Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday
Nice to hear from you again, Drain. I’m not going to lie and say I don’t have any doubts, but still, I’m willing to take the next step and see what happens. If it turns out to be as you and others predict, I can’t say I wasn’t warned. I guess in the worst-case scenario, I can always go back to the empty life I’m living now. Hell, maybe I’ll come to accept and appreciate it.
Tomorrow is move-in day. I’ll know soon enough.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 29/September/2023 @ 3:12 pm
Kev, yes, I need to have a sit-down heart-to-heart with Swan to discuss our way forward. Most of our communication is on Messenger, which isn’t the best method to express emotions. Living under the same roof will definitely improve our face time, and hopefully, we will connect the dots a little better.
I’ve thought a lot about the things Swan and I might share together. And no, I don’t expect her to be eager to engage in everything I do. Yeah, having a girlfriend with me on the group hikes would be nice, but I wouldn’t enjoy it knowing she didn’t want to be there. Her compromise was to do a weekly solo walk with me, and that’s fine. Similarly, I know she isn’t into the bar scene, and I’m cool with that. Still, I’m hoping we’ll dine out once or twice a week and maybe have a couple of beers afterward. Of course, I expect we will find some new ways to spend our time together–travel is something we will enjoy sharing, I’m sure.
My dad always claimed to be Scotch-Irish. “I drink like an Irishman and respond like a Scot if you want money.” Hmm, maybe I should embrace that heritage when it comes to lady drinks.
Thanks for the Bobby McFerrin links. I don’t recall seeing the video when you posted it back then. Good stuff! (It didn’t make me cry, though.) 🙂
Swan is who she is, and there is nothing wrong with that. We will soon know if we can connect in a meaningful way that fulfills our mutual needs and desires. I’m hopeful but ready to accept it if I prove unworthy of her love.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/September/2023 @ 8:09 am
Motorrad, thanks for being a faithful reader of my humble blog all these years. I also very much appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and advice with me. It means a lot to me, and I value your opinions.
No question about it: Swan and I need to have a heart-to-heart about what we both desire from this relationship. I absolutely do not expect her to adapt to my lifestyle, but I do desire companionship and engaging in some shared activities we both enjoy. Yes, the bar scene has become my default lifestyle, and I do enjoy myself some beers, but I’m willing to adopt some alternatives, like drinking with Swan out on the patio a home.
I told Swan from the start about the bargirls and lady drinks. She understands how that works and didn’t express any issues with it. I’d rather be with her, but she, at least so far, hasn’t found the time or desire to be seen with me in public. If I ever take up darts again, nothing would make me happier than having her there to cheer me on when I play. And yes, I’m willing to make compromises, but I also expect her to show interest in being a part of my life. We will know how willing she is to do that soon.
Thanks again for your comment. It’s great to hear from you!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/September/2023 @ 7:43 am
Soju, thanks for the laugh to start my morning!
And I get sacrifice and compromise, but that’s a two-way street. It feels like I’m sacrificing my happiness, compromising what I value, and getting nothing in return.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/September/2023 @ 7:12 am
Yes, I recall that walk of yours on the east coast and thinking at the time it was similar to my experience on the National Highway, only much, much longer!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 27/September/2023 @ 6:44 am
If This Is It by Huey Lewis and The News. It’s been a long time since I heard it, but I recognized the lyrics. For some reason, I had it in my head that this was an Eddie Money song. In my defense, they are both from the same era and have a similar sound.
As to its applicability to my situation–we’ll know soon enough. Maybe I believe in miracles, but I’m hoping for a BIG change in attitude once I move in. But then there is that voice in my head saying, “Dude…”
» Posted By John McCrarey On 27/September/2023 @ 6:40 am
He lived in Angeles and had a wife/girlfriend there. She was his Barretto squeeze when he was in town. I honestly don’t know more about it than that. I really didn’t know him well.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/September/2023 @ 4:22 pm
By her/our house, I’m referring to the fact that I won’t have the keys until next weekend. Then, it becomes “my/our” house, depending on what happens next in the relationship. No politics involved; she’ll choose to be my partner or not.
Yes, when it comes to birthrate, the PI is not suffering from the China (or Korea/Japan/USA) syndrome. I met one bargirl in her early 30s with SIX kids!
It may well have been mah-jongg that they were playing. Thanks for the link!
I was going to make some lewd reference to Swan regarding the shirt, but I opted for discretion. This time!
The gal Goldfinger brought to the Hash with him each week showed up yesterday. Apparently, she hadn’t heard the news. Sad and weird. She just got up and left when she found out Goldfinger wasn’t coming. Ever.
We’ll see what the future brings with Swan. I do think she is a natural caregiver and that’s a nice feature of the relationship. I just hope she lets me reciprocate.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/September/2023 @ 5:49 am
I did take one yesterday and she asked me not post it on Facebook. I’m thinking about putting it on the blog today–after all, no one will see it there! 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/September/2023 @ 8:21 am
I understand the owner is of German extraction, which may explain the decorative touches. I enjoyed my visit to Red Bar and will definitely be back.
Everything went well yesterday. I was the only foreigner amongst a dozen or so Filipinos and twenty or more kids. I don’t tend to hang out or party with the natives, so it was interesting to observe some of the cultural aspects of this kind of gathering first-hand. After a few beers, I let loose with some of my cleaner jokes and got a few laughs. Swan seemed to be having a good time, too, so in that respect, it was a successful afternoon.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/September/2023 @ 5:01 am
The worst part of being off-trail is having to push your way through the undergrowth. Lots can go wrong.
I can’t speak for my fellow judges, but I tend to give some home team advantage. The host bar goes first, and I let them set the standard–they don’t always win, but the other teams have to be demonstratively better. Basically, ties go to the home team.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/September/2023 @ 5:32 am
Kev, whatever may motivate my stupidity, it isn’t lust. I don’t pay to fuck the girls I meet in the bars, nor do I pretend that they are girlfriends. I spend time and money on them as bar companions, but that’s as far as it goes–at least for the last couple of years. There was a time when I tied some of my monetary “gifts” to fulfilling my physical needs, but I found that scenario unsatisfying. I’m still tempted occasionally (Aine seems like she’d be fun), but I just don’t want a quid pro quo relationship, sexual or otherwise. I wake up alone every morning, so if it’s lust that drives me, I suck at it.
One week until I move into my new place with Swan as my roommate. I hope things work out for us, and I’m trying to maintain a positive attitude, but I’m also prepared for failure should that be our destiny. Perhaps I’m unworthy of love. Time will tell.
As for the 18-year-old (Maria), that was pushing the boundaries, but I did require her to document that she was of legal age. Why anyone would even think of engaging in felony behavior with a minor boggles my brain. It’s against the law to even have a platonic relationship with someone underage (that’s why I wouldn’t permit Swan’s niece to stay at the house when I move in). The guy in the video took stupid to a whole other level. I will also say this in defense of Maria–she is smarter and more mature than most of the older women I’ve “dated” here. She’s been working in Manila for a couple of months now but still sends me a daily greeting. The only money she has ever asked for was for school expenses, and that was after I volunteered to be her sponsor. Yeah, I’m not cut out for the “Sugar Daddy” role, but Maria would be a fun companion if I were.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/September/2023 @ 7:19 am
IF I were ever to open a bar (and I won’t), it would be at least partially open-air and on the beach. That’s the kind of place I like, and I think it would be a hit, especially if it included some pretty waitresses in sexy uniforms. Oh, and I would play the music at a reasonable volume and let customers request their favorite songs.
The nice thing about the Barretto bar scene is the variety. Something for everyone and every mood. If I want a go-go girly bar, I’ve got choices. If I want a beer with a view, I can find that. But yeah, I think we are reaching a saturation point, and we still have THREE new bars getting ready to open. Good luck to them all!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/September/2023 @ 6:46 am
Glad you enjoyed, Soju. Hendrix was a genius on the guitar and an idiot on drugs. Not that I have room to talk.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/September/2023 @ 6:37 am
“Does it feel good to be darting again?”
Honestly, not really. I sucked so bad it was on the embarrassing side. IF I decide to play semi-regularly, I’m going to have to up my game considerably. Even then, I’d only play in a tourney or two a week, not league.» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/September/2023 @ 5:40 am
“but this fan will not be blowing anything”
See how you are? Be that way! Up to you. (Those are three standard phrases you hear when you piss off a Filipina).Clark, like the old Navy base, is now an economic freeport zone, and is booming with development–factories, high rose condos, hotels, restaurants, and a big airport. They are both independently administered without local government involvement, which might explain their success.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/September/2023 @ 7:05 am
They have something similar to jeonse here; I just can’t remember the word for it now. What I’m doing isn’t that, though. I’ve just paid my rent in advance, so I won’t get any of that money back. But I won’t have to pay rent again for a year, so there’s that.
Nope, I’m not interested in saving my polyps; I’m not expecting Hanibal Lecter as a dinner guest. I did have a tooth pulled here once, and the dentist gave it to me without my even asking. The tooth fairy still hasn’t collected it from under my pillow…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/September/2023 @ 6:52 am
Sorry for the confusion; my poor writing is at fault. There was an outage that started at 6:03 a.m. yesterday. That was an unscheduled surprise. Power came back a little after noon. This morning, we have a brownout scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. that is slated to last until 5:00. Hopefully, they finish whatever the hell they are doing early.
Did you watch the video about pagpag? Wanna try some? (Update: Never mind, just read your blog. Thanks for the shout out)
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/September/2023 @ 6:45 am
Hmm, maybe my comment box is different since I’m logged in as an admin. Yep, I just checked. The comment box on the post does not have the tabs I mentioned. Sorry for the confusion!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/September/2023 @ 7:05 am
Sometimes when I’m hiking, especially in the morning, I’ll walk through a seemingly invisible spiderweb. If I ever saw one of those hand-sized spiders, I’d likely shit my pants. Of course, now that I know they are out there I’ll have one more potential answer to the age-old “What’s the worst that could happen?” question as I begin a trek into the unknown.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/September/2023 @ 6:05 am
“The ravages of age on the mind.”
Welcome to my world! You’ve only just begun, rookie!You really don’t have to use HTML code; those tabs at the top of the comment box give you the standard options like boldface and italics.
As for the phrasing of being a dildo for a giant, I got your meaning the first time, but I can see how the rewrite clears up any ambiguity. At least you are not guilty of the dreaded comma splice!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/September/2023 @ 5:59 am
Interesting background on the “Buddy Fucker” term, I wasn’t aware of that context and always thought of it as a sexual perversion gag. His girlfriend is named “Fuck Buddy.” Anyway, he’s a good guy, a veteran, and he also worked as a contractor in some Middle East war zones, so I expect, in Hash fashion, the name is intended to be insulting/sarcastic and not based in reality.
I’m not sure it is so much about prudery, but I don’t want to be handing out cookies to children wearing a shirt with an erect penis displayed. Call it what you will. 🙂 Sometimes I feel shy wearing my “Goddamn ATM” shirt, thinking some may be offended by the curse word, but that doesn’t stop me (I wore it on my walk yesterday, in fact). Once, a trike driver started laughing and gave me a high five, but otherwise, no stranger has commented. The bargirls that saw it (or the picture on my Facebook) think it is funny.
Yeah, that’s the problem: people want to act like science is a religion. I hate the term “the science is settled” because that’s the opposite of what science is supposed to be all about. Some of these memes I share do not accurately reflect my views, but I do want to get the word out so people will resist the next wave of mandates. It’s also nice to make liberal heads explode.
What? Worcester isn’t a town in the Shire? Who knew? I’m sure I pronounce wrong, more of a WAR sound. I rarely use the sauce so never have to ask for it, thankfully!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/September/2023 @ 8:20 am
Kev, yes, when I watched that video, I thought that sounded like the advice I’ve heard from you. Understanding the wisdom of the words is one thing; changing your behavior accordingly is a whole other level of challenge. I’ve recognized for quite some time that the common denominator in all my failed relationships has been me. Until I change, nothing will. That damn samsara has me by the balls and won’t let go, it seems. Maybe it is stubbornness or stupidity (or both) that keeps me on this road to failure. I’ve also come to see that selfishness is a major character flaw that I’m going to have to learn to overcome if I truly desire success in my quest for love. I won’t lie, though, when I read the words ”I just want someone who will take care of me,” I felt myself nodding my head and thinking, “maybe that’s good enough.” Perhaps I’m hopeless and unworthy.
I should be getting royalties from that Groening cartoon. I’m going to take the next step of sharing a roof with Swan and see what happens. But you are right; if I don’t change, nothing will. I know what I need to do; time will tell if I am willing and able to escape the samsara and free myself from the cycle of failure. I have my doubts, but I’ll give making the needed and necessary changes in my thinking and actions another shot. Win or lose, it is on me. I know that now.
I sincerely do appreciate your advice and encouragement, even if it appears I’m incapable of following it. I have a better understanding of what I need to do to achieve the outcome I desire. Thanks for that.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/September/2023 @ 7:42 am
Soju, I’m glad you were able to dodge the vaxx bullet. Had I still been working as a re-employed annuitant, I probably would have just re-retired. It would have been a tougher call if I wasn’t retirement eligible, but I don’t think they could have successfully fired me. They would likely have put me in an LWOP (leave without pay) status, and I would have filed an appeal with the Merit Systems Protection Board. Glad I didn’t have to deal with that. As it turned out, I was “forced” to get the vaxx anyway. Under immigration rules, I have to leave the country every three years. My time was up, but the rules in place at the time required a vaxx to re-enter the country. So, I had to choose between the jab and leaving my adopted home. I decided to stay.
As for the SOB, there are no set criteria for the judging. I personally look for creativity, coordination, and enthusiasm. I think some of my fellow judges use a “who’s sexiest” standard. The performances with ass shaking in your face are often rated higher than what I would score them. Still, the outcomes always seem close with no obvious bias. Some people are calling for a system where the winners rotate week-to-week, which is ridiculous–it is supposed to be a competition. If that ever happens, I will end my association with the SOB.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/September/2023 @ 7:01 am
I’m so lazy I’d rather use a comma than a semi-colon. Apparently. My problem is I think about what I’m saying (writing), not how I’m saying it. That’s how I missed the comma splice.
There have been a couple of power-hungry mayors doing stupid mask mandates, but so far, I’m not hearing rumblings of impositions of stupidity beyond that. Here’s hoping it stays that way.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/September/2023 @ 5:56 am
I’d much prefer to fill the space IN the hookers rather than WITH them. Just sayin’.
Thanks for the videos. I will never attempt to make birria-style at home, but seeing how it is done is interesting. I’ll definitely be going back for more of John’s.
Yes, I did indeed misspell “oficina.” I know it is a one “f’ word, but lots of folks are calling the bar “The Office,” and my muddled brain mixed it up somehow. I’ll go back and fix it.
Oh, I think you’d enjoy a brief visit anyway. A different culture to explore, some interesting hikes (morning time when it is cooler), and investigating the food. The restaurants all serve beer, so both of our interests could be satisfied. Hell, we could hang out at John’s place and eat tacos! Lots of other interesting places to see, too. Most days, I don’t even notice the heat; I rarely even use my aircon now. I guess I’m acclimated, but I really don’t think it is as bad as you imagine. If you ever change your mind, I’ll be happy to show you around.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/September/2023 @ 7:22 am
Once I’ve hit all the bars again, I’ll update the rankings at least. In the meantime, the research continues!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/September/2023 @ 6:42 am
There is no mushroom culture here that I’ve observed. The log in the photo is lying randomly on the roadside amongst the usual litter. How those mushrooms came to call it home is a mystery.
Scott’s ankle seems completely healed now. We tease him sometimes about being slow, but honestly, he takes a lot of the photos I share here. That takes time and makes you fall behind. I think I will start adding an “SP” on his shots to properly acknowledge his contributions.
Beer, pecan pie, and ice cream are my carby addictions. But I’m going to continue enjoying my life while I have it.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/September/2023 @ 7:15 am
There may be some ongoing work, but the inside things that I consider essential (like hot water in the shower) are already done. It shouldn’t be a problem.
I’ve arranged for some guys with a truck to move my stuff on the 30th. Between now and then, I just need to pack everything up in boxes.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/September/2023 @ 6:04 am
«« Back To Stats PageRegarding a detour, we’ll have to see if we can find a walkaround, but as of now, the only way through is over or under a barbwire fence. We’ll figure something out eventually.
I didn’t sample the boob cake, but I had a slice of the chocolate one, which was excellent.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/September/2023 @ 6:43 am