Sports Spirit Sunday: Score Goal, New Roles, More Soul

Two-Day Game Warning: Almost the End of Regulation!

As I approach my Big Day (Public Dissertation Defense) to complete my Doctor of Philosophy, my journey toward this ultimate goal may be drawing to a close while my next one toward my career advancement will begin.

However, my Ph.D. pursuit has helped me grow, not just professionally, but also personally, and most of all: spiritually. Furthermore, this undertaking couldn’t have been accomplished single-handedly: GOD’s grace provided, JESUS’ example was all-sided, and the HOLY SPIRIT’s light guided, in addition to Team Dr. D, who had my back. I forever will be grateful to the †Heavenly HOLY TRINITY† and my positive supporters here on Earth, who’ve rooted me on all the way, leading up to this Tuesday, December 8 ~ save-the-date!

My next anticipated title this Advent: Tita Elaine.

We expect my future niece or nephew to arrive around CHRISTmas time ~ the very 1st grandchild of my parents, who recently celebrated their ♥wedding♥ anniversary.  Yes, my family is very blessed. Regardless of these joyous times, I pray that we’ll always turn to the LORD, as we lead our lives here while preparing our eternal home in Heaven.

Sending peace and goodwill to San Bernadino, CA, in the wake of this terrorist tragedy. ✌

Soul Saturday: Scripture Strategy

As I prepare for my service to our Church as commentator*** today, I continue to seek the Holy Spirit‘s guidance.

Lector✌ & Church ♫Singer♪ Prayers | ***Courtesy Straight from the ♥Heart♥ … A †Prayer† Companion (Rev. Fr. Ladra, Marío José, 2007)

Dr. Grassi, in Guts, Grace & Glory, approaches scripture like a linebacker* ~ so I’ll do the same, per these positions:

• Stance ~ “starts with the right foundation”

Our heart home was built on stone, which serves as a solid foundation for unwavering ♥love & faith✌ full of flowers + stores festive traditions every season!

So then, anyone who hears these words of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain poured down, the rivers flooded over, and the wind blew hard against that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on rock. But anyone who hears these words of mine and does not obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain poured down, the rivers flooded over, the wind blew hard against that house, and it fell. And what a terrible fall that was!

~ Matthew 7:24-27

Book of Matthew, Chapter 7 | **Courtesy The Catholic Rainbow Study Bible: Good News Translation (2nd ed.) (Rainbow Studies, Inc., 2000)

• Alignment ~ line up with the right people

Double✌ E-Team: Evangelista EVIE y Educator Elaine ~ mi corazón♥ ~ at her house blessing

Keep company with the wise and you will become wise. If you make friends with stupid people, you will be ruined.

~ Proverbs 13:20

Cupcake Cheers: QT w/ Evie after I made a sweet treat run ~ looking forward to tonight’s dinner after we serve at Church for Vigil Mass

Do not be fooled. “Bad companions ruin good character.”

~ I Corinthians 15:33  

• Assignment ~ “study the playbook” (The Bible**) to “know the plays” {for the truth and our service as we proclaim GOD’s Word}

Christ’s message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts.

~ Colossians 3:16  

The Tabernacle: The Blessed Sacrament

So Jesus said to those who believed him, “If you obey my teaching, you are really my disciples; you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

~ John 8:31-32

Spiritual Sources

• *Grassi, J. E. (2013). Guts grace and glory: A football devotional. New York, NY: Thomas Nelson. (p. 69)
• **Rainbow Studies, Inc. (2000). The Catholic Rainbow Study Bible: Good News Translation (2nd ed.). El Reno, OK: Rainbow Studies International.
• ***Rev. Fr. Ladra, Marío José. (2007). Straight from  the ♥Heart♥ … A †Prayer† Companion. (pp. 146-147).

Non-Manic Motivational Monday: Labor of Love

Soon-to-be Bday Grrrl Sweet Annie to me: ♫Baby, I’ma be your Motivation♫ (Kelly Rowland’s ♪song)

Happy Labor Day!

Bestie Evie‘s bday advice: Start & end everyday by remembering 10 blessings!

I devoted all weekend long (including today ~ and still going) on my dissertation: my Labor of ♥Love♥ … My goal is to finish writing my draft today and prepare my defense!

I luckily found a blank page in my stats book to jot down these blessings ~ I’m guaranteed to glance at them every single day since I study it anyway!

Thank GOD I have Grad Cat & Stats Cat to keep me company as moral support!

Purrfect Moment to Paws: Stats Cat‘s where it’s at! #QTwithMyQT #PawsitiveCatitude

Here’s more stats comic relief… As I analyzed more results on the relationships between my research variables, I thought about the series of three numbers that I report in terms of body measurements.

Exhibit A

Workout Wednesday: Prayer Pose

Maligayang Bati. Mami Aya! * HBD, Nurse Nanay! 

In spirit of the recent Church💒 Sacraments (including my students’ First Communion and Confirmation), how about we put prayer into practice in our workout routines? 

I propose the 🙏Prayer Pose: place palms together in front of your chest, with your elbows bent at 45*

Here are lower bod and midsection moves that you can do in Prayer Pose (as opposed yet similar to Tree🌳 Pose) while standing and maintaining your balance …
During each rep, say something that you’re grateful for👏 (THANKSgiving prayers) or say a full☝️ prayer during a set✌️
3 sets of 12-15 reps
🙏Squats (as opposed to Prisoner👮 Position with hands behind your head): alternate stances between sets ~ wide/plié • narrow • shoulder width ~ drop low [legs]
🙏Lunges (as opposed to Warrior⛺️ yoga🌅 poses): extend one leg in front of you with knee bent at 90* and stretch other leg straight behind you then drop it down
🙏Calf Raises: alternate toe-point directions between sets ~ facing each other • facing forward • facing outward ~ start on tippy toes than lower to balls of feet👣 (calves)
🙏Abductors: with both legs together and toes facing forward, raise one leg outward to hip level; repeat on the other side after each set [inner thighs]
🙏Extensions: with both legs together and toes facing forward, raise one leg forward to hip level; repeat on the other side after each set [quadriceps]
🙏Elevated Curls: with both legs together and toes facing forward, raise one leg backward while bending the knee at 90*; repeat on the other side after each set [hamstrings]
🙏Bun Press: with both legs together and toes facing forward, raise one leg straight backward; repeat on the other side after each set [glutes]
🙏Knee Raises: draw one knee at a time up toward your chest [legs and core]
🙏Trunk Twists: turn your torso to the left, then to the right for one rep [core]

More bonus🌠 moves while laying on a clean, flat surface …

🙏Pray-Ups (as opposed to Pistol🔫 Pose): on your back, with palms together in prayer pose and legs extended straight out, tuck tummy in while bringing arms and legs together [core]

🙏Laying Curls: on your belly, with palms together in prayer pose and knees bent, curl legs behind you [hams]

And another 1 …

🙏Pray Raise (as opposed to Pistol🔫 Pose): either standing or sitting, lift arms up in prayer [chest]

Thirsty Thursday: THANKSgiving Way

Happy ♣THANKSgiving♣, †The Prayer Way†

Let us come before His presence with THANKSgiving. ~ Psalm 95:2

T is for ♣THANKSgiving♣ and The †CROSS†

G is for: ¡Gracias! * Gratitude * Give THANKS * †GOD† * GOoD * Great * Gifts

“He’s Great with a Captial G.”

I’m adopting this above quote from the San Francisco 49ers’ head football coach Jeff Harbaugh, who actually was describing his player at a post-game press conference this past Sunday ~ yet it also applies to our LORD GOD Almighty!!!

* “†The Mighty One† has done great things for me, and †holy† is His name” ~ Luke 1:49

Here are the other ways to pray:

• ♥Adoration♥ 
• Contrition
• Supplication  

Sources

• Fr. Oscar J. Lukefahr, C. M. “From the Spiritual Director.” The Association of the Miraculous Medal, Vol. 47, No. 3: Fall Bulletin (2014).*
• Jesus Our Life Activity Book, Faith and Life Series, 3rd ed. (Book 2). Chapter 9, Lesson 2, (p. 34)**; “Kinds of Prayer,” Chapter 15, Lesson 3 (p. 59)***. Ignatius Press, San Francisco. Catholics United for the Faith, Steubenville, Ohio. (2014).

Below are my daily devotions of THANKSgiving, descending from today …

Day 27: I’m THANKful for having a home & being surrounded by love + the freedom to express myself, especially through ADORATION & THANKSgiving! At the Adoration Chapel, during my Holy Hour, a woman who went in was homeless & away from her family. This reminds me to remain humble + reach out & help others in need ~ NOT to take my blessings for granted like I did when I was spoiled. #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #ThankGOD #GraciasADios #GODbless 👏🙏💖💒☝️✌️

Day 27: I’m THANKful for my spiritual gifts of faith, hope & love for our LORD & His creations + my material gifts of a roof over our heads, clothing on our backs & food on our tables! As we enter the Advent season, let’s prepare for the celebration of CHRISTmas: Baby JESUS’ birth! May GOD bless you all!!! ♡ ♡ ♡ from my fam to yours #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #Advent #JESUS #CHRISTmas 👏🙏💖💒☝️✌️🎅🎄🏡🏠👗🍛

Day 26: I’m THANKful for my fine, fella Filipinas w/whom I grew up & who still make a profound impact on my life to this day! These fly Pinays all are now Nanays, so I hope that their kids have close friendships like we did! Appreciate you all Ates, especially * my BFF Melody Givan * my kumares/comadres/GODchildren’s mamas Monalisa Wishuknew & Jenny Coleman * my beautiful Beast Mode soul survivor Theresa Del Baggio * my Sisonian Sis from another Ms. & Mr. Delilah! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #LYLAS #LoveYaLikeASista #SFAM #SisterFromAnotherMister 👏💖👭

Day 25: I’m also THANKful for being female (not to be sexist) ~ as it always has its perks in more ways than 1 😉 Happy Ladies’ Tuesday (all about that 10% discount) ~ complete w/this rose to top it off! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #Ladies #Rose #SmellTheRoses #YellowRose #YellowRoseOfTexas 👏🚘🚙🌹💐

Day 25: I’m THANKful for my parents, who taught me how to be giving all my life, including the HOLYday season! Growing up, my mom Estrella Dispo showed by her example to sponsor an Angel Tree child, & my *PAPA JUN* had me give my teachers CHRISTmas gifts! They’re still generous, having instilled in me the appreciation of my blessings + joy, love & art of giving to my neighbors & strangers. #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #Blessings #SpreadTheWealth #PayItForward 👏☝️✌️🙏👉👈🎁💝💖💐

Day 24: I’m THANKful for my sister, Joanne Dispo, who has her ☼Birthday☼ today! She is one of the coolest + one of the most accomplished, generous & beautiful women who I know! Happy Bday, Sis! ♥Love♥ you & may †GOD† keep blessing you! We both have great taste, including these limited edition collaboration collections! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #HBD #Sis #2greatMindsThinkAlike #PrabalGurang #PhillipLim

Day 23: I’m THANKful for my *DALLAS COWBOYS* who I’ve visited almost every season since their last @ their Texas Stadium stomping grounds & now their AT&T arena in Arlington + root on from afar during their road games! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #DallasCowboys #AmericasTeam #TrueBlue #SundayNightFootball #Countdown2TurkeyDayGame #FamilyTradition #FaithFamilyFootball #HowBoutEmBOYS 👏🏈🌠🏉🐎

Day 22: I’m THANKful for DISPOsers, as in people (& their pets) who appreciate my passion for my profession as their photographer & seek my portraits for special events! Today, I photoed my doctor friend’s beautiful family ~ festive for the HOLYdays ~ complete w/3 generations, gorgeous new addition + well-groomed & behaved K9s! Added bonus: fine wine on site & generous gifted bottle to go ~ nice to save when I become Dr. Dispo! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #DISPO #DISposers #DISPOsFotos #DISPObyDemand #DISPOsAlwaysFly #DISPObustAFlow #Way2goDISPO #PortraitPhotography #FamilyPhotography #CameraHappy #SnapHappy #HappySnapping #Toscana #WinePairsWellWithWork #DrDISPO #DrD #TeamDrD #PhD 👏📷👪👶🎅🎄💍👰💒💖🐶🐾🍷

Day 21: I’m THANKful for my *DALLAS MAVERICKS* & Kyle Scott for taking yours truly to see them live against the LAkers tonight! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #DallasMavericks #LAkers #LINsanity #Dirk #GoMAVS #MAVSmadness #PlatinumLevel #SuiteSeats #SweetSeats #DISPOhoopScoops #Countdown2TIPOFF 👏🏀🏆🌠👊

Day 20: I’m THANKful for today’s beautiful Birthday Girl Ivette M. Bruno, who’s a sweet servant to GOD & our Parish, my sister in Christ & the mother of my Church Bestie the also beautiful & sweet Ms. Evie! They’re like family to me ~ Maggie’s a wonderful cook, hostess, beautician + kindhearted & definitely 1 of the BEST go-getters who I know! Here are 3 generations (not in order of appearance): Maggie’s mother-in-law/Suegra * Maggie * her mother “Grandma Hope” * Evie who crowned our Queen Mother after Sacred Heart’s Corpus Christi Procession on Mothers Day ¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Maggie! ♡ ♡ ♡ ¡Díos te bendigas! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #HBD #PTL #MarvelousMAGGIE #EasygoingEVIE #CorpusChristi #Coronation #QueenMother #MamaMary 👏☝️✌️🙏💒💖💝👑👸

Day 19: I’m THANKful for my voice in a country where we’re free to express ourselves, both as a singer & a speaker! As a singer: Church Choir & Opera + Karaoke (also sang solos @ both of my paternal grandparents’ funerals) … As a speaker: Speech Competitions & Speech Teacher + Church Reader #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #voice #LetFreedomRing #FirstAmendment #speak #sing #choir #solo #opera #Karaoke #teach #speech #speecher #teacher #GTD #GreatTeacherDISPO #ExpressiveELAINE #ExcitedELAINE #EnergeticELAINE 👏🇺🇸🎤💒💃

Day 19: I’m THANKful for my voice, both as a singer & a speaker! As a singer, I started participating in our Church Children’s Choir in grade school, followed by solos in our Church Celebration Choir during college, then performed in the South Texas Lyric Opera Chorus (as well as the Responsorial Psalms @ both of my paternal grandparents’ funerals) … + I admit that I kick ace in Karaoke! As a speaker, I started competing in speech tournaments in middle school … Now I teach speech @ the college level, judge UIL contests & best of all: serve my Church as a reader! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #voice #speak #sing #choir #solo #opera #Karaoke #teach #speech #speecher #teacher #GTD #GreatTeacherDISPO 👏🎤💒💃🎓

Day 18: I’m THANKful for my PAPA PED, who left this Earth 6 years ago today + all of my grandparents, who I believe are w/the Angels in Heaven as faithful lovers of GOD. My paternal grandfather was hardworking, just like my dad, PAPA JUN is! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #PapaPED #PapaJUN #LikeFatherLikeSon #LikeDadLikeDaughter #Psalm23 👏👴👵👼💖

Day 17: I’m THANKful for GOD, who is my #1!!! Bishop Mike (my spiritual mentor & good friend) put it best when he wrote me in last week’s letter: “You could not work for a better boss.” All the days of my life, I LOVE & serve the LORD w/my whole heart & soul ♡ ♡ ♡ #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #ThankGOD #GODbless #GODisMyNo1 #GODisMyBAE #WhosTheBOSS #TheGreatMANupstairs #PTL #PraiseTheLORD #PeopleThatLOVE #GODisLOVE #GOD 👏☝️🙏✌️💖

I’m also THANKful for this Snow Day b/c I have a break from both jobs for once & can focus on my own studies today + be w/my babes A&A #PhD #DrD #TeamDrD #SnowDay home w/ #DoubleAteam #CozyComfy #WarmAsToast ❄️✌️🎓😻😸

Day 16: I’m THANKful for ASIA, who I call my Grad Cat b/c she’s been w/me through both my graduate degrees: my 1st (Master’s @ Angelo State University) & my terminal (Ph.D. @ Our Lady Lake University) + lived w/me in Cali, the Valley & back in her stomping grounds of Abilene! Cheers, for here’s a photo montage of the 1st 8 years of her 9 lives as she thrives & strives! ♡ ♡ ♡ #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #ASIAtheExplorer #ASIAfelinaCatalina #DoubleAteam #RescueCAT #CATastic #PURRfection #PURRtyKitty #PrettyKitty #LoyalCAT #RoyalCAT #QueenCAT #GradCAT #WhereItsAt #DISPObustAFlow #DISPOsAlwaysFly 👏🙏😻😸🐯🐆🎓🏡👑📷

Day 15: I’m THANKful for my Sweet ANNIE, w/whom I celebrate our 5-year ANNIEversary today as I pray for her face wound to go away, so she’ll keep her moneymaker & happily wag her squirrel tail shaker! ♡ ♡ ♡ #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #ANNIEversary #SweetANNIE #LilOrphanANNIE #RescueCat #TeaCupCat #ToyCat #PURRfection #PrettyKitty #sANNIEclaws #ANNIEs1stSnow #DISPObustAFlow #DISPOsAlwaysFly #throwback 👏🙏😻😸🐱🐈🎅🎄❄️⛄️🍎🍊🍌🍐🍍

Day 14: I’m THANKful for HOLYday music, so I’m jamming to my jingles on my iTunes + putting my CHRISTmas CDs on rotation in my truck’s 6-CD changer, including Jenny & William Coleman’s Brian McKnight & Temptations #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #CHRISTmasCarols #HOLYdayTunes #JingleJams #music #PutCHRISTbackInCHRISTmas #CHRISTmasSpirit

Day 13: I’m THANKful for my hair, which I donated to Locks of Love right before I started my Ph.D. & will again after I finish my Ph.D. I appreciate those who showed care for my hair, from cut to color, curl to cornrows & up-dos … I’ve been asked if I have a wig or a weave, but NO extensions here ~ Elaine’s mane’s the real deal! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #hair #cornrows #GoMAVS 👏💁🏀

Day 12: I’m THANKful for good food, most recently military meals for Veterans Day & today’s Sweet Life Cupcakes for my RE student’s birthday! I use food for fuel, & I see picture perfect grub, I go cam happy on that mug! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #Food #Foodie #ChowDown #GrubOn #EatToLive #SnapHappy #EnegeticELAINE #ExcitedELAINE #DISPObustAFlow #DISPOsAlwaysFly #TisTheSeasonForPumpkinPie #GhirardelliCaramelPumpkinCheesecake = #OffTheChain 👏🇺🇸🎂🍓🍌🍧🍝🎃🍰🍯💒📷

Day 11: I’m THANKful for my family, friends, family of friends, professors, colleagues, students, neighbors & strangers who serve the great *US of A* through sacrifice for our & others’ freedom, especially my fam bam: Retired Air Force Dad & Retired Navy Uncle Antero Tavernero + cousin A1C Jeryl Dispo & the Cooley Bros: my Bro-in-Law Ryan in USMC & Lil’ Bro Eric Cooley in USAF! Please salute & thank your Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, Merchant Marines, Coast Guard & our nation’s military heroes this Veterans Day & everyday! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #VeteransDay #Veterans #Military #MilitaryHeroes #Salute #WhatItDoSALUTE #USAF #USMC #USNavy #USArmy #USCG #AirForce #MarineCorps #Navy #Army #MerchantMarines #CoastGuard #UnitedStatesAirForce #UnitedStatesMarineCorps #SemperFi #AimHigh #CrossIntoTheBlue #MilitaryBrats 👏🇺🇸✈️⚓️👷

Day 10: I’m THANKful for my Sister-in-Law, Janet Zapata, today’s beautiful Bday Girl! As one of the toughest chicks I know, she’s always had my back & is my best friend in the Valley ^_^ ¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Cuñada, y mucho amor a ti, Suegra y tus hijitos/mis sobrinitos! ♡ ♡ ♡ #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #HBD #VALLEporVida #Familia 🎈🎁🎊🎉🎆🎇🎂🍰💖👟💐🌴

Day 9: I’m THANKful for my GODchildren: Reyanna Blanchard & William Jamal Coleman! Rey-Rey, now 15, is a creative animal lover techie, & Jamal, now 13, is a sweet, swift track star ~ I’m the always proud Ninang ♡ ♡ ♡ Of course, I extend my gratitude to their moms, my kumares/comadres Monalisa Wishuknew & Jenny Coleman, for baptizing their 1st-born w/yours truly ❤ #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #GODchildren #GODdaughter #GODson #GODmother #Ninang #ProudNinang #NinangELAINE #Kumare #Comadre #Familia #Family 👏🙏💖💒👶🎨🐶😻👣👟🌠🏆👫

Day 8: I’m THANKful for My Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy), for which I’m ABD (All But Dissertation) ~ all I have left toward my degree is 1 hour credit for my defense after I finish my research on college coaches’ leadership! For 4 years almost every semester, my professors, classmates & I met @ least every other Saturday. We learned so much from each other & put our studies into practice! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #PhD #DrD #TeamDrD 👏🎓👊

Day 7: I’m THANKful for legs that were made for walking & running … 1 full (26.2mi) marathon & many more fun races later! I always get compliments on my calves & thighs, which are partially credited to genetics & my series of squats! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #Legs #26point2mileClub #FunRun #race #SolidCalves #RockHardQuads #1KSquats #ShesGotLegsSheKnowsHowToUseThem 👏👣👟🏁💪

Day 6: I’m THANKful for happily serving my beautiful Catholic Church ~ which began by singing in the Music Ministry growing up then through college & when I started teaching in the Valley! Now I faithfully have my holy hour @ the Adoration Chapel (my Thursday commitment), serve as reader (Lector & Cantor/Commentator) @ Mass, teach Religious Education, + photograph! As I keep following GOD’s will, He may lead me to establishing the Catholic school in Abilene! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #Church #CatholicChurch #choir #Adoration #ministry #Catechism #photography #PTL #PraiseTheLORD #PeopleThatLOVE #ExcitedELAINE #MakeGODSmile 👏💒🎤💖📖🍎📷🎓🙏✌️☝️

Day 5: I’m THANKful for my photography career here, especially in joyous occasions when we cheer! Of course, photographing always has been my passion, & started out as a journalist when I published my professional photos to accompany my news/feature stories. Now I capture more intimate moments when mom’s welcome their newborns into the world (that has led me further into W TX into Midland & Lubbock) + other special events! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #NewbornPhotography #BabyPhotos #SnapHappy #DISPOsFotos #DISPObustAFlow #DISPOsAlwaysFly 👏📷📰👶👪💒🎓⚾️🏀🏈🌳

Day 4: I’m THANKful for my right to vote! Please exercise yours today (unless you already did early ~ like yours truly)! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #VOTE #ExerciseYourRight #WeHaveAVoice #StateOfficials #Propositions 👏🇺🇸✅

Day 3: I’m THANKful for my opportunities to educate, for which I appreciate & have more to anticipate, for which I celebrate! Each & every one of my students, both past & present, matter to me. Whether I’m in the classroom or instructing online, teaching @ Church or tutoring individually, I do everything in my power to ensure that it’s my students I empower! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #Teach #Inspire #Learn #Education #KnowledgeIsPower #TheMoreYouKnow #GTD #GreatTeacherDISPO #DISPObustAFlow #DISPOsAlwaysFly 👏🍎🍏📚✏️💒🎓👊

Day 2: I’m THANKful for our dearly beloved faithful departed whose souls now rest in eternal peace w/GOD & the angels. My culture pays tribute to them by visiting their resting places &/or leaving them food & drink! We honor them all our days… I’m also THANKful for the extra hour of shuteye from Daylight Savings Time + waking up to purring Annie snuggled comfy cozy against me ^_^
#GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #AllSouls #AllSoulsDay #DiaDeLosMuertos #DayOfTheDead #DaylightSavingsTime #FallBack #SweetANNIE #LilOrphanANNIE 👏✌️☝️🙏💖💒👼🌞🌈🍁🍂⏰😲😵😴💤💭😻🐱🐈

Day 1: I’m THANKful for the Saints who intercede for us from Heaven when we pray to them. As my Church bestie Evie says, they’re our attorneys who defend us when we face GOD the judge! Who are the patron saints who guide you? #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #AllSaints #AllSaintsDay #StJP2 #StJohnPaul2 #StFrancisOfAssisi #StElizabethAnnSeton #StHelen #StRose #StJude #StBenedict 👏✌️☝️🙏💖💒👼🌞🌈🌴🌹🐏🎓

11:11 ~ rather than a wish, let’s give THANKS!!!

Thirsty Thursday: Celebrate CHRIST

Enjoy these photos taken on the Church tour during my business trip last week!

Thank GOD for another day.

That’s what my parents’ Church’s visiting priest asked us to pray as we greet each day.

Glory be…

That’s what this priest asked us to pray at the end of our day.

This past weekend, I attended the Most Holy Trinity Mass with my family, we celebrated:

* The Father
* The Son
* The Holy Spirit

Catholics believe in all three forms. Whether you believe in all three or at least one form of GOD, your life is fulfilled when you surround yourself with fellow believers.

The more, the merrier!

When we warmly welcome others into our Church, we bring ourselves closer to Heaven.

DON’T force our beliefs down people’s throats. Teach by example.

When I discussed GOD’s calling for me to open a Catholic school to another Ph.D. yesterday, that was one of his many pieces of advice.

Yesterday, I enjoyed wholesome meals and the pleasant company of wonderful friends who support His plan to establish a school. We also remember to turn to Him, to praise Him during our joys, and to seek guidance during our sorrows.

The LORD leads us to special someones along a path that He paves toward Heaven, so I’m grateful to GOD for showing His will and way today, everyday and always.

And I’m not just mentioning people, but ALL of the LORD’s creations as well…

Including creatures who are drawn to the Church…

Like this Cat at St. Stephen’s!

I call her/him Cat Stephens!

GOD bless y’all!

Workout Wednesday: 2014 Pre-Easter Thank GOD Stretch Sesh

With Easter Sunday 10 days away, I encourage us all to take care of our bodies and souls through our relationship with the LORD Almighty by extending our muscles and our gratitude for JESUS CHRIST, who carried the heaviest cross of all.

This is similar to the THANKSgiving Stretches that I suggested on Pretty Fit in spirit of Turkey Day. Yet to keep up with the 2014 workouts, which in this case will be 20 seconds (s) of 14 different stretches with gratitude and a positive attitude.

2014 Easter Extensions (20s each)
1. Inhale: squat with arms and hands raised to thank GOD in Heaven (5s); Exhale: release squat while bringing hands to heart in prayer (5s); repeat
2. Chest: intertwine fingers together with arms straight forward
3. Back: intertwine fingers together with arms straight behind you
4. Right Bicep: bring left hand to right upper arm across chest
5. Left Bicep: bring right hand to left upper arm across chest
6. Right Tricep: bring left hand to right upper arm down back
7. Left Tricep: bring right hand to left upper arm across chest
8. Shins: stand on tippy-toes
9. Calves: stand on ankles
10. Right Hamstring: while standing and bending left knee, extend right leg forward with palms of hands on right thigh; lean on right ankle
11. Left Hamstring: while standing and bending right knee, extend left leg forward with palms of hands on left thigh; lean on left ankle
12. Right Quadricep: while standing on left leg, hold right foot with both knees together
13. Left Quadricep: while standing on right leg, hold left foot with both knees together
14. Butterfly: sit up straight with knees bent and soles of feet together, palms of hands on knees; breathe deeply

BONUSES: Shoulder rolls forward and backward, plus neck rolls clockwise and counterclockwise until your heart is content to get on with your day…

In this case, Hump Day. Happy Hump Day, my Fit & Fine Friends!

Thank you all for stretching with me today!

GOD, Family & Football

Happy Advent Season!

As we prepare for JESUS‘ birth, I reflect on THANKSgiving and all of the blessings for which I’m grateful.

One week ago today, many of us around the world celebrated Turkey Day in the spirit of The Best Man Holiday movie theme: GOD, Family and Football.

GOD: First thing that morning, I went to the Adoration Chapel at church because I have my Adoration Hour commitment every Thursday, and I spent extra time there while fellow adorers were out of town for the holyday.
Family: When I got home, I took my CHRISTmas card photos with my Double A-Team and made my festive dessert: Cranberry Walnut Cream Cheese Pie. My best friend, Melody ~ who is like a sister to me ~ and I spent this Day of Thanks with both sides of our families: I went to her parents’ for lunch, and she, her hubby and their children joined my family and me at my parents’ house.
Football: A Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without the traditional Dallas Cowboys game, so we most definitely were THANKful for their victory over the Oakland Raiders!

Here are more of my cheers and toasts of gratitude:

Day 27: I’m THANKful for the #gift of #sight! We who can see, or @ least need corrective #lenses, cannot take this for granted… Although I don’t like to get pics taken w/my #glasses👓 all the time (blame it on the vanity – say it a’int so), I absolutely need them to get around (case in point: last night @ my BFF’s parents’ when I lost track of them while posing for photos). Some of y’all know what I’m talking about that they’re a necessity, an essential, right Tita Tina Gunn? Plus, since I like specific brands, I usually find designer frames for my #specs😎
I’m also THANKful for my good friend & #spiritual #mentor, Bishop Mike, who officiated my #Catholic #Sacraments of First #Communion & #Confirmation + who writes📜 (I’m talking snail mail📬 – not just email📥) me on a regular basis as my main pen✒️ pal!

I’m also THANKful for the children to whom I’m giving this #CHRISTmas because I love kids. Since my family & I – in light of #Typhoon️ #Haiyan / #Yolanda in our native #Philippines – shall sustain our #gratitude & not exchange #gifts this year for once, I’ll focus my #generosity on my #AngelTree child & my #CFCAsponsored child.

Day 28: I’m #THANKful for #GOD #Family #Football especially my #DallasCowboyswho always play on #TurkeyDay! I’ll also #THANK those who know which #filmrefers to #GODFamilyFootball for your #movie knowledge. I #kickoff this#THANKSgiving with my special #AdorationHour + extra time!

I’m THANKful my BFF Sgt. Melody Givan who’s been there for yours truly through the#ThickAndThin + who I’ve been fortunate to celebrate THANKsgiving w/ when we grew up & when I visited her in Georgia! She’s the culinary arts mastermind, & while I didn’t know my way around the kitchen before, she sent me my Crock Pot for#CHRISTmas!

#ThrowbackThursday #TBT: my bestie Mely & I didn’t plan for our Turkey Day getup to match when I flew to her family’s home for the #HOLYday, but#2GreatMindsThinkAlike as we both bought these sweaters from #EXPRESSseparately!

*Bearing this in mind, here are the pics of Melody and yours truly from THANKSgiving ’09 (above) and THANKSgiving ’13 (below)* Girl time was definitely what I needed last week because most of my friends are guys, so I was glad to spend yet another Thanksgiving with Melo until she and her fam drove their beautiful Beamer back to Georgia…

Meanwhile, more blessings for which I’m grateful include my dissertation progress and my career opportunities! Yesterday, I had a conference call with my dissertation chair, who arranged for me to present the concept proposal of my study to my dissertation committee next week! Also, through Rant Sports and Pretty Fit, I like reaching out to fellow sports fans and health buffs!

Here are my first 6 about the Dallas Mavericks this December:

• Mavs’ November Blues
• Mavs’ December Needs
• Mavs West Coast-Bound
• Mavs Can Cat-Handle Bobcats
• Mavs Did Cat-Handle Bobcats
• Mavs Can Take on Pelicans

While I write this, we have another snow storm in the forecast. In the holyday spirit, I’m playing Elf (my favorite Christmas movie of all time) and printing my season’s greetings!

Let me wrap up this positive post with more bright notes:

GOD Bless Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy †

♥ Love Always, Jun Bandonill Dispo (Batch 1970) and Family
Jun Dispo, Retired United States Air Force * Estrella Dispo, Retired Registered Nurse * Elaine Dispo, Ph.D. Candidate * Joanne Dispo, Nurse Practitioner * Ryan Cooley, United States Marine Corps Veteran

From left to right: Jacinto Dispo, Lolita Tan Dispo, Joseph del Rosario, Carmelita Dispo del Rosario, Elaine Joyce Dispo, Estrella Reyes Dispo, Christian Joseph del Rosario, Joanne Dispo Cooley, David Ryan Cooley, Jun Bandonill Dispo, Lyndah Baterina Dispo, Manuel Dispo, Madalyn Dispo-Junio, Crystal Gail Dispo

Happy Anniversary to my Parents!!

#ThrowbackThursday #TBT: Happy #Anniversary, Nanay & Dad (yesterday)  

Looking @ my parents’ #wedding album, I admire how they went all out & appreciate the value of their #Catholic #sacrament!

Yet aside from their amazing wedding, they’ve invested #energy & #sacrifice into their decades of #marriage, which is what matters most in the #LongHaul!

Their secret: sharing #time #together, including #timeless #traditions (i.e., Taco Tuesday)

& now they have their Golden Years to enjoy w/each other, so may they stay#blessed with many more to come!

[from L-R: my Aunties Alice Dispo* (my great-aunt/Uncle Bal’s wife) & Dr. Fe Reyes-Dollete** (my aunt/mom’s sister), Mama Eufemia Dispo*** (my paternal grandmother/dad’s mom), Mr. & Mrs. Jun B. Dispo (my parents as #newlyweds), Papa Pedro Dispo*** (my paternal grandfather)]

*Dr. & Mrs. Baltazar Dispo (Uncle Bal is Papa Ped’s baby brother) ~ another excellent example of #commitment in marriage & to the Catholic #faith ~ were my parents’ Principal Sponsors/GODparents/Ninong & Ninang/Padrino y Madrina️

**Drs. Rodolfo & Fe Dollete also are #RoleModels as a #married #couple because they keep the spice alive by ballroom dancing & traveling + enjoy #working together 

***Both sets of my grandparents lived long enough to celebrate their#GoldenAnniversary & beyond: my maternal Lolo Tico & Lola Rosa were married for 56 years, + my paternal Papa Ped & Mama Eufemia were married for almost 61 years 

Guess which decade my parents tied the knot ~ the #bridesmaid‘s #bonnet may be an indicator…

1:11 ~ make a wish!!!  

†R.I.P., Paul Walker†

More Thanks + Hoop Scoops & Ball Calls

Happy Hump Day!

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 Fit app and blog 

Speaking of my blog, here are my latest Rant posts:

Elaine Dispo’s Hoop Scoops – Mavs

• Monta Ellis Revenge in Milwaukee
• Mavs’ 1 @ Home, More on the Road
• Dirk’s No. 16 of NBA All-Time Scorers
• DeJuan Blair, Better off with Mavs

Elaine Dispo’s Ball Calls – Dallas Cowboys

• Saints & Drew Brees Breeze through Cowboys

3:33 ~ make a wish!!!

On the 4th Day of THANKSgiving…

So I’ll go join in on #GivingTHANKS, so let me catch up on the 1st 4 Days of #THANKSgiving:

Day 1

: I’m THANKful for my NANAY who just retired as a Registered Nurse 😷 ❤

Day 2

: I’m THANKful for my productivitym  ✒️ in my #dissertation 📖 & from my blogging 📓 #career, including my #sports 🏈 #rants 🏀through my Dispo Hoop Scoops * & my #fitness 👟 #tips 👣 through #PrettyFit 🙂

Day 3

: THANKful for my supportive DAD ✈️ who just celebrated his Bday w/his tennis buddy 🎾 besties =D

Day 4

: I’m THANKful for yummy food, including from my track 🌳 partner 🌅 Ate Roxy, who provided coffee ☕️ & breakfast 🍩 this morning ☀️

* My Latest Mavs Rants

• Vince Carter, Best Sixth Man & Hopeful HOF

• Dallas Mavericks = World Class Performers, People

• Dallas Mavericks’ Key to Success

• Dallas Mavericks Must Go Full Force

• Shane Larkin, Rookie to Play Soon

+ more wonderful news: I’ll also start sharing my Dispo Hoop Scoops on College Hoops soon!

GOD’s 🙏 peace ✌️ & joy be w/y’all, my friends 💖

4:44 Pacific Standard Time ~ make a wish!!!