Fellow Cooper alum Dominic Rhodes & Matthias Royals, Class of 1997, part of the 1996 Cougars football team who went all the way to state until defeat against Austin Westlake
My good buddy, Big Matt, the youngest son of the late and great Royals, coordinated the function that featured his former football teammate and Super Bowl XLI champion Dominic Rhodes
*Starstruck*: Papa Jun has always been impressed by Dominic, both on and off the field as a community ambassador
(who pointed out how he switched from Lincoln to Clack ~ our junior high ~ upon redistricting to face Matthias as an opponent running back at Jefferson in the 8th grade).
Cougar Pride: We represent Cooper and are of Cougar age now! My mom had to steal a shot ~ which is why the men are looking in her direction ~ while my dad took this!
Along with Rhodes’ speech,
Dominic Rhodes made remarks about Matthias being a community leader who follows in Claudie‘s footsteps
the key note address by the Rev. Felicia Hopkins (who also served as an Army Chaplain, including during Operation Iraqui Freedom and had ministered to wounded warriors at my birth hospital in Landstuhl, Germany) of St. Paul UMC ~ just down the street from Big Matt’s and my alma mater, McM ~ was inspirational,
“Glorify †GOD†!” ~ Rev. Felicia Hopkins, St. Paul UMC senior pastor, as 2015 keynote speaker
as well as seeing community leaders and youth who were recognized.
“We feel like we’re being treated like royalty, as friends turn into family… Let it spread like wildfire.” ~ Michael T. Royals, eldest son
Random: I also ran into my elementary school ♫music♪ teacher, Mrs. Petty!
One of my childhood inspirations: Susan Petty, my ♪music♫ teacher at Austin Elementary
Join us for the late and great Claudie RoyalsBanquet to celebrate his 70th birthday this Sunday, February 15, 2015! More info by Dispo here, as for him we cheer!
From the Abilene Reporter-News: advance on Claudie Royals 2015 Banquet
My good friends, Matthias (youngest) and Michael T. (oldest), along with their siblings, hold this event for the City of Abilene every year since their father passed on. Their family even invited former NFL RB Dominic Rhodes ~ who helped lead the Indianapolis Colts to the Super Bowl XLI championship ~ to make an appearance and speak!
Today’s Foodie Friday is devoted to concoctions that combine different edibles into one, such as cake and cookies and fruit and more fruit. I’ll rate them on a scale from 1-5.
Tiramisu Cookie Sandwich = 4 points
A dozen SDJTiramisu Cookie Sandwiches, STAT!
Sweets du Jour, my favorite new bakery in Abilene ~ which is now offering a limited-time 15% discount off online orders from the SDJ app ~ has created an innovative addition to its menu: Cookie Sandwiches! I got a dozen of the Tiramisu flavor for my mom’s birthday.
Cookie Close-up!
Pros: sweet mascarpone cheese filling (+5)
Cons: cookies remind me of Snickerdoodles with espresso dusting, yet the softness makes up for that (-1)
Slam Dunk into Coffee or Cocoa!
Brunch of Champions = 5+ points / 100+%
I was just expecting “eggs and fruit,” but this is a whole different ball park here (clockwise): Buttered Toast + Spiced Sunny Side Eggs meets Steamed Banana complete w/Banana Leaf, Refried Black Beans, Steamed Sweet Potato + Pineapple & Mandarin Oranges
When I met with my Church friend after Adoration yesterday, he cooked up a storm! And I, as usual, got camera-carried away with this eye candy that tasted as picture-perfect as the presentation looks!
Brownies baked with Waffle Batter … I’m in Chocolate Heaven!
Pros: the BEST brunch I’ve ever had, both home-cooked and at a restaurant, beats everything out by far, bar-none (+10)
Cons: NONE whatsoever
Deer Droppings ~ Joe’s Homemade Candy, as he says: they’re better than the real thing!
Grape … I mean, Great News: I’m going to teach at the college level again!!! You know what that means: an apple a day scores yours truly an A! This is a batch of grape-flavored apples, enough said.
2 of my favorite wine vine fruits in 1!
Pros: sweet fruit fix, hence delicious and delicious (+5)
Cons: artificial grape flavor, so what’s the point? (-2)
TGIF Brunch
Avocado rounds out this meal in a Shake & as a Spread!
Today was my only day to sleep in, so I was grateful for a second day in-a-row to enjoy a savory meal and take my time without being in a rush!
Lean MeanGreen Machine!
Happy ***Memorial Day*** weekend, including to y’all Kings & Queens of the Grill!
What’s in our fortune on this fine Friday? Here I’ll feature two Asian family-owned eateries in Abilene, Texas, complete with photos. Both of them have been known to consistently earn the Reader’s Choice Award from Abilene Reporter-News voters.
AM Donuts
AM Donuts, Reader’s Choice Award winner, courtesy Elaine Dispo
Reader’s Choice Award-winning donut shop values customers, provides high quality
AM Donuts has assortment of flavors, courtesy Elaine Dispo
By Elaine Dispo
AM Donuts, the only Bubble Tea vendor in Abilene
AM Donuts & Croissants’ 1902 Grape Street location is thinking outside the bubble by being the only known public establishment in Abilene to offer boba tea.
Also known as “bubble tea,” this beverage that traces its origin to Taiwan has tapioca pearls of various flavors, like strawberry, lychee, taro, coconut and coffee.
“It is healthy and adds more flavor,” said Sokol Kim, the wife of owner George Kim, about AM’s smoothie-like drink.
George Kim, AM Donuts & Croissants owner, shows special straws for Boba Tea, courtesy Elaine Dispo
A 16-ounce bubble tea at AM on Grape costs $3.75, which is less expensive than bubble tea in larger markets and other frozen blended drinks of the same size or smaller at other vendors.
The Kims’ business has its loyal customers, many of whom meet at AM Donuts on a daily basis, and take advantage of coffee, baklava, kolaches or other popular pastries, such as cheese sticks and cream horns.
With bubble tea in the mix, Abileneans and visitors alike can be introduced to a commodity from a different part of the world.
AM Donuts has been widely-acclaimed by the city for over a decade, as it happens to be ranked No. 1 in the Readers Choice Awards for several years running.
“We like to take care of the people,” George Kim said. “It is nice to know that the city supports our product and knows it’s good and for our business to grow.”
AM Donuts also has shops on Willis Street, its original store, as well as Treadaway Boulevard and Pine Street. What makes AM on Grape so unique are the boba tea, as well as red velvet cake donuts and chocolate cherry fritters.
Aside from classic glazed donuts, AM also offers the maple bacon bars and an array of new baked goods. George Kim, coined the “AM Delight Do-sant,” inspired by the New York-style cronuts.
“The kitchen is my department,” George Kim said. He pointed out that AM’s efforts “to be as smooth and quick as possible to maintain the quality” pays off because “people like fast service and quality.”
Since AM on Grape opens as early as 5:30 a.m. and closes as late as 5 p.m., Kim and his team “make that commitment to do it.”
Chocolate-filled croissants recently joined their bakery selection of both savory and sweet treats.
Sokol Kim, brought up the idea of the chocolate-filled croissants from her time in France back in 2003, after she earned her bachelor’s degree in Cambodia. Her tour of Europe also led her to Denmark, and after she completed her master’s degree, she moved to the U.S. while pregnant with their daughter.
Previously, Sokol Kim’s career was in law that involved human rights at the international level. Now she works at AM Grape while attending school to become a Registered Nurse.
“Education changes life,” said Sokol Kim, who appreciates the support of her husband’s family and her family in Cambodia in her pursuit of a health care career while still supporting her husband’s business.
Many of the AM Donuts customers can agree . After all, the Grape branch is conveniently set on the north side of Abilene near Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University and Hendrick Medical Center. Therefore, Wi-Fi comes in handy for students and workers alike, and the TV provides a relaxing environment.
A visit to AM not only appeals to the taste buds, but eye candy also surrounds the space. The storefront has Asian-inspired pieces, such as the welcoming Buddha and a bamboo wall, in addition to classic art and recognized superheroes, including Batman, Superman and Marvel Comics characters. Some memorabilia have even come from the customers as gifts.
Due to the abundant space of the building as well as generous parking, George Kim envisioned “potential” of “not only a business but also a social network to hang out: an environment for everyone to enjoy, feel comfort. I think it’s important.”
Other than the boba tea and other special menu items exclusive to AM Donuts on Grape, George Kim’s service philosophy may be another reason why AM has earned the Readers Choice Award: to have “a relationship with our customers, make them feel connected.”
China Star
Beef & Broccoli + Kung Pao Chicken in the House!
Ever since my family moved to Abilene, my parents have frequented this Chinese buffet place for lunch or dinner.
Succulent Spring Rolls
Many of our family friends have held parties there, and my parents love to pick up take-out from there.
Hot & Sour Soup Warms the Soul!
The owners still recognize us when we go there for Sunday brunch after church.
My family and I went to Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater (approx. 45mi NW of Abilene) ~ which supposedly is the world’s largest!
Now here goes… [Questions are in italics; my answers are in bold.]
Yours truly’s SWEATER TAG
1. Favorite candle scent?Bath & Body Works Salty Caramel
BBW Salty Caramel
True Blue Jack-o-Lantern w/Salty Caramel Candle
2. Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?ALL of the Above 3. What’s the best fall memory you have?football ~ most recently Dallas Cowboys
GO, ‘BOYS! True Blue, through & through!
4. Which makeup trend do you prefer: dark lips or winged eyeliner?neither; cat make-up: my red lips in Ardency Inn Modster Long Play Supercharged Lip Color in Love Cat and cat eyeliner by M•A•C
Tried to pull off Cat Eye & Cat Lips at Christmas Party
5. Best fragrance for fall?COACH Legacy
COACH Legacy Stripes in bag, fragrance and Gabrielle glasses
6. Favorite Thanksgiving food?my Cranberry Walnut Pie
My THANKful Cranberry Walnut Pie
7. What is autumn weather like where you live?bipolar: sunny & warm 1 day, snowy & frosty the next
Sunny Abilene
Snow Day
8. Most worn sweater?my Kardashian Kollection white Open Knit Sweater because I could layer it over any color and wear off-the-shoulder
My fave Sweater Weather sweater that I can wear everywhere, including the beach!
9. Must-have nail polish this fall?Nicole by OPI® Kardashian Kollection Disco Dolls for the gold glitter and Follow Me on Glitter for the dark glitter
Kardashian Kolor from Nicole by OPI®
10. Football games or jumping in leaf piles?BOTH
Dallas Cowboys on the field! I’d like to play in the leaves with them!
11. Skinny jeans or leggings?BOTH … or how ’bout jeggings? (e.g., Sofia Vergara Lurex Jeggings in Gold Foil, Indigo & Jet Black ~ like the glitter effect from #9)
These Gold Jeggings pair well w/this Snake Scarf, along w/my Cowboys Boots!
12. Combat boots or Uggs?neither; I’ll go for my Kenneth Cole knee-high zip-up black stiletto boots, Corral Cowboy boots or Sketchers Tone-Ups camel boots w/ faux fur
Jeggings + Sketchers = Match Made on Snow Day
13. Is pumpkin spice worth the hype?he**-to-the-YEAH
Starbucks Pumpkin Spiced Latte
I asked for Salted Caramel & Whip to top off my PSL!
Salted Caramel PSL in the house!
Enjoy like yours truly at a Starbucks near you!
14. Favorite fall TV show?I’d say Grey’s Anatomy for the rainy weather, ’til it went on hiatus before the holidays, but now it’s back to ring in spring! 15. What song really gets you into the fall spirit?Katy Perry’s Eye of the Tiger brought me school spirit because my alma mater, Cooper H.S., was a finalist in her music vid contest
Katy Perry ~ Hear Me ROAR!
Katy Perry Challenge Finalists
Katy Perry Challenge includes CHS, all right, all right, all right!
Now that my blog for Rant Sportsis in full swing, I seriously must get on the ball with my dissertation. As a Ph.D. candidate who completed my comprehensive exams and doctoral coursework last year, I’m ABD (All But Dissertation). If any of you who read this have achieved an ultimate dream like finishing your terminal degree, your suggestions on time management for me to become Doctor would be greatly appreciated.
When I taught at South Texas College, I asked two of my colleagues for the keys to them unlocking their goal of graduating with their doctorate. Theirs were:
Perseverance ~ Dr. Rosalinda Cantú
Endurance ~ Dr. Roksana Alavi
Dr. Cantú was my former boss for our Communication Arts department, and Dr. Alavi was my next-door office neighbor who also used her “endurance” when she happened to run one of the same races with me, the Fiesta 5K, back in 2009. Even though we’ve gone our separate ways since then, these two mentors’ messages still resonate in my mind as I muster up my focus.
Another South Texas colleague, who I would fondly call “Thaddeus,” as he was named after St. Jude and with whom I was connected because he was also in his 20s when he went through grad school for his doctoral program, also gave me these two-cents that are worth abundantly more:
We all have our own crosses to bear ~ Dr. George Thaddeus Díaz
My Pinoy friend, Sammy Antonio, who is from my father’s province and now lives in the RGV after teaching at Pangasinan State University, provided me with this advice, as his wife is also pursuing her Ph.D.:
You will hitch your wagon to the stars. * ~ Professor Sammy Antonio
Meanwhile, I pass along to you my freshest Dallas MavericksHoop Scoops and more NFL and college footballBall Calls — lucky “No. 13” since my last post:
As I get into the groove with my Rant Sportsblog, I branched out my reports beyond my Dallas Mavericks into football – both college and the NFL – from the games I attended this past weekend. First, I’ll share my pre-preseason* pieces followed by last weekend’s adventure** articles then the two freshly pressed posts*** from today that cover the preseason so far!
I’m advancing into my writing career by sports blogging! Thanks to LinkedIn, I scored a gig with RantSports.com. Please check out my author page for links to my pieces!
So far, I’m writing about my Dallas Mavericks for the NBA and Clubhouse sections. Here are my author pages and first 10 stories to wrap up this month of September.
During basketball season, I’ll go into full swing! Please click through my articles as this is my bread and butter, and sharing is caring, so please feel free to pass them along!
With my 10-year college Reunion at McMurry coming up this Saturday, I’ll try to promote my blog at our Homecoming game against my grad school alma mater, Angelo State!
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 →
A visit to AM not only appeals to the taste buds, but eye candy also surrounds the space. 
The storefront has Asian-inspired pieces, such as the welcoming Buddha and a bamboo wall, in addition to classic art and recognized superheroes, including Batman, Superman and Marvel Comics characters. 
Some memorabilia have even come from the customers as gifts. 
The Elaine Dispo Journal 