elainedispo

Posts Tagged ‘reward’

Motivational Monday: Non-Trick Treats

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Motivational Monday, Movie Monday, Musical Monday, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Technology, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 11/02/2015 at 15:33

We can’t go wrong with positive reinforcement …

Childhood Examples

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

Adult Examples

Great timing since I just progressed onto my next series!

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3:33 ~ make a wish!!! ✌

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

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

Thirsty Thursday: Perfect Plan

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

Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the †LORD† your GOD, am with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9*

Bishop Mike ~ who reminded me to look at the †cross† for renewed hope, ♥love♥ and trust ~ sent me this beautiful †cross† that was blessed by Pope Francis during his *Stateside* visit!

Blessed Cross

Live by the †cross†: For more ☼floral☼ religious symbols from the clergy, please see the OLG medal from ♥Bishop Mike♥ & the ♥Pope Francis♥ coin

I received this generous gift from my spiritual mentor in great timing: the day before my latest conference call with my professor** to practice my dissertation defense ~ in which I advanced to my first committee defense (preliminary presentation to my professors on board)! This reminds me of how the Bishop has always come through for me ~ particularly when he gave me the Holy Spirit blessing and medal right before I took my comprehensive examinations for my Master’s degree almost a decade ago!

He will not let you down.

~ Bishop Mike

While we live in a world where ✌peace✌ is but a wish, our Heavenly Father has the BEST in store for us that is yet to come

♪♫CHRIST be our Light ~ ☼shine☼ in our ♥hearts, shine through the darkness♪♫

*♪♫Do not be afraid, I am with you … I ♥love♥ you, and you are mine♫♪

*Bible Reference = My Mantra during my **Run-through

  • Rainbow Studies, Inc. (2000). The Catholic Rainbow Study Bible: Good News Translation (2nd ed.). El Reno, OK: Rainbow Studies International.

Beauty Tuesday: BTS Hacks

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 09/15/2015 at 09:30

‘Cause I have your back!

This Back-to-School season, check out my super saver tips for time, money and the Earth plus even your sanity …

Set out:

  • weekly wardrobe ~ clothes, jewelry, hair accessories, handbags, etc. (hang on a rolling rack or dedicated space to designate) #OOTDforDays
  • anything else that you need to get ready ~ especially your keys, in the same spot, and also specific hair tools & products, makeup, nail colors

Always check the weather forecast and have a back-up plan if an unexpected natural circumstance arises

Sleep in:

This has worked for me on a couple of different situations:

  1. when I had my fitness classes 1st thing in the AM in college
  2. when I worked at my hometown gym and exercised before work

Speaking of ♫working on my fitness, he’s my witness♪ {Fergie‘s Fergalicious}

Be Prepared  {Boy Scout motto}

  • stash sneakers in your vehicle ~ so you have no excuse for a fun run on-the-go
  • pack change clothes ~ from working out to reporting to work or vice versa

This has worked for me on a few different situations:

  1. when I hit the base gym before and after work after I graduated from college (YES, 2-a-days)
  2. when I hit the university gym during lunch with my boss during graduate school
  3. when I hit the college gym between classes that I taught
  4. when I had my photography gig at the hospitals (during which I’d sometimes fit in a work workout) before teaching at the College or ministering at Church

Bearing this in mind, make sure to pack

  • hygiene products (i.e., dry shampoo, deodorant) ~ do your best to fit in a quick shower if there’s a locker room
  • dental hygiene products (i.e., floss picks, gum, mints) ~ so your breath doesn’t kick

I actually store deodorant and mini perfume bottles plus packs of gum in most of my purses plus my compact bag that I transport when I switch handbags

DON’T forget to eat! ~ Mami Aya + many Pinay & caring moms everywhere

  • double-duty edibles ~ such as coconut oil to substitute fatty oils in recipes plus is my favorite hair conditioner and also moisturizes skin, as well as removes makeup (according to The Sweet Life)
  • handy healthy snacks (not fast food) ~ such as apples, grapes (I dig mine fresh or frozen), pears ~ the pear or apple crisp can trigger brain juice flow, don’t ya know #DISPObustAFlow
  • chill your coffee ~ since I don’t drink as much for heartburn prevention, I store the rest in the fridge until the next day
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Stylin’ Sippie Selfie: Reppin’ my *Dallas Cowboys* after last night‘s victory to kick off NFL season: Go, Big Blue … in Checkered & Houndstooth!

Transitioning between seasons from cold cups to hot tumblers …

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*Star* Quality: Starbucks Anniversary Collection Houndstooth Double-Wall Traveler Ceramic Mug was worth the investment for yours truly (as long as I don’t drop it ~ no jinx, please) because I ♥love♥ the look and can save a few cents every time I refill it … (I also adore the same-style Swarovski Crystal one from this season’s collection because I wear Swarovski from head to toe, but c’mon: I’m a doc candidate on a tight budget ~ so I’ll keep admiring from afar)

1-Stop Shop

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You too can check out these Target en Vogue** photos by scoring a copy and scanning with your Shazam app

☼Sunshine☼ Time

  • Get a daily dose of Vitamin D (as weather permits) ~ for health & happiness
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Taking a breezy breather from my dissertation in the backyard to thumb through Vogue** in ☼serenity☼

Just make YOU Time

Easy Reads

Perfect coffee table or night stand literature ~ when I need a break from my dissertation, these are my latest go-tos: the original Cupcakes and Cashmere (prequel to Cupcakes and Cashmere at Home that I have in eBook form) and this month’s 800+-page Vogue** (glossy inspirations of this season’s styles)

More than Scrub in the Tub

  • ♪sing♫ in the shower ~ so cliché, but as someone who needs a nice-sounding voice for teaching, defending my dissertation, and most of all: ministering (leading in readings, prayers and song) at Mass, I must warm up my ♫melody♪
  • stay fit as you suds up ~ stretch (with caution) as you reach for body parts to clean, and if you’re seated during a bath, I strongly suggest doing water pilates (think table top position with head and feet raised for resistance as you move)

†Pray† at Any Time of the Day

* Rewards = another way to $ave (discount$ & FREEbie$)

These guidelines will save you in the long one ~ not only for the aforementioned reasons, but also from embarrassment (i.e., killer breath, B.O.) if you run into someone later… We don’t want to be Finch from the American Pie movies who had to go home from school every time he had to release his macchiato! You’re welcome.  ✌

Happy ☼Birthday☼ to my ♥Tita Fe♥, a.k.a. Dr. Reyes-Dollete, & HBD to my BFF Bestie SSG Melody!

^– Let this **Vogue ♪jam♫ ♫pump you up♪ today!!! –^

As ♫Madonna♪ sings:

♪That’s why I feel so beautiful♫

Thirsty Thursday: Emmanuel is Enough

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Technology, Thirsty Thursday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 09/10/2015 at 08:00

The struggle is real.

Pope Francis

Pope Francis coin courtesy Catholic Relief Services … Our Holy Father has made a profound impact all over the world, including in the *USA* ~ in addressing the need to take care of the Earth & each other while remaining content.

Do you ever find yourself in conflict with your values and the demands of everyday life?

OLL

The Most Holy Rosary at Our Lady of Lourdes grotto this past ☼Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015 on EWTN (Eternal World Television Network)

Which is more important …

GOD is No. 1

In the name of the Father

Jesus

… & of the Son

  • our own desires?
Holy Spirit

… & of the Holy Spirit

Some of us may encounter the challenge of pleasing the LORD, the world and ourselves.

MORE ♥LOVE♥ for Our Eternal Savior = LESS Stress in the World as We Prepare for ☼Heaven☼

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From Straight from the ♥Heart♥: A †Prayer† Companion by Rev. Fr. Mario José C. Ladra (p. 34)

I’ve led this in ♪song♫ at †Church, and it truly has brought tears to my eyes …

In spite of our strife to look and feel good, our spiritual health holds precedence.

Annie Rosary

Soon-to-be Bday Grrrl Angel Annie prays the Rosary everyday with yours truly … The simple pleasures of life✌

Mixer Monday: Mojito Madness

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Home Sweet Home, Mixer Monday, Relationships, Travel, Weekly Wonders, Yours Truly on 09/07/2015 at 09:00

Minty!

To ring in recent birthdays, I was all about ordering up mojitos!

La Canela Pasión

Passionfruit Mojito topped with Cocktail Fruit from La Canela Peruvian Restaurant

  1. First, to celebrate my Tita Fe‘s birthday, I had this Passionfruit Mojito at the Peruvian restaurant ~ thanks to my cousin & her hubby!
  2. Then I enjoyed a refreshing Frozen Blueberry Mojito at my own Bday Brunch from Miguel’s Mex Tex Café (Mex intentionally before Tex)!
  3. Most recently, I toasted to my cousin’s birthday with this Twisted Madre Mango Margarita ~ another special from Miguel’s Agave Bar!
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Twisted Madre: Frozen Margarita swirled with Mango Flavor topped with Lime and dressed with Chile Salt on the Sim from Miguel’s Mex Tex Café

S is for …

  • Sip On
  • ¡Salud!
Bday Frappé

Freebie for my Bday: Mocha Coconut Hazelnut Frappé

More Sweet Treats … this time without spirits:

Bday Frappé Run: Fun in the ☼Sun☼

Bday Frappé Run: Fun in the ☼Sun☼ as I stay cool at school #DISPObustAFlow #Frappuccino

Starbucks Birthday Rewards

Blueberries 'n' Creme

My Next Bday Freebie: Blackberries & Creme make you scream!

  1. First, from my research university before my BiG #-#: Hazelnut topped with Coconut
  2. Next, from our busiest local coffee shop: the new Blackberries & Creme Frappuccino
Blessed Frappuccino

Blessed with Rest (sort of) on my Bday … Real quick before I get back into it!

Thirsty Thursday: H is for …

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 09/03/2015 at 03:35

Happy * Healthy * High Hopes * Heavenly –>†Holy Humble ♥Heart <– Healing * Hurt * Horror

No matter how far I go, I always aim to stay close to GOD.

Our Lady of the Lake

I give my ☼life☼ to †GOD† whole♥heart♥edly

As I glorify Him through everything that I do, I believe that I’ll reap the rewards promised in Heaven.

GOD is LOVE

I ♥LOVE♥ †GOD† with all of my ♥heart♥ & my ☼soul☼ ✌

Regardless of my joys and sorrows, peaks and valleys, the LORD resides by my side, and I seek Him for eternal hope.

Thank YOU, Holy One, for leading me to Your will and Your way. ✌

{My Grad Photos taken by fellow military brat Filipino Cat Ritualo at theMcNay Museum}

Happy Birthday to my ♥Mama Eufemia♥ (Sept. 3, 1926-June 9, 2011) ~ ♫You Are My ☼Sunshine☼

OLG

Birthday Blessing from Bishop Mike: Our Lady of Guadalupe medal from OLG shrine en México

This Week’s Pontiff Televised Specials:

OLG

I’m beyond blessed to have my  dear, sweet friend the Bishop remember my birthday & pray at OLG for me!

Pope Francis

Courtesy Catholic Relief Services

Fitness Friday: V-Mode

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Fitness Friday, Foodie Friday, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Sports, Technology, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 02/06/2015 at 16:30

After this Super Bowl Week’s YOLOs and spirits, it’s time to prep for ♥V-Day♥

Therefore, today, this DISPO has gone Beast Mode for V-Mode on this ♥Sweetheart♥ Ball Eve!

As tomorrow’s dinner approaches, I’ve been working out to my fave fitness gurus in their special dance dress moves:

Total Bod

{More from Cassey Ho below}

Target Areas

R&R

What about *Dallas Cowboys’ WR Dez Bryant’s* hard core abs?

My reward after these routines: my homemade ice cream!

  • Bananas for Potassium
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I’m going berry bananas over my homemade Cookie Butter ice cream!

  • Blueberries for Memory
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C & B are for … Cape Cod cranberries + blueberries & Crunchy Cookie Butter w/ B-A-N-A-N-A-S {chant from No Doubt‘s ♫Hollaback♪}

  • Cranberries for Urinary Tract (YES, after drinking tons of water, it helps!)
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Super Spoonful coming right up!

    • Crunchy Cookie Butter for Taste & Texture

!

Grub Glory! Eat Happy!

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 02/26/2014 at 21:33

Happy Hump Day the Healthy Pretty Fit Way!

Today, I’ll feature food, as a perk to my freelance writing.

When I visited AM Donuts, I was pleased to photograph around the storefront and bakery, as well as to try the main menu items that I intended:

AM Donuts serves Bubble Tea!

AM DonutsBubble Tea & Maple Bacon Bar

The added bonus was that the owner packed his personal favorites for me to take home!

AM Donuts & Croissants

AM Donuts & Croissants Care Package, including *exclusive* Cherry Chocolate Fritter & Red Velvet Cake Donut

Then, when I covered the Claudie C. Royals Banquet on Claudie C. Royals Day, I chowed down even more!

Claudie C. Royals Banquet 2014

Claudie C. Royals Banquet Main Course & Sides + Beverage: Lasagna, Fried Chicken, Corn, Salad, Sweet Tea

Claudie C. Royals Banquet Dessert

Claudie C. Royals Banquet Desserts: Special Strawberry Shortcake Banana Nut Pudding, Lemon & Chocolate Nut Cupcakes, Chocolate Sugar-Dusted Brownies

Today, I wrote about how I ate healthy a week ago then rewarded myself the next day in What I Ate Wednesday and Thursday

Moral of this story:

A good day can lead into another one!

And because I love y’all so much, here’s  how I packed my sweets for the sweet from the sweet on VDay ♥

VDay Sweet Treats

Valentine’s Day 2014 ♥ Banana LOVE Berry Much Abunch

Now that I’ve gone bananas with good grub and am armed with study food, I’ll get back to working on my dissertation

3:33 ~ make a wish!!!