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Comments Posted By John McCrarey

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A matter of judgment

The tree was like some kind of metaphor–growing up straight and tall, then inexplicably takes a turn to the left, eventually realizes that was a wrong move, and so grows back right and healthy. There’s a lesson there.

There is some kind of algae growth in those stagnant river waters, for sure. This time of year, with no rain, there is no flow. It will be running strong and hard again soon.

Nope, not Mary; that’s the woman I last loved a couple of years ago. Mary was never more than a friend with benefits. She is back in town, but I’ve not seen her since her return.

The pageant photos are not the best, that’s for sure. There were some cuties competing, and #3, #8, and #9 were my favorites.

So many vices, so little time! Yeah, it is good to be drug-free (except for prescriptions, of course). Back when I was living in Stafford, Virginia, and commuting to DC, I never had the time or gumption to visit bars. That changed with my move to Korea (Itaewon) in 2005. Things have never been the same.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/February/2024 @ 5:38 am

Nothing + Nothing = Zip

It sounds like you have developed a good plan to enhance endurance–good luck with the implementation. I’m beginning to fear that my COPD has advanced, and my weakness and inability to tackle hill climbs is my new normal. Hopefully, I’m wrong about that, and this too shall pass in time. Still, cutting myself some slack now and then when I take a rest day is good advice.

I think having the goals you’ve set, twenty-six floors to climb conveniently located outside your door, and freedom from worry about the weather trumps any stairstep boredom issues. I just recalled the hours I used to spend on a treadmill, which is the epitome of getting nowhere fast. Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/February/2024 @ 5:29 am

The rooftop singers

“Sorry, out of stock, sir.”

I’m going to order a couple more cases from the local distributor and keep it on hand. I can buy San Mig Light at Royal supermarket, so I’m never out of that.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/February/2024 @ 10:21 am

I joked about that–the neighbors couldn’t complain because they were all there!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/February/2024 @ 5:43 pm

Strolling through life

I thought it sounded familiar! I’ll go back and re-read the review now.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/February/2024 @ 9:50 am

Kev, I wondered about the “old man” reference, too. It’s based on something Clint Eastwood said to him. Eastwood wound up using the song in his movie The Mule.

Yeah, that lasagna didn’t look like lasagna. I had a bite, and it tasted good, though.

To the extent that I’m not hocking up as much phlegm as I was, the carbocisteine seems to be working. My oxygen level is in the mid-90s most of the time. Still having issues going uphill, though, which is concerning.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/February/2024 @ 7:14 am

About my VD

Kev, I just checked the settings on the phone cam and turned off the button that prevented flipping. You’d think that would be the default setting, but it’s not.

Actually, it was a couple of months later, so it wasn’t me! I could tell how unhappy she was working in the bar. I hope things are going well for her back home in the province.

I’m hoping for at least another decade before discovering how it all ends, but you never know.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/February/2024 @ 7:11 am

Valentine’s Eve

What I miss from my working life is the people. The day-to-day decisions that seemed so important don’t hold a place in my memory; it is my co-workers and teammates that mattered most.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/February/2024 @ 7:46 am

Honestly, the immigration process is pretty simple and easy. I fill out the extension form, give them my passport, and pay the fee (around 3000 pesos for 60 days). I’m in and out in 30 minutes or less. Yes, I see the same faces behind the counter all the time. There is a retirement visa I’m eligible for, and that was my intent when I moved here, but it’s more hassle than it is worth for me.

Swan said she liked her sandwich–it looked like roast beef to me.

Yeah, I took endless sea to mean the infinity of love. I guess that sounds more romantic than an “ever-expanding universe.”

Yeah, I keep wishing everyone a Happy VD, and none seem to get the double entendre.

I’m not sure I have any more lung options. If I don’t see improvement soon, I’ll visit the pulmonary specialist for additional guidance.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/February/2024 @ 5:39 pm

Perseverance personified

Pete, I had forgotten it was Macy’s wife who was involved in that scandal. He’s a good actor, so maybe he pretended not to know anything about the payoff.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/February/2024 @ 7:30 am

Not yet. Maybe less mucus, but still having breathing issues.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/February/2024 @ 10:03 am

Kev, yeah, it’s narrow, but there’s no traffic and plenty of light. One or two spots were a little dicey, and a false step would have caused a tumble down to the river, but we all handled it safely.

We see a tree; Mother Nature sees a bridge!

We ought to just call them a toilet and be done with it. And how did this “John” thing get started?

I’ve never taken Vapo-Rub in pill form, but if this stuff cleans out the mucus, I’ll be happy.

I’m going to share some thoughts on “Shameless,” but I’m no reviewer. That’s your job!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/February/2024 @ 8:54 am

That’s more like it

Kev, that’s a good idea for identifying the nameless road. I’ll give it a try.

Yes, I’ve heard of Rizal and see his name everywhere–I think every town has at least one street named after him. Hadn’t really read his history, though. I wonder what he would have thought about the American colonizers–probably the same. Your guess is as good as mine on Gomez; his name doesn’t come up. The other big hero is Andres Bonifacio , whose fame is similar to Rizal’s.

Ha! I thought you might recognize that shirt! I haven’t forgotten Lucky’s disloyalty, but I don’t exclude him from my life. Swan holds his leash on our walks, and he loves her a lot more than me.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/February/2024 @ 6:10 am

Dan, I am working on a healthier lifestyle, but I also want to keep things in balance–I don’t see the point in denying myself life’s pleasures in the hope of living longer. The last time I switched from beer, it had near-disastrous results. With Zero, I’m more or less in control of my faculties.

Swan is a classy-looking lady who seems to have my best interests at heart.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/February/2024 @ 5:50 am

I cheated last night

Yeah, I suck at proofreading anyway, but I didn’t bother even looking at the cut-and-paste.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/February/2024 @ 12:11 pm

I don’t believe I’ve had any manifestation of chicken feet, and I hope to keep it that way!

Yeah, I left before the friends arrived, but the husband came along, too. I think using the photo of Swan and her lady friend caused me to mess up the number of guests. That and I’m more stupid every day.

As for the aggressive GRO, I did push her hands away, and she got the message and backed off. Had she not, I would have gotten more forceful. Erik seemed to enjoy her attentions and bought her a lady drink, so it all worked out.

The errors I spot are a need for commas–after Asia and scenery. That was a cut and paste from an old post on Quora, and I really didn’t pay attention to the correctness of what I wrote back then. I’ll be more diligent in the future.

Oh yeah, the whole joke is much funnier! Thanks!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/February/2024 @ 8:01 am

SOBsumed

DS, especially that last one!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/February/2024 @ 10:47 am

Thanks, Kev. Hopefully, this too, shall pass. In the meantime, I seek the middle ground.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/February/2024 @ 5:32 am

Sweet home Alta Vista

I’ll share my thoughts, but I don’t have your reviewer skills. Nope, I have yet to see any of the British series.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/February/2024 @ 10:15 am

Yeah, that salad suggestion sounds good. I could go for a roast chicken topping as well. Definitely in my future!

True confession: although I enjoy the memes, I haven’t watched “The Next Generation” series. The romantic tension between Frakes and Sirtis sounds fun. I’ll have to see if I can find that show here.

Yep, just three more “Shameless” episodes to go now. It’s been quite the ride. Sometimes it goes a little over-the-top with the family shenanigans, but I’ve gotten so close to the characters these past ten seasons that I always want to see what happens next.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/February/2024 @ 7:14 am

Ruffles still have ridges

There were aspects of Korean healthcare I liked and missed, like the ease and efficiency of the annual physicals. I have found a good doctor here in the PI, but I generally have low confidence in the hospitals. Some things are mind-boggling, stupid, and inconvenient–like not being able to schedule appointments in advance–you show up, sign in, and wait your turn, sometimes for hours. Many expats travel to Thailand to have serious illnesses treated.

100 stories–wow! How many does the Lotte Tower have?

» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/February/2024 @ 5:18 am

No sugar tonight

Thanks for the link. I watched the alcohol portion of the video and will get to the rest. Everything in moderation is my view. And yes, my intake is more than the medically accepted recommended dosage. Still, my standard is more about maintaining a functional level of sobriety–I like a warm buzz, not being drunk. Beer drinking is a family tradition!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/February/2024 @ 5:23 am

Thanks for the info, Kevin. Scary shit. I’m going to definitely engage in a more disciplined diet. Yeah, I will keep drinking beer, but those Zeros are sugar-free, low calorie/alcohol, and not likely the primary source of my problems–it’s my sweet tooth. Gonna have to give up the ice cream, snacks, and carby foods. We’ll see about the HIIT training…

Lots to think about.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/February/2024 @ 7:02 am

Satisficing

Kev, when it comes to pecan pie, caring is definitely sharing!

I hadn’t heard the sad story of Merritt Butrick. RIP!

So, you are a big Elvis fan? I don’t recall those “satisfactioning” lyrics, nor was I familiar with the song “A little less conversation” that you linked. Rock on!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/February/2024 @ 6:50 am

Drunkin’ Grownups

Soju, it’s 2024–of course, they were looking at their phones. Other than Gem, I don’t know any of them, and they didn’t seem interested in talking to the foreigner. That suits me just fine. I hate pretending.

I hope it wasn’t a swingers party–guys outnumbered gals three to one!

Yeah, Christian walking the railing scared the crap out of me. It’s a LONG way down from there.

Nope, Buddy still has his balls; he just likes hanging with the gals. Go figure.

I’d only been drinking for around 8 hours when that photo was taken. I’d say the fact that my eyes are open speaks well of my endurance capabilities. But yeah, I was a tad on the drunk side.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/February/2024 @ 8:35 am

Yep, the “guests'” fuck up was more sloppiness than ignorance. And “lang” in Tagalog means “only.” Someone says something, I call “bola bola” (bullshit), and they respond, “joke lang.”

Ha ha, my apologies to the French. It’s just how the gals roll here.

The big guy at the table is Dan (AKA Gasman), a Hispanic-American and retired military. He’s very active in the veterans community, a dog lover, and a biker. He also works out at the gym regularly, and I’m guessing that’s a thick neck.

Yes, those sheets just blew around like flags. I need something a little heavier that I can tie at the bottom. It’s on the list.

I’ve noticed the sex segregation here as well. It must be a cultural thing, and as long as everyone is happy, I don’t mind.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/February/2024 @ 7:11 am

Brian, I agree that the expat experience is quite different from the day-to-day living of the locals. It also helps that I am living “rich” and never have to worry about where the rent money is coming from. But almost all the Filipinos I encounter are kind, friendly, and welcoming.

One of the benefits of living here is not having to constantly be exposed to the idiocy of the political situation. I still read the news every day from my trusted sources, and then I try not to think about the inevitable repercussions that come when your “leaders” are incompetent. I think the reality of millions crossing our Southern border illegally, uncontrolled spending leading to inflation, intentionally undermining our energy independence, etc., will come with consequences we have yet to begin to see. I hope I don’t have to fight that war.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/February/2024 @ 6:49 am

I got the power!

That’s when he became “Gandalf the White”

» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/February/2024 @ 11:59 am

Kev, I’ve got an appointment on Tuesday to get Dr. Jo’s analysis. A quick glance from my untrained eye revealed I was only over/under normal in three categories and not by a lot. I took that as a good sign.

The party went great; I’ll post a full report with pics today.

Yeah, I got rushed and didn’t mess with cleaning up that photo. The cheesecake tasted even better than it looks!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/February/2024 @ 7:05 am

That’s right, Soju, but when the lights go out, it is hard to see brown in the dark!

The cuke was okay, but pickles are better. Getting that thing in my mouth without the innards spilling was a real challenge.

We drank over 100 beers before the night was through, and no videoke broke out. Talk about miracles!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/February/2024 @ 7:00 am

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