Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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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
What goes around, comes around. Or maybe it’s all “Groundhog Day”.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/July/2022 @ 6:50 am
Well, safety from crime is not a worry, at least in my subdivision. There are some areas that are purported to house druggies I’d probably avoid late at night, but that’s not an issue for Mr. 9 o’clock to bed me. I didn’t want to walk the dark streets because there are puddles in the street, holes in the sidewalks, and other trip hazards you can’t avoid if you can’t see. Not to mention dog poop.
Yeah, I need to do better at moderation. My brain is addled enough when I’m sober. Freaked me out to have that memory loss. I’ll take it as a warning and act accordingly.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/July/2022 @ 12:55 pm
Thanks for the explanation of the meaning of the taegeuk. Interesting! So, I guess finding it was just a reminder from the cosmos that everything is going to be fine. 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/July/2022 @ 7:05 am
Yeah, I figured it was making kilometer announcements on a mile basis. I didn’t see any way to change that in the app settings. No big deal, though; it’s good to walk a mile in my shoes!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/July/2022 @ 9:03 am
Well, I can’t verify that it’s an actual Hesse quote. Internet memes take a lot of liberties with the truth. I even saw where Abraham Lincoln warned people not to believe what they read on the ‘net. And he wouldn’t lie.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/July/2022 @ 5:18 am
Hmm, I never heard of anyone disparaging surf-n-turf as hackneyed, but to each his own. I’ve always considered proper “turf” to be steak like you served, but I guess chickens walk on the same ground as cows, so it’s technically correct. I thought the presentation was nice, especially for what is a low-cost resto-bar. Not shown was a tasty salad and a delicious vegetable soup. It was a nice meal for under $10.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/July/2022 @ 6:31 am
Only had four beers at the Hash, half my normal intake. Of course, I didn’t stay until the end. When they ran out of Zero I decided to flee to a safer environment and switch to gin.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/July/2022 @ 7:31 am
Yeah, doing one shot in a tall glass, then taking the whole 12 oz can of soda water to mix it (take a couple of sips, pour in more water) seems to be the right combo for a weak drink.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/July/2022 @ 11:57 am
James, nice to hear from you again.
Beer is my preferred drink. It comes in a 12-ounce bottle and is a nice sipping beverage. The gin is in a glass of ice water and not as fun to imbibe. But the biggest difference is a beer will last me longer. On day one, I was sucking down those gin drinks too fast. The gin is also stronger than beer, so it gets you drunk quicker. My goal is to hit that sweet spot of feeling buzzed without becoming obviously impaired. I did better on day two. Either way, I’m still going to enjoy my nights on the town.
My doctor told me I needed to drink more water as well. It reminded me of something someone said to me once: Why is a San Miguel Zero beer like making love in a canoe? Because they are both fucking close to water! Anyway, I drink my gin with soda water…that’s just carbonated water, so I’m getting an enhanced daily dose of h2o. We’ll see how it works out.
Yeah, I hope it doesn’t take me nine months to get rid of the belly like it does the women folk.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/July/2022 @ 4:18 pm
Kev, as for the diet tip, all I can say is “you first!”
Yeah, the frog’s ready-to-jump position is what I first noticed. Then I walked past, and it didn’t move, so I took a closer look. No idea what happened to the eye. You’re right; it gave it a zombie-like quality.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/July/2022 @ 4:05 pm
In a weird twist, I discovered that Mike has insurance–BCBS! So, that was his situation–pay upfront, then get reimbursed. And I’d be in the same boat as Mike were I to be unconscious; I couldn’t pay with my credit card or do a wire transfer from my US bank. I may have to look into a supplemental local policy as a bridge.
In good news, Mike was NOT transferred to “the place where expats go to die” (Gordon public hospital). He was moved to Clark Medical City in Angeles, one of the best hospitals on Luzon. I understand that BCBS is accepted there.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/July/2022 @ 7:29 am
Yeah, apparently Mike doesn’t have insurance coverage and the donations are still far short of his accumulated bill. Not sure how that will play out for him.
I have Blue Cross insurance, but most hospitals here won’t accept that. I have to pay out of pocket and get reimbursed from BC. My plan is to use a credit card with $15,000 credit line for any medical emergencies. The flaw in that thinking occurs to me that if I’m unconscious like Mike, who is authorized to use my credit card on my behalf. I
might have to come up with some local insurance as a bridge.» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/July/2022 @ 12:03 pm
«« Back To Stats PageNo, I have not visited. We have a nodding acquaintance but have never really even spoken one-on-one. I’d feel weird visiting, knowing he’d probably wonder who the fuck is this guy? He does have regular visitors, though, including Jay, the owner of Hot Zone (also a former Marine), who posts daily updates.
Mike is continuing to progress slowly, but the money situation is getting critical. Donations have not been enough to pay for his treatment at Baypointe (a private hospital), so the plan is to move him to the public hospital in Olongapo. I have a bad feeling about that–we call Gordon hospital “the place where expats go to die.” Let’s hope he’s an exception.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/July/2022 @ 6:26 am