To stay in the spirit for this season, I decked out with a little bit of my autumn aesthetics ~ ringing in the old with the new!
My little splurge to bring me cheer this time of year: this rad-in-plaid deer because plaid is on-trend (this one somewhat resembles Burberry) + it’s deer season (not that I’m a hunter) & reindeer season‘s just around the corner ~ so I’ll adorn it with special ornaments! Just to add to my eccentricity, I named this bad boy DOC to keep me motivated as I keep trucking along (more in high-speed) toward my doctoral degree! Along with Doc are A&A‘s *Dallas Cowboys* TD toy for football season & my classic Halloween decor ~ including Badtz-Maru pillow ~ on this plaid spread that accompanies autumn yet also is appropriate for winter as we approach CHRIS†mas in red & green!
What’s the best fall memory you have? ~ football games, both when I was in h.s. & when I’d see my *Dallas Cowboys* live (everything’s BIGGER in TX)
What’s your favorite book you’re reading (or have read) this fall?~ Guts Grace & Glory (football devotionals) that I received during Lent & am reading through football season
Which makeup trend do you prefer: dark lips or winged eyeliner?~ both (winged liner above in Exhibit B)
Best fragrance for fall? ~ Bath & Body WorksSweet Cinnamon Pumpkin (above in Exhibit A)
What is autumn weather like where you live? ~ we’re still as ☼sunny☼ as Indian summer but anticipate a cool-down soon
Football games or jumping in leaf piles? ~ BOTH! (see No. 1 for football & Exhibit B for leaf piles)
Skinny jeans or leggings? ~ either or, as long as I don’t have a muffin top in the denim or camel toe in the tights
What is something that nobody knows about you? ~ I don’t mind digging into Ramen even if there’s other food in the panty (especially as comfort food now that we’re entering a colder climate), which I actually ate for lunch this afternoon while watching Wong Fu‘s majorcook-off!
Combat boots or Uggs? ~ bringing on my Docs, baby!
What song really gets you into the fall spirit? ~ oddly enough, ♫Taylor Swift‘s ♪Wildest Dreams♪ because it could describe any desire (i.e., “tall” could be a tall order of StarbucksSalted Caramel Mocha), fulfilled or fantasized about
My tiny tea cup cat’s fave hot spots: the windows! Here she is at the window behind my piano peering out into our garden…
Part of our backyard view complete with lush green grass (most definitely the best-mani on the block, hands down)! We’re enjoying the summer ☼sun☼ while we can before autumn officially starts soon. After receiving more precipitation at the ½way point this year following our previous full year’s totals, I wonder how much we’ll get next season?
Now that football season has kicked off, this sports spirituality book will do just the trick to keep my soul on a roll while I keep working on my own sports study (been investing 12-15h/day on it lately ~ ’til this weekend so I could focus on my Church readings)!
Once I kicked👟 my dissertation📖 work into high gear transitioning from July into August, I’ve actually resisted turning away from my work💼 after several-hours⌚️ worth of “shifts” lately!
But to prevent myself from 🍳frying⚡️ my 💡brain💭 from dozens of hours⏰ in front of my 💻computer ~ executing💥 my challenges while exercising my 💪🏽strengths:
Beachy Scene: I call this bad boy my Myrtle Beach Iced Tea (as opposed to Long Island) that calls for Arnold Palmer (tea & lemonade named for the golfer) spiked w/your spirit(s) of choice ~ mine was Midori for melon flavor and green color ~ + a cherry on top … Or to sink this ship! 🌊🌴🍹🍋🍈🍒⚓️🚢
That can be served ❄️chilled🍧 and 🍉chunky🍌
Peachy Keen: Other fruit to add to the mix (sweet if they swim in the drink while you sip): peaches * pineapple * strawberries 🍑🍍🍓🍒🍹
This last day of May ~ the month of MARY ~ marks my last (rest) day, week and month before the summer when I amp up my A-game to A+ completion for my dissertation. In June ~ very, very soon ~ I’ll …
Wrap up my data collection
Run my statistics
Analyze my results
Almost #NumberCrunchTime!
Breakthrough news:
Due to my strong efforts in increasing my sample size for my doctoral survey this past week alone, I had more participants everyday than I had in previous months since I started my research methods! As of yesterday, I’ve (finally) reached my minimum target amount! Of course, I’ll still keep *shooting* for more…
For the rest of this year, I’ll devote almost every waking moment outside of my Church, teaching and photography to finish my paper and prepare my dissertation defense to become DOCTOR. As my bud Edwin and I established the other day
I don’t just want to do it at this point. I have to / need to get her done. It is imperative.
Bearing all of the above in mind, a good night’s sleep is essential. Following are:
Problems that lead to lack of sleep
Guidelines from various sources that may be worth a shot
With a wealth of health info, there’s long-winded content below! #DISPObustAFlow
INSOMNIA ISSUES
As I write this, a Sleep Number commercial just came on, reminding me that comfort is key to getting those much needed z’s.
In my speech classes, I teach about how listening barriers (i.e., physical and psychological noise) prevent us as audience members from effectively paying attention to presentations ~ a similar analogy applies to sleepers.
Other people/pets at home or noisy neighbors contribute to non-friendly sleeping environments
Stress induces mind alertness that also deprive both the body and spirit from rest.
REM RESOLUTIONS
Rapid Eye Movement sleep is what we want to achieve for deep sleep. In order to achieve a more rested feeling upon waking up and welcoming the day, it may be a matter of adjusting our lifestyles. Here are ways to manage our time from the moment we wake up to when we hit the sack…
(4)First-thing-to-ring-in-the-morning sweat sessions bring blood pressure down to seize the day for better sleep(5)TIU-approved!
I observed that my better nights’ sleep took place after a knockout workout, such as the body pump, body jam and step aerobics classes that I took at my hometown and school gym during graduate school
(4)The juice contains melatonin, a chemical that induces sleepiness
Now that they’re in season, and my parents recently picked a serious bunch in California (during my mom’s birthday vacay and paternal grandmother’s anniversary commemoration), so I’m stocked up on pasalubong (gifts)
Caffeine
(4)As long as it’s consumed at least a couple of hours after waking (so you’re not too wired at the beginning) and done drinking coffee or caffeinated beverages by 2PM due to the 8-10 hour aftermath energy potential
I learned from experience to cut off my coffee intake before 5PM (because I’ve always had trouble sleeping when I’d keep drinking it past then) ~ now I ought to shut down a couple of hours prior to my usual time
Consume Healthy Fats
(4)Omega-3 fatty acids can connect to substantial sleep
C-iesta
(4)Mid-day nap to increase alertness to wrap up the day; NASA research revealed that military pilots’ power naps increased their levels of alertness
Power naps have given me more of a punch and pow to plow wow through the rest of my day
Carb Load
(4)The amino acid tryptophan helps lead to drowsiness
Yes, please, bring it on! I’ve always advocated carbohydrates, like in pasta, as a runner whenever I’d get ready for race day, but it certainly makes sense that they’ve contributed to that well-rested feeling! The Ellen DeGeneres Show also suggested carbs, such as in bread, to help you sleep
(4)Alcohol interferes with circadian rhythms, according the University of Missouri studies, and takes an hour minimum for the body to metabolize it(5)DON’T drink on an empty stomach, and drink water between cocktails to stay hydrated, + try wine spritzers (= parts wine & soda) for ½ the calories!
Scents
(4)Lavender decreases inflammation, soothes aches and pains(5)reduces blood pressure and leads to deep sleep
My fave relaxing fragrances: lavender, jasmine, eucalyptus and mint …· I’ve always adored the calming effects of lavender, which I’ve already used from shower gels, bubble bath and my Bath & Body WorksAromatherapy lotion (Lavender Vanilla for Sleep)!· Another from my B&BW collection is from jasmine, from Midnight-Blooming Jasmine moisturizing lotion to Jasmine Vanilla for Sensual Aromatherapy· Eucaluptus and mint soothe me through my B&BW lotion (Eucalyptus and Spearmint for Stress Relief), and VicksVapoRub that I massage into my neck, chest, back and feet at bedtime to relieve aches and pains plus bring aromas that calm my cold.
DisConnect
(4)Unplugging all devices means NO melatonin suppressants (e.g., blue light, white noise)(5)TIU’s K&K call it a “tech detox”
I honestly have been keeping my iPhone 6+ OFF for days and even weeks at a time this season and using my computers , including for social media, exclusively to fulfill purposes of career-related projects
Clothes OFF
(4)Cooler temperatures rom sleeping au natural prevents the body from overheating
I’m all about snoozing in the buff, and this actually also has benefitted my energy bill more when I keep my electric fan off
Committed Sleep Schedule
I’ve always craved at least 8 hours of sleep per night, and (1)Edwin affirmed that by pointing out to me that by pointing out how
8 hours indeed is ideal during the night
9 hours (+ an extra hour) works for the weekend
He also mentioned that there’s no way we can make up for lost sleep. I most certainly back this because during my previous attempts of sleeping more after lacking rest, I’d throw myself off.
(6)Instead of getting out of bed, change your sleep position by turning upside-down· Calms the nervous system· Turns fears upside-down
When my sister and I shared a bedroom while vacationing at our aunt’s and uncle’s as children, we weren’t accustomed to twin beds since we had our own double/full-sized beds at the time ~ we stayed up late talking but realized that we more easily dozed off by reversing with our heads at the feet and our feet at the heads of the beds! (Mind you, we really didn’t have worries back then, but this method definitely proved to be effective even during childhood.)
Another commercial that just caught my eye was for Snuggles ~ a mom would put fabric softener sheets everywhere, including underneath chair cushions, to remind her and her family of the freshness! I think that I’ll try the Lavender Joy!
Supplements and Substances
Yes, several of us out there sought “magic pills” for a quick-fix to our own insomnia. Based on my own experience, I’ve taken them but now would rule them out as a last resort after trying all of the above advice first.
Valerian root ~ linked to reducing anxiety but isn’t FDA-regulated (which I took when I prepared for comprehensive exams in both my Master’s and doctoral degrees)
Prescription drugs ~ I’ve had Rx to “resolve” my sleep struggles, but I’d rather not be chemically-dependent on them and would only take them when I could devote a full-night’s rest
Sleepytime Tea ~ My doctoral classmate suggested this, and of course, I’ve also started making my own lemon-honey tea to soothe my cold: another reason I’ve been kept up late at night
Cap your night with another “B”!
Breathing Exercise
(6)Shutdown night time worry by minimizing those fears that keep you up late at night
Tip: Breathe in for 90 seconds so the worry passes
Just in case this lengthy segment didn’t already put you to sleep, here’s a sum-up …
For sufficient shut-eye, shoot for these essential “Cs“:
Comfort: comfy mattress (or other sleeping surface) and temps
Consistency: amount of sleep and same time on schedule
Challenge:
Go 1 day with implementing all of the above (except for the coin toss, sleep position or substances, unless absolutely necessary) ~ please feel free to post a comment to me on which ones worked for you
For any that did work for YOU, continue 1 week with them
If your sleep has improved after 1 week, keep incorporating them for 1 month!
*Bonus*: How to Stay Happy & Healthy (3)
Healthy & Happy Hacks
Examples or Experts
Which Worked for Me
Fitness tracker apps
Fitbit, Moves, Health Mate
I login to MyFitnessPal religiously and track my miles on RunKeeper (initially introduced to me by my college student who also trained for and ran marathons)
“Workout that does good”
Barre3’s daycare donation proceeds go to Every Mother Counts
I’ve raised funds for several exercise events that collected charitable contributions, including the American ♥Heart♥ Walk almost every year between my college and doctoral coursework years
“Look pretty – and pretty awesome”
Twice-Team USA Olympic runner Shannon Rowbury ~ who races with bright pink lips
I like to pull or pin my hair back before exercising … even though it doesn’t always stay that way post-workout!
“Orange juice for the win”
Easier to absorb nutrients from juice than the fruit ~ but beware of drinking too much due to sugar content, so still stay hydrated with H2O (Ralf Schweiggert, Ph.D., HohenheimUniversity in Stuttgart, Germany)
I teach🎤 about and should practice the importance of ensuring that our 🏡environment🚘 reflects on ourselves! Therefore, I still advocate reusing and recycling♻️ the 🌍Earth‘s resources while reducing clutter!
Colors & prints allude to my cheer📢 for 📓work: teal herringbone🐠 & lime green (my fave shade) brighten🔆 my day☀️ * zebra striped stiletto heel👠 tape dispenser is chic & slick * more colorful containers to coordinate with my tools & utensils (Dallas Cowboys🏈 Cheerleaders🌠 Breast Cancer Awareness🎀 cup to store my mini pink bag👛 that holds my hand sanitizer & SatinHands👋 lotion, Wanna Wanna🌴 cup holds my many colored ✒️pens + animal🐯 print pens that I pass out to my 🎓dissertation📜 survey participants)
Since downsizing during my sabbatical (while storing away my home office large L-shaped desk with a bookshelf📚 hutch over my large desktop monitor💻 that takes up two corner walls ~ perfect by a window), I had to get creative🎨 with my 📇workstation, and I followed my friend’s advice to make my area work-friendly.
These trays on clearance 💸 on clearance from OfficeMax📇 (where I’m a Star🌠 🍎Teacher) come in handy for my projects ~ including 💒First Communion🙏 📷photos: completed packages on top (love😍 my cat😻 post-its?) and in-progress on the bottom
My 👊sidekick😻 🍭Sweet🍯 🐱Annie🐈 likes to hide out in this 🌠Dallas Cowboys🏈 chair underneath our 🏇Dallas Cowboys🏉 snuggie ~ especially during today’s ⚡️t-storms☔️ for a 📢t-down🏆 😴chill😸 spot! #PURRfectMomentToPAWS 🐾
Also, I had to tighten up everything that I keep on my vanity: 💄makeup, nail💅 care, 👛fragrances, 💍jewelry, etc. Spring🍀 cleaning gave me an ample opportunity to straighten up this space!
Some of my scents … My newest addition/obsession: Vera Wang💍🎸Rockstar🎤 from Bday BestieEvie! Like how you can catch a glimpse of my view on my DKNY🗽 🍏Be Delicious? The Fossil watch⏰ boxes behind my glass fragrance tray stores extra buttons & thread to doctor up 👔clothes👗 & 🎽accessories!
More of seasonal signature scents: Coach Legacy for 🍀spring🐇 & 🍁fall🍂 * 👛Victoria’s Secret👙 Bombshell💣 🌞Summer🌴 Edition * 💟VS🆚 😇Angel👼 Gold for 🎅HOLYdays🎄 ~ all encased in the aforementioned Vera Wang💍 🎸Rockstar🎤 box!
Recently, I found bargains💸 on picture holders ~ another great way to personalize my “world”: with my 😍loved😻 ones!
🎅CHRISTmas🎄 in May: This pic📷 frame 🎁gift💝 set was on clearance (fortunately for yours truly yet unfortunately due to the closure of one of our local Christian stores) ~ I used these for last HOLYday season’s photos but still wish to see them year-round!
Now here’s a sight for sore, overworked 👓eyes: my 😻babes! This inexpensive clear acrylic literature📖 holder (also from OfficeMax) was simply mounted to my wall ~ where I can see my Blogilates💝 vision🌈 board to remind me of my goal🏁 to become 🎓Dr. + the PURRfect fit for my A&A!
After my cabin fever from our snow daysand before I escaped the snow to South Texas, Lisa gave me another much-neededmassage!
And since we both had stayed safely at our own homes drinking, she added lemon to detoxify to her Virgin Mojito!
I color-coordinate my zebra print & pink desk accessories + I have my hand sanitizer & Mary KaySatinHands travel-size lotion within my fingertips!
As a matter of fact, I went through 6 total paper bags
3 worth of shredding
3 worth of recycling
Fun stroll down memory lane, but holding onto these agendas from 2 decades ago isn’t necessary
The main organization guru who I follow, Alejandra, gave me some food for thought from her own recent decluttering experience [paraphrased]:
Some things serve as momentos, but getting rid of them doesn’t take away our past.
Now I put these Hello Kitty & KeroppiSanrio stationery to paper ~ literally!
For instance, I kept everything from elementary school through graduate school (countless years of education) ~ so after hearing her lesson, I realized that I still have my diploma and degrees regardless of not saving each single piece of work.
Ms. Excited Elaine can use these “E” cards for my †R.E. students† whose birthdays are in the ♣spring♣ & ☼summer☼!
Also, I was able to find stuff of which I still could make good use, in particular stationery and teaching supplies!
My *STC SIFE* (right) & TSTC post-it pads come in handy!
Welcome/Mabuhay/¡Biénvenidos! I am a USAF brat who was born in Germany and grew up State-side while celebrating my Catholic and Filipino heritage. ☼Sunny☼ DISPOsition Elaine’s Eye Candy/DISPhotos ~ I love GOD & His creations, so I take photos @ any given opportunity. Elaine DISPOrts ~ I am passionate about sports, which is my research focus on my ... Continue reading →
The Elaine Dispo Journal 