Comments Posted By John McCrarey

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Doggone it

Goldberg, I’ve been breaking the laws of all the world’s major religions since I was fifteen years old. Too late to change now!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/November/2023 @ 8:46 am

Walking my life away

Brian, it doesn’t feel like Covid. I had it before, and I’ve also been vaccinated, so what are the odds? It could be my COPD has inexplicably progressed, or maybe I’m experiencing some other respiratory infection (I’m hocking up phlegm). I’m going to do some antibiotics, and hopefully, that will help.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/November/2023 @ 4:26 pm

Kev, I think you were with me when I had a breathing attack one night in Itaewon. I had to sit down for a while to catch my breath. Since my COPD diagnosis and meds, those incidents have been rare. So, having these issues escalating now is more than a little concerning. I’m not sure how much is related to the nasal blockage, but I’m not confident my forthcoming surgery will alleviate the problem completely. It sucks being short of breath almost all the time. And yeah, the incident you describe is scary as hell and not the way I want to exit this life.

I knew a couple of gals in Korea who led Zumba classes, but it is huge here in the Philippines. I’ve never tried it, but it looks to be a healthy pastime.

Beer will be the last thing to go, and if that becomes necessary, I’ll replace it with something less carby, like gin. I just need to keep moving and breathing and eating smarter. I’ll get there!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/November/2023 @ 6:34 am

Dan, I was raised in a bar culture (my earliest memories with my dad are sitting in beer joints while he held court with his bar buddies and I sipped on RC Colas), and so the social life of drinking establishments just seems to come naturally to me. I’m disappointed that I haven’t been motivated to travel as much as I intended to do in retired life, but things change, and I could find myself on the road once again. Anyway, I am what I am, and that’s all that I am, so I’m gonna do me and try to be happy in my golden years.

Thanks for your support!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/November/2023 @ 6:24 am

Goldberg, yes, I had a very happy Korean life right up until the time I didn’t. I will never understand why that had to end, but life goes on, and here I am in the Philippines, trying to make the best of whatever time I have left. There’s no going back.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/November/2023 @ 6:16 am

A painful day

Goldberg: Yeah, I saw that and thought I’d be wise to edit the photo so my ear didn’t show. Oh, well. To the barber for me, then!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/November/2023 @ 7:54 am

Well, I get what you are saying but I wasn’t there for the interactions with the women. I rejected their advances and asked to be left alone. It would have been different if Swan had joined me and I’m looking forward to us going together this weekend.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/November/2023 @ 4:44 am

It comes and goes

It sounds like a proper deflowering, Dan.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/November/2023 @ 3:20 pm

In the future, I’ll just request a room in the pool wing of the hotel. They cost a little more, but saves on the aggravation.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/November/2023 @ 7:45 am

Between the Hashes

Thanks, DS. Just read the Arayat Wikipedia page. Very interesting history.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/November/2023 @ 4:32 pm

Yes, that is indeed a German carabao.

I will definitely give the surgeon a heads-up if I am not improving. I’m thinking a coughing jag with a tube down my throat while I’m unconscious might not have a happy ending.

I did 6.5K my way with the Subic Hash, and it went alright. I’ll call that progress.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/November/2023 @ 7:01 am

I was born in the City of Angels

Much easier this year. Yes, I was reminded of that trail from Hell last year and was glad not to relive it.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/November/2023 @ 7:02 am

Thanks, Kev. When a pun leads to the acquisition of new knowledge, the world is a good place to be!

I’m probably guilty of using the phone (actually, the internet) when in social company as anyone. It was only after seeing that photo that I realized how impolite it looked.

Well, I survived to Hash another day (today, in fact, back in Subic), but the coughing takes the breathing issues to a whole other level. I hope whatever it is that ails me goes away soon.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/November/2023 @ 7:07 am

Goldberg, I am blessed indeed!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/November/2023 @ 7:02 am

In doctor nation

Brian, feedback is a gift and is always appreciated. No offense taken!

Honestly, I feel like I’ve been making some forward progress with Swan. I’ve been especially impressed with her unselfishly caring for me during my recent illness. It’s true that she doesn’t seem to share any of my primary interests, but perhaps we’ll find some common ground together. Or maybe the time we spend when I’m not engaged in my beloved activities will prove to be enough. Anyway, I’m not giving up yet!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/November/2023 @ 7:14 am

Swan is with me. So, I won’t be violating the Constitution.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/November/2023 @ 10:55 am

Kev, on the day of the ECG, I registered a heart rate of 58. According to my Fitbit, my resting heart rate is almost always in the low to mid-60s. I’ve always considered that healthy.

Well, I will also assume all these tests are founded on good intentions. But it has been a bureaucratic nightmare nonetheless.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/November/2023 @ 5:18 am

Dan, you are reading it–the story of my life entitled Long Time Gone!

I always appreciate your feedback and comments. Keep ’em coming!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/November/2023 @ 5:13 am

Goldberg, Peace be unto you!

I’ve been here going on six years now and have had my share of LBFMs. I’ve never been into paying for it via barfines, but I have had my share of success finding ladies willing to share their affections for other types of compensation (like paying the electric bill). I even tried the “Sugar Daddy” thing for a bit with an 18-year-old student. Problem was, over time, I found all those “relationships” shallow and meaningless and I began longing for love. So, that’s my current quest. If I fail, those other girls will still be around, but for now, I’m going to pursue something more wholesome.

Thanks for sharing your insights.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/November/2023 @ 5:10 am

Kev, thanks for your support! Yes, I’ve been behaving and rejecting all entreaties from my former paramours. That’s a pretty big deal for a guy like me!

Slow and steady progress with Swan. She is getting better at opening her heart to me. Now we will see if I prove worthy of her love.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/November/2023 @ 4:59 am

If you ain’t got nothin’

The Hash will be pretty much an all afternoon and evening event for the anniversary. It makes no sense to go to AC and just sit in a hotel room, but that seems to be her preference. I don’t understand it.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/November/2023 @ 7:42 am

Dan, my neck of the woods is more of a retirement community vibe. But we do have several biker clubs whose members might better fit your description. I’ll see what I can do…

» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/November/2023 @ 7:33 am

Someday never comes

Eddie, I was passing along what a waitress said about the candles in the CR. I saw the owner last night, and he told me that those candles were not intended for that purpose. Coincidentally, he was assisting a VFW rep with establishing the veteran status of one of the victims. The fire was before my time, but I remember reading about it. Over ten years ago now.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/November/2023 @ 11:31 am

It’s yesterday once more

Yep, it’s hard to put a price tag on improved health, but if this works out, it is worth it to me.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/November/2023 @ 7:09 am

Thanks, Brian. Dr. Jo and Chris are the best doctors I’ve ever had, and they have earned my trust. If this procedure works to heal my back issues it will be well worth the cost. They live in my neighborhood, so if they buy that car, maybe I can bum a ride now and then…

» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/November/2023 @ 7:07 am

Upsy Dazey

Thanks for the tips, Kevin!

» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/November/2023 @ 6:44 am

Made it back home again

Brian, Swan is a sweet woman, kind and caring. While I appreciate that, my selfish nature wants more. She has made it clear that she has zero interest in joining me at the Hash or on my hikes. Even if I convinced her to come, there would be no Joy for me knowing that in her heart, she didn’t want to be there. Swan is a homebody and keeps busy with doing things around the house. She likes to visit her family, who live in the town next to Barretto, and she also does part-time tutoring. She watches Netflix at night.

Yes, she is still grieving and is shy about us being seen as a couple. I’m not sure she would stay here if I changed the nature of the relationship to being solely an employee. Anyway, I’m going to give it more time and see what happens. It certainly has been nice having her around to nurse me during this bout of poor health.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/November/2023 @ 7:03 am

Kev, yeah, that wasn’t a normal night of drinking for me–the beer was strong, and hours were long. I’ll try to do better at maintaining some cognitive functioning. I’ll try to manage being “old and stupid” without being drunk! Yes, I remember the $50,000 inheritance you promised, but I’m in no hurry to collect it! 🙂

Yes, there is something to be said for having the freedom to do what you want whenever you want with whomever you want. I get that. I’d just like to meet a woman who wants to do whatever I want whenever I want to do it. It’s good to have a dream!

I’m not sure what’s going on with my back; I’ve just started experiencing stabbing pain at the base of my spine. I’ve got a consult with Dr. Jo coming up. For now, it is manageable with Tylenol.

As to the weight, I figured I hadn’t lost much fat because my shorts are as tight as ever. At least the needle is moving in the right direction; I’ve just got to keep it that way. So far, so good.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 31/October/2023 @ 8:02 am

James, about the woman rubbing my back–that’s her job. There was nothing flirtatious or sexual about it. I was stiff and sore and it felt good and was relaxing. I just don’t see why that should be seen as something sinister.

You might be right about the “gray area” being my comfort zone. I may not like all aspects of my lifestyle, but it could always be worse, and it appears I’m unwilling to accept the risks that come with change. I haven’t totally given up hope that it could happen, but in the meantime, I’ll embrace the things I have and be thankful.

Thanks for the feedback and support.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 31/October/2023 @ 7:47 am

Robert, thank you for the encouraging words! I’ll be fine. Every day is a blessing, and everything can change. I’m going to enjoy the ride.

» Posted By John McCrarey On 31/October/2023 @ 7:35 am