Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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All packed up and ready to roll
Yikes, I do know the difference, just a brainfart I guess. I’ve altared it now. *ahem*
The fried chicken was homemade, but my helper did the cooking. I didn’t even realize it made the photo. I took the pic because Jim had just told us that his girlfriend thinks the whole purpose of our hikes is to give us an excuse to drink. Obviously, she’s wrong about that. We don’t need any excuse!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/March/2021 @ 5:57 am
Yeah, I’m getting a lot better at the “no” thing, mostly by just totally ignoring the entreaties that come via Messenger. I still think my quid pro quo approach potentially has merit, although I have not successfully implemented that strategy yet. Progress!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/March/2021 @ 6:03 am
Thanks, Vaster. Hope you had a great birthday!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/March/2021 @ 7:00 am
Kev, I think I’m doing much better living within the boundaries of Rule #1. When I fail these days, I’m not being played as a sucker as much as I am willfully being a sucker. There’s a subtle difference I think. For what it is worth I went back and read all the previous comments mentioning Rule #1 as a refresher course of sorts. Now I need to learn to be a better judge of character.
No, I didn’t bother with trimming the fat and the result was just as you described. The Filipinos I shared the roast with (my helpers and basement dwellers) actually LIKE the fat. I, of course, separated that yuckiness from my meat before eating. The worst though was the meat was flavorless–the seasonings were wasted on the impenetrable fat barrier. Another lesson learned!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/March/2021 @ 6:59 am
Brian, yes I am content in Barretto. Moving elsewhere, even the neighboring town, would be a pain in the ass and a daily inconvenience since most of what I do (darts, hikes) take place here. If I were going to relocate it would be for a new start somewhere further away, like La Union or Dumaguete.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/March/2021 @ 9:57 am
Sex dungeon, eh? I like the way you think!
Yes, the new construction is all owner-occupied. One guy told me he’s renting the downstairs of his new house, but as you guessed, I have zero interest in apartments or shared accommodations.
I’m trying to remain hopeful that a move won’t prove necessary, but perhaps I’ll find something I like better at a lower price.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/March/2021 @ 7:15 am
Jerry, glad your reservation fiasco turned out well. It’s nice that we don’t have to “play” dumb anymore to get those benefits! Glad you are doing well and survived the vaccination.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/March/2021 @ 7:25 am
Kev, if I can get my monthly shopping bill down to $1000. I’ll be happy! Prices have gone crazy since the pandemic, especially for the imported foods I crave. For example, an 8 oz bag of blended shredded cheese was seven bucks this week. And that’s the bargain brand, Kraft is almost ten dollars. It was under $5. last year.
The gal on the ice next to me is Penis Colada (Joanna). I don’t think I’ve mentioned her before, she lives in the neighborhood with her Welsh husband. I play darts with him as well. The other young woman I’m not socially distancing from is Inday, who lives downstairs in my basement with her mother and boyfriend. I wrote about her recent birthday celebration here: http://mccrarey.com/another-saturday-night/
Yeah, I joke but I can’t help but notice my mental functioning is not what it once was. It manifests mostly in forgetting stuff, but the fiasco with trying to make a simple hotel reservation was an eye-opener. Oh well, if ignorance truly is bliss, I’m destined to be one happy guy!
I’m trying to keep perspective on the rent situation. I’m currently paying around $900 a month, but that fluctuates with the exchange rate. I’m pretty sure I could find a better deal but I’d prefer not to move. However, this house is overpriced already and if the landlady wants to gouge me even more, pride would require that I take the “no, thank you!” route. We’ll see.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/March/2021 @ 7:21 am
Times change, and so did I. I worked with Carol before we were married and she is not dumb. She is an example of what ingesting the liberal dogma without question your whole life will do to you. It is sad, really.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/March/2021 @ 6:43 am
Soju, true that. Good thing we have that Constitution thing…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/March/2021 @ 10:03 pm
Kev, I’m pretty sure John did use some of that meat for steaks–at least I’m seeing some good steak reviews on his FB page. I’m not sure what, if anything, he did to the beef for sandwiches, but mine was quite tasty. My only quibble might be that it was pure beef, I like the meat laced with those stringy onions. I’m sure you don’t agree with that! 🙂
You know, it’s funny you mention that idea of a central repository of available properties. I had actually been considering setting a Filipina friend up in a business like that when I first moved here–a Korea-style real estate agency that specializes in finding expats rentals. She chose to scam me for a thousand bucks instead. I still think there is definitely a market for someone willing to take it on, but not lazy me!
What a coincidence, I’m making chili this morning. Hash On-Home is at the Alta Vista country club, so I’m going to once again help feed the hungry hashers. The gals will also be serving brats on buns from the bakery. Good luck finding yours!
Brian, I need to follow up with him by email. He’s in The Netherlands so perhaps he is letting his agent do his talking. Oh well. The lead on this other house sounds just as good. especially if the rent is as low as I’ve been led to believe–about a third less than I’m paying now. Of course, I haven’t seen the inside of the place yet.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/March/2021 @ 7:20 am
Yeah, I doubt he’ll be making that mistake again! I think the locals have developed some resistance. The water was running free and quick through a small pipe, so it appeared it was intended for drinking. When I first started visiting the PI it seemed like every trip I’d get a case of the runs after a couple of days. I think that was from brushing my teeth with tap water.
The Hash itself owns the Hash truck. And I agree, riding in that thing is probably the most dangerous part of the hike. It’s uncomfortable too.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/March/2021 @ 6:30 am
Yeah, he had exhausted the 1.5 liter bottle he carried and chose to refill with stream water. Hell, I don’t even drink tap water in this country. I think he learned his lesson!
Well, I guess the guys who had done the trail a few years back had more confidence in their memory than they did these kids. In other words, ego.
I noticed you put “pool” in quotation marks. Good call, when they were talking about a pool I’m not sure what I pictured, but it for sure wasn’t that greenish backwater.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/March/2021 @ 9:50 pm
Well, I’m pretty sure I did do 12 rounds of beer or so. I don’t remember seeing any Mikes there though…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/March/2021 @ 6:24 am
Brian, yeah I love my morning view out the window. I’m paying a premium to live in this neighborhood but a sunrise like that makes it worth it.
I don’t know much about Linda the boat lady. Actually just learned her real name on Wednesday. She’s been here several weeks now and she mentioned having some work done on the boat. I think she kinda got stuck here with all the pandemic restrictions going on in the world.
I have a friend who lives on a small sailboat and I did an overnighter with him once. No way I could deal with the inconveniences inherent in that lifestyle, but I do admire the courage it takes to live free on the seas like that.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/March/2021 @ 6:19 am
Yeah, I knew “eek” didn’t look right and I planned to circle back and fix it but then the world intruded. I guess I fit the dart meme I posted–I know I’m shit!
Well, it would be interesting to learn what JW is thinking. Perhaps he’s just been busy. Or maybe you’ve become his Guenter. It’s true though, there seems to be a wall when it comes to hiking–on one side enjoyment on the other pain and suffering. I hit mine at 12K or so. The distances you usually do are incomprehensible to me!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/March/2021 @ 6:12 am
QP, I don’t think there is much difference in cleanliness and risks associated with working girls versus the non-pros. The bargirls do get a required weekly health check, so there is that I suppose. Still, I think it comes down to the luck of the draw. And I’ve been lucky so far!
Soju: And what about that restaurant chain catering to white folks–Cracker Barrel. Will the insults ever end?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/March/2021 @ 12:31 pm
Yeah, but you need to wake up if you think using a gendered term like “mens” is appropriate in this day and age. Origins of the word and its meaning are irrelevant. Get woke or get canceled, your choice!
(wow, I CAN do crazy!)
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/March/2021 @ 7:07 am
Honestly, I’ve been surprised at just how little Spanish culture remains here after centuries of colonization. Yes, the city names, a handful of old structures, and not much else. As for the language, well, Tagalog has its roots in Spanish, but I’ve yet to meet a local who speaks actual Spanish. In fact, some of the gals understand my Korean better than my Spanish. They watch a lot of K-dramas in these parts…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/March/2021 @ 3:16 pm
Well, I could do P4P thing that some bars offer, but I just don’t find the professional girls to be very enjoyable. I like the concept of “charity in exchange for charity” much better. Now, if I could only make it work! 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/March/2021 @ 1:13 pm
Ha, hadn’t considered that. I’ll have to look to see if there is a Santa Fe out there somewhere!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/February/2021 @ 6:34 am
I gave away the pictured three pairs to the downstairs lady for her son and threw one pair away. Not really a hoarder, but I like to keep a backup pair around just in case. After my spree yesterday I should be covered for any contingency now.
Good luck with your marathon! I was actually thinking how I’d manage a hike like that, seeing as how 12K whips my ass. I think if I could take a longish break and have a siesta, I might be able to do another 12K in the afternoon. I’m not really motivated to find out though… 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/February/2021 @ 9:55 pm
The deal initially was salary+room and board. To me, that means food that is cooked and consumed at home. Over time, I noticed them purchasing beauty and hygiene products as well, but let it go. Now it has gotten out of control and I acknowledge it is my fault for not being more diligent. Well, the gravy train is over. I’ll have them provide me a list of FOOD items they want each week. Everything else they can get up the street out of their own pocket…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/February/2021 @ 6:15 am
Doing fine, Maria. Hope all is well with you too.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/February/2021 @ 10:04 am
James, my two primary helpers live in the upstairs of the main house. My intent was just that–they’d get to eat at home as part of their compensation. Since I don’t cook everyday and don’t make Filipino dishes, they do their own cooking. And yes, over time they have been buying toiletries and the like and I never said anything about it, so that’s on me. It’s just gotten out of control and I suspect they are buying shit and taking it out of the house for friends. That’s going to stop. I’ll do the shopping and only buy food items for home consumption. Everything else they can purchase out of pocket at the local market.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/February/2021 @ 6:24 am
HaHa! Good point, Dennis! Good to hear from you again. Hope you are doing well.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/February/2021 @ 6:18 am
Soju, thanks for asking! The Czech is in the mail…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/February/2021 @ 12:56 pm
Yeah, my grocery budget when I moved was in the 200 to 250 range, it’s been creeping up ever since. $400. is not sustainable, especially because I only eat dinner at home two or three times a week.
Granted, I buy a lot of imported Western foods and they ain’t cheap–I think I’ve mentioned six bucks for a bag of shredded cheese as an example. Services are cheap here, but not so much the way I shop. Still, that’s no excuse. Some things I don’t buy because I won’t pay that much and yet my bill is still crazy. As I said, I think my helpers are taking me for a ride. I’ll deal with that.
Thanks for the Lederer link, there was no attribution on the FB post where I found it. Good stuff!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/February/2021 @ 6:59 am
Yep, it’s all good, Soju. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. No hard feelings towards mama, I want her to do and be whatever makes her happy.
Funny story: my helper told me Buddy’s former owner drove by, saw him in the yard, stopped, and called out to him. Buddy immediately ran–back into the house! She said, “I guess he doesn’t remember me”. I’m thinking he probably did…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/February/2021 @ 10:12 pm
«« Back To Stats PageBrian, yep. No regrets.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/February/2021 @ 8:22 am