For the past few CHRISTmases, to follow in the example of the blessed birthday celebrant, JESUS, my family and I have contributed to those in need instead of each other. I’ve offered gifts to my Angel Tree children and am donating more to the Salvation Army today after my Holy Hour.
And if we really are poor ~ in health, spirit, or otherwise ~ let us seek the LORD for strength to overcome.
What better way to ring in my special day☼ than to celebrate at Church†? I began my birthday at the Chapel for my Adoration hour. Then Father Bob blessed♣ me and my gifts from my special friends, Evie, Maggie and Joe.♥ ♪They even sang Happy Birthday♫
GOD is Great!!!
PTL for Praise The LORD * People that LOVE * Pretty Tough Lady
Cheers to the New Year! Here’s to 2014: the year of Courting…
For yours truly, I’m courting my Ph.D. That means I must marry my dissertation topic: Relationships between Student-Athletes’ Perceptions of Their Intercollegiate Coaches’ Leadership Practices and Student-Athletes’ Satisfaction, Athletic and Academic Peformance.
Most of my waking hours have been devoted to my study and pursuing schools who will approve my request to approve my recruitment of participants for my research. If any of you readers have suggestions of NCAA-affiliated colleges in the state of Texas for me to seek consent to survey their student-athletes and/or have connections with their administration, then please feel free to refer me, thank you!
In efforts to reach out to my Pretty Fitsters on leading a Pretty Fit life all year-round and all life long, I’ve provided my compilation of unconventional workout videos that can be done anywhere, as well as other health-related tips from my favorite fitness gurus:
From 2013 to 2014, I feel grateful for my loves, especially GOD, my family, and my bestie. While I gave more generously to the Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda relief, I was pleasantly surprised to still receive gifts from my mom, my BFF, and mis suegros (in-laws):
From Nanay: PJs & Socks
It never fails: my mother always gives my sister and me socks and pajamas. At least we’ll always be warm!
From Melo: Chocolate & Chicken Soup for the Soul Gift Boxes
Of course, I put these to good use: eating the chocolates and reading this book. I actually loved the Chicken Soup for the Soul series since high school, and this Think Positive edition puts my own approach to life in perspective!
From La Familia Zapata: Hello Kitty stocking & ornament + blinged gift card
Mi cuñada (sister-in-law), Janet, along with mi suegra (mother-in-law) and mis sobrinitos (nieces and nephews) sent me Hello Kitty goodies and a gift card. They’re so sweet to remember me, and I miss them all dearly!
Happy Birthdays to these January Babies: my Great-Uncle Terry, my mother’s siblings Uncle Art & Robert + Auntie Aida, my GODdaughter Reyanna, & mi sobrinito (nephew) Justin!!!
In the wake of Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda, my family and agreed not to exchange CHRISTmas presents this year, as we have enough to be grateful for. The people who I will give something to are the children who I sponsor: the girl who my sister found for me in the Philippines through Christian Foundation of Children and Aging and the girl who I picked from my Church’s Angel Tree. You also have the opportunity to contribute to the relief from this devastation: World Food Programme…
Bearing this in mind, here are my latest Days of THANKS:
Day 12: I’m THANKful for GOD’s calling and gifts, in particular for my service to the Church, where I’ll put my public speaking skills and voice to good use again, as a lector at mass (previously used to sing in the choir/music ministry and teaching speech at the college level)
Day 13: I’m THANKful for good health, so I spread the wealth in my wellness articles and contributions to the Pretty Fitapp and blog
Speaking of my blog, here are my latest Rant posts:
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 →
GOD is Great!!! 
The Elaine Dispo Journal 