Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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Dan, the Wahlberg reference went over my head. He was born in 1971 when I was 16, so I guess it’s technically possible I could be his father, but I don’t think so. 🙂
I blame COVID for my newly found self-discipline. Back when we had a 7 p.m. curfew I adjusted my habits accordingly. Curfew is midnight now, but I never see it. I’d say I’m one of the few people around here who adhere to such an early schedule, although I only know a couple who routinely push the window and stay out after midnight.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/April/2021 @ 6:46 am
Dan, you might be right. I just talked to an acquaintance who lives around the corner from that house I looked at on Abad street. They got burgled for the second time this year a couple of days ago. I’ve got my house pretty much secured now, at least enough where I don’t worry about it.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/April/2021 @ 7:42 am
James, thanks so much for the thoughtful comment. I have no problem with your take on solving problems! 🙂
You are right, the laws of supply and demand don’t seem to be applicable to the Filipino way of doing business. One Hasher I know moved out of his house several years ago over a rent increase dispute with his landlord. We laugh when we walk by the still-vacant house with the “for rent” sign out front. Similarly, my house was vacant for years before I signed a long-term lease. That the owner seems to be willing to let me go over a 5% rent increase seems ridiculous to me. Oh well.
You know, I like the idea of problem-solving as a route to happiness, especially if they are not MY problems. I have also thought that finding a student to sponsor would bring a lot of satisfaction because that’s actually making a difference in someone’s life. But finding the right person for that kind of project will take some time and effort. Of course, schools are all still closed here, so doing the little things, for now, will have to suffice.
As I was reading your comment, I couldn’t help but think about the whole “Sugar Daddy” concept. Yeah, there is a different kind of satisfaction in that approach, but as you say, separating the quid pro quo from my problem-solving crusade will be more meaningful in the long run. I’ll have to work on that.
I’ll do an update soon on how my “spreading Joy” is working out. So far it’s not been a problem, but I’m starting to have my doubts about the long-term viability of my “friends with benefits” concept.
Again, thank you for your comment, lots of food for thought. Much appreciated!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/April/2021 @ 7:32 am
Um, about that “homemade” quesadilla…this is me we are talking about. Your method sounds great and I might actually try it sometime. My current method involves two tortillas with shredded cheese between them. And a microwave. I’m almost embarrassed to admit that.
Yes, I’m keeping my eyes open for potential rentals, but I’m accepting the fact that my current digs may be my best option overall. Overpaying when I signed that lease 3 years ago is on me, so lesson learned. I’ve accepted it without much anger or remorse. The unjustified raising of that already high rent seems like gouging to me though, and that’s what makes me angry.
The landlord intends to add a provision to the lease that specifically allows a 5% annual increase. There’s actually a law that gives property owners this right. I pointed out that being allowed to do something doesn’t make it required. He responded that they “need” to raise the rent. Anyway, if I wind up staying here I won’t do more than a one-year lease. I can afford this house now, but should the dollar tank, maybe not so much.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/April/2021 @ 7:02 am
Yeah, good points, Brian. It’s not so much about the money as it is about feeling like I’m being taken advantage of. Still, need to look at the big picture and make a choice that works best for the long run…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/April/2021 @ 1:27 pm
QP, well, I agreed to the 45,000 three years ago, so that’s on me. Just resisting overpaying more. But I’m not going to sell my ass for a discount either! 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/April/2021 @ 7:24 am
Dan, no I dread the thought of having to move. What a pain in the ass. Plus, I’ll have to buy furniture too if I can’t find a furnished place. I did try negotiating with the landlord, but there was no changing his mind…from his perspective, my rent should have gone up every year, so 5% now is a bargain.
Picturing that unflushable floater is definitely an image I don’t want to see in real life!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/April/2021 @ 7:22 am
Kev, the thing about masks is that even when worn properly, their value in stopping the spread of COVID is limited. But most folks don’t bother with covering their nose and the masks themselves can be made of anything. Lots of people tie a handkerchief around their faces. Complies with the law, but is of no practical benefit. Oh well, as long as we do what we are told.
Yes, Nancy and I agreed not to play the championship and split the dough. I used to make that offer frequently, but I got some pushback from the tourney director who thinks the games ought to be played. I’m usually ready to go home by the time the finals roll around and don’t care about the money. Nancy (who actually works at Alley Cats) had told me she needed to buy rice with her winnings. It was unlikely she was going to beat me twice, so getting that extra 100 pesos was a windfall for her.
The “landlord” I talked to was the brother of the landlady. He’s the only one who’s been around the property lately, so I guess they are partners. I totally with you on not wanting to live in an apartment. The house in the photos is a walled stand-alone residence, so it has that going for it. But yeah, it is definitely a step down in many ways. Half the price, but you get what you pay for I suppose. When I rented this place for $900. I was pretty much clueless. A good deal compared to Korea or the USA, but people here are shocked when I tell them what I pay. I don’t know any expat paying more than $500 rent to live in Barretto (a lot of them with the money bought/built houses).
I appreciate the insights, I’ll keep my eyes and ears open but if need be, I’ll suck it up and pay to stay here. One concern I have is that if the dollar loses value because of Biden policies, my rent automatically goes up.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/April/2021 @ 7:14 am
Alright, I won’t mention having a little Joy in my life. Next week!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/April/2021 @ 6:34 am
Brian, yep, I agree with that sentiment on dying versus changing. I think sometimes your mind is just so fucked up you can’t see an avenue to change. The other thing about suicide is that it is a very selfish thing to do…your pain doesn’t go away when you kill yourself, it is just passed on to those you leave behind.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/April/2021 @ 12:47 pm
HaHa! Thanks for the translation and explanations. Sounds like one of those same but different situations. Are you strong enough to eat this? That seems to be the common question being asked.
Yeah, I’ve been in the dark place before; thankfully, I am nowhere near that mindset now. Really my post was just self-reflection on whether I was wasting what remains of my life. The conclusion I reached was that I am not.
Interesting insights on suicide though, thanks for sharing. There have been a couple of times many years ago when I seriously considered that path to be an option. When I look back now and see all that I would have missed, good and bad, I know what a terrible mistake suicide would have been. As long as you are alive, you are still in the game. Life is not about the final destination, it’s about getting there. Enjoy the ride!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/April/2021 @ 6:55 am
It’s very rare to see carrot cake here, even in the bakeries. When I first moved here I’d occasionally see a carrot cake mix in the grocery store, but not for years now…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/April/2021 @ 6:33 am
Thanks, guys. You know the old song–I’m not as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/April/2021 @ 7:25 am
Dan, yeah that was my first thought but it is an amateur league–if I throw like that I might get banned!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/April/2021 @ 10:51 pm
I’ve had a vasectomy, so I’m not much of a stud these days. Maybe a “playing it safe” t-shirt…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/April/2021 @ 6:49 am
Hope to see you here, Brian. I’ll save you some beers…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/April/2021 @ 7:22 am
Thanks, Brian. Everyone has to deal with COVID in a way that is best for them. I think your analogy with guns is a little off though. People who wear masks don’t necessarily do so out of fear. I’d argue they have placed an unwarranted reliance on government edicts unsupported by science but to each his own. On the other hand, a man who carries a gun does so to avoid fear–the confidence of knowing you have the ability to defend yourself and your family means you do not have to be fearful of anyone.
Anyway, I’ve chosen to live as a free man, if COVID kills me, so be it. Folks who are staying safe at home have nothing to fear from me, right?
Always appreciate it though when people can disagree without being disagreeable. Thanks for that!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/April/2021 @ 5:57 pm
Dennis is a tough guy, he’ll get through this I’m sure.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/April/2021 @ 4:28 pm
The nomad has a government pension, like yours truly.
Totally agree with you on what constitutes a “proper” MC. I mean, I like French toast too, but that deep-fried hammy sweetness is what makes the MC an MC. I wonder why they aren’t more popular these days? Maybe because they are a pain in the ass to prepare properly?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/April/2021 @ 7:14 am
Good stuff, Duke, That’s what I’ll do!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/April/2021 @ 6:51 am
Thanks, Kev. Yes, in the past I actually carried sandpaper in my darts case for this purpose. When I recently replaced the points I was advised to only sharpen the points. Hmm, Duke says dull the points and your link says scuff the sides. I’m gonna do both and see what happens. Can’t be worse than having so many triple 20s on the floor!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/April/2021 @ 4:27 pm
Good to hear from you again, Duke. Long time no comment! Dulling the points is something I hadn’t considered, how do you do that?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/April/2021 @ 7:17 am
Well, I’ve won two of our three singles league matches, but she has a higher win percentage in the league overall. So, the end of the season tourney will have to decide this year’s champion. Overall, Cristy is more consistently good than I am I think.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/April/2021 @ 6:43 am
Brian, yes it will, and hopefully so will I!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/April/2021 @ 4:37 pm
Yeah, basically showing up and paying your weekly dues counts as a “run”, whether you did the actual trail or not. I always try and do at least some of the Hare’s intended path, more or less.
Thanks, James. I began my walking habit after the wife dumped me. It helped me with the depression and I lost 70 kilos along the way. The Hash and the walking groups are a nice change from my long and solitary hikes.
And yes, good observation–Olongapo City is one of the few places that has not instituted enhanced quarantine restrictions. Overall, I’ve got to give our mayor credit for exercising the kind of good judgment rarely seen in an elected official in this country. He said he saw how damaging the first lockdown had been to the lives of the citizens and he had no interest in reimposing that kind of pain.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/April/2021 @ 6:31 am
Geez, typing “beings” instead of begins is the kind of unforced error I hate the most. Just plain old sloppiness. Scary in a way that I could both type it wrong and read it right. I might need to lay off mocking Biden, I might be joining him soon in the world without a clue.
For what it is worth, I noticed places in my old quoted posts where I’d add commas today. Not saying I’d get it right now, but I do at least notice and think about it. That’s progress of a sort, I reckon.
As for the boldface, I just assumed you were yelling at me. 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/April/2021 @ 7:07 am
Alas, there is no Joy this Easter. Probably just as well.
It’s funny how you adapt to different schedules as circumstances warrant. I wake up earlier every morning than I used to in my working days. Go to bed a lot earlier than I ever did too. Your walking at night and sleeping during the day kinda has a vampire vibe about it. Did you reveal more than you intended?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/April/2021 @ 7:15 am
Thanks for your support and well-wishes, guys. It means a lot that my faithful readers are pulling for me! Hell, it means a lot that I even have readers!
Feeling better so far this morning, let’s hope it lasts…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/April/2021 @ 6:33 am
Yeah, being confined to quarters, even for a day or two, really makes you appreciate and miss your freedom of movement.
Sorry the rain has put an, um, damper on your plans. It’s unusual to get like that this time of year there, isn’t it? Sounds like bad luck.
I’ve had the lethargy for over a week already. It intensified yesterday though. I am hoping I’m already at the tail-end of that two-week period. I’m going to have to be a hell of a lot worse off before I go to a doctor, No breathing issues or anything like that, so no need.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/April/2021 @ 6:41 am
«« Back To Stats PageThanks, gents. Just woke up from a two-hour nap. Prior to that, I didn’t even have the energy to walk the dogs (a helper did). My fever has broken now, so I’ll take that as a good sign. Not gonna push my luck though, I’m staying home until I know I’ve turned the corner to healthiness.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/April/2021 @ 1:42 pm