Elderly Blues and Blows

Monday blues, elderly blues, daily blues, how to cope

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:07:00 +0000

More and more legislators should come to the rescue and amend the law that retirement age begins at 60 and that for government a minimum of 15 years of service. May I call on Senator Chiz Escudero to pioneer a bill that will decrease the age limit to 55 and a minimum of 10 year service for government employees to avail of the GSIS pension plan.

Why 55 years old? Only the elderly can fully fathom why but you need not be 55 or 60 years old to empathize with our plight. A signature campaign seems to be in order. Why at least 10 years? Anyone who has worked for quite sometime and is 50 and above can identify with this lonely scenario. At least beyond 55 you can still travel and move quickly and have some money to use for travel or venture into something different. Why GSIS? Government Service Insurance System for government employees and SSS ( Social Security System) for employees in the private sector serve as the last chance to receive a lump sum and pension for retirement age and have some money for medicine and other needs.

The above mentioned situation is one of the causes of the elderly employees' Monday blues, daily blues. Why? We are physically exhausted to wake up early in the morning for our bodies need leisurely time to greet the day. Our sleeping time is no longer in the evening bur dawn hours so to wake up at 6:30 A.M. is almost impossible when we just slept at 2:00 or 3:00 A.M. How should we cope? Your answer is as good as mine but a law that will allow us to retire as suggested earlier will make all these blues go away for we will then be spared the rigors of working. Senator Chiz SOS!!!

Feast of the Black Nazarene: filled with commitment

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:53:00 +0000

Today, January 9 is the feast of the Black Nazarene. If you gauge the extent devotees manifest their commitment to the Black Nazarene on the number of people who join the procession you see on tv - then there is no question as to how alive the devotion is. Year in and year out, Quiapo Church does its role to celebrate the feast for it houses the statue of the Black Nazarene. It has been reported that many dioceses have requested for replicas of the statue and use this during their own procession. Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines Media Office reported that it has already donated life size images of the Black Nazarene to the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro City, Dioceses of Iligan and Ipil.

Elderly Blues and Blows finds it very meaningful that Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City have been indicated as the recipients for since Typhoon Sendong, these two cities are now going through the suffering and the pain that Jesus went though as He carried the Cross i our behalf to Calvary. Many stories have been shared about the harrowing ordeals of the families that to this day, they are still hanging on to their faith, to their God, to their Black Nazarene - to go on living. In fact Mindanaoan, One Happy Story and their friends went on their volunteer work yesterday, January 8 and found out for themselves additional dead body (bodies?) under a bridge just when weeks have passed and it seemed nobody is going a mile more to make sure no dead body is left floating (aggh!) Where are all the concerned agencies?

It is precisely the side of Jesus, the Suffering Servant that is most apt for most Filipinos and most of the people in the world. Try sitting down in front of your television set and go through the channels: CNN, BBC, NBC's Talk, RT News and other major channels and in one gigantic moment you see the world and its struggles - and once in a while the laughter and joy some are experiencing.

Thus the Feast of the Black Nazarene is commitment in action not so much during the procession but every time you go through your suffering and you accept it as part of christian life - part of human living. Then Resurrection comes in the form of starting all over again, standing up no matter what and moving on for life goes on.

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:00:00 +0000

Game on the campaign managers say in new Hampshire; Move on say the volunteers in Cagayan de Oro City: an elderly analogy

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 10:10:00 +0000

Coming from both ends of the world, the Republicans say "game on" for their political campaign as to who their presidential candidate will be to run opposite President Barack Obama while the volunteers who keep up their spirits up as they face the victims of typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao Philippines say "move on" no matter what.

This is an elderly analogy of both activities which are both life changing: one is to get across the Republicans' desire to change the leadership to make their economy better and bring back the rightful place of United States as number one in the world leadership. The other scenario is for the volunteers who keep up their hopeful spirits and encourage and inspire the victims to live on amidst their loss which is beyond words as to the pain and loneliness it causes to the ones concerned. Different courses of action in this reality called life. The elderly cannot help but look at all these trials and various goings on as the ingredients that when mixed well make the successful ones accept even the most unacceptable because it is the way of life: immersion to the grueling fire to become sharper in siphoning the gold from mud and face the future with open eyes,more mature and more open to what is next.

American election process is democracy in action

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 19:25:00 +0000

An outsider looking in at how the Americans choose their candidates from campaign to actual election is democracy in action. The electorate is given so much importance - all the opportunities are given for them to ask, to demand, to command and even to go against their ideas right there and then. Some Americans are downright against some candidates it is so difficult to deny their disapproval. Even their present President is not free from their dissatisfaction or clamor for better performance. Others analyze where president Obama has failed, is failing or is doomed to be defeated when election day comes.

Coming from a country where ballots can be bought or "sabotaged", we can learn from a country which calls a "spade a spade" and where only that which is the result come out no matter what - and the results of their election in a week's time. Is it because it is United States of America?

At the moment the Republicans are preparing for New Hampshire caucus perhaps to find out who is the most likely candidate to run against President Obama. While all this is happening what are the Democrats doing?

We may not find the process perfect but it is certainly one where democracy is given primary importance.

One week of New Year 2012 gone, elderly forecast inspired by the Feng Shui experts

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:34:00 +0000

Having lived for more than 60 years, the coming of a new year always brings newness and for the elderly it is another gift of life, another year of chances to change for the better. One need not be an expert to forecast for one's years of actual living make you somehow the expert of how to live. Still this elderly listened to some of the Feng Shui experts and it is comforting to note that they were unanimous in saying that CHANGE is key to better way of living this new year. Certainly this one word is not that new, isn't it? It is our daily execution of it that is always lacking. How many times do we say it again and again: "Nothing is permanent except change" - for that is its message - keep on changing no matter what and every time any time.

One week has passed this new year of 2012 how are things? Whatever is your state in life, you must have been beset by what is ahead of you. The Syrians will go on with their struggle. The Iraqis will have more problems what with explosions that go on. U.S. Jobs are up but a long way to go according to CNN and BBC reports. The Filipinos will have political troubles what with the Impeachment of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court coming and upcoming court hearings for the ex-president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Many other issues have arisen which all cause confusion and/or fear for the future.

There is however an elderly tip w can give as elderly: take one thing at a time. One week has passed. Be kind to yourself and let things come. Before you know it, better things will just meet us first moment of the following week. Smile. You are more than all the troubles in the world combined. You are a child of the universe as Desiderata says. You have a right to be here. Be gentle with yourself.Be happy!

Iran stubbornness vs. US sanctions = another major disaster

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:20:00 +0000

The equation this elderly suggests may not be approved by every expert but something must be said about the dilemma caused by Iran stubbornness and the signed list of sanctions advanced by the United States.

Analysts say the sanctions will push Iran to even become more stubborn and go on with its desire to be left alone with its nuclear tests. This course of action should not be tolerated because Iran is not the world yet whatever mistakes it will commit due to its desire to be allowed to do what it wills will affect the whole world. While there are many superpowers and may even admit that their economy is better than that of the United States - at least nowadays - there is not denying that the United States seems to be the country to expect to lead. What can we lesser mortals do?

Sad to say we, lesser mortals and countries which are underdeveloped or developing will have to take a backseat and be contented with blogging about it. We can pressure the United States to think a lot of times before pushing Iran to the wall. Perhaps diplomacy will be given a stronger role to catalyze the situation no matter what.

Even the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton will agree that she can use her charm and her diplomatic prowess to dialogue with Iran one way or the other. For the elders, Hillary Clinton is a colleague and our pride for her wisdom is not something that comes out of the blue but wisdom borne of being an educated elderly. We support you Secretary of State! Let Iran's stubbornness be tempered by rationality and sanity. Let the greater good be the rationale why Iran has to stop and think and reflect for a moment as to its irrationality or hardheadedness.

May the good prevail!

Do the ederly and senior citizens still believe in New Year's Resolutions?

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:33:00 +0000

Do you fellow elderly and senior citizens still believe in New Year Resolutions? Perhaps, the term should no longer be resolutions because the elderly have tried almost if not everything that life has to offer but even then, life has a way of challenging everyone to do better. So do we say resolutions or better things to do for this year?

Anyways, once "you google it" you come across good tips like the ones given by Adam Strosberg when we clicked search Senior citizens resolutions. He came up with Top Ten New Year Resolutions for Senior Citizens for 2010. Let us go through the major suggestions and find out if it is still a good list for 2012.

1) Eat nutritious snacks.

2) Check up your dental health.

3) Get out and walk/exercise.

4) Take up a hobby.

5) Make a budget plan.

6) Make sure your medicines are in order.

7) Have an energy audit.

8) Bond with friends and family.

9) Laugh more.

10) Hire an in-house care giver.

Look at the list and what do you say? You have much to say am sure for the list is not foreign to our experiences. Certainly the list is good regardless of year, yes?

Can we still add to the list? In connection with the present discussion whether or not the elderly and senior citizens still believe in New Year Resolutions, why not?

* Plan a trip. While trips seem awesome and physically taxing, you might think again when you finally have your first trip. You dress your best using slacks, shorts, loose t-shirts complete with cap or hat: Wow! You will feel great and sexy and free. . . Begin with a trip to Hongkong or Singapore or Kuala Lumpur (Malaybalayan had been to these places and what a treat to life's bounty it was!)

Turmoil, turmoil leaves the elderly shaking her head and heaving a sigh . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:54:00 +0000

Economic turmoil affects unrest other than money matters. Neo-Nazi tendencies of the youth, drawing them to the far side of things, according to RT News have surfaced. The"occupy" Wall Street is another manifestation of the growing dissatisfaction and greater awareness of the gap between the "haves" and the "have nots".

While all this crisis is going on,countries are worried about North Korea's new leadership, the new leader being barely 28 years old. Equally worrisome is Iran's nuclear tests. This was done after United States of America approved greater sanctions to be given to Iran. For elderly people, there is reason to fear Iran's "no care" attitude for many more untoward repercussions can be inflicted to those who seem to be mere spectators of the struggle between and among the superpowers.

Amidst all these, the elderly is left shaking her head and heaving a sigh. For one, Filipinos who are working in Syria are not allowed by their employers to come home. Protesters among the Syrians are not helping ease the tense atmosphere. It is said by n p r - find a station - the Syrian government continues its brutal crackdown against the protesters, including peaceful protesters. It is with a pleading heart and a humble call for peaceful settlements over brutal crackdown. What is President Bashar al - Assad doing to minimize the chaos.

May there be more intermediaries with the right reasons if peace will be given a chance. May there be more elderly blows and less of the elderly blues. Let us begin this quest for peace right in our homes.

Boarding a bus, paying the fare but standing all throughout the trip: Anyone?

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:05:00 +0000

It is no longer rare to board a bus, pay the fare yet stand all throughout the trip - young and elderly alike. this leads us to ask what the government is doing about this poor service of transit owners. Let this blog be a forum especially for the elderly who also stands throughout the trip.

Talking point One: Enough to monopoly! Imagine one rural transit for the whole province, Why? Certainly there are many who are just eager to compete for nowadays competition always promotes better fare and options. Who is responsible for the monopoly? How "much" is the reason why to this day there is only one (1) major transportation company which rules? Is it possible to report this monopoly to well meaning people who have the authority to distribute opportunities to as many entrepreneurs so that in the near future, the passengers are better served and consequently the elderly finds more humane accommodation.

Talking point Two: "Non-stop" trips, is it fair? Should this be tolerated after all it is the same transportation company which monopolizes the 4-stop, the ordinary trip and now the so-called non-stop? Enough to monopoly and enough to this transportation company which seems to have it all, why? Who is responsible for this inequality? It is already 2012 and whether we like it or not, financial crisis is still daunting and this is complicated all the more by our transportation that is monopolized by one major transportation company. Already the air con non-stop option of traveling from one city to another, usually a 5-7 hour trip has its pros and cons but the passengers must be heard. When are all these hearings held? How do we get the information who gets to attend? Where do we address this clamor for more competition so that the passengers are better served?

Talking point Three: Will there ever be a plan to connect the cities via train stations? Will the roads ever be constructed by expert engineers who really want the roads to be safe and long lasting? Will the elderly be part of the scenario whereby every transportation reserves a place for them like a place only for the differently-abled?

From a personal experience of en elderly female standing for a good three (3) hours amidst strong men and young males, the only comforting thought is for this elderly to blog about it and mustered the guts to come up with three (3) talking points. Any elderly comment?

An elderly dilemma? I slept through "New Year" celeb but today am catching up, Happy New Year fellow bloggers!

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:49:00 +0000

Was it an elderly dilemma or what? While it was still early time of December 31, time was spent cleaning and preparing for New Year celeb. Finally three (3) of my children arrived with one (1) still in Cebu working as call center agent. Call it fatigue or what but as the hours were leading to midnight, this elderly blogger decided to take a nap but the nap became a long sleep such that nobody was able to wake me up until the dawn of January 1 and New Year has dawned. Was this an elderly dilemma or what? Whatever,never mind, at least here I am, with enough energy to blog and wish you, my beloved readers and co-bloggers, young or elderly, Happpppyyyyy Newwwww Yearrrrrr!!!

Are you all alone fellow elderly this Christmas? Allow Elderly Blues and Blows to make you smile if only a little . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:18:00 +0000

Experts say being alone is not being lonely so smile fellow elderly, you are only alone, not lonely. If however, you feel alone and lonely, allow your fellow elderly to make you smile if only a little.

1) It is when you are alone that you can do many things: write your life story; tend to your garden; clean nooks never reached by you due to other disturbances;

2) When you feel alone and also lonely, make it a teaching moment and a learning opportunity. That is life: you come alone and you go alone but with your faith, you are in fact never alone and loneliness is seen more as an attitude that should be overcome with positive outlook in life.

3) Do not worry for after a while somebody will come to visit you or make it a point to volunteer to touch others who are alone. This is the wonder if not one of the miracles of life: there is always someone who must be touched by God to reach out to others who need a nice companion or a generous neighbor.

4) This is one instance when an internet connection would be a handy way to communicate even to strangers like me. They say you can pour your "gut" in another level to somebody you have never met. A fellow human being is someone who is everything like you- being human beings as we are - and somehow life is better this time.

5) Google anything you do not understand. This is one of the most meaningful tasks of Google. It gives us insights or say in another way what we already know so it is still good for the weary spirit.

6) Count your blessings for you will notice that if you listen hard enough,there are others who have lost everything due to calamity and yet find a reason to move on - amidst the pain and loss. They say Filipinos are like this, we "laugh at our problems" although we are aware we should not do it all the time or it might lead to a disorder.

7) Where is the promised smile that we hope should end this blog: You read this blog and there is reason to smile for reading through the list. You are game. You made me smile too!

Fellow elderly: Merry Christmas to you and let us together await the New Year (2012) with a smile that only elderly people can understand: another reprieve - another chance - another opportunity to inspire others who are still young and already they want to die

Elderly people easily cry especially during Special Events like Christmas and New Year . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 02:12:00 +0000

Today is December 24, time line in Malaybalay City, Mindanao Philippines, by now it is 9:56 according to our computer. This elderly blogger prepared breakfast and was set on eating with gusto because the viand is a Christmas treat - country bacon by Slers and Purefoods tender and juicy, cocktail size. She was savoring every piece when her beloved Michael 2, the family dog, now you know why we have chosen Michael as the name of the family pet . . . sat hungrily hoping he would be given his share. As always, Michael, with his stance so pitiful and lovable to look at, had his way so pieces of bacon "down M's drain" - it is Christmas after all. The Parasat cable tv was set, channel 37, ESPN, and my luck it was Michael Jordan's 1998 sixth MVP title and Chicago Bulls" 6th win.

As the game showed the wonder of basketball when Michael was the one you are looking at, the delicious food received less of this blogger's attention as the remaining 5 minutes had the Utah Jazz, 85 points and Chicago Bulls, 86 courtesy of Jordan's miracle shots as ever. Then, the teams played and no one made the shot then finally Jazz got the ball but the player did not shoot until the last second and the Bulls won! Scottie Pipen cried; Michael Jordan cried, I cried . . .

Jordan always makes me cry when he does his best and wins! Replays are always worth it when you watch a great game. Elderly people like us, cry harder because we will never have a chance to see another player like Michael Jordan who makes me watch his game no matter the time. Christmas and New Year holidays should have replays like this and the special events are worth our tears. Now, this blogger has lost her appetite because her emotions bring her back once again to those NBA seasons she never view until Michael Jordan is on. This elderly loves you Michael Jordan! Where are you and what are you doing? To your fans, you are our special event and when it happens life becomes very colorful. Thanks ESPN!

Elderly people, like Malaybalayan, do cry easily especially during special events like Christmas and New Year.

Caroling seemsto be alive and kicking but the spirit behind it seems lost.

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:39:00 +0000

Elderly people are supposed to take comfort in the fact that there are still carolers nowadays during Christmas. Even the children who come to carol do not sing with their hearts but with the haste to receive the coin and go to the next house. During our times, we caroled but we sand with all our hearts and really took time to practice and make sure we know how to go about the caroling process.

This elderly is very sad that she could not force herself to be patient and allow the carolers to go on and just let it be. Perhaps, we are asking too much from a breed that does not know anymore why we carol.

Thus we say caroling seems to be alive and kicking but the spirit behind it seems lost. It would still be wise to respect the season and accept the few carolers who come by and charge it to the season's spirit, lost or about to be lost.

Carolers, anyone?

Feeling blue this Christmas?

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:55:00 +0000

This seems to be the pervading mood this Christmas. Perhaps it is caused by so many dampening scenarios that have hit all sectors of society.

Take United States of America: How many people want to go there to work never mind if we hear that many Americans are unemployed or underemployed. Now Democrats and Republicans - political leaders are not united as to how much tax cuts they want to give to their constituents while the times are still hard for them, good for 3 months or 1 year. However, USA is a superpower, problems or no problems. Christmas for most Americans may not be as extravagant as in the past but most of them will have enough food on their table.

Talk TV informs us the Duchess of Cambridge wants a puppy for Christmas. Rich or poor, ordinary or royal, we are allowed to want something or someone. Kate, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you!

The last American troop left Iraq. Chaos goes on in so many countries.

Many countries are still in chaos due to protesters and dissatisfaction towards their leaders.

Filipinos, especially Mindanaoans, are sure to think of Christmas with a tinge of pain,but typical of Filipinos, life goes on. One woman who saw John Lloyd when many tv personalities came to distribute aids to victims of Typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro City even felt her Christmas has already happened when she saw the actor. Another mother, also a victim of the flood, was in tears upon seeing everything that she lost but she said all her loved ones are alive and this was enough notwithstanding her house that is no longer livable and everything she had are all gone.

Feeling blue this Christmas? We have so many reasons why we answer in the affirmative but we also know we have many reasons not to be blue. We are still alive and Christmas is upon us and soon New Year 2012 will be with us. SMILE!

Malaybalayan's Elderly Bues and Blows Christmas and New Year's wishes

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 04:01:00 +0000

Just arrived from another city and at 2:00 A.M. found herself in the Plaza of Malaybalay City. Take note in this city, your only transportation beyond 9:00 p.m. is a "motorela" (motorcycle with a passenger's cart attached to it). The first thing that greeted her was not the motorela but a smell so horrible, terrible, rancid and "other negative superlatives" about smell. Of the most decipherable smells is stench of urine "spread", fertilized", "watered" by human beings - let us just say, males and females -. Nearby is the "tableau" of the city's forefathers made of stone so they could not smell the unholy breath of air that surrounded it. In addition, there were drunk everywhere - male and female - also around the plaza. The so-called ladies were shouting while the males went on about drinking. This sight is not unusual nowadays for now it seems convenience stores have spaces in front of its establishment where those who could buy liquor could avail of the free "lounge". Malaybalay, our beloved Malaybalay, what has become of you. Not only have you become a city and left the pioneers longing for the usual scenario "everybody knows everybody" but now true to its name: Malaybalay City, it has become dirty, unsafe and painful to live in. Who is to be blamed? Who can do something about all these? Will we just remain passive for as long as we are not yet attacked? Will we just say it is part of being a city so we have Gaisano, Jollibee, soon Chowking so what do you expect? Yet we call Malaybalay, "city within a forest . . . "

Malaybalayan's elderly blue: Malaybalay is "going to the dogs" sooner or later . . . Malaybalay City is in Mindanao, Bukidnon Philippines but can be a microcosm of what usually happens when a municipality becomes a town then a city.

Malaybalayan's elderly blow: A Christmas and New Year wish: Malaybalay is the place where we are born so we have to do our share. My first attempt is to blog not to destroy by birthplace but to admit something bad is happening to my land of birth. Who else is going to say something is wrong with Malaybalay if not those who were born here; saw it rise and fall. Let us not just wish but walk our talk.. We will not point fingers as to why this is happening. Let us begin right in our homes. Malaybalay is better than this.

Malaybalay, Malaybayan is offeringyou to God for cleansing . . .this Christmas and New Year 2012!!!

Elderly leader vs. Young leader: Korean Leader Kim Jong IL dies; 28 year old son eyed as successor

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:17:00 +0000

If there is a reality that is inevitable - it is death. Leaders or not, rich or poor, people die. This Saturday, the one who died is North Korean Leader, Kim Jong IL, 69 years old. He was the leader of North Korea since 1994 and ruled 23 million people. Now that he has died, North Korea faces uncertain future according to CNN analyst. Kim Jong Un, 27 or 28 years old, youngest son of Kim Jong IL is seen as the most likely successor.

An elderly leader to be replaced by a 28 year old and a political novice.

Han Sung Joo, Former South Korean Ambassador to US was interviewed. When asked as to whether the age factor will play in the uncertainty of North Korea's future he commented that when Kim Jong IL began he too was young so the youth of his son, Kim Jong Un, being 28 years young, is not necessarily a negative factor.

CNN describes Kim Jong IL as difficult to decipher. He loved fine wine, a cinematic genius. He loved his people to dance so the mass dances of North Korean were awesome to watch on tv. He met with Japanese Prime Minister and South Korean leader and this was an achievement nobody could deny. Beijing, China according to Stan Grant of CNN spoke well of Kim Jong IL being its strong ally.

For us who are looking in, we include in our analysis the aspect of death that each of us will sooner or later face ourselves. Do we have successors we have prepared to follow our footsteps? Will the days after one's life matter the most or is it the way you go and how you will face your Maker that is most vital and nothing else matters other than this. As an elderly it is indeed the way you go and how you will face the Maker and Judge who will take the most vital, pivotal state and nothing else. This alone brings us back to what life is for the way you live will more or less determine the way you die.

Elderly query: If a President of a country holds/attends a party while 600 plus of his constituents are categorized dead, missing or suffering, what does this mean?

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:44:00 +0000

So many problems have beset the Philippines and the most recent is Typhoon called Sendong did not directly hit Metro Manila but placed under state of calamity, Mindanao especially Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City. The victims all together reach 600 plus categorized as dead, missing or suffering. While all are suffering when already food, coffins and water are not enough, what do you hear? The President was holding a party with movie or tv personalities, What, WHAT? W H A T ??? Whatever is the explanation, nothing is ever acceptable . In fact with all the talks about IMPEACHMENT, how about this dereliction of duty by the highest authority of the country not a ground for one? Partying while a number of his citizenry are dying?

Elderly query? We also contacted a water supplier in our place. We wanted to borrow 20 containers of course filled with water to be paid, but you know the answer? Sorry, we cannot serve your need. What is happening to people's consciences? Even some of our relatives . . . we told them we need food for our family members who need it, can we order? Answer: No we do not have plans to cook! How about volunteering? The answer: Sorry we have something else to do, maybe attend mass? Perhaps next time? Perhaps when another disaster comes along? We hope not near her house because ours is next to them . . . What is happening guys?

Anyway back to the President's party treat. Elderly query? Did you check your media friends? Why was this leaked? Even if it wasnot leaked, why was this scheduled at all when certainly the news has been announced that many died. Is it because it happened in Mindanao? And now that the "cat is out, he is planning to visit CDO and Iligan on Tuesday? Just asking Mr. President . . . just asking . . .

Off to an apostolate says Elderly- a blow!

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:22:00 +0000

Today, December 19, 2011 - 6 days before Christmas, is a today for an apostolate says this Elderly Malaybalayan. Do join us in spirit at least. Why?

Visit Facebook and you will get all your answers. Perhaps after this mission, this blog will sharesome of the proofs of the destruction caused by Typhoon Sendong. Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines, is our destination. the plan is to bring as many containers of water if Wahig, one of Water dealers of Mineral water here in Malaybalay City will allow us to borrow some of their containers?! We have gathered some used clothing which we can donate to those who need it. Perhaps you can contact this blog or Mindanaoan.com or BukidnononLine.com if you want to join this proactive concern.

Have you seen the list of the missing? Mindanaoan has the list and for us who live as one of the next neighbors, can only cry. Imagine one was so active helping others in need during the typhoon only to find out that his aunt is one of those who died caught by the flash flood. You could almost see his stricken face seeing the aunt in the line up of dead bodies . . .

May we always keep our faith strong when sometimes our faith is shaken by horrific events which we know are the consequences of our abuse of nature . . . May we find meaning of the season by helping in whatever way. This elderly is off to an apostolate in the meantime.

Environmental catastrophes and everyday problems laden each one, elderly or not. Let this be our Christmas wish then . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 11:51:00 +0000

You look around you and what do you see? Persons who have their own plans and places to go to. Did you know they might be wishing they were you? This is the ambivalence of life: the grass is always greener on the other side. Yet it is not so for you just have to look hard enough at what life has offered you and that you just have to count your blessings to know you have much to thank God for. If there is ambivalence it is the things that we take for granted which are the very reasons why life has meaning.

This then is the reason why this elderly expresses her wish for you this Christmas. For us, the elderly. the mere fact that we are are alive is the greatest gift God has given to us. This Christmas, let our focus be our loved ones. Savor the moments that you can be together. As a song goes: "We pass this way but once so do good while you can."

Elderly or not, the call of the times is :Go the Distance . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:50:00 +0000

News flash: A new planet has been discovered! They say it is called Kepler 22B - "Twin Planet of Planet Earth" - If you are an elderly like me, it is like What! a new planet - the young will have the time of their lives to go the distance.

Back to earth and what do we see: chaos and crisis anywhere but because it is Christmas, everyone tries to go the distance and financially-challenged or not, life has to go on. So today it is University Party so typhoon or no typhoon - we have to wear something "christmassy" - go through the party and hope sometime during the party one's name is called for a door prize (5 kilos of rice or an umbrella or a bag or some goodies for Noche Buena).

Elderly blue: When amidst the challenges of life you give up and let all these hurdles overcome you.

Elderly blow: Go the distance whatever comes our way. This Christmas: Embrace what is there. Smile come what may. This New Year - 2012: Cheer and like any attempts at mustering a resolution - Look ahead and look up: A rainbow always comes out after the rain. Go the distance and before you know it, the distance goes straight to you!

Elderly blue: not sure if you are reading this blog, so are you?

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:53:00 +0000

As an elderly blogger I blog to communicate. There were moments when all that mattered was to blog on without any thought whether someone does read for as long as the points were there for the taking. However,as communication is wont to do, the gnawing pain of wonder and curiosity has grown as page views grew. Alleluia! the honor that someone cared to read is honor enough: sometimes 1 or 2 but lately 25 and very recently 29! Yehey! Wow!! so now the quest is to find out who are you? What exactly are your comments? Did you write any comment or just view? Do leave your link post so this blogger gets to visit you too.

Up to now, there is this uncontrollable urge to shout for joy, that this elderly still has the energy to blog. Is it because this blogger is also a teacher who is waiting for her retirement come 2015 or is it because she was able to earn space in "blogosphere" and blog on? I'd say both and more, for as long as you view, it is already the best gift ever.

To Malaybalayan's viewers, an Elderly Blow, never a blue. Season's greetings!

Dog Whisperer - is Cesar Whisperer is a wonder to the elderly and everybody!

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:49:00 +0000

National Geographic Channel always lives up to its name: very informative, very entertaining and well worth watching all the time. Take Dog Whisperer which features Cesar Millan as the Dog Whisperer. He epitomizes the excellent bond between man and animal. Since we have our own "Michael"our dog (see his t-shirt which bears the plea: throw me a bone?) the show always makes me smile, laugh or cry or mixture of all feelings as I follow Cesar's loving yet demanding command to a dog with problem improve or else . . .

I can just imagine our Michael looking at other dogs but the dogs seeing him, with t-shirt or shoes on - literally glare or appear surprised - and they leave him alone. As the elderly owner (or one of the owners what with my only Girl, Irene as the rel mom of Michael so she is Mom1 and I am Mom 2), I watch the episode just to thank great people like Cesar. I visited his official website, Cesar's Ways and was wowed with what he offers to dog lovers everywhere.

Dog Whisperers are a rare reed to the elderly because in one's twilight years, a dog is truly a person's best"est" friend, family member. Unlike all others, the dog stays with you, smells you every minute and waits on you - accompanies you even while you sit on your "throne" or sleeps on your bed. Can you imagine if a dog whisperer makes this great being become its best then all the elderly will have the remaining years more productive, protected and cared for.

Elderly blue: If a person has not experienced having a dog to care for and love . . .

Elderly blow: You have overcome your fear of having a dog then having one, you have now come to experience the joy of coming home with your dog waiting for you at the doorstep, wagging his tail, going about uneasily but happily while waiting for the actual presence of the owner.

Dog Whisperers- Cesar Millan and others like him - make the elderly and everybody love their doggie!

How does an elderly cope with the seventeen-year old freshman students?

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:39:00 +0000

There is really truth to the saying that the bigger the age gap the harder it is to deal with each other. So here is this blogger who is teaching seventeen-year old freshman students and all she sees are blank stares. Yet with some creative discussion that centers about love relationships as starting point before going into the deep discussion about the structure of English, glitters of enthusiasm appear. This is the usual scenario in class sessions. this is also one big reason why this blogger cannot wait for 2015 when she finally "retires" and moves on to gardening, vermi composting and cooking.

Elderly blue: Truly, the students today have so many distractions to attend to, their attention span is just lagging behind. Yet, the young students always make the elderly teachers keep pace because teachers have to do better and allow the students to be just who they are - students whose future is limitless. When elderly teachers refuse to admit this disparity of perspectives then the class will be as boring as boring can be. . .

Elderly blow: There are great moments in every class session so dwell on these precious memories.Somehow, you have goose pimples when in the course of the class discussion, a seventeen year-old freshman stands up and explains with depth and clarity a learning insight which surfaced in the course of the exchange of ideas. Ah, no wonder even an elderly teacher accepts with humility her rare role in this "aha" moment enough to have the energy to wait until 2015, her year of retirement.

Blues and Blows of Christmas from an elderly's point of view

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalayan) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:03:00 +0000

Considered the longest holiday season, Christmas, comes at a time when every person wishes for good things to happen. For Christmas 2011, this blogger hopes to present some insights abut it from the perspective of an elderly. Before this we tried to visit some website points about what an elderly has said about Christmas and what we found focused on what to give to them this Christmas and not what they have to say about the season.

So let us begin: 1) Being an elderly myself, we feel that Christmas is an opportunity to visit children who work in various places. Sometimes it does not come easy because some of the elderly still work (In the Philippines, 65 years old is the mandatory age to retire from work if the establishment is government - owned but an elderly can keep working even after 65 in a private institution or if the elderly is an entrepreneur.) Still nothing can stop the elderly parent to "go and travel to as many places" at the same time take time to bond with adult children.

2) At a time when all the other months are spent to earn, Christmas is a special season to take things easy and go about the days with candidness. One's garden is always a nice place to visit every morning so even before one becomes an elderly, it is good to have your own hobby or niche so time is never enough for work or for play.

3) They say a house is not a home unless the family makes it so with God's help. As the elderly, take the special role as the catalyst and the strong binding force to make it happen.

4) Elderly blues: When the siblings have conflicts and the elderly parent/s cannot do anything about it. When money is the main discussion and reason why Christmas is less feast-filled. When the chaos that is happening all around us begins to affect the condition inside one's home. . .

5) Elderly blows: Every member in the family makes it a point to physically and spiritually present rather than have presents. Let Christmas be and to let go because it is Christmas. Regardless of age, from the children to the elderly just come together in the truest spirit of Christmas where the Gift of Love is the all-embracing bond that makes the season worth our wait.

6) To you my friends and followers and to all our families - an elderly wish for more blows than blues this Christmas and prayer for a new year- 2012 - filled with even more blows than blues. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!