the title age)?

Belinda Selene also suggests concealer to prime eye shadow ~ which can be used in lieu of eye liner to prevent smudges! | Courtesy Seventeen magazine, October 2015

Indeed, this tip is relevant to ~ not only social media trendsetters with followers, but also ~ anyone who has an audience ~ in particular:

• My speech students, including for their upcoming informative speeches
• Yours truly in my rounds of dissertation defense, starting with committee

Apparently, Jessica Alba must be extremely influential with her following ~ she’s now branded produce! | Courtesy Seventeen magazine, October 2015

Bottom Line: Public Speaking revolves around our Audience, just as Writing revolves around our Readers!

I’ve already been on-point with making this Neutrogena base for my face as my go-to double-function foundation for SPF coverage and acne prevention/protection! | Courtesy Seventeen magazine, October 2015

Workout Wednesday: Double Duty

Since most of my energy and time are being spent on my dissertation, I’ve minimized my exercise

Sweaty Selfie: Shake Weight catches my reflection as I put in some action!

Yet I still fit it in

No need for the gym ~ I’ve got the gear that I need here, while sporting my fave teams: Dallas Mavericks * Dallas Cowboys * Texas Rangers

As I catch up on chores

As I dust my dresser that have decor, I also display jewelry and photos that I score!

Both inside the house

More ♥love♥ to bedazzle

And outdoors!

More watches to witness my fitness + parabands that my student’s son made for his how-to speech

My favorite physical activity:

Home for my chunky floral pearl statement necklace to ☼brighten☼ my vanity after ☼summer☼

Dancing!

Purrfect spot to sport my Double A-Team‘s collars complete with their St. Francis of Assisi + *Dallas Mavericks* & *San Antonio Spurs* medals (YES, speaking of bball, that is a Kobe Bryant card here)

I also ♫sing♪ to work out those vocal chords!

Wow, speaking of black & gold, my students‘ homecoming is coming up …

Therefore, both my body and soul are refreshed!

Beauty Tuesday: Quality Colors

If you’ve ever watched Funny Face that starred Audrey Hepburn, then you’ll remember the opening scene when Quality magazine’s editor, Ms. Prescott made time to rhyme:

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I wear pink everyday! {Black & white zig zag chiffon high-low dress + pink houndstooth silk bow blouse both by Kardashian Kollection

Before the iPhone 6s in rose gold was released, I’ve already been on the rose gold fix for over a couple of years ~ including with my watches (except for my Texas Longhorns one ~ that’s in silver with burnt orange detail but I’m showing it to root ’em on this season) #RoseGold #HookEm ^~^

• Think pink [especially for Breast Cancer Awareness]

My M•A•C Hello Kitty limited edition nail lacquers came in handy for my mani!

This Chanel shade from my beautician Auntie from my visit a couple of years ago is sure to be a show-shopper!

• Red is dead
  

  Perfect for the approaching Advent/CHRISTmas season: Pine cones outside my school‘s gazebo that I picked up after I taught speech today! (Fun fact: Last time I scored some was when I went snowboarding with my cousins at Lake Tahoe while I still lived in the Bay Area!)

My polka dotted navy blue fetish has been with me for several decades: as a child (my family portrait) + these Calvin Klein boxers (left) from the ’90s, this Gap cami (right) from the 2000s, & my A’Gaci maxi dress (center) for my dissertation defense if all goes according to plan ~ GOD-willing, †praying✌ & hoping!

DOC the doe can rock these blue gingham & houndstooth numbers on her antlers!

My mini-Fall Haul from CVS consisted of seasonal home fragrances, to-go stain remover & Neutrogena eye make-up with my new find: this Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Liner in Twylight Blue ~ which can counteract the look of redness and enhance the whiteness in our eyes –> just what this almost–Doctor ordered, after investing 12-15h/day☼ & staying up ’til 2-4:30AM lately refining my research (plus can create the purr-fect cat eye), as you can see by these selfies that follow!

• Blue is through [including for my *Dallas Cowboys* plus through blue eyeliner and denim tops]

Gap denim 3/4-sleeves got me through my †Church† duty as photographer for †Confirmation†

My best accessory: this blue-eyed girl, ♥Asia♥ a.k.a. Grad Cat! My Gap denim short-sleeved top is a classic layering piece.

Cheers with my PSL as I focus on tomorrow’s preliminary run-through of my dissertation defense! My Express denim long-sleeved top with snap buttons can go underneath my brand-new Adam Lippes for Target plaid vest special-delivered today!

Mani Monday: 1st paint job this season & still bringing on the ☼sunshine☼ … This teal (Nicole by O•P•I Gum Drops in That’s What I Mint) is a steal (also included Nicole by O•P•I Kardashian Kolor in Disco Dolls for the gold glitter for ☼sun☼ & ☼sunflower)

• Green‘s obscene

Warmly welcoming me home from my vacay getaway (while I wear the teal convertible shawl from my Tita): ♥Sweet Annie♥ my green-eyed girl

Not as warmly welcoming me home from my vacay getaway (while I wear the teal convertible shawl from my Tita): Growl … I mean, Grrrrad Cat ♥Asia♥

• Brown’s too boo

Pine cones to ring in fall & sustain through the winter! Why buy this decor at the store when at work is where I score?

Look what the deer dragged in … Let’s not leave out black & gray + muted tones ~ looking rad in plaid this season: DOC the doe puts on a show with this Adam Lippes for Target plaid sweater vest, my wardrobe’s *NEW* best (and prime photo backdrop for pink nail polish above)!

I beg to differ, Ms. Prescott, because I don’t discriminate against any color … Bring on ALL of the above this season, everyday and always, please!

Bottom line: Fashion rules don’t dictate our lives + we may have pieces in our collection that’ll stay timeless.

Study Saturday: Prime Time Wisdom

Advice / Anecdotes (like the Alliteration?) from Fall TV

Grey’s Anatomy revolves around Dr. Meredith Grey (center), here with her ½-sister from her late mom, Dr. Ellis Grey’s side, Dr. Margaret Pierce, a.k.a. “Maggie” (to her right/viewer’s left) & sister-in-law from her late husband, Dr. Derek Shepherd, a.k.a. “McDreamy‘s” side, Dr. Amelia Shepherd (to her left/viewer’s right) after they demolished a wall ~ as my doc friend–turned published author says, we “build out of bricks,” so here these 3 are, starting over from scratch. #HomeReno #DISPObustAFlow Rando Info: Doesn’t the actress who plays Maggie look like the Special K commercial chick in lumberjack (red and black) plaid on a bus? | Courtesy ABC

Grey’s Anatomy on Leadership

Be worthy of being believed in, of being looked up to.

~ Dr. Edwards to “the other” Dr. Shepherd* (Feb. 26, 2015)

You have to lead.

~ Dr. Harmon to “the other” Dr. Shepherd* (Feb. 26, 2015)

Being a leader isn’t about whether they’ll listen to you, it’s whether they believe in you.

~ former Chief Dr. Richard Webber to new Chief Dr. Miranda Bailey (Oct. 1, 2015)

I call this GA 360 because this is relevant to followers and leaders alike:

• Mentors, in the resident’s case of following the attendings
• Speakers, in my college public speaking students‘ case
• Leaders, as I’ve studied for my Doctor of Philosophy

Confidence

“There’s a scientific study that shows that if you stand in superhero pose for just five minutes before a job interview or a big presentation or a really hard task, you will not only feel confident, but you will perform measurably better.

~ *Dr. Amelia Shepherd to Dr. Edwards on Grey’s (March 5, 2015)

From Big Bang Theory {next three examples}

Dr. Leonard: “I’m a little nervous” (about approaching George Lucas at Skywalker Ranch).

Dr. Sheldon Cooper: “Get over it. Confidence is key in these situations.”

Empathy

It’s an evolutionary advantage to be included in things.” [as I teach about affection being a basic interpersonal/social need]

~ Dr. Amy [played by real-life Ph.D. and the Blossom star from 2½ decades ago] about feeling left out to empathize with bf Sheldon

Alliteration and Assonance

You are the King Kong of Ping Pong. You are the Menace of Table Tennis … You said you played Badminton? More like Sadminton!

~ Dr. Howard to Dr. Raj

Progress

You know why you’re acting this way? You’re so close! I’ve been there … When you’re about to make a breakthrough. Keep going. Don’t stop.

~ Dr. Derek Shepherd to Dr. Caliet (wannabe mistress) on GA (March 26, 2015)

^– I most certainly must heed this as I approach my finish line! –^ 

Side chart note: Without McDreamy and McSteamy in the mix at Seattle Grace (now Grey-Sloan ~ bad-to-the-bone), it’s “Attending Poser” / *NEW* *HOT* Intern who I’ll chase [not really — just making time to rhyme as always all days]! #DISPObustAFlow