Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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I lived in Little Rock for a few months once. I had a Rochelle of a good time…
Marci for teaching me some more French!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/August/2021 @ 6:30 am
Hmm, no need to masturbate when you can buy what you need. Plus, you don’t care about letting them down–they’re just doing a job.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/August/2021 @ 1:54 pm
Yeah, they’ll likely just leave it up to drivers to avoid the hazard. Not their problem. Same thing happened on the National Highway and all these months later there are still poles in the road. Another reason to be glad I don’t drive here.
I do remember first moving to Korea and thinking “what a mess”. Now I look back and think “why can’t it be that good here?”.
I have my doubts about the canteen, but it might work. Quality food at fair prices targeting the working poor (bargirls, trike drivers) could be a market niche she can fill. We’ll find out soon.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/August/2021 @ 6:14 am
Good catch, Brian. People who have done that climb said the steps on the second half of the climb were indeed “new” since the last time they’d been up this way.
Kev, I actually thought of you climbing the 27 floors of your building and your future goal of doing it twice. So, just imagine yourself climbing to Kalaklan Ridge and enjoy the view!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/August/2021 @ 6:19 am
I have no idea how I happened to misspell “baguette”. I know better. I even looked at the keyboard to see if there was a way it could have been a bad keystroke–nope, the q is nowhere near the g. Must be a memory issue, sorta like thinking I’d had a pecan pie at that shop I can’t spell. I probably just misremembered the walnut as pecan.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/August/2021 @ 7:54 am
I’d occasionally get a pecan pie at Paris Baquette if I recall correctly. Of course, when I was working and had access to the commissary bakery it was easy. Good luck with your next pie!
I guess I’ve been lucky re: sharts. Once or twice a year, and I fart a lot! It’s the shits when it happens though.
It’s hard to be a Biden defender when you are arguing with what he actually said…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/August/2021 @ 6:32 am
Well, these establishments are all hotels. have pools, restaurants, and are on or near the beach. They call themselves resorts. Yes, the restaurants have a bar, but that is not their primary purpose. I go to Treasure Island and Da’ Kudos to eat occasionally and will of course have some beers with my meal. But I wouldn’t make a special trip just to drink there.
Glad y’all enjoyed the photos!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/August/2021 @ 6:51 am
I’m switching to “hearty” from now on, too. More apt for sure.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/August/2021 @ 3:54 pm
I thought maybe I’d fucked up (again) when I said party hardy rather than hearty. I was too lazy to check when I wrote it, but in my mind “hardy” seemed my apt. Then I see your comment with “hearty” and I’m thinking, damn it! Turns out we are both right, at least according to Merriam-Webster:
“Party hearty is the original idiom used to describe someone capable of partying for a long time and having fun. Soon after the phrase was coined, it was misheard as party hardy which implies the same thing. ‘Hearty’ itself refers to good health and ability, while ‘hardy’ implies a boldness or capability to withstand tough conditions.”
The trail was dryer than it looks for the most part. The diciest part of the trail was the downhill in the 5th Hash photo, a slip there would have sent you down a steep embankment…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/August/2021 @ 6:58 am
Thanks for the heads up…I’m not sure how that double posting happened, probably when I was trying to put it in “quote” format.
Yes, it is sad to see the what could have been compared to today’s reality.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/August/2021 @ 3:24 pm
Damn it! I meant, “home sheet home.” (shit with an accent)
Yesterday’s water puddles came out the end of the hike. But I’ve actually never had a blister issue when walking long distances with wet feet. Maybe I’ve just been lucky…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/August/2021 @ 7:04 am
Love is just a four-letter word
QP, glad I haven’t been a disappointment!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/August/2021 @ 9:18 am
Hey, James. Thanks for the insightful comment! I don’t really track my stats (I get a weekly report) and they don’t vary much week to week. There seems to be a small but dedicated group of people who come to see what stupid thing I’ll do next. Alas, they are rarely disappointed!
I’m impressed with your take on Marissa although the premise is mistaken. She’s an ex-girlfriend and current friend. We share a love of drinking and not much else. She does the Hash with our group but is almost always far ahead of me on trail (lie everyone else). Well, she is on my payroll and does help out with some things, but it is completely platonic and will remain so. Tried the girlfriend thing for a while and failed miserably. She’s just not my type. In fact, when I get weak and consider a relationship, I remember that one and realize how much happier I am alone.
I haven’t mentioned her by name, but the friend I’m helping start the canteen is Marissa. Like most of my acts of charity, there is a selfish aspect to this one. I would love to see her succeed of course and gain financial independence outside of bar work. That would also allow me to stop paying her rent every month. Win-win!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/August/2021 @ 7:12 am
Dave, thanks for the comment and kind words.
Yes, I’ve seen that type of relationship before. I think sometimes the guy knows he’s being played but doesn’t care because he is getting what he wants out of the deal. In my more sane moments, I often consider myself lucky that I’m not in that kind of relationship.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/August/2021 @ 7:16 am
Kev, yeah, the kid is a red flag that I wouldn’t normally ignore. Another example of my being blinded by my infatuation. Actions do speak louder than words, and the lack of action, in this case, has also been an eye-opener.
Finding a non-toxic Filipina–the quest of a lifetime! I’m sure they exist but as you’ve said repeatedly, I’m looking in all the wrong places.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/August/2021 @ 7:12 am
Yes, just posted the gruesome details…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/August/2021 @ 4:21 pm
I have a great imagination! I hoped for a chance to make my fantasies come true. I struggled with the memory of those past fuck ups and questioned the wisdom of trying yet again. I took a tentative step towards changing my life, but the voice in my head was telling me I was being foolish. In the end, Jessel made it easy to turn back.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/August/2021 @ 6:19 am
A week in the life: Friday the 13th
Yeah, perhaps it is the fantasy of love that I love. The reality, not so much. Doubt she’d be interested in the FWB program, I think she’s doing pretty well in her new job as a housekeeper at Barretto’s finest hotel. I’ll post more thoughts about this episode later today.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/August/2021 @ 6:53 am
I’ve never really asked him how about his professional training, but I will. He does enjoy talking about food and often regales with stories of his adventures in finding quality ingredients. I know he drives to the fish market in Bataan, an hour or more away, after midnight so he can get the first crack at the catch of the day when the fishermen return.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/August/2021 @ 6:47 am
A week in the life: Wednesday Walkers
And it is Friday the 13th too. I’ll need all the luck I can get!
I honestly have no clue what’s up with Jessel at this point, but I’m losing patience with her non-responsiveness. I’m beginning to wonder if she is even going to show up today.
As to your larger point, I’ll concede that I am in my comfort zone but it doesn’t feel like hell. These tentative steps towards changing my life have made me realize that my current circumstances are not so bad and I may well miss the freedom that comes with being single. I’m not sure if that is just a rationalization for cowardice or if I’m heeding the words of Joni Mitchell–“don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone…”
Methinks enlarging my circle is easier said than done, I’ve certainly not seen anything happening or anywhere to go in Barretto where I might encounter a higher quality female. Maybe the gym? I might have to rejoin the dating sites to find something/someone different nearby.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/August/2021 @ 6:43 am
I hear you, guys. Julica is an example of a newbie mistake, back when I didn’t know any better. I didn’t appreciate it at the time, but the revelation of her true nature in AC that day perhaps saved me from myself. I’d like to think I’ve learned to be a better judge of character since then.
Kevin, I don’t disagree with what you are saying. I don’t give most bargirls a second thought (beyond potential membership in my FWB club). Still, there are occasionally diamonds in the rough. That’s how I think of Jessel at this point, although I’m developing doubts as to our compatibility. We have rescheduled our lunch meetup for Friday and I hope to come out of that we a better understanding of the way ahead. I will say that thinking about making a change in my life has made me appreciate the fact that this life I’m living might just suit me. Educated and professional women who are single are rare commodities in these parts. I doubt any of them would be interested in an old white man.
Brian, thanks for the tip on Meetup.com. I actually joined this morning. Alas, there are no groups currently active in the Olongapo area. Heh, maybe I’ll get inspired to start one. I actually have that Johnny Lee song in the playlist I enjoy while solo hiking. The story of my life!
Anyway, I agree with the premise that a lot of the troubles these poor gals face are of their own making. A lot of them probably see guys like me as a ticket out of their poverty. That’s not a solid foundation for a relationship. Something about Jessel “feels” different, I want to find out why. But going in, my eyes are wide-open to the fact that she may not be special after all.
Thanks to you both for keeping me grounded in reality!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/August/2021 @ 7:37 am
Reflections on a Tuesday afternoon
Thanks, Kevin. I want to read more of what M. Scott Peck has written. His definition of true love is is what I aspire to but am likely unworthy of.
Yes, there are definitely red flags which is why I haven’t stupidly dived in headfirst with this one. Yet. There is more of the story to tell and I’ll try to tell it on the blog soon.
I will say though that Jessel is a good woman with a good heart. I think she is scared of these feelings too. Perhaps that explains her hesitancy and unresponsiveness. She’s a typical Filipina in some ways–a poor girl from the province working hard to support her child back home–but she does not strike me as mercenary or transactional. Yesterday was her son’s birthday and I asked if there was anything she needed. She told me she was alright.
Anyway, I appreciate your words of wisdom and advice. I’ll keep them in mind as I work my way through these emotions. I think at this point I’m going to have to be talked into taking the next step rather than talked out of it. Jessel doesn’t seem willing to put forth any effort in that regard. Perhaps she is smarter than me.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/August/2021 @ 6:13 am
A week in the life: Tuesday shopping
Yeah, it’s a lot. I’m feeding the help too, though. I was trying to do the math in my head just now because I didn’t really buy a lot of stuff to cook at home. And what I did buy was expensive. Thirty bucks on dog food, $22 for a case of beer, ten dollars for cheese, $7.50 for those nuts–it all adds up.
Like I say, if I could keep it at $200 I’d be okay with it. I really don’t want to spend my retired life worrying about nickels and dimes.I try not to even look at the prices because when I do, I will frequently say “no way”. I wouldn’t pay $9 for breakfast sausages today but bought instant oatmeal for six. What the hell is wrong with me?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/August/2021 @ 3:36 pm
A week in the life: Monday Hash Hare
Brian, yes, the On-Home rotates on a schedule, so the Hare has to develop a trail that leads to that location. I believe some Hare’s volunteer on the weeks that the On-Home matches their trail preferences. I personally don’t care.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/August/2021 @ 6:35 am
A week in the life: Sunday stroll
“And most interesting 🤔 The interior decor of Alta Vista mansions: exciting expose of what goes on behind the high walls.”
That might lead to my arrest. The other suggestions are more doable. Thanks for the ideas!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/August/2021 @ 6:17 am
HaHa! I’d wear it proudly! 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/August/2021 @ 6:18 am
Bob, not an investor…a financer. Gave her the money to get started and the rest is up to her…I expect nothing in return.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/August/2021 @ 10:06 pm
Well, most new businesses fail, so the odds aren’t with her. No, she wanted to see beer but the bar on the property said no…so, she’ll serve their beer and they will sell her food. Could work.
Sohee was a special gal…always had a smile. Her friends were all shocked that she chose to end her life. Yep, I know that song very well and it is apt.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/August/2021 @ 5:02 pm
The rainy season usually runs through the end of September.
I’m sure you will see some food pics soon. She’s going to need to have photos for her menu for one thing…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/August/2021 @ 6:51 am
«« Back To Stats PageNot that I have personally experienced, but back pre-COVID when the bars had scantily clad dancers you could find something just as good.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/August/2021 @ 6:11 am