Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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It’s certainly possible it was just a coincidence that everyone else got Covid, but not me. I think the symptoms I experience this go-round are very much like Covid (albeit a mild version). I can’t know for sure either way, but I am very happy to be Covid-free now.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 30/July/2022 @ 6:15 am
The reason I think it was Covid is that three of us in the vehicle taking us home from AC got sick. I never went to a doctor; the other two did and were diagnosed with Covid.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 29/July/2022 @ 4:47 pm
Low-calorie eye candy!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/July/2022 @ 7:47 am
Kev, this may not be COVID; it’s just that the symptoms are so similar to what I experienced last year. Last night, my fever went back to normal, and then when I rechecked it in the wee hours of the morning, it was back up to 38.5.
I had absolutely no energy at all, sleeping throughout the day. I tried to watch some TV, but my attention span was practically nil. I never left the house, not even to walk the dogs. I was also experiencing pain in both of my shoulders–not sure if that was illness-related or spending so much time lying in bed.
I’m writing this at two in the morning because I’ve had way more sleep than I usually do, and my brain said, get your ass out of bed. You can go back to sleep later if you need. That big head is not near as much fun as the little head. I can’t remember the last time I didn’t go out for some drinks, although it could have been when I was suffering the COVID symptoms last year.
I’m not totally writing off natural immunity…I was on the couch for the three days when I had my first bout with COVID. If what’s happening now is indeed COVID, it is much milder than my first go-round. So, I wouldn’t totally discount natural immunity.
I’m trying to remain optimistic that I can go out a play some today. So far, I’ve not heard of anyone else suffering from my symptoms. Monday’s Hash, with nearly 100 in attendance from all over, could have been one of those super spreader events. It will be interesting to see if anyone else in attendance got sick.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/July/2022 @ 4:12 am
Thanks for the feedback, James. Well, in my own defense, I’ll say the cake and ice cream were less than fifteen bucks, and I’ll spend that much in the bars most nights anyway. I carry 5000 pesos in my wallet at the start of my night out, and I usually have a couple of thousand left when I get back home.
I did think it was a weird request because I’m not really close to this person. Since her sister’s boyfriend and my pal is in the USA, there was no way to contact him to verify the story. I will though when gets back home. Again, I did not mind buying her a birthday cake; I just didn’t appreciate her apparent ungrateful attitude. Oh well, lesson learned.
I’m not sure if I have my health or not, but I do seem better this morning. I can also see a very slight improvement in my nasal blockage, so hopefully, the meds my doc provided are working.
Yes, I don’t have to worry about money, especially with the peso/dollar exchange rate being so high right now. I’m sure Biden will find a way to screw things up, but for now, I’m living large and enjoying it.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/July/2022 @ 3:56 am
I didn’t get an official diagnosis, but the two other people in the car with me did, and it was COVID. I doubt I’ll get a test this time, either. No need to get the government involved.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 27/July/2022 @ 5:48 pm
Yeah, the first girl you mention has a great personality…good humor, witty comebacks, and can hold up her end of a conversation. The “nerd girl” is brand new, and I don’t know much about her, but she seems sweet.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/July/2022 @ 6:47 am
I had honestly never thought about the wrongness of using a question mark with wonder. The meme didn’t “look” wrong, but I see what you are saying. Interestingly, I didn’t use a question mark in my sentence–it just came out that way and seemed fitting. I wonder why. 🙂
I usually do a mental checklist when I leave the house–keys? phone? wallet?–but sometimes I forget. Maybe I’ll put a sign on the inside of my front door, “do you have everything, old man?”
Trying to keep it all in perspective; at least I’m still moving around pretty well for my age. I’d hate to be unable to get out and about like I do.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/July/2022 @ 5:43 am
No one in our group currently uses two poles. I use mine mainly as a brake on downhills and to help me keep my balance going up.
There was actually a third kid carrying a bundle of sticks on his head–a family effort. Many Filipinos may be poor, but that doesn’t mean they don’t work hard. I am frequently impressed by moments like the one in that photo.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/July/2022 @ 5:29 am
Yeah, it was a frozen French bread pizza. Supposed to be baked for 25 minutes; I started blogging and forgot all about it until an hour later. It appeared inedible to me–maybe the pepperoni could be salvaged, but the bread was blackened. Yeah, my oven timer doesn’t work, and neither does my brain, apparently. Good tip on using my phone alarm; I’ll definitely do that next time.
Yes, the trails offer “spice of life” variety, but I do like new paths periodically. With three group walks a week, that’s getting hard to find without a long Jeepney ride out of town.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/July/2022 @ 7:20 am
Brian, it was all a little more innocent than you make it sound. I was at Kamto resto, and Heidi’s mom and sister came there to eat. They were sitting at the outdoor counter near me. Heidi introduced us, but that was the extent of the interaction. She took that photo later of Lydell and me. The only surprising part was getting the Facebook friend request. I’m pretty liberal in accepting those if we have mutual friends or have met in person–so the mom qualified on both points.
No, I have no interest in the mother’s life, but I did appreciate her sending me the photo. I’m not looking to get to know Heidi outside of work, either. Lydell is the one I’m crushing on a little.
As to potential money requests, anything from the mother would be easily denied, even by my low standards. She’d fall into the “sorry, no” and blocked after the first request. I honestly don’t expect that to happen, but you never know.
Given my history, I’m not surprised by your cynicism, but I’m learning. Ever so slowly, but learning.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/July/2022 @ 7:08 am
I haven’t asked John specifically. He actually has several shelves of hard-to-find items in his restaurant–sauces and stuff the Brits crave. I know he makes expeditions to Manila frequently to buy his meats, so he probably shops while he’s there. My issues are more of an “out of stock” than hard-to-find issue. My trip to S&R seems to confirm this is a supply chain problem.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/July/2022 @ 6:39 am
Yeah, found it through incredible luck. A good reminder, though, of needing to be more diligent. I don’t carry my debit card except when I’m going to the ATM. Losing that would really fuck me up.
Are you tired of my tire jokes and think they need to be retired?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/July/2022 @ 7:15 am
The steaks were high last night
Interesting stuff. As I was reading your comment about the effects of oxytocin, an old song by Huey Lewis, “I want a new drug,” was playing in my head. Then I went and did a quick Wiki read to learn more. I discovered there is a song called “Oxytocin” by Billie Eilish–I’ve never heard of either, but apparently, she’s a famous recording star. A hottie, for sure; watching the video may have triggered a burst of oxytocin in my system.
Anyway, like everywhere, the range of relationships here runs the spectrum of oxytocin-fueled “love.” The shallow bargirl type might be the most prevalent in my little town, but the real thing–or at least ones not about the money–are out there.
Having said that, there may be some benefits to staying in the shallow end of the oxytocin pool. A popular saying amongst the whoremongers is: “I don’t pay the girls for sex; I pay them to leave in the morning.” That’s not where I’m at, but I can appreciate the sentiment.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/July/2022 @ 6:56 am
Brian, yeah, I rarely give out my phone #; most of the begs come via FB Messenger and are from people I have at least met in real life. You are right, though; folks are a lot shyer about asking in person, although some do. Anyway, it is on me to take a firmer stance and embrace the power of “no!”.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/July/2022 @ 9:34 am
Dave, Ha Ha! I hadn’t noticed you were in the photo until I went back and looked. Don’t worry; I’m thinking about setting up an account so my pension check can just be directly deposited to the cashier at Wet Spot!
Thanks again for all the good times!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/July/2022 @ 7:23 am
Kev, yeah, I did a shart in bed a while back but managed to get to the CR before there was leakage. I’m still hoping the pissing incident is a one-off happening, and a mattress cover won’t be necessary. We’ll see.
Honestly, I am keeping Rule #1 at the forefront of my thinking when these requests roll in. I try to weigh the overall circumstances (how well do I know her, how often does she ask, is it really an emergency) before deciding if I’m being asked as a friend or as an ATM. So, this time Jona didn’t pass muster, and Joy did. Actually, I have daily interactions with Joy, so I know her request was legit. But she does frequently drop hints (my mom needs to see a specialist) that I ignore. I’m getting better at asking, “why is that my responsibility” when evaluating these requests, I think. I think I need to incorporate “sorry, no budget this month” into my repertoire.
As for the drinking, I think my writing about my bar life may over-emphasize the alcohol consumption part. I don’t ever get falling down/out of control drunk. I know my limits and usually adhere to them, but adjusting to the gin has occasionally caused me to exceed my inebriation comfort level. I think I’m doing better overall. So yeah, I do drink every day but not to excess (well, by my standards anyway). I don’t start early in the day (around 5:00), and I’m almost always home before 9:00. In that sense, I’m maintaining self-discipline and control.
As always, thanks for the feedback!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/July/2022 @ 7:20 am
I went back to check the official text of the poem “Debt” to make sure I hadn’t messed up the transcription. I did change “him” in the second stanza to “her” since I was posting from my male perspective. That said, I read it as two different people–the one who loves her and the one who doesn’t. I’m not sure if that explains the second/third-person discrepancy you mention, though.
Thanks for the tip about toasting the filled tortillas. It has occurred to me that what I’m making is more like a soft taco than a burrito. Do I need to put oil in the pan before toasting?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/July/2022 @ 6:13 am
Thanks for your comment, Billy. Regarding masks, it is still technically required that they be worn outside and in certain indoor establishments. I wear a mask once a week so I can shop at the grocery store, but otherwise, I let freedom ring. Filipinos seem to have a compliant nature, but more and more, I’m seeing the masks come off. Maybe 60% wearing them properly, and the rest either wear them on the chin or not at all.
No, Outback is just the name of the hotel wear the bar is located. Aussie owner but nothing like the steakhouse.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/July/2022 @ 3:24 pm
Ideally, I would like to get back to 195, then float there, with 200 being the trigger to re-invoke austerity. We’ll see if my attention span can hold out that long.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/July/2022 @ 5:57 pm
Yeah, and then we have a few brief weeks where it is not overly warm or wet. I’m sure I’ll find something to complain about, though…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/July/2022 @ 7:32 am
Yes, that was inartfully worded. Although if Jamaica were open to it, I’d gladly send some “love” her way.
We will take an alternate route rather than send the Hashers through that lake. Unless Jesus comes, then he can walk on water.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/July/2022 @ 5:01 pm
Yeah, no fees on my card. I think you get screwed if you pay in dollars because they don’t give the best exchange rate. Right now, the peso is at a historic low against the dollar. I’m sure inflation has undercut any gains that gave me, but at least it is not as bad as it could be. Yet.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/July/2022 @ 7:38 am
Brian, to each his own re: vaccination. I just don’t want the government telling me what I have to inject into my body. I’ve had lots of vaccinations, but it was always my choice.
As for the pricing in dollars, that is pretty much unique to “duty-free” stores like Royal. Most of the imports are priced in dollars, and the local stuff is in pesos. I don’t know why. When it comes time to pay, I have the option of having my credit card charged in dollars or in pesos. I always go the peso route which I *think* saves me money, especially with the good exchange rate we are experiencing now.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/July/2022 @ 9:57 am
Leaving unvaccinated won’t be a problem–lots of places are done with that silly rule. It’s the getting back part I’m worried about. As of now, tourists entering the country must be vaxxed.
My doctor hasn’t been vaccinated and believes the potential side effects are worse than the virus. My view as well. But unless things change in the next few weeks, I may not have any choice.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/July/2022 @ 5:21 pm
Shit! I read it several times and missed the missing word. Sorry about that.
There you go; I am so out of touch that I didn’t realize “chooks” was Australian slang. The Chooks to Go is a large take-out chain here in the PI. Weird they chose that term, but I guess it works.
Yes, I do the morning 5K in addition to the afternoon Hash. It’s a mostly flat beach walk, and I have plenty of recovery time, so it is no problem, um, steppin’ up.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/July/2022 @ 6:25 am
Yes, it was finally rented after being vacant for 9 months.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/July/2022 @ 6:16 am
Ah, okay. Maybe I do get a little vengeful now and then. But I move on pretty quickly.
Yeah, that Dick’s crazy behavior does seem mental, but I’m no shrink. They are both pretty much out of my life now, and I’m moving on to the next big thing, whatever that may be. So far it seems like it’s gin and soda.
I’m not sure people aren’t connected here, some have been around since the Navy days. Dave is a fixture and has loved the PI for decades. He’s much more than the sum of his businesses, trust me on that. As for me, even though I have a solitary existence here I really don’t want to leave. I feel like I’m part of a community, even though I’m an outsider. Weird, I know. But I have a comfort level being here and don’t feel the need to start over somewhere else.
I’m really looking forward to getting travel back into my life. I believe Cambodia will be my first journey later this year. The only hangup is whether I can return to the PI in my unvaccinated state of being.
Stick around and see what happens next!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/July/2022 @ 12:01 pm
James, vengeance is mine, sayeth the John! Although honestly, I don’t see myself as vengeful. I usually don’t care enough to worry about revenge.
I had an amazing career that far exceeded all my expectations. I’ve written about it some over the years. Here’s an example Do a search for “Working for a living” to see more.
I always appreciate your comments and encouragement, James.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/July/2022 @ 7:11 am
«« Back To Stats PageWhat goes around, comes around. Or maybe it’s all “Groundhog Day”.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/July/2022 @ 6:50 am