Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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Kev, Yeah, no question that gin was not a healthy choice for me. There are worse things than a beer belly, for sure. I will henceforth stay in my comfort zone with my low-alcohol beer for company.
I don’t know what the “experts” would say about my drinking other than it is too much, too often. I don’t have any of the classic addiction indicators, and I function just fine without it during the 20+ hours per day I don’t drink. Beer is a part of my life for sure, but not the dominant part. And if I were to compare myself to a lot of the expat community, I’d say I’m practically a teetotaler.
Coincidentally, I came across a Washington Post article in which the “experts” are now saying that moderate drinking (that whole 2 drinks a day is okay meme) is unhealthy too. Fuck it; I don’t care. Not enjoying whatever time you have left in life is also unhealthy. I’m going to do it my way.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/April/2023 @ 6:15 am
Well, I don’t know about Alchohol Use Disorder (AUD); it’s the first time I’ve heard the term. I’ll read up on the link you sent. I assume it’s a polite way to say “alcoholic”. Now, clearly, I over-indulge based on the “recommended” average daily consumption of no more than two drinks, and that may certainly have health implications down the road, especially for my liver. Truth is, I’ve never adhered to that low standard at any point since I began drinking fifty years ago. I am perhaps blessed with good alcohol tolerance genes–my father was a heavy drinker until his passing at 83.
Even so, I don’t consider myself “alcoholic,” which implies addiction to the booze, although maybe I’m fooling myself. I choose to drink on a daily basis because I enjoy the social relaxation it provides. I almost never drink at home, and when I do, it is when I have company. I work to control my consumption so that I’m comfortably buzzed without being overtly drunk (i.e. falling down). Most nights, I succeed at that, especially when I confine myself to the low-alcohol beers that I prefer.
Anyway, next time I see Dr. Jo, I will engage her for thoughts on AUD and how my imbibing may impact my health in general and my lungs in particular. We’ll see what’s in the ARDS!
” “For women, as well as for men ages 65 and older, drinking levels for low-risk drinking are defined as no more than 3 drinks per occasion or 7 drinks per week. Exceeding these daily or weekly drinking limits significantly increases the risk of developing AUD”
Well, there you go; if I don’t have AUD, I’m a prime candidate. I’d say 7 drinks per NIGHT is more my standard level of consumption.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/April/2023 @ 8:10 am
Like sands through an hourglass…
“Wouldn’t it be nice to find someone you can simply be with without worrying whether there’s some angle?”
That’s been my fantasy for a long time, but I’m slowly coming to the realization that it’s not going to happen for me, and I need to let it go. I’m not saying it is impossible; I do know guys here who have very happy relationships. Some of them with former bargirls, so it can happen. Ultimately, my failure in that regard is all on me. I miss having someone to wake up next to me and share my time with and make dreams together. And then I remember the last time I had that–with Jee Yuen–and what it cost me when I lost it. It’s not fear, though, that holds me back. I’ve grown more and more selfish over these past few years, and I’m simply unwilling to make the mutual sacrifices that are integral to a successful partnership. I’d rather deal with the loneliness than the drama. It’s high time I accept that reality and live with it.
I do appreciate the consistent feedback from you and Brian that has awakened me to the need to embrace these realities and truly be the man I’ve become without apology. It’s not the life I imagined, but it is the best one I have.
Oh, maybe you’ll get a kick out of this–I did! I posted that line from yesterday’s post: “Who knew that embracing the emptiness could be so fulfilling” on Facebook. This morning there was a comment from Nerissa: “embracing emptiness with a bag of pie while walking at the side of the road is way much more fulfilling…hahaha.” I guess she saw me from Cheap Charlies as I was on my way to feed the girls at Hideaway. I responded thusly: “Feeding the hungry is one of the ways to give an empty life some meaning, I agree.”
That’s pretty much where I’m at these days, and it is high time I start being okay with it. Thanks again for helping me see that.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/April/2023 @ 7:38 am
Okay, you busted me, Brian. No, I didn’t see my bar antics as being a player. In my mind, I was a do-gooder spreading some lady drink commissions around to help the struggling bargirls make ends meet. Again, I very rarely barfine, and I guess I always thought that a true player doesn’t wake up alone every morning. I think the disconnect is that my perceptions are different than the women who witness my behavior–they’ve seen it all before and assume the worst. So, yeah, I’m trying to embrace rather than resist the “player” tag. I am what I am, and it’s high time I accept that.
As for my “list”, that was my current offering of how well I’m doing with the player lifestyle. You did miss one, Aine from Wet Spot. I missed one, too, though: Virginia from Alaska Club messaged me this morning. I hadn’t heard from her for a while, so figured she had met a steady. Maybe she did, and she’s back now, but she invited me to stop in and buy her a drink tomorrow, and I told her I would.
So, yeah. It looks like I’ve chosen the path I’ll be walking. That non-transactional “real girlfriend” thing is just a dream that I’m probably too selfish to achieve anyway.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/April/2023 @ 7:07 am
I would suggest a comma after perceived. Still, nothing bothers me about a missing comma; I have a good imagination and always see them in my head.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/April/2023 @ 6:41 am
Adding to the confusion, they are right next to each other too. I’m still learning to pronounce the names correctly, but getting better at it. KA-Lop-Ah-Die-Un and CAL-Uh-Pock-U-On
Stuart was in the Air Force and a high school coach, so I guess he’s lived a fit life. I don’t know much about Rob, who is a Brit. Works on a ship that lays/repairs underwater cables, so that probably keeps him in shape as well. I note that you didn’t ask about the third guy, the old fat one.
Yeah, it was pretty creepy walking past the death scene this morning. He looked pretty young too. You get up in the morning, grab a jeep for Barretto, and then all of a sudden, you are bleeding to death on the highway. You just never know when your time here will end.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/April/2023 @ 5:44 pm
Thanks for the insights and advice, Soju. More and more, I’m thinking going home is my best option. Maurice’s baby back ribs and Rush’s chicken wings are the icing on the cake!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/April/2023 @ 8:27 am
Kevin, the vultures with cameras thing seems to be a cultural norm. I first observed it when my bar friend died here a few years back, and the Filipinas took and shared photos of him on his deathbed after passing. Whenever there is an accident involving a motorbike or pedestrian, the victim laying in the street is photographed by more people than those trying to provide help.
I really appreciate your research and the links. I was wondering if my fear of general anesthesia was unfounded; now I see that it is not. If it were a matter of life or death, I wouldn’t hesitate, but I’ve lived with this nasal blockage for months. I may just wait and make a trip back to the USA for the surgery.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/April/2023 @ 7:41 am
I’ve not seen an update yet, but the accounts I heard said the bus driver and one Jeepney passenger didn’t survive the crash. I agree the Jeep driver was lucky!
I made the choice when I moved here not to drive. I’m happy with that decision, even if it sometimes requires I ride in unsafe public transport like Jeepneys and trikes. When I drove in Korea, I maintained a strong defensive driver stance–it was as if all the other drivers were drunk. Here, the drivers have the worst skills and lack of common sense that I’ve ever seen. Unsafe passing and the inability to execute simple actions like backing and three-point turns are common sites. I get road rage as a passenger in my driver’s car on our short drives to the grocery store each week. Just dumb shit done aggressively. The horn is used constantly and seems to be saying, “I’m stupid, look out!”
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/April/2023 @ 6:53 am
Yeah, it’s funny; the doc said in Korea, it can be done with local anesthesia, but here is full out. I also asked about outpatient, but he said because of the anesthesia, it requires an overnight stay. I’m still considering options, including maybe going out of the country for the surgery.
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» Posted By John McCrarey On 31/March/2023 @ 9:50 am
The appointment went about as expected. Surgery, including knock-out anesthesia and an overnight hospital stay, is in my near future. The doctor isn’t available for two weeks, but I have some preliminary testing to do in advance of the operation.
Yes, that photo is a nice metaphor for what happens when you go left…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 31/March/2023 @ 7:11 am
Brian, yeah, except for things like milk, I don’t care much about expiration dates. So, I’m happy to get half off on cereal that I’m sure will taste just fine.
Glad you haven’t had any issues. Hopefully, the new host will keep things moving forward.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 30/March/2023 @ 12:15 pm
I’ve not had any issues so far today. Got another email from my new host. They are still having trouble logging onto my old host for the migration. I checked the info I sent, and my last name was spelled wrong…no idea how that happened. Even my Biden-like brain hasn’t deteriorated that much. I hope.
Hmm, I’m going to be careful around the Aussies I know, just in case they have Walibri ancestry.
The sandwich was pretty filling, but double your pleasure, double your fun!
I ain’t ready to die yet, but hey, if it happens that way it gives a whole new meaning to “happy ending.”
» Posted By John McCrarey On 29/March/2023 @ 5:07 pm
The chimichangas were on the daily special menu, which prompted me to give them a try. Those two small ones were plenty for me.
Re: The Hare. Here’s an example, last night, he received a Hashvest as recognition for completing 300 runs. Instead of being honored, he was pissed because he didn’t like the color. He griped about that throughout the presentation and song. When the song was over, he took off the vest and threw it on the ground, saying he didn’t want it. He revealed himself as an asshole to me months ago. I needed to pee really badly and tried to enter the CR he was using (there were two toilets). He slammed the door on me and wouldn’t let me in. Then he took his sweet fucking time coming out just to mess with me. People like that I don’t want to be around.
I had an email from my new host this morning asking me to resubmit my login info for my old host, something had gone wrong. I did resend it, so hopefully we are back on track.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/March/2023 @ 5:53 pm
Kev, I shit you not!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 27/March/2023 @ 2:18 pm
I was dealing with Chase, too. In the past, there was always an option for email…no idea why that didn’t happen today. Spent at least an hour trying to sort it out.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 27/March/2023 @ 2:20 pm
An SOB kicked my ass last night
Kevin, I’m not grasping the Jeremy Clarkson reference. Did he do something stupid recently too?
Well, gravity is an unforgiving bitch, and I want to avoid future faceplants. It could have been worse (broken bones), and I don’t need that kind of problem. I’m confident my new plan will resolve these issues.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/March/2023 @ 6:18 am
Brian, I am hopeful that switching back to beer will resolve my memory/balance issues. The problem isn’t the drinking per see (or so I choose to believe) but rather the overindulgence. Gin sneaks up on me. I am better able to monitor and maintain my desired level of inebriation when I’m consuming beer. Bottom line–I like to drink, but I don’t like getting drunk.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/March/2023 @ 6:13 am
Shit, I hadn’t even noticed the ass cleavage until you pointed it out. Now it can’t be unseen.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/March/2023 @ 11:22 am
Kev, it’s funny you say that. The bar/restaurant at the FRA is called The Garage. I told my fellow travelers that the owner should have named The Alamo. Oh, well, maybe someone will do so in the future. A Mexican restaurant called Alamo would be a killer! *ahem*
Yeah, not nearly enough meat and cheese, and the bread seemed a little stale. I’ll choose better next time!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/March/2023 @ 7:34 am
Welcome aboard, G! Nice to have a new reader. Back in 2008, the blog was only 3 years old and had a more political and newsy theme. These days, it’s mostly a diary of my daily life. I suspect that at least some of my readers come here for a dose of “thank God I’m not that guy!” Either way, I’m glad to be of service and enjoy interacting here in the comments. Hope to see you again here soon!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/March/2023 @ 7:29 am
I’ve got ears and ears of experience as a jokester, Soju….
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/March/2023 @ 7:21 am
Soju, that kind of powder would make for an expensive Hash trail, that’s for sure.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/March/2023 @ 6:02 pm
There’s the problem, Kevin. It is illogical to attempt to apply logic to the Hash shenanigans. It’s just a silly ritual; the first time you wear a new pair of shoes to the Hash, you drink out of them. For no other reason than they tell you to. I think it is gross and potentially unhealthy.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/March/2023 @ 6:00 pm
Well, it is not a new shoe after wearing it on the Hash trail. But they do pour the beer through one of your dirty socks, so there’s that. Honestly, that is one ritual I would refuse to participate in. Granted, I wouldn’t be foolish enough to wear new shoes to the Hash, but still…
A good rain washes away the powder. The chalk marks tend to last a little longer, but they fade with time…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/March/2023 @ 11:28 pm
Well, QP, I always say when it comes to breasts that more than a mouthful is a waste.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/March/2023 @ 6:01 pm
Brian, welcome to the Let’s Go Brandon club!
Yes, I think you are correct about looking back nostalgically and forgetting the irritations that made living that life less than perfect. So, finding that balance here in the present is one of my goals. I’m reminded of the Joni Mitchell song, “don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone…”
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/March/2023 @ 5:12 am
“with a focus on it’s colorful nightlife”
The error is glaring, but it’s not my fault, at least not entirely. That’s a cut and paste from the PI@Night webpage. I should have noticed the mistake, though. Its is right; it’s wrong.
No, I haven’t missed Mickey D’s much at all. There is a franchise up the road in Subic town and another one on the old Navy base–I don’t frequent either. Having one on the corner may tempt me on an occasional drunken night, but the real lifestyle impact will likely be even more congestion on the highway and more danger in trying to cross it.
Sorry for the allusions to pending doom; there’s nothing going on in particular that I know of, just a growing recognition I’m at an age now where my time could be up without warning. Every time I see an obituary, I check the age of the deceased, and it seems like half the time, they are younger than me. It’s a good reminder to live in the moment and enjoy the time I have left on earth.
I am seeing an ENT doctor today about my chronic congestion and scheduling surgery to remove those nodules in my nostrils. That shouldn’t be fatal.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/March/2023 @ 5:07 am
Yes, it was a foolish waste of time, especially in a noisy bar environment. Even in the best of circumstances, poetry is better read than recited. My drunken purpose was to break through the wall Nerissa had erected between us, but it was a wasted effort. Still, at least I tried. Her loss.
Trust me; I’m normally not that guy spouting off meaningless words to those who can’t comprehend what I’m saying. I was surprised I could do the deep dive into my memory hole and pull that shit up. For all the good it did me.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/March/2023 @ 6:41 am
«« Back To Stats PageHaHa! She’s always been a bit on the chunky side, which proves my attraction to her is more than physical. And yes, down the road (assuming there is a road), I might gift her some dental work.
Mary said she has one of those two burner countertop stoves. I’ve never seen her place and don’t know if she has the room for a fully equipped kitchen. I think she enjoys cooking (and eating, obviously), so if she shows any interest in slow cooker recipes, I’ll be glad to help with that too.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/March/2023 @ 6:59 am