The Latest on the GK Project

The generosity of the JRI Orion Batch 1963 is astounding! The LOCALS, particularly, have gone all out to make this project a resounding success, responding with such enthusiasm and magnanimity of spirit that exceeded expectations. The "EXILES" have done very well too. Together, the batchmates have accomplished in no time at all what, at the beginning, seemed to be a formidable undertaking.

We are now in the process of collecting all pledges and should be able to hand over the funds as planned. As previously posted, donations are collected by Editha in the USA, and Belen in the Philippines.

To enable us to wrap up this project soon, we request that those who have signed on to be donors and have not indicated the amount they intend to donate to please get in touch with either Belen, Luz, Rollie, Mike or Editha. An accounting report will be prepared in due course and will be made available to any donors upon request.

To all of you, batchmates, who have so selflessly responded to the call, THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH.

A Card for Julita S

A Card for Emma and Fred

PRE: WEDDING ANNIVERSARY AT EMMA'S PLACE

Surprise, surprise! this is just a prelude to the wedding anniversary celebration of Emma & Fred on 1Jan. They got married on New Years Day, what planning. Alas, the turkey which is currently sitting at the garage will have no reprieve this time, she will have to grace the table on the occasion. Emma is no Pres. Bush, I can tell you.
We took the opportunity to discuss the GK project and we managed to collect a small amount in the process. Nakahuli tuloy kami ng" palaka" who also pledged his support to the project. We also did a compilation of those whom we are going to contact either by phone or by mail if necessary.
Sabi ni Fredo, wala na syang isip when we asked kung ano ang pwede nyang i share sa blog.Yong 3 sina Emma,Belen at Julie ay no comment din,may Alzheimer' s na yata. But guys, we really are having a grand time...the reunion of six!! Luck of all lucks Lucing has arrived and she certainly has a deep pocket! Ang pledge ni Lucing,mag le-labor si Eslao !
I am closing now, kasi si Fredo, magsasaing pa raw ,baka mapingot ni Baby.kung miss ninyo ang Chocolate na binabati, iyon ang nilalantakan namin ngayon,recipe ni Emma pero gawa ni Fred.So yummy..Okay, Happy New Year guys !
Posted by jriclass1963 at 1:06 AM 0 comments

A Card for Tuding

A Card for Juanito

Soul Prescriptions for the New Year

By Bernie S. Siegel, M.D.

From "365 Prescriptions for the Soul." Used with permission of New World Library

Prescription #1: Gratitude
A gentleman I was talking to on the phone related that his doctor and the EMR team had told him his heart stopped beating and he had died at least five times during surgery. He concluded our conversation by saying, “I used to have troubles, but now I have only blessings.” His outlook clearly had been turned around by this experience.

I meditate each day, and one portion of the meditation consists of my thinking about what I am grateful for. Most of us never stop to consider our blessings; rather, we spend the day only thinking about our problems. But since you have to be alive to have problems, be grateful for the opportunity to have them. Some people use their problems to get attention and are afraid to give them up and be blessed. I prefer to appreciate life and accept my problems as a part of my life.

When my body gets to the point where I can no longer function or feel gratitude, then I’ll leave it and become grateful again. But until then, I will appreciate what I have and not whine about what I don’t have. I will feel blessed by life and the opportunity to help others see that they are blessed too. Blessings come in many shapes and sizes. Be prepared, as my gentleman caller was.


Prescription #2: Hope
Hope restores us. What each of us hopes for will differ and change with time. I believe we need hope to go on living. Hope inspires us to reach for the future. It gives us something to look forward to and strive for on our path.

If we had no hope—for a cure, for winning the lottery, for falling in love, for the end of war, for being free of abuse, or for having food, warmth, clothing, and shelter—we would have no reason to go on. What you hope for doesn’t matter, but rather the essence of hope itself.

I see people who die a few minutes after a doctor tells them there is no hope of a cure. They give up and go. Others get angry and find joy in proving the doctor wrong. Something within them is challenged and hopeful. Hope is the divine motivator.


Prescription #3: Guidance
The word “dance” being a part of the word guidance made me think about how dancing is like doing God’s will. Two people dancing are not struggling with each other; one leads and the other willingly follows. When the two become a team, their movements flow in harmony with each other. When I looked back at the word I saw the G as representing God and then U and I. So guidance is about God, you, and I dancing together.

When you are willing to trust and believe, guidance comes. I believe the rhythm we should all be dancing to comes from our Creator. It allows us to move as a team while creating our unique dance of life.


Prescription #4: New Year’s Resolutions
It is not a bad thing to make a New Year’s resolution, but you can also continuously set yourself up to fail. Be realistic and forgiving. The best resolution is to accept your limitations and start from there. Resolve not to give up on yourself, and to love yourself, even when you don’t like your behavior. So resolve to practice doing what you have resolved, rather than achieving sainthood tomorrow.

As you write down your resolutions, remember these things: Be kind; do not set yourself up for failure by creating multiple resolutions that involve too much self-denial. Keep your goals manageable and realistic. The best resolutions leave one day of the week to enjoy being human and not living by any rules or expectations you have created.


Prescription #5: Every Day Is New Year's
A “new year” — I think the term is an oxymoron. How can you have a new year? You are the same person, and the world doesn’t start again with a clean slate. Your troubles don’t disappear. People don’t forgive you for what you did the year before. Unless you have amnesia, your life is anything but new when you awaken on the first day of the year. It is simply a way of measuring the passage of time. Why make such a fuss over it?

The truth lies in our desire to be reborn, to start again, to make resolutions and changes we can live up to. Then why wait for a certain date to start a new year? Why can’t tomorrow be New Year’s Day? Maybe it is!

I see it every day in my role as a physician: People learn they have a limited time to live, and they start their New Year behavior. They move, change jobs, spend more time with those they love, stop worrying about what everyone else thinks of them, and start to celebrate their life. They are grateful for the time they have to enjoy life and they stop whining about what they wish had happened during the past year.

When every evening is New Year’s Eve and every day you awaken is New Year’s Day, you are living life as it was intended.

GREETINGS AND MORE LAUGHTER...

Hello to everyone.I am back after some months of hibernation.Thanks God nag spent ng vacation sa city ang malikot kong apo and my eyesight is slowly returning to normal. Imissed the articles in our blog and l am now reading them from time to time especially the funny ones .
Let me share to you one and I hope you do not make kiliti to your kilikili just to enjoy it.
TEACHER;Juan,i-english mo ito
Juan :Wat maam?
TEACHER:Ang uwak ay hinang-hinang naglakad lakad.....
Juan: The wakwak hu wek wek wok wok

HAPPY CHRISTMAS and MERRY NEW YEAR to every JRI batch/classmates 1963.

Pagbati

MALIGAYANG PASKO at MASAGANANG BAGONG TAON sa inyong lahat at sa mga mahal nyo sa buhay !!!

Pagbati mula kina: Pete at Jo J. Macalua at mga anak: Myra Jo, Marc Hil, Michael Peter at Mon Philip. Ian Benedict Hynson at Sharmaine Miguel (mga manugang) at kaisa-isang apo: Laura Sophia "IYA" Hynson.

Christmas

I sent e-cards but some of them were returned undelivered probable due to my entering wrong and outdated addresses. For those that I have missed:

MERRY CHRISTMAS

RSJ.

Cards for Licerio and for Crisostomo

Season's Greetings

TO OUR FRIENDS AND BATCHMATES:

Annie And I wishes you all the season’s best. May the Good Lord bless you and your loved ones, during the celebration of Christ’s birth. As we approach 2008, may the new year bring you great joy, peace and good health.

Love and warmest regards,

Annie and Eddie

Bumalik sa Aking Alaala

This article should have been published last week when I read the article of Lucille regarding Simbang Gabi kaya lang something wrong with our computer.

Habang binabasa ko ang topic ni Lucille sa Simbang Gabi, bumalik sa aking alaala ang mga nakakaraang taon noong kami'y nariyan sa Pilipinas kapag sumasapit ang Pasko. Sadyang masaya riyan sa atin, pagkatapos ng simbang gabi eh nariyan ang special na bibingka na may itlog na pula sa ibabaw, puto bumbong mga masasarap na kakanin ni Charito at iba pa. Dito kasi sa amin sa Pennsylvania eh wala niyan. Kung nariyan lang sana kami malapit kina Editha baka umorder na rin ako ng puto bumbong at kutsinta(ayan Editha iniaadvertise ko ang masarap na gawa mong puto bumbong at kutsinta). Naririyan pa rin sa atin ang pananapatan ng mga bata gabi gabi bago sumapit ang Pasko at pagkatapos mong maibigay ang kauting halaga eh maririnig mo ang awit ng pasasalamat: "Thank you, thank you ang babait ninyo," at ang isa pa, "Thank you, thank you ang kuripot ninyo"(ha! ha! ha!). Kung minsan mayroon ding mga religious organization ang nanapatan at yong kanilang nalilikom eh ipinamamahagi sa mga mahihirap.

Bumalik sa aking alaala at nais kong ibahagi ang karanasan namin ng aming samahan ang Apostolatus Maris Cursillo Team maraming taon na ang nakakaraan. Lumilikom kami ng pondo mismong sa miembro ng aming samahan at ilang mga kapatid na may kaya sa ating bayan at pagkatapos pumipili kami ng mga sadyang mahihirap ang buhay sa bawat barangay at iyon ay aming tinatapatan sa gabi at inaawitan ng awiting pamasko, palibhasa'y hindi nila alam ang aming layunin na abutan sila ng mga grocery goods at isang religious calendar, alumpihit ang iba kung saan sila kukuha ng pambigay dahil ang akala nila kami ay nanghihingi sa aming pagkakaroling. Minsan nga naaalaala ko sa San Vicente mayroon kaming tinapatan na isang matanda, halos yong kasiya-siya niyang 25 centimos eh ibinigay sa amin, kinuha namin at pagkatapos inilagay namin uli sa plastic bag na may lamang mga grocery items at iniabot namin sa kanya, makikita mo ang pagtulo ng luha sa kanyang mata. Mga tatlo o apat na gabi kaming nagkakaroling.

Bumalik din sa aking alaala kapag kami ay sa Bantan, Calungusan, Camachile at Sto. Domingo nagkakaroling nakakasama namin ang "The Singing Angels" ng Bantan, mga batang magaganda ang mga boses. Hindi ko malilimutan noong kami ay may kinaroling sa isang bahay sa may palaisdaan sa Camachili yong isa sa mga Singing Angels ay nadulas at nahulog sa palaisdaan buti na lang at hindi gaanong malalim ang tubig.

Sa halos ilang gabi naming pagpupuyat sa pagkakaroling ay parang hindi kami nakakarandam ng anumang pagod kundi bagkus ang bawat isa sa amin ay nakakarandam ng lubos na kasiyahan. Marahil ganito rin ang nararandaman ng mga nagbibigay na maluwag sa kanilang mga puso tulad nga ng nasabi ko nang minsan na sa isa raw "Umiibig wika ng Panginoon, higit na pinagpala ang magbigay kaysa tumanggap."

Parang naiisip ko tuloy na muling magawa ang mga bagay na iyon sa pamamagitan ng ating batch lalo pa nga't marami sa atin ang medyo maluwag ang pamumuhay. Ano sa palagay ninyo guys, can we start that project on Christmas 2008? This is only a suggestion.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
See you on the reunion of the decade on 2010.

Annie's Cuisine - 4

Fruit Roll Ups

1 cup butter

1/2 pound cream cheese

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

Salt

Confectioners' sugar, for board and garnish

Pitted dates /Cranberries

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Cream butter and cream cheese together. Blend in the flour and the salt, to taste.

Chill for several hours until firm enough to roll out. Roll mixture to 1/4-inch thick

on a cutting board, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar. Cut dough into 1 by 3-inch

pieces with a pastry wheel. Put dates and/or cranberries on the bottom of each strip

and roll up. Place fold side down on a sheet tray.

Place in oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Sprinkle with

confectioner's sugar to serve.

Intriguing Video Clips

JFK's Speech on Secret Societies
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlghYpDx0f4&feature=related

The Skull & Bones Secret Society
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iU7VtKUP0zg&feature=related

Utube postings

Thank you for posting those amazing Utube videos.I enjoyed watching all of it especially the Tagalog songs with the beautiful sceneries and the Filipino folk dances.Please don't delete those videos as I watch them over and over. I also like the funny ones,like Mr. Bean and the Beauty Queen.Good job.

I would like to take this opportunity to greet each and everyone and your families a Blessed Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year!May the message of Christmas remain in our hearts not only during the Holiday season but always.Let us also pray for peace and justice all over the land. I'm hoping that sometimes in the future I can spend Christmas with you.For 27 years I haven't spent Christmas in the Phil.and I miss it so much,it's so different in our country,you can feel the spirit more.

With all my love and prayers,

Nelia

In Defence of the Filipino People

The preceding post stakes out some claims which whilst they have some truths in them make an unflattering and sweeping generalisation on the Filipino people of whom I am proudly one.

Does our batchmate or anyone who espouses this view see a glass half-full or half empty? The choice reveals one's attitudes and inner creed.

Fact one, not ALL Filipinos have expectations as claimed in the item. There are many in our country who could have worked and lived overseas who have CHOSEN not to, regardless of the allure of perceived better economic lives away from the homeland. There are many who actually feel a degree of pity for those who have to leave their home for a better economic life. There are those to whom "being abroad" means so little or nothing.

Fact two, the majority of our people (with the exception of a small privileged minority) are materially poor in comparison to Western standards, many are dirt poor, destitute. Economic reason is mainly why many of our compatriots (again with the exception of a very tiny group who are not as financially needy yet chose to move) are living overseas. Peeling off all the layers of every and any reason for leaving the country will reveal the same basic motivation of self preservation.

Fact three, in Western Countries, whatever the governmental rationale, it is easier to obtain and live on credit, encouraged in fact, as was pointed out by "the batchmate". It is easier to take out and service loans. It is easier to find jobs, three jobs if one is willing and able to work. Things such as as red meat, fresh milk fresh fruit, canned goods, medicine, vacation cruises, travels, good times etc are affordable to the ordinary citizens who are willing to work. There are excellent services, social and welfare benefits and aids from the government however corrupt or inefficient it may appear to be. Bills need to be paid as is the case everywhere else but it is easier to manage one's financial resources and situation. Buying everything on credit is not necessarily compulsary. In Western societies, one has plenty of options and choices. Destitution is a choice one does not have to make.

NOT SO in our homeland. Jobs are hard to come by. That is why households there have servants who are paid a mere pittance. Home loan is beyond the capacity of many to qualify for or to service. That is why many of our grown-up children still live at home, some even when they have their own families. That is why we had ghettoes and smokey mountains. That is also the reason many cannot afford such luxuries that those who are overseas take for granted. That is why many of our people are inclined to think that those who live overseas are much better off . In reality and in a practical way, those "abroad" really are much better off than they would have fared if they had never left our homeland.

Do those who are "abroad" live a life of sheer luxury and plenty? Not really. One easily gets accustomed to things which previously were beyond one's capacity to obtain and then moves on to wanting better and better things. Now compare that to those at home for whom the same things are still way beyond their capacity to obtain. It's a matter of perspectives.

But what is the rationale for bringing out this sweeping commentary on the presumptions of a less financially endowed people? Could it be a defensive mechanism to excuse one's failing or hesitancy or downright unwillingness to see and do something about the need of others? Could it be a way of telling those who have these expectations to "hey, back off! Don't expect anything from me". If this is the case, then it is inward looking. When one only looks inwards, one sees only himself.

What this "batchmate who may be hiding behind a cloak of anonymity for a hopefully good reason" says has some truth in it. There is great expectation from many people in our homeland of those who are lucky enough to work and or live overseas. But the real truth is that there is a great gulf between the ordinary Western lifestyle and the ordinary Filipino lifestyle in terms of affordability of the basic needs.

Which is a better position to be in: NEED or GIVE?

Is YOUR glass half-full or half-empty? Your choice reveals the real you.

HAY BUHAY AMERICA TALAGA BY: MAENG NI

Akala ng mga tao na nasa Pilipinas kapag nasa America ka akala nila madami ka ng pera. Ang toto, madami kang utang, dahil credit card lahat ang gamit mo sa pagbili no ng mga gamit mo. Kailangan mong gumamit ng credit card para magka-credit history ka, kase pag hindi ka umutang o wala kang utang, hindi ka pagkakatiwalaan ng mga kano. Pag wala kang credit card, ibig sabihin wala kang kapasidad magbayad.

Akala nila mayaman ka kase may kotse ka na. Ang totoo, kapag hindi ka bumili ng kotse sa America maglalakad ka ng milya-milya sa ilalim ng init ng araw o kaya sa snow. Walang jeppney, trycycle o padyak sa America.

Akala nila masarap ang buhay dito sa America. Ang totoo, puro ka trabaho kase pag di ka nagtrabaho, wala kang pangbayad ng bills mo sa kotse, credit card, ilaw, tubig, insurance, bahay at iba pa. Hindi ka na pwedeng tumambay sa kapitbahay kase busy din silang maghanap buhay pangbayad ng bills nila.

Akala nila masaya ka kase nagpadala ka ng pictures mo sa Disneyland, Seaworld, Six Flags, Universal Studios at iba pang attractions. Ang, totoo, kailang mo ngumiti kasi nagbayad ka ng $70+ para makarating ka dun, kailangan mo na naman ng 10 hours na suweldo mong pinangbayad sa ticket.

Akala nila malaki na ang kinikita mo kase dolya na sweldo mo. Ang totoo, malaki pagpinapalit mo ng peso, pero dolyar din and gastos mo sa America. Ibig sabihin ang dolyar mong kinikita sa presyong dolyar mo din gagastusin. And P15.00 na sardinas sa Pilipinas $1.00 sa America, ang isang paketeng sigarilyo sa Pilipinas P40.00, sa America &6.50, ang upa mo sa bahay na P10,000 sa Pilipinas, sa America $1,000++.

Akala nila buhay milyonaryo ka na kase ang ganda ng bahay at kotse mo. Ang totoo milyon and utang mo. Ang bago mong kotse 5 taon mong huhulugan. Ang bahay 30 taon mong huhulugan. Ibig sabihin, alipin ka ng bahay at kotse mo.

Madaming naghahangad na makarating sa America. Lalo na mga nurses, mahirap maging normal na manggagawa sa Pilipinas. Madalas pagod ka sa trabaho. Pagdating ng sweldo mo, kulang pa sa pagkain mo. Pero ganun di sa ibang bansa katulad ng America. Hindi ibig sabihin dolyar na ang sweldo mo, yayaman ka na, kailangan mo ding magbanat ng buto para mabuhay ka sa ibang bansa.

Isang malaking sacripisyo ang pagalis mo sa bansang pinagsilangan at malungkot iwanan ang mga mahal mo sa buhay. Hindi pinupulot ang pera dito o pinipitas. Hindi ako naninira ng pangarap, gusto ko lang buksan ang bintana ng katotohanan.

I received this through an e-mail from one of our batchmates. Lahat ng sinabi ng author ay totoo but it depends on how we handle our responsibilities and our situation in life. In my situation I still prefer to live here in the United States than in the Philippines. Hindi ko sinasabi na hindi ko mahal ang sarili kong bayan. I am much more secure here as all immediate members of my family are here in Maryland. My parents, all my brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces. What more important is also our health insurance and pension when we retire. I want to come back to the Philippines only for a vacation and to visit some of my relatives and of of course you batchmates. To Fely and Josie don't be scared to come and stay here in the United States. Hope to see both of you in San Diego in May.

Simbang Gabi sa Udyong at ang Muling Pagkikita

Kagabi,Disyembre 15, ika pito ng gabi,ang unang simbang gabi ay ginanap sa
simbahan.Isang anticipated mass ito,para sa simula ng novena para sa Pasko. Bago nagsimula ang misa ay may maikling palatuntunan sa Plaza ang Municipal Tourism Council.Mga awit Pamasko,pagsisindi ng malaking Christmas Tree at fireworks,ito ang nagbigay hudyat na ang PASKO ay darating na.Masaya ang mga taong sumaksi sa palatuntunan,kabilang dito ang isang di inaasahang pagkikita ng ilang batch '63 .

Alam nyo ba,nagulat kami ni Julie ng biglang tumambad sa aming paningin si Josie Javier- Macalua.Para na ninyong nakita kung gaano kami kasaya sa muling pagkikitang iyon.Nauwi si Jo dahil nag-anak siya sa kasal sa Maynila at dinalaw ang mga magulang niya.

Maikli lamang ang pagkikitang iyon ngunit puno ng magagandang alaala...Sinabi rin ni Jo ang kanyang pledge sa Gawad Kalinga at iyon ay iiwan niya sa kanyang ina.

Maligayang Pasko at Masaganang Bagong Taon sa lahat !!

Sadly, Here We Go Again.

Police: Man kills 2; 2 dead kids at home

by MITCH STACY, Associated Press Writer Sat Dec 15, 6:07 AM ET

LARGO, Fla. - A teacher drowning in debt fatally shot his ex-wife and her roommate Friday, and police found two dead children at his house, authorities said. The body of an apparent suicide victim was found later in his van.

It Takes All Kinds

We've heard and read about whacky news reports on practically everything under the sun and sometimes wondered about the state of mind of some people who come up with ideas such as the one in the news item that follows. Warning: If you are squeamish, don't read any further.

New Zealand Inventor Flushes Worm Worries
Sunday Dec 16 16:09 AEDT

The New Zealand inventor of a worm-driven composting toilet has flushed away concerns from bureaucrats that the system traumatised the wriggly creatures.

Coll Bell, who built the "wormorator" as an alternative to septic tanks, was asked to get an expert's report on its mental impact on the tiger worms after an official became concerned during a site visit, the Sunday Star Times said."She felt that the worms were being unfairly treated, being expected to deal with human faeces, and that it could affect them in a psychological way," Bell told the newspaper.

"I said, 'Well, what do I do about that?' and she said, 'You have to have someone with the necessary qualifications to say the worms are happy'

ORION JRI BATCH 1963 PROJECT

As all of us know, helping the poor is one of our projects. We learned that some of our batchmates are rendering their services as volunteer in the construction of houses for the poor in Daang Pare, one of the barrios in our home town. Gawad Kalinga started this project and it was agreed among some of our batchmates that we donate one house for the poor. One house cost P60,000.00 from a source from our batchmates in Orion. In response to Gawad Kalinga posting in our blog and through e-mail, some of us already pledged an affordable amount. We hope that more of our batchmates will give their concern and support to our project and also give their pledge in any amount they wish to give. Any donation big or small make a difference. Let us remember that the more we give the more blessing we will receive. We might receive double amount than we give in different ways. We might receive a blessing of good health, joy, peace, love or might be spiritual or financial blessing. So come on Batchmates let us go hand on hand in HELPING THE POOR. As per our President Mike, for those who are abroad, please mail your donation to Editha Almazan. You may e-mail President Mike or me for the address of Editha.

May we all see each other in 2010 with good health of mind and body and with joy in our heart when we visit and see one happy family living in the house we are going to donate.

What Stage of Retirement Are You In?

Journey Through The 6 Stages Of Retirement
by Mark P. Cussen, CFP®, CMFC ( Email Biography )

Major life-changing events, such as marriage or divorce, involve an ongoing process of emotional adjustment. Retirement is no exception. Marriage, divorce and other family-related issues have been the focus of decades of research and analysis by both clinical therapists and religious institutions.

Unfortunately, the emotional and psychological frontier of retirement has remained virtually unexplored until recently. However, while research on this subject has barely begun, it is clear that the psychological process of retirement process follows a pattern similar in nature to the emotional phases accompanying other areas of transition. Read on to discover the six stages of retirement and what you can do to prepare for this important life transition. (For related reading, see Life After Retirement.)

Retirement: The Final Frontier
Retirees must face what is essentially the last transition in their lives. The first transition comes when we leave the security of home to begin our school life in kindergarten, and after school we have the rest of the day to ourselves. Another major transition comes when we join the working world. Now we work all week but still have the weekend to ourselves. Then finally comes retirement, a time when careers are over and the work is done. Retirees have the rest of their lives to themselves.
The transition into retirement can be broken down into six main phases:
1. Pre-retirement (working years) - plans and perceptions regarding retirement are formed. 2. The big day - cessation of employment.
3. Honeymoon phase - the time when many of the fun trips, projects and activities that were planned are executed.
4. Disenchantment - this is where letdown often occurs. The fun is over, and now it's back to this new reality.
5. Reorientation - the subsequent process of adjustment and adaptation to current circumstances.
6. Routine - the new order of life that is finally established.

Let's take a closer look at each of these phases:

1. Pre-retirement - Planning Time
During the working years, retirement can appear to be both an oncoming burden and a distant paradise. Workers know that this stage of their lives is coming, and do everything they can to save for it, but often give little thought to what they will actually do once they reach the goal - the current demands that are placed upon them leave them little time to ponder this issue. Many people face retirement like a running back on the football field who dodges or plows through one defender after another until reaching the end zone. It's hard for many workers to think seriously about what their lives will be like in 20 or 30 years when they are trying to stay on top of their mortgage, put their kids through college and have a little fun in the meantime. They want to reach the end zone, but other issues will tackle them long before then if they don't take immediate action. (For more insight, check out Enjoy Life Now And Still Save For Later and Life Planning - More Than Just Money .)

2. The Big Day - Smiles, Handshakes, Farewells
By far the shortest stage in the retirement process is the actual cessation of employment itself. This is often marked by some sort of dinner, party or other celebration, and has become a rite of passage for many, especially for those with distinguished careers. In some respects, this event is comparable to the ceremony that marks the beginning of a marriage.

3. Honeymoon Phase - I'm Free!
Of course, honeymoons follow more than just weddings. Once the retirement celebrations are over, a period often follows where retirees get to do all the things that they wanted to do once they stopped working, such as travel, indulge in hobbies, visit relatives and so forth. This phase has no set time frame and will vary depending upon how much honeymoon activity the retiree has planned.

4. Disenchantment - So this is it?
This phase parallels the stage in marriage when the emotional high of the wedding has worn off and the couple now has to get down to the business of building a working relationship together. After looking forward to this stage for so long, many retirees must deal with a feeling of letdown, similar to that of newlyweds who must get down the the business of living once the honeymoon is over. Retirement isn't a permanent vacation after all; it also can bring lowliness, boredom, feelings of uselessness and disillusionment.

5. Reorientation - Building a New Identity
Fortunately, the letdown phase of retirement doesn't last forever. Just as married couples eventually learn how to live together, retirees begin to familiarize themselves with the landscape of their new circumstances and navigate their lives accordingly. This is easily the most difficult stage in the emotional retirement process and will take both time and conscious effort to accomplish. Perhaps the most difficult aspects of this stage to manage are the inevitable self-examination questions that must be answered once again, such as "Who am I, now?", "What is my purpose at this point?" and "Am I still useful in some capacity?" New - and satisfying - answers to these questions must be found if the retiree is to feel a sense of closure from his or her working days. But many retirees cannot achieve this and never truly escape this stage - make sure you do!

6. Routine - Moving On
Finally, a new daily schedule is created, new marital ground rules for time together versus time alone are established, and a new identity has been at least partially created. Eventually, the new landscape becomes familiar territory, and retirees can enjoy the last phase of their lives with a new sense of purpose.

Conclusion
Life planning is an important key to successful retirement. Workers that have given serious time and thought to what they will do after they retire will generally experience a smoother transition than those who haven't. Dreams and goals that cannot be achieved with a single trip or project may translate into long-term part-time employment or volunteer work. But it is never too soon to begin mapping out the course of the rest of your life. (To get started, read A Pre-Retirement Checkup.)As with all emotional processes that can be broken down into separate phases, it is not necessary to completely achieve one phase before beginning another (except, of course, for the actual cessation of employment). But virtually all retirees will experience some form of this process after they stop working. Their ability to navigate these uncharted waters will ultimately determine how they live the last phase of their lives. For more on the emotional transition to retirement, see Money Can't Buy Retirement Bliss.

-- "Life is a great surprise. I do not see why death should not be an even greater one."- Vladimir Nabokov

AMERICA, WHY?

Six school children shot in Las Vegas:
police Wednesday Dec 12 11:24 AEDT

Six children have been shot and wounded in Las Vegas after getting off a school bus, but none of the injuries is life-threatening, police say.

Initial reports said the six high school students had just stepped off a school bus when at least two suspects opened fire on them from a car that had been parked across the street.

"A total of six children, all of them high schoolers, have been shot," ... Denby said.

The incident followed two other highly publicised gun tragedies in recent days — a pair of weekend shootings at a Christian Missionary training center and a church in Colorado in which a 24-year-old man killed four people and then himself, and a shopping mall rampage in Omaha, Nebraska, in which a 19-year-old killed eight people and then himself with an assault rifle last week.

December Celebrants

Your Birthday Is a Special Time for Dreaming...

This is the title of the a poem by Emily Matthews which
is heartly dedicated to all December celebrants.

If you could have anything, what would it be?
What would you choose on your wish-making spree?
Perhaps there's a goal that you've long had in mind,
A road not yet taken a treasure to find.

Or maybe a change that you're hoping to make,
A gift to develop, a journey to take...
Whatever it is your birthday is here,
So decide on your dreams for the upcoming year.

Then make a big wish for each wonderful thing---
And get ready to see what the future will bring!

Beware You "Healthy" Folks!

Below is one major reason why some of us may not be able to attend the 2010 Batch Reunion.

Fat flyers should buy two seats: Aussie survey
Tue Dec 11, 12:49 AM ET
SYDNEY (AFP) -

Most Australians believe obese airline passengers should pay for two seats so they don't take up space from the people sitting next to them, according to a survey released Tuesday.

Sixty-three percent of the 2,810 respondents wanted "excessively overweight" people to be charged for an extra seat, according to the survey for travel company, totaltravel.com.

"This is a sensitive issue for all involved and forcing obese people to pay for two tickets raises a lot of ethical and legal dilemmas," said totaltravel.com global marketing manager Paul Fisher.

The issue resonated strongly with travellers, especially because seat space was at a premium since the launch of low-cost carriers, he said.

"Airlines should be working out a solution to the problem, whether it is discounted second seats or specially-designed chairs for larger people."

CHRISTMAS BELLS

by Abby Westover

Long ago people believed that they could use bells to frighten away evil spirits. Bells were a simple form of noisemaking. They could be easily obtained or made and everyone knew how to use them. Many people thought that as winter began, evil spirits would come to harm them. So during the dark days after the harvest or the hunt, people would engage in ceremonies to keep bad things from happening to them while they waited for Spring and warmer days.

The tradition of using noisemakers like bells during these times carried over into the celebration of Christmas. But instead of making noise to keep away evil things, people made noise to celebrate something happy.

GK PROJECT

I was moved by the response to the GK project. I have already made the pledge as per telcon with Pres. Mike, and it's just the matter of collecting and turning over the funds. we endeavored to have a meeting this Sunday 9 Dec., but most have commitments so id did not materialized. We are rescheduling it for next Sunday, 16 Dec. with Lucille and Belen doing most of the legwork. For our batchmates here in Pinas who have accesss to the blogsite, please course your pledges/donations to Sec. Belen/Lucille/me. We will try to reach those who have no access to the blogsite. That will be the main point of our meeting next Sunday. Thanks for all the support.Rollie

Surviving Stress and Enjoying the Holidays

By Dr. Susan Mendelsohn
eDiets Psychologist


There are a variety of emotions that may surface as a result of seeing your family during the holidays. With these emotions come some unforeseen difficulties. One challenge is the common possibility of reverting back to old behavior patterns as if being back in the same place (emotionally) as we were when the family lived and grew up together.

In other words, if you grew up being told your worth was based on your appearance, or if you were taunted and teased because of your weight or body size, you may begin to experience those same feelings of inferiority during your family reunion, regardless of whether you have grown out of that inferiority complex and have been functioning independently for years.

Because of these feelings floating back to the surface, old habits tend to reappear. These habits may include overeating to numb the pain, or overeating because that is what your family expects of you. In this sense, they may load your plate up with your favorite foods from childhood with the expectation that you are to eat it all.

You do NOT have to please anyone by cleaning your plate. You have a CHOICE this time. People pleasing is especially common at this time of year. However, it’s time to realize that asserting your rights to refrain from your old favorites will help you gain a newfound respect and get your family to treat you differently in the future.

If this is problematic for you during these typically stressful reunions, then now is the time to prepare for this situation in case it does arise.

The following checklist will help you survive the holidays by coping in a more effective manner:

1.Plan ahead.

2.Visualize how you will feel after eating a particular food or after eating too much food.

3.Visualize yourself maintaining your healthy pattern of eating.

4.Set limits with yourself prior to that holiday meal.

5.Use your feelings journal to prepare you for uncomfortable emotions.

6.Learn about food substitutions .

7.Use positive affirmations. Develop a list of things you love about yourself and read them several times a day. This will help you be kind to your body without overstuffing yourself.

8 Do NOT skip meals prior to your holiday meal. This will only slow your metabolism and set you up for a binge. Keep your meals as structured as possible.

9.Practice your assertiveness skills by reviewing this archived article.

10.Be aware of your trigger foods. These are foods that when you eat a little make you want to eat a lot.

11.Eat slowly and savor the taste.

12.Take smaller portions of each food so you can eat a variety of foods without feeling deprived.

13.Be conscious of what you are eating. Think before and while you eat.

14.Eat only at the dinner table. Do not pick.

15.Increase your exercise for a couple of days prior to and on the day of the holiday meal. (Make sure you have clearance from your physician).

16.Stop eating when you feel full.

17.Do NOT continue eating to numb feelings or to be simply “sociable”.

18.Get rid of the guilt. If you CHOOSE to eat a particular food, allow yourself to do so without the guilt and return to your healthy lifestyle when the holiday meal has ended.

19.Stop people pleasing. Do NOT eat to please others. You will be the only one paying the consequences later.

20.Recognize that only YOU are in control of your body and the consequences of your actions.



The holidays do not have to be stressful if you plan ahead. I'm wishing you the very happiest and healthiest holiday season ever! You can do it if you stay focused.

FIRST DAY OF SNOW IN MARYLAND FOR 2007

I just want to share with you that today, Wednesday, December 5 is the first day of falling snow for 2007 here in Maryland. I love watching on my office window the falling snow. It is so beautiful outside. Snow started falling around 9:00 a.m. If not stop it might be 6 inches before I go home after work. Not dangerous to drive as government officials see to it that salt are being scattered on the street. Not so bad as of this time 12:00 noon as the snow on the ground not yet goes up above two inches. Snow started falling around 9:00 a.m. Cold but I enjoyed walking under the falling snow when I went to Gallery near my office during my lunch break with my snow boots and jacket on.

How's there in New Jersey, Annie and in Pennsylvania, Mike? I know it is colder in your place than here in Maryland. How about you there, Ernie and Lourdes in Toronto? Come on let us walk under the falling snow.

A Brief Glance at the History of Christmas

Before the 4th Century AD, the Romans of the holy Roman Empire were a pagan people . They worshipped various gods like Saturn, Jupiter and Venus. They held festivals for everyone of them. They were not Christians. In fact, they persecuted and killed Christians who refused to worship their gods and take part in their religious festivities.

Two of the most popular festivals celebrated by the pagan Romans were Saturnalia and Brumalia, in honour of Saturn and his son Jupiter, also known as Sol, the sun-god. They celebrated the shortest day of the year ( the winter solstice) and the death of the old sun and welcome the "new sun".

Their celebratory practices included kissing under the mistletoe as a prelude to unrestrained merrymaking, revelry and various hedonistic debauchery. They lit fires and candles to encourage the waning sun-god as he reached the lowest place in the southern skies.They hang wreaths at places of worship and their homes during these feasts. They also interchanged presents between friends. One of the symbols of their celebration was a "yule" ,"wheel", a pagan symbol of the sun.

These festivals originated from the ancient pagan Babylon which was established shortly after the great Flood of Noah's time and started by a mother and son who married each other, Semiramis and Nimrod (also known as Tammuz) . When he died, his mother-wife propagated the doctrine that he was still alive as a spirit being symbolised by a full-grown tree that sprang overnight from a dead tree stump, and that he would visit the tree and leave gifts upon it.

As you might have guessed, Saturnalia was celebrated on December 17 to 24 and Brumalia on December 25. And Nimrod's birthday was on December 25.

In the fourth century AD, King Constantine of Rome for political purposes integrated the fast-growing Christian religion which was then causing him great trouble and unrest (because of their refusal to observe pagan festivals), placing it on an equal footing with paganism. To placate his people who grievously resented this new religion and were vehemently unwilling to give up their own idolatrous festivities of revelry and drunken debauchery, Constantine "christianised" Saturnalia and Brumalia by declaring Dec 25 as the birth of Jesus Christ, instead, and renaming the celebration as Christ's mass, in honour of the "son" instead of the "new sun".

And that is how "Christmas" became fastened on the Western world.

The Nimrod tree is now known as the Christmas tree. The wheel,or "yule" as in yuletide season, yuletide greetings, the kissing under the mistle toe, the holly wreaths, the gift-giving to each other, the lighting of fires and candles, all symbols of the worship of the pagan sun-god are still actively used in the celebration of this repackaged heathen festival. The other symbols evolved later.

Saturnalia and Brumalia are now called by another name - Christmas - but it is the same old pagan sun-worshipping festival still.

Besides, Christ was not born any where near December 25.

References:The Catholic Encyclopedia 1911 edition

Encyclopedia Americana 1944 edition

The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge

Biblitheca Sacra Vol 12 pp 153-155

The Truth About Christmas, P Ardagh 2003 edition

Answers to Questions F J Haskins

The Plain Truth about Christmas 1974 edition

Bush/WAR etc

As I was reading about that article on bush ,I got sick to my stomach I almost threw up.Now,instead of drinking red wine ,i'm going to buy a whole pack of San Miguel beer.This is too intense for me.

GAWAD KALINGA PROJECT

If you wish to contribute to this project for our needy Orion folks, please post your intention by way of "Comment".

Big Welcome to Generoso!

What took you so long? Now we look forward to reading more posts from you. Welcome aboard!

TO ALL DECEMBER CELEBRANTS...

Three Degrees of Womanhood

Woman, 64, gives birth: report
Monday Dec 3 10:24 AEDT

A German woman aged 64 has given birth to a healthy baby girl, a national record and her first child after years of unfruitful attempts and false pregnancies, a report said yesterday.

"Mother and child are doing well," said doctor Elias Karam at the Aschaffenburg clinic in southern Bavaria, quoted by the Internet site of the Der Spiegel weekly.

The baby was born on Thursday by caesarian section and weighed two kilograms, The German birth came thanks to the donation of ovules by a 25-year-old donor but used the sperm of her husband, who is also aged 64, Spiegel Online reported.

Man shoots wife with Alzheimer's to end suffering
Sunday Dec 2 09:16 AEDT

A 77-year-old Italian burst into a hospital ward where his wife was being treated for Alzheimer's disease on Saturday and killed her with three gunshots because he "couldn't stand seeing her suffering", he told police.

The man, whose name was not given by police, shot his 82-year-old wife in the face and heart in full view of other patients and staff in the hospital in the Tuscan city of Prato and was arrested immediately.


The woman had been suffering for eight years from the illness, which affects elderly people and brings on dementia, and had been admitted to hospital earlier in the week, police said.

(Reporting by Stephen Brown)

New website used to speed up separation
Thursday Nov 29 11:27 AEDT

While some people use the internet to find true love, a new website now makes it possible for others to finalise their separation.

An online service called Resolution Online (www.resolutiononline.com.au) has been developed to allow couples, especially those with children, to complete the final stages of their separation without being face-to-face.

"In many situations, the last thing most couples wish to do is actually sit down, face-to-face, to try and resolve sensitive issues," Resolution Online chief executive officer, Katherine Graham, said.



The service involves both parties taking part in a real-time, secure, private chatroom, facilitated by an accredited family dispute resolution practitioner.

At the conclusion of a session, a formal, written agreement can be printed, which both parties will be required to abide by.

TAWA PA

Americanized Filipinos

1.RESTITUTO FRUTO --- Tutti Fruti
2.CASIMIRO BOCAYCAY--- Cashmere Bouquet
3.ROGELIO DAGDAG------ Roger Moore
4.VENERACION DE ASIS-- Venereal Disease
5.TOPACIO MAMARIL----- Top Gun
6.JUAN TAMPIPI-------- John Samsonite
7.VICTORIA MALIHIM---- Victoria's Secret
8.BIENVENIDO JURADO----Ben Hur
9.REMIGIO BATUNGBAKAL--Remington Steel
10.FEDERICO HAGIBIS----Federal Express
11.ELEUTERIO IGNACIO---Electronic Ignition
12.FRANCISCO PORTERO---Frank Furter
13.DIOSDADO DURANTE----Deo Dorant


QUACK DOCTOR'S Dictionary

1. Antibodies------ against everyone
2. Bacteria-------- back door of a cafeteria
3.Bowel------------ letters like A E I O U
4.Cardiology--------advanced study of Pusoy and Tong-its
5.Cat Scan--------- searching for one's lost kitty
6.Congenital--------friendly
7.Enema-------------not a friend
8.Genes-------------blue denim
9.Organ transplant--what you do to your piano when you move it
10.Pharmacist------- a person who makes a living dealing in agriculture
11.Protien-------- in favor of young people
12.Tablet---------- small table
13.Terminal Illness- getting sick at the airport
14.Tumor----------- an extra pair
15.Urine----------- opposite of you're out

Daghang Salamat

Thanks so much for the warm greetings - Azon, Pilar and Ernesto!

Biro nyo, I am about to complete my 6th decade, and will begin enjoying a 20% discount on medicine purchases, travel fare, etc.

Please join me in prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of a happy, fulfilled and love-filled life.

How I wish JRI Orion Batch 1963 were here to celebrate this milestone with me. Anyway, if anyone in the batch happens to be within driving distance from Ormoc City, please let me know, so I can pick you up. (0920-871-8183) You are all invited to my birthday celebration.

Again, DAGHANG SALAMAT!!!

The Computer Swallowed Grandma

The computer swallowed grandma.
Yes, honestly it's true!
She pressed 'control' and 'enter'
And disappeared from view.

It devoured her completely,
The thought just makes me squirm.
She must have caught a virus
Or been eaten by a worm.

I've searched through the recycle bin
And files of every kind;
I've even used the Internet,
But nothing did I find.

In desperation, I asked Jeeves
My searches to refine.
The reply from him was negative,
Not a thing was found 'online.'

So, if inside your 'In box,'
My Grandma you should see,
Please 'Copy,' 'Scan' and 'Paste' her
And send her back to me.

This is a tribute to all the Grandmas who have been
fearless and learned to use the Computer... They are
the greatest!!!

We do not stop playing because we grow old;
We grow old because we stop playing.
NEVER Be the First to Get Old!

From The Brittany Pointer by Phyllis Hepfner

gawad kalinga

I was surprised to see Lucille at a Gawad Kalinga housing project in Daan Pare where I was donating some muscle power by doing some manual labor for the construction of the houses. The project is still on it's early stages and they all need all the help thay can get specially sponsorship. I am very happy that Lucille is very
much involved in this. So here we are: Boy Mateo, me, Rudito Angeles, Lucille, Francis Sarmiento and her sister,Lorna, Ric Bernabe, abd 3 others whose names I can't remember( remember the ice cream?).. Wanna pitch-in?

Tawa naman.

Refresh your Tagalog and have fun! Enjoy.

Ice buko – Is my hair, okay?
Calculator – Tawagan kita mamaya
Protestant - Tindahan ng prutas
Masturbation – Malawak ang gutom
Statue - Ikaw ba yan?
Predicate - Pakawalan mo ang pusa
Dedicated – Pinatay ang pusa
Aspect - Pantusok o pandurog ng yelo
Deduct – Ang pato
Defeat - Ang paa (ng pato)?
Deposit - Gripo (Call Diploma if deposit is leaking)
City - bago mag-utso; A number to follow six (6)
Cattle – Doon nakatila and Hali at Leyna.
Persuading - Unang kasal
Depress – Ang nagkasal sa persuading
Defense – Ginamit na mga pangsulat sa kontrata sa persuading
It depends – Kainin mo ang bakod
Shampoo – Bago mag-labing isa (11); A number to follow nine (9)
Delusion - Maluwang (kapag maluwang ang damit, eh delusion)
Delivery – Walang bayad. Kapag working lunch, eh delivery na ang tanghalian.
Profit – Messenger of God; patunayan mo
Balance sheet – What comes out after eating a balanced diet.
Backlog- Bacon and egg
Beehive – Magpakatino ka
Cdrom - Tingnan mo ang kuarto
Debug - Ang ipis
Defrag - Ang palaka
Defense – Ang bakod
Defer – Ang balahibo
Deflate – Ang plato
Detest – Ang eksamin
Davalue – ‘Yon ang susunod sa letrang “V”
Devote – Ang boto
Dilemma – ‘brown out a’
Effort - Duon nag-land and efflane
Forums – Apat (4) na kuarto
July – Nagsinungaling ka ba?
The sis – Ito ay sakit
Contemplate – Not enough pinggan
Punctuation – Pera para maka-enroll
Tenacious – Footwear for tennis
Devastation – ‘Duon sa sakayan ng bus