Damn, it’s been cold. Coldest I can remember it ever being in Korea.
I’d mentioned my water pipes freezing, well yesterday the plumber came over and “fixed” the problem. The result was not what I expected.
Impressive, no?
From the inside…
And they cut a hole in the damn ceiling. Well, the landlord was here so I guess he approved the work around.
Bottom line is the result I suppose, and I do have water downstairs again.
In other weather related news, yesterday I had my car washed. Maybe not a good idea because this morning the driver’s door was frozen shut. Wouldn’t budge no matter how hard I pulled on it. Had the bright idea of pouring some hot water around the door frame to loosen things up. The result? A puddle of frozen water on the ground. I finally crawled in through the passenger door and put my shoulder to the door until I busted it loose. Oh boy, that was fun.
Anyway, it is my last winter so I might as well feel the full force of it. I reckon some sweltering future January in the PI I might just be missing the cold. Naw, I doubt it.
Well, the government shutdown has come to a screeching halt two days after its implementation. But not before some damage was done.
In my little corner of the Army alone I had to cancel long planned professional development seminars scheduled at Yongsan and Humphreys this week. 60+ participants were disappointed, but damn, the instructors who flew in from DC on Saturday had to get back on a plane Monday morning (no travel expenses allowed during shutdown) and go home really suffered. By the time they landed, the furlough was over. Government at it’s best ladies and gentlemen.
I’m especially disappointed because I didn’t get the chance to try out any of these pickup lines…
There is no question that the Democrats blinked. Their lame efforts to blame the shutdown on Trump weren’t fooling anyone but the most ignorant of partisans.
It’s all about the math.
Ah well, enough of politics. I need to prepare an AAR (after action report) sharing the lessons learned with the CG. I’ll be better prepared come the next go-round in February.
In other news, I’ve got a slew of medical stuff on the horizon. Went to the on-base medical clinic today to get new prescriptions for my COPD drugs. Had a nice female Korean doctor who had actually treated me way back in 2008. She didn’t remember me (other than from my medical records on her computer) so I told her “yeah, back in 2008 you said I only had 10 years left to live! Oh hell, it’s 2018!” I guess my “humor” went over her head, but the young soldier nurse chuckled. Anyway, she wants me to get a CT scan to check out some lung nodules. I’ll have to go up to Seoul for that, which gives me a good excuse to visit the big city.
Thursday I go to Good Morning hospital to see my prostate doctor. The pee is flowing better these days, so that’s a good thing. Need those prescriptions renewed too.
And then on Friday I’m doing the complete physical regimen at GMH, including the dreaded colonoscopy and endoscopy. Hope they knock me out for both. But I want to have a clean bill of health (or at least be aware of any potential problems) before I make the big move to the Philippines. So, another step down that road.
And finally, a friend posted this on Facebook and it really resonated:
Commenter Kevin had quoted a Gibran poem I really liked a few days ago. And this quote, well, damn. It is so fucking true it hurts. Love. Can’t live with it, can’t live without it.
Well, excepted anyway. Excepted from the furlough I mean.
As most of you are surely aware, the Congress critters have seen fit to not pass a funding bill, thereby forcing the government to shut down. Which means that most federal employees will be furloughed come Monday morning. Our workforce in Korea has been spared that fate because of our national security mission of deterring northern aggression.
Here’s what the big boss had to say about it….
Practically speaking, the impact here is that we are required to work but we will not be paid until such time as Congress gets its shit together. We also can not take any type of leave–if you get sick you get furloughed. I devoted 4 hours of my Saturday in meetings with Eighth Army leadership as we planned the way ahead. Fun times!
Got a late start on yesterday’s walk due to my unplanned work intrusion, but I did get to see a colorful sun. So there’s that.
And then up early this morning for a walk in the fog.
Here’s a throwback to 1986. I was transporting our horses from Oklahoma to the new residence in South Carolina. That would mean I was 31 years old. I’m happy to report that I judge my current belly to be similar in size to the one on the younger me.
On the subject of moving, today Facebook reminded me that it was on this date in 2005 that I first moved to Seoul. Thirteen years gone by just like that. And I’m very aware that my remaining days in Korea are drawing to a close. Things are getting real. And a little scary.
I gave up on waiting to get a date to join me at the new BBQ joint here in town. So last night I dined alone at Smoke Town.
I had walked by before but never checked the inside or the menu. It did come highly recommended to me however. When I entered I was surprised at how small the place was. Three tables and counter seating along one wall and the front window. I also didn’t see a restroom and thankfully didn’t need one. I assume there is a community CR located in another part of the building. They seemed to be doing a brisk business (tables full and several folks waiting for take out).
Here’s the menu. Somewhat limited and a little on the pricey side. I really dislike eating out alone and one of the reasons is that whole “for two” bullshit. Us single guys need to eat as well!
I opted for the pulled pork sandwich ($7) and sides of beans and slaw ($3 each). Cheapest beer was a Hoegaarden for five bucks. Although the menu shows dollar pricing, I paid W18,000 so it was actually a little cheaper than it appears.
How was it? Well, I thought the sandwich was one of the best I’ve had. The beans were very good and the slaw average. As you can see, the portions were fair. How does it compare to Linus’ or Manimal in Itaewon? Eh, too soon to tell, but I’d rate Smoke Town as competitive with those venues. Of course, Smoke Town wins hands down for location convenience. So there’s that.
Spent the remainder of the night getting drunk at various venues in the ‘ville. I came home in a foul mood and woke up feeling depressed. I’ll see if I can’t walk those blues away this morning.
A co-worker invited me to join him on a mountain hike this morning. It was snowing when we headed out at 0930 but had stopped by the time we arrived 20 minutes later.
I’ve gotten so accustomed to flatland walking that climbing today was a bigger challenge than I thought it would be. And coming down was a slick slip and slide. I was happy for the change of pace for sure.
I don’t know the name of the mountain, perhaps these signs say?
I’d judge the climb up to be similar in difficulty to the trail ascent of Namsan (not the road up).
Some nice views…
And lots of these grave shrines…
I guess you’d call this the semi-summit…
….we elected not to continue on to the top of the peak behind me. My co-worker said there were places you had to climb over rocks holding onto a rope. He was concerned about coming back down where a slip might well prove fatal. Saving that portion of the hike for a dryer day was fine by me.
It was a good morning’s hike. I look forward to coming back for more soon.
I guess the highlight of the week was doing a meet and greet with the new Secretary of the Army Mark Espers. And perhaps the final photo op of my 35+ year career….
It’s been cold and snowy, but I’m still walking to work.
A winter wonderland perhaps, but treacherously slick in places. I’ve shortened some walks because I don’t want any broken bones. Still getting at least 20,000 a day though.
Speaking of walking, I did my first Hash with the Humphreys Hangover Hash House Harriers (5H). It was a small group to begin with (maybe 8 at most), and the majority said they were too hungover to participate…
It seems with this group following the trail markings is half the battle, and some are even intentionally misleading. Not sure why. Anyway, I got a crash course in reading the signs.
So, in addition to the “Hare” (the who marks the trail) it was just me and another couple….
Speaking of couples, I’m not part of one. Hence, I had no one to share this fine dinner I prepared. It was still good, but would have been twice as good with company. Too bad for you Mi Young!
Anyway, it’s all good. Another day, another turn of the wheel in the sky. Each day brings me closer to a new and better future. Just wait and see!
Presently, my wonderful life finds me immersed in my WWD routine. That’s the lovely Pyeongtaek skyline reflected in the glass…
Work: As I wind down my career (again) it sometimes feels like I’m closing a loop. Yesterday I was preparing for a Monday meeting dealing with whether our Korean Service Corps (KSC) employees are direct hires or indirect hires. Not to get into the weeds on this, but direct hires are people who are hired by and paid by the Army. Indirect hires are employees of the host nation government and supplied as needed in support of the Army. All of the Korean Nationals working for the Army are direct hires.
This shouldn’t be an issue at all. Except there is a Department of the Army regulation that states KSC employees are indirect hires. This probably dates back to the Korean War when the ROK government did provide the manpower to support the KSC battalions. I vaguely recalled dealing with this issue in the past and asked a staff member to pull up anything she could find. And sure enough, there was a memo I signed and sent to Army HQ noting that the regulation was in error and needed to be corrected. That was in September 2010. Army responded that our KSCs were indeed direct hire and the regulation would be amended accordingly. Except it hasn’t been. Hence the need for a meeting to once again explain the difference to local leadership. And by God, I’m determined to see that regulation updated before I leave Korea!
I’m getting some arm twisting to stay until my current appointment ends in September. I actually do enjoy my job and the people I work with and for, but the other 16 hours of my day pretty much suck. I know it is time (past time perhaps) for me to move on with my life. May it is!
Walking: This morning I hiked to and through Pyeongtaek city and back. Took almost four hours. I’ve discovered there is a local Hash House Harriers group here and I’m excited about doing my first (well, second) Hash with them tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully I can meet some interesting people and discover new trails to hike. I’m pretty bored with my current walk routines.
Yeah, that’s pretty much the only way I can get through the night here in Anjeong-ri. Five more months!
Drinking: Nothing significant to report. I’m friends with the bartender at Shooters and enjoy cutting up with her. There’s a couple of other places I frequent to change it up a little now and then. And I’m somewhat smitten with the Filipina bartender at AR, even though she is half my age. I invited her to join me for dinner but have not received an affirmative response. Yet.
That’s Hanna. What’s not to like, right? What I enjoy about her is she has a great sense of humor (i.e. she laughs at my jokes) , she’s witty and can hold an intelligent conversation. I fear I’m the creepy old guy in her life though but she is too kind hearted to tell me so.
But I am philosophical about it all. The owner of AR was wearing this wisdom on his back last night:
Yep, that’s my plan!
And there is the latest update on my so-called life. Wonderful indeed! And things can always be worse I suppose:
Yeah, maybe not having a girlfriend is a blessing…
UPDATE: She declined dinner. “Headache”. Haha, told you she was a smart girl!
My flight departs at 0750 and getting to Incheon from Pyeongtaek is a pain in the ass. I just didn’t have confidence I could get there earlier enough. So, I’m spending the afternoon in the big city, will drink some beers in Itaewon tonight, then set the alarm for 0400 in the morning. I’m just going to grab a taxi from the hotel.
Been a while since I’ve had a brisk hike on the Han, rather enjoyed it.
Settled into my hotel room and figure I’ll log a couple of more hours on the road before nightfall.
Stay tuned for all the excitement that I’m almost certain to experience during my journey to the Philippines…
Have a gander at the Christmas lights on Camp Humphreys to put you in the holiday spirit…
They actually look better than my photography skills demonstrate…
Even Anjeong-ri is making the effort…
Didn’t cook last night….
…..well, I did fix up some Brussels sprouts…
And Fitbit awarded me the NIle badge…
Superb!
You’ve earned the Nile badge
By walking 4,132 miles, you’ve walked the length of longest river in the world and added a new badge to your stream of accomplishments! There’s no deNILEing how impressive that is.
And so I rewarded myself:
Nothing like a pedicure for tired aching feet…
Speaking of rewards…
I bought me these new hiking shoes…
…and sexy long underwear as Christmas presents to myself…
This morning when I woke up my computer was updating Windows software, so I had to busy myself without the assistance of the internets…
Regular readers will know what those ingredients add up to….
Yep, Aunt Pat’s Recipe World Famous Fruit Salad!
Damn computer was still not ready (upload 84% complete).
So, I got most of my packing done for my upcoming trip.
Still at 84%…damn…might as well commence walking! I planned a longish walk to Pyeongtaek city….
Damn, it was raining though…oh well, grabbed the umbrella and started walking. At least it wasn’t very cold out…
And beauty is where you find it, even in the rain.
Wound up walking almost 5 hours. That’s the longest I’ve done non-stop…felt it in my left foot this time…
So guess what? I get home after that long ass walk and my computer update was still at 84%! What the fuck? Turned it off and turned it back on again (contrary to instructions on the screen), but no result. Turned off and waited awhile, and when it rebooted, it still had the 84% screen. Shit.
Well, I went into a panic. It is Christmas Eve. No way it’s getting fixed before I leave on my trip. And I’ve got to have a computer when I travel. Smart phones just don’t cut it for me, especially in the PI where coverage is spotty at best.
Well, I rushed over to the PX and bought a new laptop. Merry Fucking Christmas to me!
First blog post on my new unit. I see no improvement in quality.
I’ll get the old laptop repaired when I return from vacation. I actually planned to take a new computer with me when I moved anyway. Electronics are pricey in the PI.
Alright, that’s where things stand on the night before Christmas.
I’ll come back tomorrow and wish y’all a very Merry Christmas. Now it’s time for the drinking portion of my day….
On the best of days I’m not exactly full of the Christmas spirit. My kids and grandkids are thousands of miles away and even the nephew is leaving the country for the holidays. As things stand now I’ll be spending a solitary Christmas here in the countryside.
But all is not lost because I spent a wonderful day yesterday with my work family.
I lead an amazing team of hard working professionals. It truly is an honor and privilege to be associated with this cheerful bunch!
Were it not for my Deputy Donna I’d actually have to work for a living!
The staff did an amazing job decorating our office suite…
Me and the Mrs….
And we treated ourselves to some sweet treats. I baked the cupcakes and brownies, Leb prepared his renowned rum cake and it was damn the carbs, full speed ahead!
We went off site to AK Plaza in the afternoon for a Korean buffet dinner…
Played some games and did a gift exchange…
It’s good to be the boss man! I know I am going to miss my working life more than I care to admit. But all things must end. Going to do my best to enjoy every minute I have left before my May departure.
Best wishes for the holiday season to all my faithful readers. Here’s hoping 2018 will provide many cheerful experiences to blog about. Hey, it could happen!
Winding it down on another boring Sunday evening. Changed it up a little bit though with a quick trip up to Seoul on Friday.
Had a lunch meeting with the Korean Employees Union leadership, President Choe and Secretary Sohn. One of the things I’m proud of in my working life is the cooperative relationship I’ve established and maintained with the KEU. Katchi kapshida~
After work I did a Namsan hike…
Hello my old friend…
And nice to see a real city again as well…
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…
everywhere you turn.
After the hike, I cleaned myself up and went out to visit my old haunt Shenanigans…it was good to be back. Still treat me like a regular there…
Met up with my nephew Justin and buddy Wan Jun for some cold ones…
Up early Saturday morning to beat the traffic. On the drive home I had to pull over to get a picture of this:
May the sunrise bring hope where it once was forgotten…
Dropped off a trunk load of toys for the local orphanage…
And did my usual Anjeong-ri hikes…30,000+ both yesterday and today…
Even ran out of road!
And it was colder than a woman’s heart as well…
You find words of truth in the strangest places, like the back of a Korean kid’s jacket…
And so now I’ll gear up for another week in my beautiful life. After a few beers of course.
The woman I’m thinking of, she loved me all up But I’m so down today She’s so fine, she’s in my mind. I hear her callin’.
See the lonely boy, out on the weekend Trying to make it pay. Can’t relate to joy, he tries to speak and Can’t begin to say.
Two pair of socks. Underwear and long underwear. T-shirt, dress shirt/tie, fleece jacket, sweatshirt, ski jacket, scarf, gloves, knit cap, hat with ear muffs. That’s how I make winter my bitch and walk to work when it’s -12 C.
Not bad for a cold ass weekday, eh?
And even though the weather outside is frightful, Anjeong-ri is looking delightful…
well, at least more delightful than usual.
My last winter in Korea. Gonna make the most of it.
I’m too low for zero I’m on a losing streak I got myself in a bad patch lately I can’t seem to get much sleep I’m too low for zero I wind up counting sheep Nothing seems to make much sense It’s all just Greek to me
You know I’m too low, too low, too low for zero You know I’m too low, too low, too low for zero
One of the lonely paths I traveled yesterday on my way to…
…over 40,000 steps. A good day for sure. Followed with 30,000 today. And I weighed in at 206 pounds, down 20 since October and 7 pounds away from my goal.
Started the day with this hearty breakfast.
Then pulled together the ingredients for a pot roast.
Put them all in the crockpot…
Set the timer, then slaved away all day cooking…
Decided to ingest some carbs, so I whipped up some corn muffins…
Pot roast is finished…
Let’s eat!
…and so ends another rainy Sunday from yours truly…
And if you think my blog is boring, you should try living my life! It’s bound to get better. Or so I keep telling myself…
More of the same from my so-called life. Working, walking, drinking. Luckily, I am pretty damn good at all of them. Anyway, just filling in the hours, however comfortably and well.
So I drive to the office on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Drop off my garbage and take care of errands (shopping, getting my mail, banking, etc). Then I come home at lunch to drop off the car and walk back to work. So, yesterday I get home and this car is completely blocking my driveway. Who does that? I called the number on the windshield and expressed my displeasure in English while some woman expressed not understanding in Korean. Eventually she figured out that I did not approve of her parking. A few minutes later she came out of the beauty salon across the street from me and moved her vehicle. Pain in the ass!
Took a long riverside walk home from work yesterday. The river looks nice at dusk, don’t you think?
Last night I did my typical beer drinking tour of Anjeong-ri. What was atypical was running into a woman I was formerly acquainted with. I had met her several months ago at Galaxy bar where she is friends with the owner. I had a falling out with said owner and no longer frequent the joint. I popped into Crystal Bar for a brew and was surprised to see Yun in there calling me over to the barstool beside her.
We had a nice little chat and then she asked me if I still had her phone number. I checked and I did. She said “how come you never call me?” I honestly told her because I never thought you were interested. We’d been out as part of a group a couple of times, but I didn’t get the sense she was looking for more. Last night (and maybe she was drunk) she gave every indication that she wanted to see me. So, I finished my beer, said it was good running in to you, and left. Why? Well, she is pretty enough and I’m damn lonely, but 1. She is Korean and 2. I’ve got six months left in country. I’ve had a bad history with Korean women and what’s the point of starting anything that is destined to end in a few short months anyway? Just not worth it to me.
I’m still looking forward to meeting Gem at the end of the year, but I’m also keeping my guard up with her. Yeah, I have some trust issues. Go figure. For example, today I logged on to Filipina Cupid for the first time in a couple of weeks. It’s time to renew my membership so I was going to cancel and save the money. While there I noticed that Gem had been active within the last hour. Kind of a red flag don’t you think? I asked her if she was still looking and she said “no, I only chat with you”. Maybe, maybe not.
Anyway, I finished my Friday night at the 3 Stooges Bar. Only the second time I’ve been in there, and I was enjoying myself and the music. Especially this song which features a really great video:
See how happy it made me? A bit later I was told I couldn’t vape in the bar, so of course I left and I’m unlikely to return.
Up early this morning for a long cold walk into Pyeongtaek.
I took the river route of course…
Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire. But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate To say that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice. –Robert Frost
Two hours later I was on the mean streets of Pyeongtaek city…
…where I rested up with a warming cup of coffee before the long walk back home…
Admired these pillars which seem to have been erected for no apparent reason in a little neighborhood park I passed on my journey home.
I was damn hungry when I made it home so I grilled up a steak with a side of asparagus. Hit the spot just right.
27,000+ steps all told. Going to head out for another hour now and get that up to 35,000 for the day. That should have me primed for a beery Saturday night.
And they say I have no life…
The river flows It flows to the sea Wherever that river goes That’s where I want to be Flow river flow Let your waters wash down Take me from this road To some other town
All I wanted Was to be free And that’s the way It turned out to be Flow river flow Let your waters wash down Take me from this road To some other town
Normally I avoid trite phrases like a plague, but today is in fact the first day of the rest of my life. And when one door closes, another one opens. Completing the trifecta of tired cliches, I’m still riding the emotional roller coaster, but hell, it feels almost normal now.
Anyway, each day is a new opportunity for adventure (shit, I can’t help myself). This is how the past couple have gone:
Last night I attended the birthday party for Hanna, my friendly bartender at Arirang Bar. I baked that cake, but damn, my oven is not level apparently because the cake came out lopsided. I had a bite though and it was very moist and tasty.
I also purchased a nice ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins.
There was also an array of delicious Filipino dishes to sample (not the staff!).
Anyway, it was a nice gathering. Started feeling old (young crowd, young music) after awhile, so I moved on with my evening.
What else, well I continue my mission to feed orphans and dogs and that brings a small measure of satisfaction to my joyless life.
Had an amazing week of walking, which I very much doubt will ever be replicated by me in this lifetime:
229,179 total steps
Avg. 32,740 steps per day. ▲10,281 more than last week
total floors
593
total floors
▲ 172 floors over last week
total miles
109.52
total miles
▲ 21.24 miles over last week
avg. daily calorie burn
4,578
avg. daily calorie burn
▲ 427 cals. over last week
total active minutes
1773
total active minutes
▲ 448 min since last week
exercising this week
7 of 5 days
exercising this week
▲ 1 day since last week
avg. restful sleep
6 hrs 6 min
avg. restful sleep
▲ 0 hrs 2 min over last week
avg. hrs with 250+ steps
8 of 9 hrs
avg. hrs with 250+ steps
same as previous week
avg. resting heart rate
78 bpm
avg. resting heart rate
▼ 2 bpm since last week
Although I’ll continue to search out the roads less traveled.
Oh yeah, today I made arrangements to participate in the Subic Hash House Harriers run/walk on New Year’s Day. Looking forward to my first ever Hash and also joining the club after the big move in May.
-10 Celsius this morning, but I walked on in to work anyway. I do believe it is colder down here than it is in Seoul.
Anyway, I’ve done my working and walking for the day. That only leaves the drinking aspect of my life. I reckon I better get out there and get it done. Cheers!
I took my love, I took it down I climbed a mountain and I turned around And I saw my reflection in the snow-covered hills ‘Till the landslide brought me down
Oh, mirror in the sky, what is love? Can the child within my heart rise above? Can I sail through the changing ocean tides? Can I handle the seasons of my life?
Well, I’ve been afraid of changing ‘Cause I’ve built my life around you But time makes you bolder Even children get older And I’m getting older too
I mentioned the other day that I was going to attempt a 50,000 step walk today. I came up with a two-phase plan. First I would walk around the perimeter of Camp Humphreys, from outside the fence.
This is a crappy picture but the only one I could access. It basically shows Camp Humphreys overlaid on Washington, DC. The point being, it’s a big ass base.
Phase 2 would be taking the long way into Pyeongtaek city. I figured both walks to be about the same in length and I thought they’d get me pretty close to the 50,000 step total I was looking to achieve. But could I actually walk that far? Let’s find out!
I began by putting some fuel in the belly then headed out into the cold morning air around 0715.
I was mildly optimistic…
So, I expended 2058 steps getting to the main gate, then had to return home…
Because like an idiot I forgot to bring my vaping pens…
So as I continued my circumnavigation of the base, I passed the walking gate at 4075 steps.
Passed the Dongchong-ri gate at 6364 steps…
Passed the back side of Eighth Army HQ where I work (the grey building) at 7084 steps.
Made a left turn on the river at 8405 steps.
Passed the railroad trestle at 12,347 steps.
Turned off the river just before the highway bridge at 17,508 steps…
Near the Dodu-ri gate at 18,605 steps.
Entered the deadly quite village of Bonjeong-ri at 21,950 steps.
Got to the CPX gate in 26,397 steps.
And completed the circuit around the base in 29,318 steps.
Made it home at 30,411 steps. I was tired and hungry. Made me this fine lunchee and rested for an hour.
Time to start Phase 2. I usually do this park after work because I can walk it in the dark. But I gave it a once around today as well at 31,648 steps.
Back to the river, but this time I turned right towards Pyeongtaek city which you can see off in the distance. 35,269 steps to this point.
The KTX blew by me at 38,311 steps.
Made it to the bridge into Pyeongtaek at 41,725 steps.
I arrived at Pyeongtaek Station in 43,610 steps.
Ah. Civilization does exist in these parts. Only required 44,183 steps to get there.
And there it is! My I just walked exactly 50,000 fucking steps face!
Made it the rest of the way home and preserved the evidence of a successful day of walking.
I do believe this was a once-in-a-lifetime event for me. I’m tired and sore, but thankfully no blisters or other signs of wear and tear. I do feel a sense of accomplishment which is a good thing for me.
Things are bound to keep getting better. Right?
Turning back the pages to the times I love best I wonder if she’ll ever do the same Now the thing that I call living is just being satisfied With knowing I got no one left to blame
Carefree highway, got to see you my old flame Carefree highway, you seen better days The morning after blues from my head down to my shoes Carefree highway, let me slip away, slip away on you
Sometimes you have to let love go before you can find it again.
Old dreams must die before new dreams are born.
Go ahead and call me Captain Obvious, but those were insights gleaned during this past week’s walking extravaganza.
And what a week of walking it was!
184,658 total steps
Avg. 26,380 steps per day. ▲10,281 more than last week
total miles
88.28 total miles ▲ 13.60 miles over last week
I do believe that was a record breaker. This week my goal is to cross the 200,000 step threshold. That will require some massive walks over the weekend, but weather permitting I’ll push myself to achieve new heights. Is 50,000 steps in a single day possible? I aim to find out. And if I fail, well, I will just take it in stride (ahem).
And I’m down to an even 208 pounds, a loss of 18 pounds in a month. Nine more to go to reach my goal!
Anyway, life goes on much as it always has. I’m sad, but less often. I continue to strive to look forward to the future and not back on my past failures. And there is much to look forward to.
My upcoming trip to Subic/Olongapo for one. It will be difficult in some ways because much that I do there will be filled with memories of Loraine. But I need to man up and move on because I still plan to make my home there come (what) May.
Speaking of which, I discussed the recruitment plan for my replacement here with my Deputy today. We agreed to announce the pending vacancy in mid-February which should afford ample time to get the new person on board around the time I depart.
My days remaining at Camp Humphreys are dwindling down. Less than six months to go by my reckoning.
I’ll probably miss these noisy birds that are always flying around my office…
And the beer is still cold and wet in Anjeong-ri, so there’s that at least.
Heh, I can be both!
Life is good and bound to get gooder one day soon!
There are people in your life who’ve come and gone They let you down, you know they hurt your pride You better put it all behind you, ’cause life goes on You keep carrying that anger, it’ll eat you up inside
I’m learning to live without you now But I miss you, baby The more I know, the less I understand All the things I thought I figured out, I have to learn again I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter But everything changes And my thoughts seem to scatter But I think it’s about forgiveness Forgiveness Even if, even if you don’t love me anymore
Yesterday I had the nephew and some friends over to celebrate a belated Thanksgiving with the traditional feast.
My guests–Wan Jun ahd his lovely wife Becky, Dela and her fiance Daniel, and nephew Justin. My friend Dennis was also in attendance but he doesn’t like his face on the internet so he graciously served as our photographer…
The bird. I bought it from Popeye’s on base already cooked and ready to eat. It was actually delicious, one of the moistest turkeys I’ve had in quite some time.
It carved up nicely and provided ample meat for my hungry guests.
The sad remains of the carcass. All gave some, some gave all.
The Popeye’s package came with potatoes and gravy, cole slaw and a dozen dinner biscuits.
I made my Aunt Pat’s Recipe World Famous Fruit Salad, my personal Thanksgiving tradition.
And for the first time ever I prepared a green bean casserole.
I also made candied yams for the first time. Forgot to take a photo, but that’s them on the buffet table just above the cranberry sauce…
I also baked a pecan and a pumpkin pie. By “baked” I mean I took them out of the freezer and put them in the oven for the specified time.
That’s what my full loaded dinner plate looked like.
After we had exhausted the alcoholic beverages at the house we ventured out to the bars to contemplate the true spirit of Thanksgiving…
Wan Jun, Becky and Justin stayed overnight. So I cooked up a little breakfast this morning.
Fried up some bacon…
Baked some blueberry muffins…
And some cinnamon rolls. Wan Jun cooked up some delicious scrambled eggs.
“How’d you guys like your breakfast?”
After I took the group to Pyeongtaek station for the train ride home I embarked on a 3.5 hour walk. I was too busy to get my steps in yesterday and I’m sure that high calorie feast was going to convert to some extra poundage.
A new path today.
And that’s about it from your intrepid reporter.
Except for this sunset shot I took the other day.
Yesterday was the best day I’ve had in a quite awhile. I needed it!
It’s been a tough month, but I’m making progress. I hope. Reflecting on this day set aside for giving thanks I know that I do indeed have much to be thankful for.
My kids are healthy and immersed in making the best of their lives. My grandchildren are happy, beautiful, and smart. They all represent something good I’ve done in this world, regardless of how much credit is due me.
For an old fucker my health is relatively good, certainly much better than it was a year ago when I had episodes where I couldn’t catch my breath. I’m thankful I’ve been able to get the right meds and make the lifestyle changes to hopefully scratch out a few more years here on earth. Oh yeah, I’m down to 209 pounds, minus 17 since I started the broken heart diet plan. Still drinking too much, but one step at a time.
I’ve got a good job (for the next six months anyway), some money in the bank and I am debt free. Very thankful to not have to worry about finances.
It has been a blessing to have so many people showing how much they care about me. I may not have anyone to love in life, but I am loved by many. That means more to me than you will ever know. Thank you!
And I can even say I’m thankful to Loraine. She taught me that love will find you whether you want it to or not. Loving and losing seems to be my destiny, but I’ve learned that trying to avoid that pain will only lead to more pain down the road. I’ll be smarter and more honest about my feelings in the future. Who knows, maybe one day I might even get lucky in love. It could happen!
It is indeed a beautiful life. I’m thankful to be in the game and I’m looking forward to a future of contentment. Hell, maybe even happiness.
This morning I got up and took an almost four hour walk. It snowed for the first half and that was a nice change of pace. Let’s go to the photos.
I crossed the river and walked along the bike trail
The path less traveled. Heh, Frost and snow…
A thousand miles from nowhere….
See that tower in the distance? That was my destination. I thought I could do it in an hour. Took almost two though.
It stopped snowing just about the time I arrived.
I was a onesome in A Twosome Place. Seems to be my destiny…
So I enjoyed some hot coffee and the views…
And a little later my friend Mi Young, who lives in the neighborhood, dropped by to say hello.
Did the long walk back home without incident, so I’m thankful for that as well.
No feast for me today. My nephew Justin and a couple of friends are coming down from Seoul on Saturday and we will do the traditional turkey and sides then.
Ain’t life grand?
I gotta thank mama for the cookin’ Daddy for the whuppin’ The devil for the trouble that I get into I got to give credit where credit is due I thank the bank for the money Thank God for you
Less than six months left in my working life. This week I’ve had cause to reflect on how much this part of my life has meant to me, especially these past couple of years.
As I look to the future of what I hope and imagine will be a life of leisure, I worry about how I will remain engaged and connected to the world around me. I’ve got some ideas in that regard, but will they really be satisfying? Only one way to find out I suppose.
So, what is it about working that I will miss? This week I had the occasion to participate in the 198th session of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) Joint Committee. Basically, this is where the ROKs and US representatives get together to resolve issues of mutual concern in order to maintain a strong alliance.
It’s a pretty big deal, and it was really an honor for me to participate in what is very likely my last meeting with this group…
It’s always nice to see my name rendered in Hanguel.
I humbly serve as the Chairman of the Labor subcommittee. Which as you might have surmised is involved in resolving issues associated with our 12,000+ Korean National Workforce.
What else? Well, the money is good of course. And working again has allowed me to position myself to live a very comfortable lifestyle in the Philippines or wherever else my heart will lead me.
Today we had a Thanksgiving luncheon for my staff and afterwards I met with the Korean Employees Union leadership. We we able to bring closure to some longstanding issues and they left happy. There is satisfaction in that.
But what I’m going to miss the most is the people I work with. They are truly my work family. Honestly, after the marriage fell apart I was floundering. Having the purpose that work brought me and the respect and friendship I have for my team members made me feel a part of something much bigger than myself. I needed that the most.
