Beauty Tuesday: Tacky Sweaters Still in Season

Happy Three Kings tomorrow! / ¡Feliz Tres Reyes mañana!

Since CHRISTmas still is in session, I still

• watch HOLYday movies
• keep the halls decked
• turn on the festive lights
• sport those “ugly sweaters“

Showing HOLYday and school spirit! CHEERS =D

How do you spread the cheer this New Year?

CATch of the New Year: Sweet Annie lights up the room!

Festive Foto Foodie Friday ~ New Year’s Edition: G is for …

🎁Gift-Giving Soup🍲

From #TitaElaine’s Kitchen (YES~my newborn niece #GRACEdUsWithHerPresence #CHRISTmasDay!): #FeastOfTheHolyFamily #GiftGivingSoup #SoupItUp #SnowDay #TomatoBisque #BowTiePasta #RibbonNoodles #SpinachCheeseTortellini #LeanRedAndGreen #farfalle #cellentani #tortellini #tomato #basil #garlic #oregano #StuffedPasta #spinach #parmesan #ricotta #romano #CHRISTmasMiracle #CHRISTmasBlessing #FestiveFoodie #GoMAVS #GoCOWBOYS #NFLSunday 🌠🎆🎇🎅🏽🎄🎁💝👶🏻👧🏻❄️☃⛄️🏀🏈🏉🏆🍽🍴🍝🍅

🏈Game Grub🏉

#MilitaryBowlOfChiliMac #GoNAVY #NavyBeans #MacNCheese #SnowDay #GameDay #CollegeFootball #MilitaryBowl #PITTvsNAVY #GameGrub #FestiveFoodie #CountdownToMNF #MondayNightFootball #MNF #ComfortFood #ChiliMac #chili #macaroni #mac #TitaElaine’s Kitchen’s where it’s @ #MilitaryBowlOfNAVYchiliMac #football #touchdown #score #CanIHaveSomeMore #DontchaKnowFoShow #StayingHomeInTheSnow #LetItSnow #snow #DISPObustAFlow ⛴⚓️🍲🏈🏉🏆🏅👊🏽👌🏽🙌🏽

😇Glorious Goulash🌽

#WrappingUp2015SouthwesternStyle #BowTiePasta #tomato #BlackBeans #corn #GreenBellPepper #RedBellPepper #southwestern #farfalle #goulash #stew #chili #SoupItUp #soup #TitaElaine’s Kitchen #FestiveFoodie #SnowDay #NewYears #NewYearsEve #HappyNewYear #NYE #HappyNew2016 #savory #hearty #healthy 💝🎀🍝🍅🌽🌶🍲❄️☃⛄️

🍮Gooey Goodness🐿

Festive Foodies from CHRISTmases Past

• 2014 Sweet Treats: S’mores Hot Cocoa Pie & Salted Caramel Pecan Parfait 
• 2013 High Cs: Snow Cat Cookies & Crock Pot Chili + Cranberry Walnut Pie

🎓Grad Greetings & Good News

👶🏻Grace ~ my newborn niece👧🏻

☝🏽️GOD has blessed us with this best 🎇CHRISTmas🎄 🎅🏽gift💝 who shares her 🎊birthday🎉 with JESUS✌🏽

Happy New 🎆2016🎇 ~ the Jubilee Year of Mercy!

Working Woman’s Wednesday: Doc Decompression

Leave it to my Bestie Evie to always know what’s best for me!

• First, she strongly suggested that I take one day out of the month for myself
• Then, she and Mama Maggie highly recommended that I take a whole week off!

#ImDreamingOfAWhiteCHRISTmas #LetItSnowLetItSnowLetItSnow #BabyItsColdOutside #iLoveTheWinterWeather #IveGotMyLoveToKeepMeWarm #WhenAllYouCatsAreSleepinWarmAsToast #WhiteCHRISTmas #LetItSnow #WinterWeather #CoolYule #CatsAreSleepinWarmAsToast #DoubleATeam #PURRfectMoment2PAWS #CATchOfTheDay #SnowDay #SnowAngels #WokeUpToThis #MerryTexasCHRISTmasYouAll #MerryTexasCHRISTmasYall #MerryTEXmas #WestTexas #WTX #winter #blizzard #BlanketOfWhite #snow #comfy #cozy #CuddleBuddies #SnuggleBunnies ❄️☃⛄️🎅🏽🎄🎁💝😍😻🏡

When they mentioned my need for “me” time at my graduation luncheon, I doubted that I could pull it off. However, I indeed observed how refreshed some of my fellow doc candidates-turned graduates seemed following their dissertation defenses ~ a break to decompress helped them relieve stress!

#DrDISPObustAFlow

To the tune of the wayback/throwback two-decade-old track by Montell Jordan:

♪This Is How I Did It♫

• 3½ ☼days☼ last week between Graduation and CHRISTmas
• +3½ ☼days☼ this week between CHRISTmas and mid-week
• = 7  ☼days☼ total (not consecutive ~ but I’ve made it count)

My favorite activities during this Dr. D time:

• concocting recipes
• QT with my Cuties

Movie Monday: The Best Man Holiday

The 🎅holidays🎄 may be over, but The Best Man †Holiday† is the perfect 🎬movie🎥 for any season and reason!

The Best Man †Holiday† on Blu-Ray: purrfect on snow day!

Last weekend, our latest ❄️snow⛄️ series out of a countless many, I popped the 💽DVD📀 in because

• Watching snow from both my 🏠windows🏡 and on the 📺screen💻 was surreal
• I sought inspiration for ✒️writing💻 a prospective 📚biography📖
• I sought more inspiration for establishing a 🏤school🎓
• I sought inspiration for dressing in black and white for my student’s parents’ 💒wedding👰 where I’ll proclaim🎤 the 📕readings📘

The Best Man †Holiday† ♫soundtrack♪ brings me back …

Yet this is by far one of my fave flicks for

• Morris Chestnuts🌰 Roasting on my Open Fire🔥 
• Different personalities
• Ranges of emotions
• ☝️GOD🙏, 👪Family💑, 🏈Football🏉 ~ need I say more?

Foto Friday: Cam ♥Loves♥ Canines

Since today’s snow day reminds me of the holidays, how about I show off the dogs who I’ve professionally photographed for season’s greetings?

First, I was fortunate to have two well-behaved French poodles of my doctor friend ~ with Kool-aid smiles!

Prada & Dior: French poodles, designer names ~ flashing their pearly whites

Then, I took (many takes later) my sister‘s family’s card pic, complete with her Yorkshire terrier*!

Coco & the Cooley ♥Clan♥, †CHRISTmas† 2014

Hope that you’re all staying safe & sound + warm & toasty, with your cozy cuddle buddies!

Photography is a sport that I lettered in

* Happy 4th Birthday, COCO, this ☼Sunday☼!

Feline Friday: February = National Pet Dental Health Month

🐶Mad-dogging🐾 and 😸Cat-cheesing😸

Flashback Friday: *ASIA* back ‘n ’09 as always lookin’ fine before we added *ANNIE* to this fam of felines!

Don’t we pet parents want our fun, fine, furry, all-weather friends to have overall good health? That includes our animals’ smile ~ good dental hygiene can prevent long-term adverse health effects. We can’t just chill on their grill!

Bright-eyed & Bushy-Tailed: Sweet *ANNIE* willing to help put up groceries while BiG SiS *ASIA* hangs on the fridge ^_including aforementioned throwback_^

Every week, I give my felines fluoride treatment to prevent plaque. Plus, they have their toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental treats. Yesterday, I took my little one to her appointment.

BEFORE … Braving the snow: Onto ANNIE‘s dental appointment we go! #DISPObustAFlow

Grin and bare it!

AFTER … Ice = NICE! Lickety Split!

After Annie‘s surgery, she savored her ice cubes to consume water slowly.

My cats have flouride every ☼Sunday☼ and Oravet every Thursday

She has her course of antibiotics, along with her and Big Sis Asia‘s regular dental care!

Annie has a pawsitive attitude!

Following her operation, I’ve monitored her closely.

I reward Annie at the window for being a good sport with Peter Cottontail the Tooth Bunny!

At least today was yet another snow day, so I could stay home to make sure that my snow cat‘s A-OK!

Annie the Fancy Feline is ready to dine!

Today also was Meatless Friday, so she had a special meal!

The purrfect moment: sipping on her soup!

For the first time since her surgery, I felt and heard her purr!

Manic Monday: Snow-body Asks TAG

Happy *Presidents‘ Day* and Snow Day!

Neighbor cat ~ another snowshoe ~ wants to come in!

After a super busier-than-usual week reporting, babysitting, game-going and photographing off site, on top of my regular †Church†, studying, teaching, tutoring and on-site photography responsibilities, I am grateful for this weather to keep me at home. That way, I could stay productive while also taking a break from the hustle-and-bustle of being on-the-go driving all over the place

Once upon a time, Queen Asia & Princess Annie royally ruled the house!

not to mention that I get some QT with my cuties!

The Double A’s like to socialize and play!

Now that ♣spring‘s♣ on the way, I’m serving up this Q&A ~ so TAG, you’re IT!

1:Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed? I keep both a crack open ~ so my girls can go in & out as they please!
2:Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel? admittedly, yes ~ some are flight-friendly
3:Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out? in ~ so that’s 1 less thing to do when I make my bed
4:Have you ever stolen a street sign before? only stolen shots ~ the paparazzi photographer that I am
5:Do you like to use post-it notes? a little too much ~ they come in handy
6:Do you cut out coupons but then never use them? sometimes ~ I usually have the intention to, though
7:Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees? BIG bear hug ~ ♥XOXO♥
8:Do you have freckles? ☼sunspots☼ ~ mainly moles from tanning
9:Do you always smile for pictures? for poses ~ yet I prefer to stay natural
10:What is your biggest pet peeve? inconsiderate people
11:Do you ever count your steps when you walk? that’s what a pedometer is for
12:Have you ever peed in the woods? while camping or during bonfires ~ for the most part, I’m a lady
13:What about pooped in the woods? TMI ~ I draw the line!
14:Do you ever dance even if there’s no music playing? I have ~ while I’m ♪jamming♫ out in my mind!
15:Do you chew your pens and pencils? no way ~ I don’t want to jack up my teeth!
16:How many people have you slept with this week? I fly solo ~ unless you count my 2 fur babies
17:What size is your bed? day bed (twin length x queen width) ~ just enough space for yours truly
18:What is your Song of the week? ♥Heartbeat♥ ♪Song♫ ~ Kelly Clarkson
19:Is it okay for guys to wear pink? of course ~ man up!
20:Do you still watch cartoons? sure thing ~ for comic relief
21:Whats your least favorite movie? no sé
22:Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some? nunya
23:What do you drink with dinner? water always, light beer occasionally ~ 150-cal max liquids/day
24:What do you dip a chicken nugget in? BBQ sauce &/or honey mustard
25:What is your favorite food? Italian & dessert
26:What movies could you watch over and over and still love? the ♥lighthearted♥ ones that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago
27:Last person you kissed/kissed you? family friends at party ~ where I was hired to photo last weekend
28:Were you ever a boy/girl scout? yes ~ I take pride in selling the most Girl Scout cookies out my troop
29:Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine? only if it’s for a worthy cause ~ like advocating animal rights or environmental awareness
30:When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper? just a couple of weeks ago ~ when I wrote to Bishop Mike
31:Can you change the oil on a car? most definitely ~ my dad taught me how when I was learning how to drive legally
32:Ever gotten a speeding ticket? yep ~ multiple times ~ so I watch my roll now
33:Ever ran out of gas? a few times ~ but I’d rather always fill up before I go below a ½ tank
34:Favorite kind of sandwich? one w/marinara sauce ~ especially the Subway Meatball
35:Best thing to eat for breakfast? banana pancakes ~ like the Jack Johnson ♫jam♪
36:What is your usual bedtime? I should be more consistent on when I hit the sack ~ lately between midnight to 2AM
37:Are you lazy? most certainly NOT ~ slack is whack
38:When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween? most notable costume mentions: Statue of Liberty, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, nun, cheerleader
39:What is your Chinese astrological sign? I was born in the year of the Rooster ~ cockadoodle-doo!
40:How many languages can you speak? 3 ~ English fluently, español un poquito, Tagalog
41:Do you have any magazine subscriptions? unintentionally ~ I don’t mind my Sports Illustrated, & I pass along People to my mom
42:Which are better legos or lincoln logs? Legos, since I haven’t played Lincoln Logs ~ yet I wouldn’t mind building a real deal log cabin!
43:Are you stubborn? so I’ve been told ~ by my mom during childhood
44:Who is better…Leno or Letterman? how about Conan? or G-Lo?
45:Ever watch soap operas? I have my share ~ including GH since I was in the womb
46:Are you afraid of heights? nope ~ hope to go ☼skydiving☼ eventually
47:Do you sing in the car? always ~ that’s what gets me through the drive
48:Do you sing in the shower? always ~ that’s what gets me through the suds
49:Do you dance in the car? yes ~ please check out my Road Beast Mode
50:Ever used a gun? as my Bay Area buddy would say ~ I’m a Texas girl ~ so I loved the fire range in Cali & shooting at the ranch in the Valley
51:Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer? wow ~ I believe when I had professional shots for my college grad, unless you count when my student a professional photographer caught me on camera while I was on assignment ~ it’s all about selfies now
52:Do you think musicals are cheesy? not really ~ I’m a Neil Patrick Harris fan
53:Is Christmas stressful? can be ~ but JESUS’ birth is well. worth. it.
54:Ever eat a pierogi? I believe so ~ been there done that, working up my appetite
55:Favorite type of fruit pie? million $dollar$ pie ~ pineapple & mandarin oranges
56:Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid? author ~ which came true (haven’t published a book yet but have written hundreds of newspaper & online articles by profession)
57:Do you believe in ghosts? not in a creepy sense to haunt me ~ more of a source of comforting spirits to soothe the soul
58:Ever have a Deja-vu feeling? countless times
59:Take a vitamin daily? yes ~ it’s essential
60:Wear slippers? for the house ~ open- & close-toed for every season
61:Wear a bath robe? all the time ~ not just at home, but also when I’m at the spa for massages
62:What do you wear to bed? sometimes my workout clothes ~ so I can exercise as soon as I get up
63:First concert? I think Bone Thugs ‘n Harmony & many more others since then
64:Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart? preferably Target ~ for the limited editions
65:Nike or Adidas? ADIDAS ~ All Day I Dream About Saints
66:Cheetos Or Fritos? I’m a Chester Cheetah kinda Cougar ~ yet I also dig on Chili Frito Pie Dogs
67:Peanuts or Sunflower seeds? ☼sunflower☼ seeds all the way ~ preferably sans the shells & just the kernels
68:Ever hear of the group Tres Bien? nah ~ yet now I’m curious
69:Ever take dance lessons? no ~ just dance practices that already were choreographed
70:Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing? †GOD-willing†, something respectable & noble ~ nothing illegal or immoral (none of that lame ♪Usher♫ song)
71:Can you curl your tongue? yelp
72:Ever won a spelling bee? yep
73:Have you ever cried because you were so happy? I believe at my sis’ wedding ~ some believe that it’s because she tied the knot sooner, though
74:Own any record albums? I actually took advantage of my vinyl discount at Hastings awhile back ~ Jack Johnson & Breakfast at Tiffany’s soundtrack
75:Own a record player? not my own ~ my parents do
76:Regularly burn incense? I used to ~ mainly white California sage for serenity
77:Ever been in love? affirmative ~ always in ♥LOVE♥ with †GOD†
78:Who would you like to see in concert? male artists ~ John Legend (even before he became more mainstream), Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull; female artists ~ Taylor Swift, Beyonce
79:What was the last concert you saw? Journey with my fam ~ mainly for Pinoy success story Arnel Pineda
80:Hot tea or cold tea? ☼sun☼ tea
81:Tea or coffee? coffee during the ☼day☼ ~ then tea at *night*
82:Sugar or snickerdoodles? Snickerdoodles ~ but honestly, I’d much rather have cookies w/chocolate
83:Can you swim well? enough to get me by ~ if only I could train for a triathlon, as long as I improve my swimming and bicycling skills
84:Can you hold your breath without holding your nose? somewhat ~ not for too long
85:Are you patient? to an extent
86:DJ or band, at a wedding? live band ~ play some cover songs & own original tracks + my own playlist b/t sets
87:Ever won a contest? countless many ~ drawings for prizes (bike & TV back in junior high) + newspaper writing in both h.s. & college, among others
88:Ever have plastic surgery? not crazy about cosmetic procedures ~ use †GOD†’s gifts
89:Which are better black or green olives? neither for me ~ only EVOO
90:Can you knit or crochet? neither ~ I admire from afar
91:Best room for a fireplace? main living room & master bedroom + man cave
92:Do you want to get married? in the †Church† in †GOD’s† time
93:If married, how long have you been married? I plead the 5th
94:Who was your HS crush? my h.s. ♥sweetheart♥/college bf ~ yeah, I was that girl who got everything & everyone I wanted
95:Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way? I used to ~ then I grew up (not how I got No. 94)
96:Do you have kids? if you count my 2 girls from No. 1
97:Do you want kids? human babies ~ now I’m Ninang Elaine & Tía Elaine
98:Whats your favorite color? lime green
99:Do you miss anyone right now? my forever bestie ♫Melody♪
100:What was something that happened to you in middle school? I started hanging with my BFF from No. 99 as we both were fine ~ although we’ve known each other since grade school

Manic Monday: Snow Day

CHEERS ~ Here’s to This Time of Year When the HOLYdays Are Near …

Let’s hear it for Sweater Weather!

Therefore, break out those Ugly Tacky Sweaters.

On this Snow Day,

Make sure that you have time to play!

And of course, afterwards, be as cozy as ♪♫cats sleepin’ warm as toast♪♫.

11:11 ~ make a wish with the Snow Fairy!

2 for Tuesday: Sweater Weather Tag before I Ring in Spring!

Let’s hear it for the Sweater Tag!

Like my sweater and snake scarf?

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!

Cooper Cougars ROAR to Katy Perry!

5:55 ~ make a wish!!! 

Attitude of Gratitude

Here, I state:

It’s never too late to appreciate all the great of your fate.

I know, I know, this Dispo always busts a flow. You can always rely on yours truly to find a time to rhyme!

Now you also can count on me to give thanks everyday! Whenever I wake up, I’ll warm up with these stretches as I pray and praise GOD for the many Blessings with which he has blessed my loved ones and me. Before I go to bed, I’ll extend the magnitude of my gratitude to Him again…

Today’s blessings follow, as well as more from this past week and upcoming below. Wishing you all a winning Happy St. Valentine’s Day/Singles Awareness Day, as well as Heart Disease Awareness/Heart Health Month! Love you all, Team: Dr. D Players!

Monday Miracles

• good eye doctor appointment this morning, during which the optometrist asked me about my dissertation
• safe travels from the sleet on the streets
• finishing the Starbucks Winter Star Dash to earn bonus stars, my next free treat and maintain my Gold Level status

Winter Star Dash … All I needed was 6 to add to the mix!

• receiving an email from my classmate who graduated with his dissertation to help guide me through mine
• hearing back from the editor and my main source of the story that I’m covering for the paper
• receiving an email from one of my good girl friends, Amy, with encouragement and this cute cat pic

Amy brightened my day!

• Last Week’s Bonuses
• interviewing for a teaching job
• being assigned to cover a piece for my local newspaper (aforementioned article) that involves the family of my high school and college friend 
  
• more prospective schools to recruit participants for my study
• family time with my

Annie & Me

Double A-Team 

Asia & Yours Truly

plus my parents and the Cooleys – my sis Jo, my bro Ryan and their K9 Coco – including at the

Happy Valentine’s from the Dispos & the Cooleys!

USPFO Sweetheart Ball Valentine’s Day Dinner/Dance 

Piano Dispo

and lunch after church at China Star — where the owners called us our #1 customers and reminisced about how we were loyal patrons dating back since their opening 25 years ago, and where I got this fortune:

You will bring sunshine to someone’s life.

This is absolutely true since Sunshine is the name of my truck, and my name actually means light!

This Week’s Thanks

• schedule for next month’s ministry at church
• release of The Best Man Holiday DVD, my fave movie of 2013
• Claudie C. Royals Banquet that I’m covering for the Abilene Reporter-News

Claudie C. Royals Banquet

11:11 ~ make a wish!!!

~*~ Happy 105th Birthday, Lolo Tico ~*~