Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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The flags aren’t always up at the church. I think it is for a Fiesta celebration earlier this month.
I’ve been gone from the USA so long I don’t recall ever seeing Silver Diner. Sounds fun!
I’m counting the alcohol calories too (they are the “snacks” on my chart). The group I was hanging with last night went out for an after-dinner drink but I declined, knowing one more beer would put me over my daily goal. Getting under 200 is my goal. I did it before, I can do it again!
Yeah, I hesitated using that song, and meant no disrespect. I would have loved to see you two have a foodies convention. John likely would have drug you into the kitchen and said “show me!” He loved finding new recipes and methods. Things won’t be the same around here without him.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/November/2024 @ 7:30 am
Brian, I know John had his struggles financially after a previous hospital stay, so I think the family is likely in for a struggle.
Eat less, walk more, drink in moderation. That’s the plan!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/November/2024 @ 7:06 am
When I take days off from beer, I go with gin. My tracker says 85 calories per shot. That’s still more than the 60 in a Zero, but much fewer carbs.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/November/2024 @ 5:03 pm
Kev, well, I do have some arterial blockage, and I’m pre-diabetic, so chelation is supposed to help remove the plaque from my veins. I do trust Dr. Jo and hubby Chris. They are both doing chelation treatments on each other, so they are true believers in this therapy. Plus, they laugh at my jokes!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/November/2024 @ 7:59 am
Brian, the bar name Laharnyz is pronounced: LA HAR NEES. It’s that crazy “z” on the end that makes it weird.
Most of hard booze is similar in calories, it is what you mix it with that makes a difference. That’s why I use calorie-free soda water with my gin. Vodka and rum (with diet Coke) are other options. I’ve never been a fan of hard liquor (too powerful and fast-acting); that’s why I tone it down with one shot in a tall glass and a can of soda on the side.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/November/2024 @ 7:52 am
Antoine, thanks for sharing your world view, which boils down to make it illegal to disagree with you. Pol Pot tried that in Cambodia, so we know how it turns out. Enjoy the killing fields!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/November/2024 @ 7:39 am
Terry, it’s sad really. People don’t have to agree on the best way forward, but those disagreements shouldn’t devolve into those kind of attacks. To me, elections should be based on policy, not personality. I suspect the red votes were more about the economy, the borders, and anti-wokeness than they were from fervent Trumpsters.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/November/2024 @ 7:37 am
Yes, a stroke is bad enough without non-functioning kidneys. He’s got a tough road ahead for sure.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/November/2024 @ 8:39 am
Kev, I’m hearing that hospitals here don’t use universal blood matches, but I am not sure why. I know that back in the USA, if someone needed blood, I could donate to the blood bank even if it weren’t a match, and the patient could withdraw the type of blood they needed. I understand that’s also not an option here.
Apparently, A+ is a rare blood type among Filipinos. This isn’t the first urgent request from a foreigner for this type of blood I’ve seen. I’m hoping for an update on John’s situation soon.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/November/2024 @ 8:36 am
Thanks for the baking advice. I’m not sure I like muffins enough to make the effort worthwhile (I’ve always been an “out-of-the-box” baker). I know Swan has been looking at different recipes for healthy sweets, so I’ll pass this info along.
I will definitely look into “intuitive eating.” The name reminds me of that old “seafood diet” joke—I see food, and I eat it. My lack of self-control and discipline got me into this fat mess, so I may not be a good candidate either. Still, I’m doing well at avoiding most of the bad stuff (including pie and ice cream) so far, so anything is possible, I suppose.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/November/2024 @ 8:27 am
Nope, just a happy American.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/November/2024 @ 10:22 am
I usually wake up feeling hungry, so skipping breakfast is more difficult for me. Yesterday morning, I had some bacon and one egg and then didn’t eat again until dinner at 5 p.m. I tend to eat when I’m hungry, but I’m trying to be smarter about what I eat when I do.
Alas, Reagan is not on Netflix. Where did you watch it? I wasn’t a Reagan fan back in the day, but I have come to see he was a man for the times. I wish Trump were more like him, but good policy and mean tweets are still so much better than Biden-Harris.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/November/2024 @ 7:26 am
I bet she’s 60
You say that like it’s a bad thing! Actually, I’ve seen her outside the store a couple of times. I’d say she’s mid-forties.
If I recall, gyro was in the name, something like “Istanbul Gyros.” They also served big ice cream cones. I never ate there, just noticed it as I passed by.
Thanks for the links!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/November/2024 @ 7:33 am
Brian, some nice legs in the background…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/November/2024 @ 1:37 pm
Swan is feeling better now, thanks!
I think I need to stick with the daily calorie tracking. That’s how my app is set up, and as you say, it would be too easy to fall into an “I’ll make up for it tomorrow” mode. Having to look up the calories of everything BEFORE I stick it in my mouth is a pain in the ass, but like with the tacos, it helps me make better input decisions.
Thanks for the info and links on various gyro-like eats. It sounds like they are all cousins. I remember those gyros from the food stand in Itaewon, which were a Turkish variety and had a unique flavor. The important thing is taste, and I’ve enjoyed almost all of the content variations I’ve sampled.
Yes, it was a pleasant Hash yesterday. You can read all about it here later today…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/November/2024 @ 7:28 am
Nice to hear from you again, Thompson. I was just wondering the other day how you were doing.
There is nothing wrong with routines, as long as you enjoy them. My life is like a calendar of routines. Your daily adventures wouldn’t work for me, but you do you and be happy!
“I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they’ve always worked for me.”
Hunter S. Thompson
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/November/2024 @ 7:30 am
Kev, I’m pretty much accustomed to the backstreets in this area. I’ll still make a wrong turn now and then, but I don’t get lost. I’m not sure about map apps; I’ve never used them. I enjoy getting out of town and exploring new areas (with a group) where everything has a fresh feel.
The mistake with the bar hop is on me. I heard that one was taking place and saw the announcement on Facebook. I should have asked where the meet-up would be. And I should have asked the group that arrived at Sloppy Joe’s to join in, but didn’t. That’s just me being me.
You’d think that politicians would be more in tune with the will of the people, especially after a Trump landslide. But that’s why Republicans never achieve much, I suppose–their loyalty is to the good ol’ boy system. Scott would be okay as the leader, but damn, it would be a dream to see Vance in that role.
Hadn’t picked up on that “adoptive parents” miswrite until you mentioned it. Sloppiness abounds!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/November/2024 @ 7:26 am
Aaron, at least Korea has four seasons, and is not hot year-round like the Philippines. During the summer season, Kevin does most of his walking at night.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/November/2024 @ 7:32 am
Brian, Kevin is allergic to heat and humidity. And my get up and go has got up and went. Perhaps in one of my “do-over” lifetimes…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/November/2024 @ 4:55 pm
Secret, sorry to disappoint, but I’m one of those guys who simply wants what is best for the good ol’ USA. Thankfully, the majority of my fellow citizens feel the same way. And by the way, I put my name on everything I write here–I don’t need to be “secret” about it.
Your comment listing all the things Trump will do is an amazing portrait of your ignorance or indoctrination. Or both. You make these wild-ass claims but offer zero facts to support them—typical lefty tactic.
“Trump’s actions on abortion rights will lead directly to the death of women. In fact, they already have.”
That’s about the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. The Supreme Court said that each State has the right to pass its own abortion laws. Trump says to leave it to the states to decide. It sounds like you are not a fan of the American Constitution.“Trump gave a massive tax cut to billionaires”
Where do you come up with this bullshit? Trump lowered taxes for everyone. Keeping more of the money I earned is a good thing. And that song and dance about the poor is a hoot, especially in light of the fact that we’ve been flooded with illegals crossing the unsecured border for four years now under Biden.Do you really believe the Department of Education has anything to do with keeping schools open? Local governments and school districts have always been responsible for that. I worked at DepEd for four years, and it may be the most worthless government agency ever. I don’t think Trump will abolish it, but I hope efficiency expert Musk will recommend gutting it.
You know what? Everything you have said is unsupported by any facts whatsoever. Unless you can produce some evidence to support your claims, I won’t waste my time responding. My advice to you is to move to Ukraine and support the folks you love more than America.
Oh, and thanks for sharing your liberal tears. Very tasty!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/November/2024 @ 8:58 am
Kev, I have indeed posted a photo of that leaning tree in the past. I’m impressed you remember that!
I rarely see a banner up long enough to get moldy. Swan says the usual time frame is one week. People treat the banners with respect (I’m even shy about photographing them if anyone is around), and I’ve never seen them trashed. Similar banners are hung to celebrate positive events, like graduation from college. A joke I sometimes tell is: “My friend got fired from the banner shop—he accidentally put “Congratulations” on a death banner.
Pirate night at The Drunken Sailor? Aye, matey, good plan! I’ll bring the wench and hang out with the scallywags and landlubbers. We’ll plunder us some grog, toss around some pieces of eight, and have a jolly good time of it. Shiver me timbers; sounds like fun!
As to the island walk, Luzon is the largest island of the 7000+ in the Philippines. So, maybe that crazy guy in Korea could plot a months-long circumnavigation. Otherwise, it ain’t happening. Thinking about doing a more localized beach walk is also problematic. It’s hard to do the 5K to SBMA without climbing over rocks, wading through rivers, and detouring around sections with no beach. Going the other direction to Subic town is stymied by sections where bayside shanty towns block passage. I’ve taken relatively longer beach walks in Pundaquit and San Narciso, but even there, you encounter obstacles like rivers and cliffs.
I prefer chick vaginas, thank you very much!
Yes, I must have been very happy back then, ignorance being bliss and all. In my defense, I’d been video chatting with the woman I sent the airfare for a year. So, at least, she had to work to earn the money she scammed. The epilog to that story is that she contacted me again after several months to apologize, telling me she was very desperate for money. I graciously responded, “fuck off.”
I had to go look up the “Lethal Weapon” joke. Good one! Regarding the meme punctuation, all I see is that the comma needs to be after “Century,” not farmers. Did I miss something else?
I’m glad you FINALLY got a chuckle from my humor section. Can you imagine going through life being called “Pooh”? What a shitty name!
As for the missing punctuation, it’s a billboard–I don’t think it is available. If you can buy commas and periods, I’d write it like this: To some, marriage is a word. To others, it’s a sentence.
The bar hop graphic is a mess, but the reality is that La Oficina (#3) is upstairs from Alaska (#4). You can, in fact, visit each bar without walking through another. Wet Spot has doors to Alaska and Green Room. Sloppy Joe’s, Green Room, and Alaska have doors to a lobby area. The stairs to La Oficina ascend from the lobby.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/November/2024 @ 8:29 am
Antoine, Um, if you say so.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/November/2024 @ 7:21 am
Kev, I’m not sure about that apparent dual naming. I hear people calling in Manggahan frequently, but all the signage I see says “Mangan-Vaca” (sometimes Vacca). Another of life’s mysteries.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/November/2024 @ 8:33 am
Brian, it has been shocking to read about all the chain stores that are shutting down stores. In part, it is the online shopping thing. Also, unencumbered retail theft. And inflation emptying wallets for discretionary spending. I hadn’t heard 7-Eleven was in the same boat.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/November/2024 @ 5:32 pm
Kevin, Mangan-Vaca appears to be the “official” spelling. So, I misspelled and mis-hyphenated. In my defense, I wrote it like it sounds to me. I’ve also seen it written as one word and also as “Manggahan.” Good catch, though!
The photos in this post came mostly from the Hash Facebook page and were taken by several different members of the group. I assume by “horizontal flip,” you are referring to the backward writing that occurred during selfie mode.
Soju is indeed very popular with the ladies here. I see it even in the smallest of stores. I have never seen the Japanese version, though.
Yeah, I figured the “5-Fifteen” was just a play of the 7-Eleven name. If I recall, there are a lot more GS-25 stores than 7-Elevens in Korea.
Thanks for the link and your diet advice. Especially this one: ‘by drinking beer and eating less frequently.” So, that means if I get hungry, drink beer. Got it! (I’m joking, of course). Seriously, I do get what you are saying, and I will re-read your post on CICO, which is probably the foundation of my current plan. I’m trying to minimize carb intake, but not to a keto level. At least not yet. So, no sweets at all, and I’m avoiding the obvious carby things like bread and potatoes. If my hybrid diet plan doesn’t work out, I’ll consider the intermittent fasting routine, although I question if I have the self-discipline to pull that off. I just went back and checked, and I’ve been under 1800 daily calories for six of the eight days I’ve been dieting. So, an 1800 max should be doable.
Thanks for your encouragement and support!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/November/2024 @ 7:58 am
Yep, I’m bad. But at least I provide some motivation for you to read my blog! 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/November/2024 @ 7:14 am
Kev, I agree there is cause to believe that Trump will apply the lessons learned and be more effective this time. He’s far from perfect but infinitely better than the alternative. Radical Lefties can’t see through their hatred to understand that the majority voted in their own self-interest.
Fences are indeed going up all over and without notice. There are usually alternatives and walkarounds readily available, but it is surprising to be suddenly stymied on a path I’ve walked for years. Oh well.
Regarding the wet feet, I usually don’t give a shit, but it was near the end of the hike, and I just couldn’t be bothered. Retreat seemed like the best option, and I took it.
I’ve never been a calorie counter until this diet, so I didn’t pay attention to the Fitbit stats. Is there a standard scale you can refer to to calculate calorie burn?
Dennis is several years older than me. If he had become seriously ill, he likely would have returned to the USA to be with family in Florida, but I don’t know any of them by name. Still, it is a tempting thought to go back to Cambodia and ask around if anyone has seen or heard from him.
About those dates: What you see is just how addled and fucked up my brain has become. The next 7-Eleven hike will be on July 11 (7/11). Why I wrote that as the seventh of July and then didn’t notice the fuck-up is pretty damn scary. You don’t need help, I do!
I’ll post pictures from the hike today. It was a flat highway I’d done before, a hot day, and a fair amount of traffic. Once a year is more than enough for that trail. We’ve already checked, and July 11th next year is on a Monday—Hash day. Scott and I are talking about incorporating a 7-Eleven hike into the Hash that day. We’ve have lots of time to work on a trail.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/November/2024 @ 8:35 am
Thanks, Secret. Maybe you should move to Canada.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/November/2024 @ 8:03 am
It only took you 670 tries!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/November/2024 @ 1:23 pm
«« Back To Stats PageSteve, all Biden-Harris did was make things worse. What makes me sad is that you can’t see this because of your Trump hatred. The majority of my fellow citizens voted for their own economic self-interest. Yes, it is too bad that the best our political parties have to offer are the likes of Trump and Harris. I know the country was better with Trump than it is now, and that’s why I supported him.
I’m sure you’ll agree that Vance will be the man we’ve been waiting for in 2028!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/November/2024 @ 8:02 am