Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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Brian, first off, congrats on leaving the 17,000 comment here at LTG.
As to the views you express, I agree and disagree. I’m not a big Trump fan (I like Vance a lot better) but Kamala is an empty-headed nothing. But to me, the election wasn’t so much about the individuals running, it was about the policies they were proposing. In simple terms, we could vote for four more years of Biden failures, or go back to some common-sense Trump polices. I’m hopeful that Trump will use the knowledge and experience from his first term to do an even better job this go-round.
We saw the difference between 2016-2020 and 2020-2024. It’s simply a matter of picking what worked best. I am pleased the majority of American voters saw it that way as well.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/November/2024 @ 7:29 pm
Kev, I guess I’ve made a transition without really thinking about it. I used to call the homeless woman “the umbrella lady.” Then I began referring to her as “mama.” I’ve heard her actual name from other expats, but she calls me Papa, and I call her Mama when we speak. Now, I think of it as a name, hence the capitalization.
Well, the cops might want to start with those crazy drivers I had to dodge as I walked the highway.
No, John’s isn’t very big. The second floor might have five tables at most, plus the kitchen. Upstairs, there are a few more tables and the highway view counter we always sit at. Sadly, we are almost always the only customers when we visit.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/November/2024 @ 6:34 am
Terry, I agree 100%. I’m no Trump fanatic, but given the alternative, it was a no-brainer decision. Bring back the days when candidates put the country first.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/November/2024 @ 6:24 am
Drain, fixed it. Yeah, that is the kind of stupid mistake I hate the most–I know better and just was too f’n sloppy to write it correctly or catch it during a proofread. I make plenty of mistakes out of ignorance, but this type is worse.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/November/2024 @ 6:22 am
Glad to help Make America Great Again. So much to fix. Trump is far from perfect, but at least he knows what needs to be done for our country. I hope he does a better job of getting his plans implemented this time.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/November/2024 @ 6:18 am
Thanks, Rick. I think I’ve heard the Guns and Roses version. I’ll give it a listen to remind myself… 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/November/2024 @ 9:48 am
Be nearer to what? Oh, beer! Inspiration to continue the march!
I plan to weigh and do measurements every week. I’ll post updates along the way. Hope it is good news.
No implications re: Swan intended by that old Joni Mitchell song. I was just thinking back on parts of my life that I didn’t fully appreciate at the time. There have also been plenty of missteps along the way that resulted in mishaps, thus the tears.
Yes, I do recall seeing the poor treatment of dogs in Korea, although there were fewer abandoned strays there than here. The Filipino version of bositang is aso adobo.
My fellow hikers gave positive feedback on the route we walked, so that was good to hear.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/November/2024 @ 7:35 am
Kev, the difference to me is that the misstep is a trip or stumble, and the mishap is falling down.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/November/2024 @ 7:54 am
Kev, I haven’t thought about Grammarly nearly as much as you do. Once you pointed out that its suggestions are not to be trusted, I began taking them with a grain of salt. The app no longer automatically corrects my writing here, so that feature has been turned off. I will occasionally cut and paste as a proofreading tool. It does catch some things I’d missed, but I also reject its suggestions 50% of the time. It’s a tool I sometimes use, but it doesn’t use me. So, the mistakes I make in my posts are all on me.
As for doing better at learning and applying the rules, I’ve failed at that (or, at best, a “D”) since high school. These days, it is a struggle to remember what I know. It’s a chore to recall what I wanted to write, even more so than how I write it. That saying “words escape me” has become hauntingly true.
As always, I appreciate the feedback. I hate to be a disappointment, but I will continue to try and do better as best as I am able.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/November/2024 @ 7:51 am
Kev, oh, I don’t know. Sometimes it’s fun to tell Grammarly to fuck off. I’m getting better at that. Besides, I already paid for a year’s subscription.
The 7-Eleven Hash is a twice-a-year thing–on July 11 and November 7. I don’t know how the others do it, but our first walk will be on the highway, walking from Subic back to Barretto and visiting the 7/11 stores we encounter along the way for a refreshing beverage.
There aren’t many convenience store chains in these parts, so 7/11 is the only option for the most part. Fortunately, their stores are well-stocked, clean, and, yes, convenient.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/November/2024 @ 7:40 am
Kev, To better health and a smaller belly! Cheers!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/November/2024 @ 5:51 am
Greg, ask and you shall receive!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/November/2024 @ 5:51 am
Brian, it’s the buzz that makes the bar atmosphere enjoyable. Funny how that works. I guess alcohol makes me more sociable.
Yeah, the trash bag over the head was a last minute costume idea. No one got the joke until I explained it. And yes, most thought it was improvised rain gear.
Regarding the expenditures, I could be smarter about some things obviously, but I’m fortunate to be able to afford my stupidity.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/November/2024 @ 4:03 pm
Thanks for the input, Aaron. Alcohol is a part of my life and I’ll make some modifications in content and amounts, but I won’t be giving it up entirely.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/November/2024 @ 9:13 am
Todd, thanks for the tip on Eddie Abbew. Hadn’t heard of him before. I’ll check it out.
I lost over 70 pounds on my method ten years ago. I fell off the wagon, got lazy, and lost my self-discipline. That’s what I need to focus on.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/November/2024 @ 9:11 am
Kev, that’s an excellent way to look at it–lifestyle changes. You are what you eat, so eat what you want to be. Hmm, I guess that makes me a pussy. 🙂 But seriously, instead of thinking about what I can’t have, I need to focus on the universe of available options. That’s the mission!
There was only one blip with the gin and soda order last night–the first time, the waitress brought a tall glass with one shot and a can of soda water. I told her to fill the glass with soda water too. After that, no problems. But the gin drink is 185 pesos versus 100 for a beer. I achieved my goal of only two drinks an hour last night (I usually drink twice that many beers). So, that’s a good start. I plan to change things up tonight and sip on a glass or two of red wine. So many options, so little time!
Yeah, I’ll be doing the low-carb/low-calorie dance that worked for me in the past. The real issue will be maintaining self-discipline. I suck at fasting and could never do a full-day fast like you do, but I might be able to skip a meal (or replace a meal with some walnuts). We’ll see.
Ha! I need to put my budget on a diet, too. The deficit wasn’t as bad as I feared, and I see lots of opportunities to reduce spending. More of that self-discipline thing!
I’m glad things didn’t have a fiery ending for Ann back then. That’s a whole other level of crazy.
Yesterday was All Saints Day, and today is All Souls Day here. I walked by a graveyard yesterday, and it was packed. Today, more partying with the dead will be happening.
I know we disagree on the subject of alcohol, but it is part of who I am. It doesn’t keep me from doing anything and enhances what I do. Seriously, my drinking window is approximately four hours a day, so it’s a relatively small part of my life.
As always, I appreciate your concern and words of wisdom. Thanks for that!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/November/2024 @ 9:07 am
Thank you for the kind thoughts and words, Koko. Hope all is well with you.
You can read my sincerest opinions here everyday at Long Time Gone.
Wishing you all the best!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/November/2024 @ 8:26 am
Thanks, Terry. Yes, I was shocked as well at those numbers as well. Hopefully, I didn’t wait too long to try and get back on track. Giving up the things I enjoy is a sacrifice, but I’m willing to do so within reason. I’m looking at low carb options to satisfy my sweet tooth and I’m willing to reduce, but not eliminate, my alcohol intake. What’s the point of being alive if you can’t enjoy the things that make you happy?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/November/2024 @ 8:21 am
Thanks for the insights, Scott. I don’t think I have the self-discipline for OMAD. I’ve lost weight before (over 70 pounds) doing low-carb, reduced calorie diet. I may attempt to skip one meal a day, but we’ll see how it goes.
I’m comfortable in my masculinity no matter what I’m drinking.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/November/2024 @ 8:16 am
DS, yes, it is a blessing to be able to make life a little bit better for some unfortunates. Selfishly, it makes it easier for me to live a rich life in a poor country by alleviating some of the guilt. Truth be told, I consider lady drinks a form of charity for the underpaid bargirls, but I don’t count it that way on the expense chart.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/November/2024 @ 8:10 am
Fat Old Cunt, the idea is to stay healthy enough to live on and enjoy the blessings of living here. Plus, I’m tired of being called “Santa Claus.”
I don’t like Trump or Kamala, but things were better four years ago than they are now. Nothing wrong with Making America Great Again.
Enjoy your upcoming six months in paradise!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/November/2024 @ 8:06 am
Brian, I couldn’t make it out or it made no sense. My a desperate message to a lover, but who in the hell would be out there to see it is a mystery.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/November/2024 @ 4:04 pm
Kev, forwarded the links to Swan and after some searching, she found almond flour online and has ordered some. She also found other keto products she wants to try, including sweeteners.
Thanks again!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/November/2024 @ 9:15 am
Kev, if it is not a problem, I’d love to share the almond flour recipe with Swan. I’m just hoping I can find almond flour here. I had to order sugar-free pudding through Lazada and pay a premium for it. For the most part, I’m just going to give up the things that are bad for me—except beer, of course, but I’m going to reduce my intake there as well.
We have lots of stray dogs running wild in the streets, but thankfully, most of them are not aggressive. I go into attack mode with the ones that are, and they have all backed down. So far. I learned as a mailman to stand your ground and show that you are crazier than they are.
Oh, how I miss those trails when I see your hiking pictures. Even the dirt paths on the mountains are well-maintained there. Ah, life in the first world!
Geez, the “Sit-n-Bowl” mistake was bad enough. Not catching it during the proofread shows just how addled my brain has become.
Yeah, a pun doesn’t work well when the basic premise is flawed. Like I give a duck!
I haven’t seen any fusion with Halloween (other than the random Christmas carols), but this is a big holiday weekend here. It culminates with “All Souls’ Day” tomorrow when the graveyards will be full of family gatherings. There is almost Chuseok-like traffic on the highway this week.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/November/2024 @ 6:10 am
Drain, So it would appear. It’s sad, really. But as I learned long ago, people like Secret aren’t totally worthless–they can always serve as a bad example.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/November/2024 @ 5:49 am
Secret, spoken like a true leftist American woman. Your ignorance and bigotry in calling foreign women you know nothing about “impoverished” and unable to avoid predatory males taking advantage of them is truly a sad reflection of your misguided worldview. But if it wasn’t for stupid voters, Kamala wouldn’t have any support. We’ll find out on Tuesday if the majority of Americans are as dumb as you.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/November/2024 @ 5:46 am
Mike, Well, I’m embarking on a mission to eat healthier and lose the belly. I’ll eat more than meat, but will say goodbye to my sweet treats and other carby delights. I’ve got a long way to go and a lifetime to get there.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/November/2024 @ 5:37 am
Munching on those sweet, tender loins
Most of the bars we frequent aren’t “hooker bars” and we don’t go every night. We are usually just in regular bars enjoying a glass of wine and some beer.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 31/October/2024 @ 4:32 pm
Brian, I’ve never really paid attention to the EV situation, especially now that I’ve given up driving. And if the car I posted really sells for around $5000. I can understand it’s popularity. Although that is the first one I’ve ever seen around here.
Still, if the quality of the vehicle is in keeping with Chinese manufacturing standards, it won’t last long.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 31/October/2024 @ 12:04 pm
«« Back To Stats PageKev, yeah, those cheap EVs will be burning up the highways here. Or should I say, burning up ON the highways?
If Kamala wins, eating steak will be rare for all of us!
I assume you are talking about the restaurants across the street from John’s. Alas, there is not a Cracker Barrel to be found outside the continental USA. The two places you see in the photo both serve roast chicken and some pork dishes, mostly for take-out.
The guy who bought Blue Butterfly and changed the name to Red Stars also owns Red Bar. I think he intended to play off that connection, but it seems like a silly name for a drinking establishment. Maybe if you overindulge, you’ll see the red stars.
Thanks for the obesity link; I’ll give her a watch. Yeah, it’s amazing how much I’ve grown in such a relatively short amount of time. I’ll have some news on this subject in tomorrow’s post.
Regarding the shirt, I think I posted a photo of someone else’s shirt. I don’t see one in my collection of Hash shirts I don’t wear anymore (most of them have shrunk for some reason). I won’t be wearing my new one either. That big dick displayed prominently on the front of the shirt is just too much. Can you imagine me wearing that and walking up to a little girl and offering her cookies? Yikes!
Shopping day is always a budget buster. Today is the last day of the month, so I’ll do some calculations tomorrow to determine where I might need to make adjustments.
Did I stay or go? I went. A few sprinkles on the way, but I was safely ensconced within The Maze when it started raining harder. No regrets.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 31/October/2024 @ 8:15 am