A Latin Birthday Wingding

We partied at Taco Milagro Restaurant & Tequila Bar last night and both Rachel and Patti were there to celebrate my birthday (as well as Veron's) with me. It's a shame you weren't there, Veron, but not to worry, you were in our thoughts. It's been 30 years since I last saw Rachel and I haven't seen Patti for at least 5 years so it was quite the momentous event. It made for an extra-special birthday. Magaganda pa rin sila as ever and their dance moves blew me away! We had an awesome time catching up and dancing salsa, merengue and bachata. I'm trying to get both of them to go to salsa classes with me and we all agreed that it would be good for the body as well as the soul. Here are a few pics from the party.

They look amazing, don't they?

Patti dancing Merengue w/

my dance buddy

Rachel shows off her moves too

Do you see Rachel?

Just plain old me

Core Rhythms

For those of you who wants variation in your exercise routine, let me suggest doing this exercise video by Core Rhythms. It is a good cardio work out and you'll learn some dance moves that you can take to the club. And for most of us who dare not go clubbing, we can take it to the dance floor during our Christmas Parties and Reunions. The FIRM work out videos are good too. I know it works because I used to do it and the result was great. Please do not expect a trim me, that was then, not now...

Exercise Plan

Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side.

With a 5-lb. potato sack in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute, then relax.

Each day, you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer.

After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb. potato sacks, then 50-lb. potato sacks, and eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-lb. potato sack in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute.

After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each of the sacks, but be careful!

On fierce body maintenance to prolong youthful edge

As I age, I am finding it challenging to stay optimally fit but my husband of thirty years said: "I am more attractive: not by my curvature, prettiness or leanness but by keeping my chemistry alive! Where my chemistry is defined as a combination of warmth and curiosity, ease in relating to people, intelligence and imagination, wit and sense of irony."

Am I rigid and resigned? Oh no! I am soaring, and enjoying my post menopausal zest..Somehow I am finding a new version of attractiveness with my complexity and uniqueness, where I am developing a deeper core of attributes where I can accept, embrace and enjoy the roundedness and normal weight gain, wrinkles and sags that come naturally with maturity.

Somehow, I have this fear that after I have dieted, weight trained, body contoured, nipped and tucked,dyed and lipo-suctioned, that I am being prepared for mummification. Ha, ha, ha, ha..

I have accepted that my sense of well being is no longer determined by the world's evaluation of my attractiveness, therefore, I am proceeding with joy in the playfulness of the next stage of my life..I will enjoy every minute of it, whatever is best for me, hopefully becoming better, stronger, wiser, deeper, funnier, freer and more attentive to living the privileged moment, even as I am getting lumpier, bumpier,and closer to the end..Ha, ha, ha, ha..

LET'S GET PHYSICAL

CLASSMATES,
We as nurses are very devoted and knowledgeable in taking care of other people, we learned that from our beloved Miss Alcantara. We give and give to others, but we forget to take care of ourselves. How can we be of good service to others if we are not healthy ourselves? We are now in our 50's +, our metabolism is slowing down, we have aches and pains all over, our bp. is up and down and cholesterol, who knows what they are?? We always say that our husbands love us no matter what we look like, whether we are skinny or chunky. This is not for our husbands, this is for ourselves. We need to take care of our minds, bodies and self esteems so that we will be able to handle our aging process with dignity and pride, and most especially to be able to play with our grandchildren with ease and confidence.
Due to these reasons, I propose that the CLASS OF 78 should be more health conscious, not to be skinny but healthy. We have to start with simple weight bearing exercises like walking,jogging and using some helpful equipment like treadmills and cardio glide machines. We also need to eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, low carbs and low fats. We always eat rice every meal maybe we need to cut down on it. Never skip a meal, especially breakfast. Eat 6 times a day but in small portions and drink a lot of water.
OH, but you will say, "I HAVE NO TIME,I WORK EVERYDAY AND I AM ALWAYS BUSY." Ladies, don't make excuses, you have to make time!!! Cynthia said in one of her blogs that she is going to starve herself so that she will look good in the reunion. Starving is not the solution to lose weight, a change of life style is.
After my third baby, way back in the 90's, I was 30 lbs. heavier. It was hard to take care of my 3 girls especially to run around in the backyard. I told myself, "I DON'T WANT TO BE LIKE THIS". I excersized, ate the right food and little by little, the weights just came off. Now, 18 years later, I am 115 lbs., just like my weight when I was in my 20's.
I know it is hard for some of us, but just try. It is difficult at first, there will be ups and downs, but I know that you will make it!! I know that CLASS OF 78 is strong and determined and willing to fight the obstacles along the way. I hope that when we see each other during the reunion, you are more confident and secure of your bodies and more healthy too. How about it guys?

Boomer's Version of "Born To Be Wild"

Turn up your audio and point your browsers to this site:

http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-walt-babyboomers-blurb,0,1036393.blurb

I am 50+ and this is my testimony....

I am 50+.. I came to the U.S. when I was 24. It was June 1979. It's been almost 30 years ago. Although I am not there yet, I am content with where I am--I am not lacking in any thing, in fact, I am overflowing with blessings. I am married for almost 30 years to Val, the same man I dated and loved in college. He started out as a U.S. Navy seaman recruit in the Philippines, now a Captain in the U. S. Navy Medical Service Corps. My daughter, Hannah, 25 yrs old, single, graduated from Georgetown University School of Nursing, now a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps. My son, Joshua, 21 yrs old, also single, will soon graduate this April from University of Pittsburgh, College of Business Administration and will also be in the U.S. Navy as a Naval Flight Officer. I am the only one in my family who is not in the military---but, “Navy wife and mom, the toughest jobs in the military!!” I work @ Kaiser Permanente as an on-call Clinical RN. My nursing career started out as a nursing assistant in a California convalescent home when my husband was stationed in Long Beach in 1979. Within 6 months, we moved 3X. My career was put on hold because of the needs of my family, raising my 2 children, and supporting my military husband. It was also dependent on where and when my husband was stationed and how long was our stay in one place. It was and still is my pleasure to serve and support my family... From 1979 to 1983, we were like gypsies. We packed and unpacked our household goods—to Long Beach; San Diego; Guam; Denver, Colorado; Portsmouth, Virginia; Denver, Colorado again; Germantown, Maryland; Bethesda, Maryland---here, there, and everywhere--- then finally in 1983, we settled in one place for 6 years and started to put everything together. What a struggle and what a long wait!! I began my career with Kaiser Permanente as a nursing assistant. By God's grace, in 1985, I passed the RN board exam, began working as a Urology Clinical Nurse. While I was working as a nurse then, I was also studying for my Master’s degree, as well as busy taking care of the family. Again, because of God’s goodness and mercy, I finished my master’s degree before we packed up again for a new duty station in 1989. This time, our tour of duty was for 3 yrs in the Philippines. While in the Philippines, I took a Spouse /Child Abuse counselor position, that required a nursing background, in the Social Work Dept of the U.S. Naval Hosp Cubi Point, and later became a School Nurse in one of the Dept of Defense Dependents Schools inside Subic Naval Base. We were there when Mt. Pinatubo erupted. We were forced to evacuate back to the U.S… From 1989 to 1998, we moved 4X again--Philippines; Ft. Meade, Maryland; Seoul, Korea; Monrovia, Maryland and now, Ijamsville, Maryland...We have been in this area since 1998. Thank God!! I went back to work @ Kaiser Permanente and had to start all over again....I took an on-call position for awhile, then got a permanent position as Obgyn Clinical Nurse, became the Lead/Charge Nurse after a year, then took a promotion to become the Peds/Obgyn Clinical Coordinator….Desiring to simplify and de-stressed/uncomplicate my life, I resigned 3 years ago as Clinical Coordinator and went back to work as an on-call Clinical Nurse. I love it!! God is good that I am able to do this. HE gave me a loving, hardworking and a very considerate husband who has a good and stable military job. What more can I ask? Need I ask for more? Just one more, Lord, that we, as a family and as individuals, will finish well and will fulfill each of our destiny in You.....This is my hope and my prayer.

So, yes, I am 50+, and I am not a finish product yet (no one will ever be a finish product anyway until we come face to face with our MAKER and then we will be changed!). I am a clay, still being molded. God is not finish with me yet. But I know I am maturing, continuously growing and together w/ my husband, Val, we are reaching out to other Filipino families in our area who also express the desire, the hunger, the thirst to know God more and to make Him known.. I am very open to knowing more about God but more so to knowing God more intimately in my life, in my being..I want to know more about life, about people, about anything, about everything!!.. I am a life long learner....This I am confident though: That HE, who has begun a good work in me, in all of us, will bring into completion what HE has started until the day of His return..

For the past 52 and the coming years in my life, all praises, honor and glory be to Jesus-- my God, my Savior and my Lord-- alone....

I Am 50+2...and I Know Better Now

Six more days before I turn 52 and I’m amazed that it’s been two years since I celebrated my half-century anniversary. Two years ago, I have to admit, I dreaded going over that proverbial hill. Today, however, I think I’ve gotten more comfortable with the thought of becoming a bonafide card-carrying member of the AARP. Funny thing is, I don’t feel the slightest bit as old as I thought the fifty-somethings were back when I was in my 20s. Back then, though, I was clueless and thought that being fifty was all about getting old. I just didn’t know any better. Today at 52, I have amassed a wealth of self-knowledge and can say with conviction that I know so much better now than I ever did.

I embrace whatever has happened in my life, both the good and the bad, as blessings. Fifty years worth of experiences have molded me into the wiser, more insightful and seasoned woman that I am today. All the people and places I have encountered in my travels and day-to-day life all taught me some invaluable lessons that one can only get from experience. In the 80s, I did a lot of travelling, In the 90s, I settled down, got married, went back to school to study Broadcasting and TV Journalism. While I can say that I have been happy for most of my life, it has not been without its share of blunders, pitfalls, heartaches and disappointments. Yes, it has been a roller-coaster life but it’s taught me to trust that things don’t stay down forever. Eventually, you do get to come up for air. I have dealt with career ups and downs but, you know what, it eventually led me to the niche where I’m at and truly belong. I have had to deal with illnesses, both of my own and those of my loved ones, but those were the times when I felt truly closest to God; when I heard Him calling me to slow down and take time out to renew my ties with Him. I’ve gone through a failed marriage and family estrangements but those rifts actually served to strengthen my bond with my husband and family once the issues were resolved. I have had my heart badly broken but I was also blessed to have known how incredible it is to be loved by and fall deeply in love with a soulmate. And for every disappointment, every mistake I've made, there was always a lesson to be learned. When you’re twenty, you just think that it’s the end of the world. But when you’re 52, you know better.

I know better now than to define myself in numbers and letters. I am not my age, or my weight, or how many dollar signs I’m worth or the letters attached to my title. I am secure in being plain old me wearing many hats in my life --- that of a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a wife, a colleague, a mentor, a friend, a lover, a caregiver ---
and knowing that I’ve played my roles well gives me a sense of fulfillment. Today, I am enjoying my life more than I ever did. Gone are the insecurities of youth. I am more relaxed and more confident to express myself in however way I want to. I go to latin dance classes, sewing class, scrapbooking class ... I am looking forward to a lot more zestful years of doing things I love to do and being of service to those who can benefit from my help. After years of unsuccessfully trying to have kids, I've made peace with the reality that motherhood is not part of God's plan for me. Today, I find myself playing surrogate mother to my adolescent patients who are lost, hopeless and helpless and I am grateful that all my years of experience somehow help me to show them that things don’t stay down forever…that eventually, they will get to come up for air; that later in life they will know better. (Now let me go back to my cleanse-tone-and-moisturize routine.)

SLANFUSA

Hi everyone! Did everyone had a nice Easter? Good, I am glad we all did. It is like Crhistmas, a new beginning...

I need every one's vote about placing an AD for the SLANFUSA journal 2008 Grand reunion. It is $200 with colored picture. We can get the payment from our funds we collected for membership for our class.

I am also looking at the Internet about "Class '78 Field Trip..." group rate.
Anyone interested please write on the blog. The more the better. We can get a group rate discount. July 4th for "NAPA VALLEY" winery. It is about 7 to 9 hours day activity. We will start very early after breakfast. You will still have a chance to attend the Necrological Service and Hospitality Night. July 5Th for those who are not attending the CEU class will take San Francisco tour ( 2 hours Bay cruise. Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz only.)We can have lunch at Fisherman's wharf.
We can still visit Lombard street (crooked road)...take a trolley to the city from the wharf...maybe we can do more that day. July 6Th, continental breakfast offered by the SLANFUSA and then mass and picnic. These are only tentatives. I will need every one's vote, suggestions and comments...

I will email you the forms you needed for the reunion or you may log on
slanfusa.com for more informations about accomodations and group rates for Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Hear from you soon!

Veron

I AM 50...AND THEN WHAT

I am inclined to write "I AM 50 AND SO WHAT!" or "I am 50 and the heck with it!" But "I AM 50 AND THEN WHAT"... in a way is contemplative. I am 51 and then what I intend to do; till daylight disappears in my life, is attend the 30 years celebration of bonds, ties,friendship and a commonality that I share with the "Daughters of Nightingales". Even if this means breaking the bank of my family; even if it means my sister Victoria has to leave her work to accompany me on this journey but still they allow. This is a journey that I must take to put closure to that chapter in my life that I could not go back except as a patient. What a complete life reversal role. And that's where and when I realized that nurses have grand roles to play in the healing profession. A glass of water offered by a nurse tendered with compassion to a thirsty patient who lacks the means to grasp that glass is an act that others might look as inconsequential but to a patient, that is kindness. A patient is in a position of asking and not giving. A position of deprivation, wanting and lacking. There is nothing in the world I would rather be than a patient. I prefer to give than receive. I prefer my hands reaching out that being reached out to by helping hands. I want to be that hands that you all possess.
I am 50 and then what I am doing is reaching out to all of you and if you find it in your hearts to welcome me back into the fold without misgivings, the more I shall feel accomplished. For in my lifetime, I have received only love, respect from people in the country much bigger than me and a lot. And I keep asking God, do I deserve that kind of reception? Yes, I do. Yes, we all do for. Yes, all the Daughters of Nightingales Class 1978 deserves the best reception. "Do I wither up and disappear, or do I make the best of my time left?" Mitch Albon, tuesdays with Morrie.
In hearts and good deeds, I thank you all for being a part of my journey in this thing called life.
I am 50 and then what I do with is my little gift.

I am 50+1 and....

...at this stage in my life, I promise myself

To be strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person I meet.
To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.
To forget mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature I meet.
To give so much time to improving myself that I have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but in great deeds.
To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side, so long as I am true to the best that is in me.

by Christian D. Larson, modified by The Secret

IAM 50 AND THEN WHAT----

MY DEAR CLASSMATES,
I would like to encourage everyone who are signed up in the blog to share their experiences, feelings, dreams and aspirations in life. The title is"I AM 50 AND THEN WHAT---. We need to learn from each other and get reacquainted all over again. We all went our separate ways after College and that was 30 years ago. Please share with us!! It is a good bonding experience and also therapeutical. As my husband and my Psychiatrist puts it, "Confession is good for the soul and verbalizing our inner thoughts will make us feel good and energized. Those who are working in the MENTAL PROFESSION are aware of that principle, right Veron and Geegee? So how about it guys----
MILDRED

male teacher

hi cynthia... how are you? you look different sa picture mo....Was that male teacher Mr. Hanopol???? can not remember the names of the other male teachers.....
miss you....see you at the reunion........

oddie

I am 50 #3

I am 50 and at peace with my self. For a long time I have been my worst enemy, not good, pretty or smart enough for others expectations. I have slowly evolved and learned the lovely person within me and that is enough to love me and in turn for others to love the true me. I am ecstatic to discover my old friends in school and look forward to more friends in the future. :) I am energized to learn and to do more , for technology never cease to amaze me. I work as an electrophysiology nurse, the modern day frankenstein laboratory where we induce a lethal cardiac rhythm. We help people prolong their life by implanting pacemakers and defibrillators. We help the young ones by ablating their abnormal cardiac electrical pathway wolff-parkinson-white syndrome. Sudden cardiac death is not a mystery to us anymore, we often see it in our laboratory. Atrial fibrillation and its devastating effects will someday be cured and the heart will return to its normal rhythm. I am part of the health technology boom that prolongs people's lives and improve their lifestyle. If I can make a difference in a person's life then it is worth all this effort. I am at peace with myself that I have given my best to make this a better world no matter how small a contribution it may be. :) .....I remain Cynthia Manongdo Elmido.
BTW.. Julie thank-you for letting me think of what I do in the hospital. :-)

I am 50+....#2

Here's another one:
I am 50+ and.....I am not sure if I am in the menopausal or post menopausal or what? stage. Sometimes, I am sad, other times I am glad. There are times I easily get irritated, other times I am very patient. It does not matter what the weather is, I am always hot or warm. The surge of those hot flashes come when you least expect, whether I am giving a shot, starting an IV, drawing blood or whatever, whenever.. A lot of times I love to be intimate, but there are times I just do not want to be touched. I feel very sociable most of the time, other times I'd rather withdraw. I laugh out loud one day, I cry easily the next..I looked forward to being "empty nest" before but now that I am, I miss my children. I pass by their bedrooms everyday and I always have that "lonely" feeling inside. I love to reminisce and remember. I am beginning to enjoy hanging out with other ladies my age and talk about the past. I appreciate karaoke and ballroom dancing more than ever. I am more careful about my health and more caring of my skin. So, are all of these happening to me because I am 50+? Are all these and more what 50 and plus all about? Tell me:):):). As if I really do not know..ha,ha,ha,ha....Welcome to the 50's....

BTW, has anyone seen the Red Hat Society's play HATS! HATS! It is all about women in their 50's.. My husband and I watched it last year and we had a ball!! It was his first play ever to see and he said if all plays are like that he will go again..It was hilarious!!! I encourage everyone to watch it. I think it is scheduled to be shown in Las Vegas sometime this year as well as in Northern, California (Roseville--is this near Sacramento?) and Florida...You will have fun, I guarantee...

I am 50+....#1

I am 50+ and I am not there yet..I do not have it all together...I am still under construction..I am not what and where I should be. I am not what I should become yet. BUT--- I will keep on going and will keep moving on till I come to that place where God wants me to be and become in Him..I know God has a purpose and plan for my life. I have a destiny I know I shall fulfill. God created and made me for a purpose and this still has yet to be progressively revealed each day as I walk closely with Him---"And HE walks with me and HE talks with me and HE tells me I am His own; and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known......" This is not a religion but a relationship---a relationship with a personal God--not a God who is just looking down from heaven and see where we are and what we are doing-- but a God who longs to fellowship and interacts with us in our daily lives here on earth. He will do this only if we would let Him--the choice and the decision is up to us...And I made that choice and the decision to follow Him all the days of my life, to somehow experience Him, His presence, heaven while I am here on earth--"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven"....

" I am 50 and...."

After I have reached 50,and someone or something pisses me off, I take a deep sigh and sing this line “I am old but I am happy….” It was a very famous song by Cat Stevens ”Father and Son” during late 60’s and early 70’s. I love to play this song with my guitar when I was in college….

Alright Julie and Mildred you got me going…After I read the blog I couldn’t stop singing this line “I am old but I am happy…just relax and take it easy....”

Before I reached 50, I went through a crisis of searching for my “WHO and WHAT” my life would be when I turn 50…I prayed a lot. I went for a spiritual counseling and guidance. I made realistic and measurable goals. I changed my body outlook (I lost 40lbs, my dress size from 14 to 4 to size 10 going to 12...hahahaha...still going up)but don't worry "I am old but I am happy..., I changed my attitude and my ways of thingking..."just relax and take it easy".

Since Vincent and Mark graduated college four years ago and both are doing well with their love life and both have steady jobs, I am enjoying every minute of my free time...

I am an active member with organizations especially with Philippine Nurses Association of New Jersey. I was the Recording Secretary during the mid 90’s and at present time the acting Treasurer of the PNA of NJ Bergen County Subchapter. I am also active with HPAE (Health Professional and Allied Employee) hospital union organization, and social organization like San Juan Batangas USA Association (SJBUSAA) of New Jersey an association that belongs to my husband’s town organization…. I am 51 and I love doing community services. I go out with friends and attend social functioning supporting any community services.

I also like to stay at home and knit while I watch Korean TV mini series (my recent passion)…I want to visit Korea some day.... I hate shopping malls. I hate cooking...Once a week I go buy our food from this Filipino "turo-turo" restaurant freeze them, then just warm it up for dinner.My husband doesn't mind it.I love doing Sudoku before going to bed…Mahjong solitaire and scrabbles at my computer. I only clean the house when visitors are coming...

Wow...looks like an easy life ha. Think of it as a "PAUSE" for the next decade to come...BIG "60"...retirement age....loneliness...fulfillment...Oh NO!!!!!What is next? "DON'T PANIC".

OK. GUYS. IT IS YOUR TURN...

I AM 50 AND I AM LOVING IT

Julie, you have a good insight into a lot of things. You think deep and with substance. You are strong, steady and firm in spite of all the ordeals in your life. You are an example to all of us and we salute you. You gave me a challenge to express myself. This is not an easy task but I will try my best. You said to start with this-----
I AM 50 AND I AM LOVING IT. Rene and I had been married for 26 years and in fact our anniversary is this coming March 18. We raised 3 wonderful girls, all are deeply involved in our church here in New York. I only worked as a nurse for 10 years here in America and the rest of the years, I devoted all my life to my family- my husband , my kids and my church community. I loved every minute of being a stay -home mom because I got to be close to my children and was able to guide them in each stage of their lives. I was there during their ups and downs, mentored them, rejoiced with them and cried with them. I was there during their piano, violin, flute, guitar and singing lessons. I was there during their recitals and concerts. I became active in their school and was even elected in the SCHOOL BOARD.Nursing is a challenging job but "DOMESTIC ENGINEERING" is the hardest of all. I was on call for 24 hours. Now that they are almost out of the house, my youngest one is going to be in College in August, I feel so fulfilled be cause I know that my husband and I did a good job in raising them.They are all walking with the LORD. They have gone to Missions trips in different places like Albania, Ecuador, Africa, Hawaii and Russia. They are very steady and strong in their Christian walk. I am 50 and I am proud of it. I feel fulfilled, energized and ready to move forward for whatever God wants me to do in my life.In PSALM27:14 it says- "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD. MILDRED

Picasa Web Albums - Redelia - Photos of Dut...

Picasa Web Albums - Redelia - Photos of Dut...

ON WRITING

Writing is the easiest act of all. Believe me, girls. I am not even using correct grammar just letting it out. And once you have discovered the beauty of writing, whether technical or literary, it will be addicting. BUT MOST, WE CAN ALL WRITE, WE ARE ALL WRITERS. WE CAN ALL EXPRESS OURSELVES. But more when our children approached us and asked us to read their papers they made for school; be glad if they share with us their papers, we would be confident and definitely authoritative in this area. And we can cay “ha, akala mo ikaw lang ang marunong magsulat.” But I am positive that when it comes to technical writing that is a real easy deal for all of you. I am done with the technical and scientific. And I believe, it is time to explore other topics. But when can you find time to write? When you feel like it, as in now....

I took a course in writing. Yes, I studied the process, it didn’t happen overnight. But the subject that taught me much about writing was a subject called “Critical Writing” under the late Alfredo Navaro Salanga. Freddie, that’s how we called him, would discuss a topic in class and at the end of the class we were required to submit a 3 pages, double-spaced paper on a topic. Can you imagine typing at that time the ’80s when personal computers where not yet invented. Like the topics he posted was “Would Noli Me Tangere in Radio be Inflammatory” Writing is not innate talent, it is cultured, learned, studied and practiced. And I always have a small dictionary and thesaurus beside me. For we would all grapple for words.

When we were in college then, we write admission papers. Like, “admitted a 50 year old woman, with rapid heart beats, complaining of ….” I found that writing boring at times, so there were times I would put (not in the chart) “admitted a 50 year old woman, with straight and bleached hairs, looked famished and sad. “ And then I would explore, ‘why is she sad?” And I would sit with the patient and talked with her.. From that talked, I would write, what I felt she was telling me. Not what she was saying me but what I FELT she was telling me. I think we can all do that, start expressing what we feel inside our hearts, guts or “kasu-kasuan” . This process can begin with..” I am 50 and I am……….” fill in the blanks, perhaps Mildred we can take our friends to his journey, can I throw this ball at you and then hindi ka pa pala 50 ano..just 49 and we can start. “ I am 50……. ….’ Is it okay Mildred if you take the lead? Thanks Mildred.
How about it Girls......" I am 50 and....
julie

REVERSIBLE

Nahihiya na ako sa inyo kasi ako ang laging post ng post.Hindi ibig sabihin nito madaldal ako o mayabang ako or alam ko ang lahat. Ang ibig sabihin nito this is my means of communicating with you, especially now that I have renewed my friendships with the daughters of nightingales.And which fills my heart with so much love, warmth and affections. That whatever I post shall be something that can lighten our loads, ease daily burdens we all must endure. Let me just share with you this.

One time a friend dropped by the house. She was in tears for she was in deep financial situation. She is married with husband and 3 children in college. She couldn’t understand how this could happen to her when she is a chemist; top 3 in chemistry board exams. She has made good investments, acquired properties, owns a hardware store but one day she woke up with no money in her pocket and all her properties possessed by the bank (is that the correct term for it). She was as we call in pinoy “baon sa utang”. I told her, “goodness, what are you crying about”? (And we all know what she is crying about.) Children, irreversible. ( they did not ask to be born). Health, irreversible. (for obvious reasons). Money, reversible. (as long as you are not afraid of work) Husband, definitely reversible! She laughed so hard that she was crying and laughing at the same time.

How did her story ends? I brought her to my editor for we worked together in a project; a chemistry book for children. Next , we checked all possible schools here in Bulacan where she can get a teaching job. She is now working as high-school teacher in a school in Bulacan but more than the job; it is her confidence, her self-worthiness and validation as an intelligent woman who is capable of solving problems and getting out of mess is back. The salutatorian in her is back, the problem solver in her is back. And she is making wild reklamo how poor the aptitude of high-school students for sciences subjects are this time . I text her then, “Welcome back, chemist girl!” Oh and her loans, sa kanya ako nangongopya noong high school ng solutions,;she finds the solutions to it as well. By the way, she is married; the husband, now that's another story.

Let me end my post with my favorite poem by Emily Dickinson..
and I think this is the poem the best describes
The Daughters of Nightingales, 1978

If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking
by Emily Dickinson

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

Did You Know?

Easter this year is: Sunday March 23, 2008.

I got this e-mail from an 85 year old relative and thought it would be nice to share FYI only.

Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20--- Maundy Thursday). This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrews used to identify Passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.

Here are a couple of things you might be interested to know. Based on the above, Easter can actually be one day earlier than it occurs this year (March 22) but that is very rare. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives, and only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old and above). None of us have ever, or will ever, see Easter come as early as March 22.

Here are the facts: The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913 (so, if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones who were around for that!).The next time Easter will fall on March 22 will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818, so no one alive today has, or ever will, see it any earlier than this year! So, there you have it.

Oh, BTW, let me and my family be the first to send our wishes for

" A Joyous Springtime and A Memorable & Happy Easter!"

From the land down under

College Loans and Societal Molds

I agree, Mildred, that we kill ourselves trying to provide everything for our children. Where else can they get a college-educated chauffer, chef, cleaning woman, laundry woman, yaya and ATM rolled into one! And all because of love. Either that or I am a glutton for punishment! :)

At the same time, I also realize that I am not Super Woman and certainly not Mother Teresa. I cannot be everything to everybody. So yes, Kevin is on student loan. He graduates from UT next year and then will probably move on to nursing or physical therapy. With a single parent, he has no choice. C'est la vie.

Yes, Julie, it took chutzpah when I broke out of the societal mold you wrote about; I just was not martyr material. Or rather I CHOSE not to be. And I am happier because of it.

It will be nice to see you again, Julie. Your insight caught me by surprise, considering we have not seen each other for 30 years... considering how you are laden with unsurmountable limitations. I find myself humbled by your amazing grace.

College LOANS

Classmates,
I can understand how Patti feels. College education is very expensive here in America and we Filipinos would like to provide everything to our children, that is our nature. You know, one thing I learned here in the U.S. is that in order to help the parents financially is for our sons and daughters to apply for student loans. They can pay for the loan after they graduated from College. That gives them responsibilities and also an incentive to study harder in school because they know that they are responsible for paying for their student loan. I did not apply for any student loan because I did not know better and I regret that. We as parents need to take care of our retirement and our future too. We are getting old and who is going to take care of us financially if we don't set aside some money for our old age.We don't want to be dependent on our children because they will have their own family too. THIS IS JUST A FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
MILDRED

Menopause, a Guitar, and Potentially Missing the Reunion

It's so good to hear from you, Larcy. Ah, the joys of menopause. The age when the thermostat can either be your friend or your enemy. Your posting reminds of "Menopause: The Musical." Welcome to the blog!

Hi Julie. I am glad you liked the prayer by Max Erhmann. His "Desiderata" is another favorite. I wonder why it made you think that I still play the guitar. Actually, I left my guitar in Manila when I moved to the US in 1983. I do miss it. I've planned so many times to get another one, but I never got around to it. Perhaps, it is just as well. I've closed that chapter in my life anyway.

I will miss seeing you - all of you - because I may not be able to go to the reunion after all.

It's a bit difficult as a single mom with a mortgage and a son in college (soon to be joined by another in the fall). I'll see what I can come up with but I may have to skip the reunion again this year.

Computeraly Challenged

As I was speaking to some of our classmates whom I needed contact updates for our roster, I found out that some of us are computeraly challenged. Can I please suggest that when we meet for any kind of mini-reunions to make sure we encourage and teach each other on how to at least open an email address and plug into our blog. They are missing a lot. This is more fun that reading a newspaper or chatting to strangers in the web.

I truly believe that once they are connected they will be hooked.

THANK YOU...

I was assigned by St Luke's Alumni Nursing Foundation, USA as your class agent for graduate of 1978. With all my heart, I am very grateful to ALL because you made it possible and made my job easier. We got almost 80% contact information about our classmates. I am grateful to Rachel for creating our roster and keeping it up to date. To Oddie and Ruth for your endless prayers and telephone calls...To Patti for making it easier for us to communicate with one another. To Julie and Melle for your thousand of miles contributions and to everyone who emailed their memorable pictures and for sharing your personal experiences. To Geegee, who volunteered her time and expertise to make a dvd of our "30 year memories" lasting for another 30 years to come...and to everyone who dropped a line or two to our website( hoping you will continue to share with us)...To some who has been reading our website but not has a chance yet to blog with us (Please start now...)

My goal is to have 50% class participation with this up coming 30 year anniversary grand reunion at San Francisco California and increase the membership of our class at the St. Luke's Alumni Foundation, USA to 75%. So far we have 3 lifetime members in our class.

If you would like to be a member of St. Luke's Alumni Foundation, USA you can download the form at www.slanfusa.com

The St. Luke's Alumni Nursing Foundation, USA
Award Committee is searching for St. Luke's alumni for the following awards:
1. Excellence and Dedication Award
2. Outstanding Alumna/Alumnus Award

Nominations and Elections Committee seeking for nominations for candidacy for elected offices:
1. President - elect
2. Secretary
3. Treasurer
4. Internal Auditor
5. Pres Relations Officers

download nominations and Candidate Biodata forms from www.slanfusa.com

love you all,

Veron

Hello class 78!

My God, golden girls na tayo. It took me this long to post because I was in total denial. I can't recognize half of our classmates...sometimes even myself (ako ba yon naka pj? Parang wala pa nga ako sa mga class pics natin. Matagal na pala akong party pooper.
Forgive me if I forget your names sa reunion just think of me as demented Larcy. I'm planning to go to NJ to see Liza B, Chato and the Herreras. I missed the mini reunion here in LA with Joyce and the group.
What a wonderful creation this worldwideweb isn't it? Patti, thanks for thinking about creating this site for us. I hope this is only the beginning of our bonding. So many things to talk about, struggles, triumphs, husbands, sweeties, children, in-laws (kasama sa struggles) etc.
The most difficult challenge I've yet to shake is this horrible menopause. One day, I yelled at home and said "hey who turned off the thermostat." Literally one minute i was so burning hot and by the time na tanggal ko na ang mga damit ko, gininaw naman ako. Para akong nasa freezer. And I am very emotional worse pa than PMSing. HRT is not for me due to my mom's history of uterine ca.
I will look for our school pictures and post them as soon as mag kick in and antidepressant na ininom ko kanina.

Hello,Mey!

I went back to work on Monday, 3/3, after being on vacation for 3 weeks..Kaya busy, busy na naman..Work, work, work para may pang-gastos sa pagpunta sa reunion:):):):) Cannot e-mail and post in blog as I used to na...
Mey, so glad we made contact with you!! Thanks, Chato! Looking forward to seeing you in April..Imagine, dito ka din pala sa Maryland!! I am in Ijamsville, between Montgomery and Frederick counties..How far are you from me? How about from Tess Herrera who is in Baltimore?..Tatlo tayo from Maryland as of now..Mayroon pa kaya? Do you know where Carol Hernando is?
Has anyone heard from Pangga Escutin yet?
Ciao for now...

My sincerest thanks to all esp. to Chato and Joyce

First and foremost, I would like to thank Chato for taking her time pursuing me inspite of her busy schedule. I was very surprised and excited after I received her card that I called her right away. Thanks, Joyce for calling me back too and giving my e-mail address to Patti so she can invite me to the blog site. Thanks, too Patti.
I've been to the blog site as soon as I received Chato's card and I'm so amazed at everybody's comments, stories, etc. but most of all, how each and everyone inspire us all with their experiences, and how we can all give thanks to our Loving God for all our blessings and strength to go on after we overcome the obstacles that He gives us. I'm sure we've all experienced that the saying: God will never give us anything we can't handle is TRUE and encouraging.
I haven't had any chance to meet anybody ever since we graduated except Carol and Jane, so I'm very excited to come and see all of you in July God willing. I'm sure we'll be sharing a lot more of our experiences, reminisce our nursing school days and of course HAVE A LOT OF FUN. I will start trying to get in touch with Mahgene and Ruth and hope to be at the mini reunion in NJ. Thanks, Oddie, Ruth for asking about me. I miss everybody. For all our Cancer survivor classmates, I will be praying for God's continued intervention, to touch you with His healing hands and to gain more strength to go on with your lives and for all of us, we all have our own struggles, for sure. Thank you to all who gave their time and talent in creating this blogsite.
I'm not really a computer literate, I just try to learn the basics so I can at least continue to communicate.
Regards to all and hope to see you all soon.
Mey P. Sanchez

A Prayer

by Max Ehrmann

Let me do my work each day; and if the darkened hours of despair overcome me, may I not forget the strength that comforted me in the desolation of other times.

May I still remember the bright hours that found me walking over the silent hills of my childhood, or dreaming on the margin of a quiet river, when a light glowed within me, and I promised my early God to have courage amid the tempests of the changing years.

Spare me from bitterness and from the sharp passions of unguarded moments. May I not forget that poverty and riches are of the spirit. Though the world knows me not, may my thoughts and actions be such as shall keep me friendly with myself.

Lift up my eyes from the earth, and let me not forget the uses of the stars. Forbid that I should judge others lest I condemn myself. Let me not follow the clamor of the world, but walk calmly in my path.

Give me a few friends who will love me for what I am; and keep ever burning before my vagrant steps the kindly light of hope.

And though age and infirmity overtake me, and I come not within sight of the castle of my dreams, teach me still to be thankful for life, and for time's olden memories that are good and sweet; and may the evening's twilight find me gentle still.

(Max Ehrmann is also the author of "Desiderata")

Phone calls

Susan, we are so glad to have you. Thank you for your contributions to the blog. Did you correctly program your classmates phone number yet? See you at the mini reunion in New Jersey. Remember, April 12 at Flor's mansion. See you then.

MILDRED

Memory Video Coming Soon!

I am excited to let everybody know that I have finished creating our memory video. I was able to squeeze in as many pictures as I could into the 9 min. piece. I am pretty confident that I got everybody in the video, one way or the other. Phew! I am grateful to all of you who submitted all the wonderful photographs. It would not have been possible to create the video without all your invaluable contributions. Thanks Veron for coordinating the collection of photographs and Patti for the script. For those who still have pics to contribute, please email them to Veron so she can include them in the scrapbook and album which will contain all of our photographs. I will be making DVD copies of the video to give to all of you. Does anybody have any suggestions as to how to go about distributing them? I'm thinking they ought to just be handed out at the reunion since I would prefer that you see it when it is presented at the reunion... but what about those who won't be attending? Rachel, would you email the latest updated roster again, por favor?

Just For Laughs - Julie this is for you

Ever since I got everybody's phone numbers, tried to saved it all in my cell . Kasi I have a rule I do not answer to unknown calls. So one day I missed a call and noted it was from Julie Parian. I told myself, "Wow Julie called me from the Philippines and I missed her call". So I called back and requested to speak to Julie Parian. The voice from the other line said "Susan this is not Julie this is Mildred, I called you remember". I started laughing because I realized that while I am saving everybody's phone numbers I logged in Mildred's number but with Julie's name. Mildred said "me Alzheimers ka na yata". Then we laughed some more....

PROUD TO BE A PART OF YOUR GROUP

I just recently visited the official St. Luke's Alumni site and our blog site "REALLY KICK BUTT".
Our site has emotion, you can feel the love, happiness, joy, and faith in everyone. I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW, I AM PROUD TO BE PART OF THE ST. LUKES DAUGHTERS OF NIGHTINGALE 1978.

Awesome Classmates

Dear classmates,
The testimonies of Rachel, Dedel, Titat,Chato and Julie were so moving and compelling. Thanks so much for sharing your courage, your faith and hope that only our Lord God can provide. We frequently ask some common questions like, "Why me and not her ?" Why is my family hurting so much and their family is perfect and complete?" But remember, the Lord said in Isaiah55:8" My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord.
God has a plan for each of us and in Romans 8:28 it says "All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
I am gaining a lot of strength just by reading all your testimonies and experiences. When I look back 30 years ago in College, how we were so carefree and innocent, I could not imagine how the 5 of you will be able to handle such experiences in life with so much dignity and courage. Thank's so much for sharing.
I would like to thank Patty for creating this blog. Now, we can get in touch with each other by just using the power of our fingers.
So far, I believe that the CLASS OF 1978 is an awesome class. Let's continue to get to know each other and learn from each other. May GOD bless us all.
MILDRED

Surviving Cancer

I am also a breast cancer survivor for two years now. I was diagnosed few days before my 50th birthday. My diagnosis did not stop me from going to Disney that Christmas eve and joined with Disney's Christmas Carol. I had a lumpectomy a month after and radiation by March. My Oncotype turned out good and so no chemo for me. Last year in May I am one of the breast cancer survivors who modeled for The 6th Annual Day of Caring for Breast Cancer Awareness here in Miami. Now I am actively involved with this group. There are so many activities and support groups that I could join with my doctors prompting me to do it but really it is only my faith in God that give me the assurance and peace that everything will be okay. He gave me my life and He can take it anytime He wants. There is nothing that I can complain about,but in everything, I give Him thanks. I've had all those good and bad experiences and still I turn out okay and alive and sane and happy and contented! God is the source of my strenght and He allows undesirable things to happen to me so I can be a testimony to others. Still keeping my faith and never giving up! He is the source of my security, my peace and my everything. It is so great to be a child of God and have Jesus in our life because He can make something difficult to be easy and something unbearable can be bearable. Speaking from my own life experiences. We grow stronger with each blow. So make every minute of your life a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving and remember that He will never leave us nor forsake us. And lastly, I 'm praying for all of you my dear classmates.

Re: Surviving Cancer

The best message we can all glean from your story, Rachel, is that the diagnosis of cancer no longer means a death sentence. I admire your strength and your resolve. You go, girl!

There are three nurses in our department who are also breast cancer survivors. In fact, one of them is a 15-year survivor!

As an oncology nurse for about 20 plus years, I am a firm believer in prevention and early detection. Let's spread the word!

By the way, is anyone else in oncology?

Surviving Cancer

Oddie,

Thank you for those words of encouragement from the scriptures.

You know, if it was not for my faith, I would have given up. By God's grace ,I was not depressed nor did I give up hope. It was during those trying moments when I was the most productive. I went to the gym everyday and attended my aerobic classes, even if I was the only bald person in the locker room. I visited Veron in NJ, and I did not stop working. I also traveled to Europe. How did I do it? I did all those in between treatments. Before I knew it, I was done with surgery, 6 months of chemo followed by radiation therapy.

For some reason, I felt the Peace that only comes from GOD. I reminded myself of His promise in John 14:27. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. not as the world. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." ....and that was what I experienced...PERFECT PEACE

Rachel

Thank You Ruth

As I read your post, I begin to see a person, an outspoken girl who says it as it is. Your frankness, honest expression without mincing words is refreshing! And I am confident you would understand me. And thanks for saying there's an artists in me, I am not an artist, maarte lang!

Rachel-Breast Cancer Survivor

I am a breast cancer survivor.

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2004.

This picture was taken before I had chemotherapy. I lost all my hair but now my hair has grown longer.

Since Patty works at MD Anderson Cancer Center here in Houston I sometimes see her when I go for treatments.

Thank God I am cancer free now, I just had to take some prophylactic medications for 5 yrs

Rachel

Naughty Nightingales

What nickname did we give Mrs. Espiritu? "Coci"? We were so mean and naughty. You know sometimes I felt bad about making fun of her since she is my Mom's classmate but she is so fun to pick on kasi hindi siya napipikon.

How about Miss Baula? I remember , I used to forge her signature so Manog Danny will allow me to get in the dorm after curfew, coming from a date with Eli who is now my husband of almost 30 yrs.

Rachel

California Girls

LOL

I was laughing out loud while reading re: the "chat outchide" and "the flower", my husband was wondering what I was laughing about..I told him you have to be there to really understand...

Thanks for sharing your get together picture , Marietta! It was refreshing to see you all even in pictures..It looks like you really had some fun and created some fond memories as well !! So, are you gearing up for your mini reunion @ Oddie's place sometime in May or June? I told Cora about this mini reunion you had last Friday and Cora asked where you had it? Just remember Cora is in Garden Grove, Sonia in Chula Vista and Oddie in Escondido...Ang dami n'yo talaga diyan..Enjoy kayo!

Thanks For The Info

Oddie, Mildred now I know the etymology (tama ba ito) ng "chat" and "flower". Thanks for the info. My tummy is now full of gas!

Funny Stories

Geegee, that was so funny. You made me laughed so hard that my teenager thought that I needed some kind of Psychiatric help. He almost called my husband. To all my classmates, please we want to hear more stories from you. The stories that I read made my day especially we just had a winter storm last night. New York is gloomy, cold, windy and wet right now. I could use some funny stories to brighten my weekend.
Odie, thanks for forwarding the slide shows about the death of Jesus. We could use a reminder that He saved us from our sins and that we need to accept him as our personal Savior. I hope that everyone opened their E-mails today and really ponder upon the reason why He died for us and what are we going to do about it.

MLDRED

Of Birds and Flowers

OMG, Oddie and Mildred, your stories had me in stitches today. It's really fun recalling all those funny moments. Ahlavit!!! What's even funnier is that you are now Mrs. Espiritu Jr., Mildred. Who'd have thunk? ...

Okay, here's a funny story from college that I have told people many times and never fails to elicit belly laughs. We were on rotation at the fourth floor in St. Luke's one evening --- I believe that's where they put the charity patients at that time --- and one of the Herrera twins was assigned to perform a douche on a patient. So, prior to the procedure, the rest of us, student nurses, gather around the pt's bedside to observe. Ms. Gigi Ferrer, mutters in a low voice and with a poker face to Tess or Cecile (can't remember which one of the twins), "What are you supposed to tell the patient before the douche?" The twin remembers that patients are supposed to be informed of what you are about to do to them each time a procedure is done so she immediately starts to explain, "Mrs. ____, ihahanda ko lang po kayo dahil ang gagawin po namin ay huhugasan ang inyong... (she hesitates while she thinks of the right word)...huhugasan namin ang inyong......ang inyo pong......(impishly lifts her shoulders and covers her lips with her fingers and says with a subtle giggle)... "flower"... hahahaha!!!!!!! There we all were. struggling to keep a straight face the entire time the douche was being performed...including Gigi Ferrer!!!!!! ...hahahaha....it still makes me laugh every time!!!! Hahahaha.......

Dwindling Classmates

My classmates,

Odie, I vividly remember that incident. It was hilarious. One more thing that I remember about our Pharmacology class was that when Mrs. Espiritu( oh,we have the same last name now, oops) was writing computations on the board, of course her back side was turned away from us. Since most of our classmates were board of the subject matter, one by one , slowly but carefully got out of their chairs and went out of the room. Mrs. Espiritu did not notice what was happening. She kept on writing on the board. After a while, she faced our class and at that time only a few of our classmates were left. And she just said, "My, this class is dwindling." The remaining classmates laughed so hard and of course she just continued the class, as if nothing happened and went back to her computations.

MILDRED ESPIRITU

Scary Experience

Dear Geegee,

I think your idea sounds very good and I appreciate your suggestions.
Well in my case, my experience in Bulacan led me to pursue Delivery Room Nursing at St. Luke's during my first year as a Registered Nurse.
During our Bulacan experience while doing prenatal visitation, Elena Ductama, the Midwife and I were visiting a 9 month pregnant mother. The Midwife examined the mother and said that she was still not in active labor. She decided at that time to leave us so she can get her instruments. After about two minutes, the mother started having active, strong and painful contractions and she told us that she was going to have the baby in no time. I got so scared. With no instruments, what are we suppose to do? I had to use my thinking cap. I was scared but I had to be calm. That's all I could do at that time. I told the husband to boil water and give me string and scissors to tie and cut the cord. In no time, I DELIVERED THE BABY, suctioned her with a straw and tied the cord with a string. The baby cried and when I was about to cut the cord, the Midwife came and relieved me of my ordeal.Both the mother and the father were very much appreciative of what Elena and I did.They gave us fruits to take home and we shared the fruits and the experience to the rest of our classmates back in the house.

MILDRED

Fond Memories

Hi, everybody! It's been a while since I visited this blogsite and I was pleasantly surprised to see how active it's become. Good job, guys...Lately, I've been busy working on our memory video so I haven't been blogging at all. Anyway, I just had a lightbulb moment and I thought that perhaps it would be nice if each one of you shared your fondest memories from our carefree college years. Who wants to start? Remember, Miss Baula...manong Willy...big sis/small sis...Santa Maria --- the cornicks, the duster place and the carabao's milk ba yun?...Mrs. Espiritu and how we'd give her such a hard time? I'm sure each one of you have a treasure trove of anecdotes and memories to share. It'll be so much fun to recall those stories again.