Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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We’ve got one guy with over 1000 runs. My pal Scott (Pubic Head) is still active and has over my 900. I wasted too many years to reach those lofty heights, but I’d like to stay healthy enough to achieve 500 runs someday.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/July/2023 @ 5:14 am
Sad that Whitney’s life ended so tragically. Dolly is very talented, but what impresses me the most is her kind and generous heart.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/July/2023 @ 5:10 am
Now Soju, rest assured that I did, in fact, light the oven, take the garlic bread slices out of the freezer, and bake them for the specified period of time!
Yes, it is hard to believe my Buddy boy has been with me for 5 years already!
Prisoner to his new cellmate: Whatcha in for? “Concubinage”. Okay, you take the bottom bunk…
Oh, and Dolly Parton wrote the song, Whitney Houston made it a big hit. I like both versions.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/July/2023 @ 9:46 am
Kev, I knew she lived poor, but it is still shocking to see it up close. It is very rare that I actually visit the gals I meet where they live.
Yes, I boiled the water, poured in the package contents, stirred it up, and viola–mashed potatoes. Is there another way?
As for fucking the help, that’s something I don’t do. I guess hands off the staff was ingrained in me after a career in Human Resources Management. That’s why I don’t like being called “boss” (another girl calls me “Daddy,” which I also find a turn-off). Anyway, Swan would never consent to sex as part of her job; that’s just not who she is. So hiring her is a tactical surrender on my part. I think she will provide me with some of the companionship I crave, but it will not be physical. Maybe that’s enough.
Jesus, I remember commenting on your Eggcorn post and saying it was just a matter of time until I fucked up. Well, I’m on the lamb, but I ain’t no sheep! And my fellow Hashers sometimes jokingly refer to our Kiwi friends as being sexually attracted to those lambs. On-On!
Back to Swan, I’m ready, willing, and able to live in a one-woman committed relationship. That’s what is so frustrating–I finally meet the kind of woman I’ve dreamed of, and she is not interested in me. At least not yet. Really, it won’t be hard to let go of those distractions; I haven’t had a happy massage or gotten physical with Mary or anyone else in quite some time. Maybe that’s why I’ve been feeling better about myself lately–it’s better to go without than to pay for something meaningless.
Who needs sex when Karma is fucking me? That bitch!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/July/2023 @ 6:29 am
Yes, I have heard several long-time residents talking about the heat this year being noticeably worse.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/July/2023 @ 5:43 pm
Kev, so it’s a special day for sure, then! A mother’s love can’t be replaced and is never forgotten.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/July/2023 @ 5:11 am
Welcome back, Brandon. Do you think you’ll make it up Subic way during your visit?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/July/2023 @ 5:00 am
Soju, you are forgetting that this is the Philippines. All I need to enact the scenario you describe is one of those inflatable kiddie-wading pools…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/July/2023 @ 9:35 am
Yes, and the fact is I’m not big on swimming pools and would probably rarely use it…so, a lot of work for nothing!
I told the landlord I hoped her house would be the last one in this lifetime (and I’m counting on another fifteen years at least). Moving is a pain in the ass and disruptive to norms and routines–who needs it? Luckily, I don’t own much stuff to lug around, so it should go smoothly. This will be my third move in less than six years, so it is high time to break that cycle.
That photo is the view of the backside of the new house, looking up from the street below. It gives a better indication of the size and design than you can see from the front.
As for the workplace surprise at Bar Barretto–it was surprising to me as well to be enjoying some time there on what turned out to be the last night (at least in this iteration), and it appeared NO ONE other than the new owner knew what was in store. The story I’m hearing is that there are some paperwork/licensing issues that have to be resolved, and rather than risk operating illegally, the new prefers closing while things get worked out.
Yep, feeling good on the hike is like a breath of fresh air! I’ll save my faceplants for those drunken nights in town!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/July/2023 @ 6:54 am
Yes, I’m definitely considering setting up my grill on the rooftop. The only issue is having to climb up and down the those steps. I want to have a nipa hut built up there. Once that happens, I’d cook and eat on the roof. I’d like to spend a lot of my at home time up there.
Well, it’s only day 2 of the tracking, but yeah, I spent too much in the bars this weekend for sure. Maybe that was an aberration, but this is why I need to get a handle on where the money goes. I’ve been acting irresponsibly for too long. Once I have a month’s worth of data, I’ll be better able to tell where I need to cut back.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/July/2023 @ 5:30 am
I’m using a spending tracker app called MyMoney. It was highly rated in the app store and seems to meet my needs so far. It’s free, too. I’ll check out Moneydance if I need to make a change.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/July/2023 @ 5:18 am
No, I haven’t forgotten the help you provided with the blog redesign. And when I visit Snackbar, I see your work on the signage there too. Nice chatting last night.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/July/2023 @ 7:35 am
Kev, yes, I overreacted and apologized, but in my defense, there’s some history with Nerissa that was a contributing factor. You might recall that I actually took her on a date once, the driving tour of Bataan, and was looking forward to a follow-up travel date. Then a couple of weeks later, Nerissa sees me on the rooftop of BarCelona having a drink with another woman (Mary). The following day, I noticed Nerissa had unfriended/blocked me on Facebook. Without a word and without any basis–we weren’t in a relationship, and I had made no commitments. Anyway, I realized then and there that Nerissa was a drama queen. We talked about it later, and she unblocked me, but I had no interest in seeing her outside the bar again. That’s the background for why I reacted as I did when she once again confronted me about being out with another woman. It doesn’t make me right–I shouldn’t have even given a shit–I certainly don’t now.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/July/2023 @ 7:25 am
Wow! Love the Steve Earle version too! I’m not sure how I missed this song (by either singer) for all these years, but I’m glad to have finally heard it.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/July/2023 @ 7:16 am
Brian, yes, precisely, one flush and done when the power is out. Plan accordingly!
As for the food, all we had were the appetizers. Swan claimed she wasn’t hungry. I thought the calamari was bleh, but the quesadillas were different in a good way. There were things on the menu I might try in the future, notwithstanding upscale hotel pricing.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/July/2023 @ 6:03 am
The place I’m in has no natural water pressure. A water tank in the basement with an electric water pump provides water to the house. So, without electricity, the water stays in the basement, and I have to go without. One toilet flush is all I have in that situation, so I have to plan accordingly.
Yes, Swan ticks all my boxes on the physical attractiveness scale. More importantly, she is beautiful on the inside as well. The first time I met her was when she was taking food donations for a charity project she was involved in on behalf of the native Aeta population here. Swan lived with her man for seventeen years, and when I’d see them around town, the love between them was obvious. Even in my envy, I couldn’t help but admire that. Now that I’m getting to know her on a more personal level, I’m impressed with her charm and wit. She has a great sense of humor (i.e., she gets my jokes) and is a good conversationalist. Oh, and she is thirty-nine years old and has no children. Perfect! As I’ve said, if things never progress beyond the friendship level, I’ll still be lucky to know her.
Swan has never come out and said anything, but she tends to cover her face or turn away when I’m taking a photo. I think she might be shy about creating the appearance of being on a date so soon after her man’s passing. Obviously, I’m going to respect her privacy in this situation. I just want her to be comfortable spending time with me knowing she is safe. I rarely tell anyone local about my blog, the illusion of being anonymous makes it easier to share my diary-like drivel every day. Still, I wouldn’t be surprised in this small town if I’m acquainted with a reader who knows her. Anyway, I think my admiration for her is evident, and I would never intentionally say or do anything to make things more difficult for her during this time of transition.
As for the “red flag,” I’ve inadvertently misled you. I’m not entirely clear on the history of the house, but the landlord had Swan and her man move in there because she couldn’t afford to maintain the place. I’ve never asked for details, but they may have been there rent-free in exchange for being a caretaker. The house is clean; it just needs lots of work, like cabinets, floor tiles, and other physical improvements.
So, we’ll see what happens next. I know Swan needs to find work (she’s applying for some jobs on SBMA this week), and I hope to employ her as my part-time Tagalog tutor to help her out some. She’s never asked for anything financially, and she has a college education and experience as a caregiver, so I think she’ll be able to achieve the independence she desires. I just want to be there to help in any way I can while I selfishly enjoy her company.
Thanks for the Brit definition of “swan.” It makes that made-up name I use seem all the more appropriate!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/July/2023 @ 5:54 am
Yeah, I’m not sure what’s wrong with me failing to note that potential object of affection. I’ll try and do better!
I think the fencing we encountered was intended to keep people from the beach entering the neighborhood, which is just plain silly unless you build a wall around the entire subdivision. All they created was a pain in the ass for people in the neighborhood trying to access the beach. Ah, well.
Yeah, I kinda like the vibe in Club Morocco, too; just wouldn’t want to live there!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 30/June/2023 @ 5:47 am
Soju, I enjoy a lazy style of cooking and rarely get creative. Even my famous brownies are produced with the help of my assistant, Betty Crocker.
As for the cold shower, I don’t want to experience any related shrinkage issues…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 29/June/2023 @ 9:10 am
I have to watch that math at the checkout line, too. What it says on the shelf and what rings up on the register are not always consistent.
Swan and her man were the previous tenants (she’s actually still there). I’m not sure what their arrangement with the landlord was, but they were roughing it in ways I’m not interested in experiencing. Cold water showers just don’t do it for me.
As for the searing, I’m motivated by how damn expensive that meat is–I don’t want to ruin a $25 steak through negligence. Mostly it is just paying attention while they grill.
I think you are right about the neediness. And the best part is how much better I feel as I let it go. It would be ironic, though, that as I stop caring, I might attract someone who cares. I’ll be good regardless.
Nope, I didn’t stay to DJ. She “invited” me back yesterday, and I politely declined. Who needs it, right?
Well, I’ll be damned; I had no idea I’d been pronouncing “Tolkien” wrong all these years. Until your comment, I’d never heard it pronounced any other way anywhere. So much for all those knowledgeable literature professors in college!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 29/June/2023 @ 3:13 am
Kev, I usually add potato chunks to my stews, but I can’t remember the last time I ever even attempted to make mashed potatoes. I’m one lazy fucker in the kitchen!
As for Jo swinging, the rope breaking would be the least of my worries. I looked at how the swing was tied to a branch high up in the tree and thought, “damn, how much can that branch hold? And if it breaks, that’s gonna be a hell of a headache!”
Papers have been signed and money has changed hands, so unless I’ve been scammed, the move is on effective October 1. More on that in today’s post. This house sits high enough up the hill that any future construction below will have no impact on the view.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/June/2023 @ 6:51 am
I carried six bottles of Coke Zero for the last kilometer in the backpack, so it was alright.
Hares usually mark trail the day before or the morning of, in part depending on the weather forecast. It sucks to mark on Sunday morning and have it rain that night and wash away your efforts.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/June/2023 @ 1:38 pm
Brian, I should know tomorrow if we can make a deal.
Nope, typically, the shirts have to be purchased separately. I usually only wear them to Hash events, but I wore my new Manila shirt last night when I went out. The bargirls seemed to like it for some reason.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/June/2023 @ 1:40 pm
Kev, well, I enjoy the Hash, but it’s not something I would die for. I have it on good authority that someday in the unforeseeable future, I will leave this world behind, so the question becomes what to do with what remains of me? I’ve seen the hassle and expense people go through to return their bodies to their homeland after death. The easiest thing to do is cremation, and to make it easy on everyone, just chuck my ashes on my favorite walking path. I ain’t gonna care anyway.
Manila H3 is the first Hash group I’ve participated with that is all male, but that is pretty common throughout the Hash world. Most kennels have a separate female group or another mixed group. Having some hot girls around is a big attraction (ahem) to me, and I’d not enjoy regularly Hashing without them. I’m still trying to figure out what the reasoning is for exclusion; I’d say the majority of Subic H3 females can outperform me on the trail.
As for the Hash shirt, I’m pretty sure the undecipherable English is Hash names, and I guess you need to be a Manila Hasher to grasp the concept they are describing fully. A strange but friendly and interesting group, for sure.
Getting to the new place will actually be much easier, both on foot and by trike. That’s one of the attractions for me. I asked Swan about the neighbors; she said they are mostly quiet foreigners. Best of all, no barking dogs! I’m meeting with the landlord tomorrow, and if things go well, I’ll pull the trigger and hope for the best.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/June/2023 @ 5:49 am
Daeguowl, ah, the blue house of my dreams fell through. I guess the owner’s plans changed, and she decided not to rent the place after moving to the UK. Or maybe she found a tenant she likes better. Anyway, all of her promises proved to be for naught.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/June/2023 @ 5:30 am
Now, now, ONE 18-year-old is more of an appetizer than a diet. Still, someone like Swan could be the catalyst for some lifestyle changes. Sadly, I think she’s got a long road to travel before she might be interested in anything I have to offer. I’ve tried to convey I’m here to assist her in that journey, but my impression is that she is the type who wants to find her own way.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/June/2023 @ 6:01 am
Yes, that’s about my standard per-bottle drinking pace, although I can stretch out longer as circumstances warrant.
Hmm, you just gave me an idea–I could market my pot roast as an aphrodisiac. Of course, I would only serve it to female guests under those circumstances.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/June/2023 @ 7:31 am
Brian, I honestly almost never look at my tab beyond the bottom line in any bar. I looked at the Sloppy Joe’s bill because I was a little surprised I had spent so much in such a short time frame, but it was all legit. I agree, though, that it is a good method for avoiding disputes. BarCelona makes you initial the receipt for every drink ordered, and several other bars have you sign off on lady drinks. I tend to trust the bars I drink in but admittedly do so at my potential peril.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/June/2023 @ 7:27 am
I am what I am, and that’s all that I am
Thanks, DS. It all started so innocently with this one and entirely voluntarily on my part. I had met her on one of our hikes, and the old-timers in our group remembered her from her bargirl days. She wound up marrying and having kids with a local bar manager, and he eventually left her and moved back to the USA. To his credit, he was sending monthly support to her, but then he died unexpectantly. I had the bright idea of stepping in and helping to support the kids he left behind. But yeah, sometimes it seems whatever you do is never enough. It’s the “more, more, more” attitude that bothers me most.
I have my limits, though, so we’ll see how this is going to play out.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/June/2023 @ 6:56 am
Kev, yeah, the Titanic connections are huge. (sorry, I just can’t seem to stop myself this morning)
It is certainly an interesting scenario, and I do hope the cause of whatever happened is discovered. The story has certainly generated a lot of talk–mostly about rich people taking crazy and seemingly illogical risks. I like your take, even if I personally wouldn’t pursue it in the manner these folks chose. Money buys you the freedom to do the things you most desire, and if death-defying adventure is what you seek, go for it. Stumbling home drunk in the dark in a city I don’t know or speak the language is about as adventurous as I get these days!
Re: Joy. Kids that don’t belong to you come with lots of issues. I was a step-father in three of my marriages and pulled it off okay, I think. I’m lots older now and living in a country with some strict laws that bear severe consequences. Being charged with a non-bailable offense and waiting years for a trial is something I choose to avoid at all costs. What is this crime of which I speak? Being alone with a minor child you are not related to is one aspect of the law I’m referring to. So, even if I choose to have a relationship with a mother, I would never let her kids live in my house. A simple, “Honey, I’m going to the store, be back soon,” and leaving me alone with the kids would technically make me a criminal. It is not all that common, but I’ve read horror stories of that stupid law being enforced against foreigners. Nope, that’s not going to be me.
Wow! Some new wardrobe additions; thanks again!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/June/2023 @ 5:42 am
«« Back To Stats PageKev, farts being the body’s puns is a hilarious take. Good to know it’s not just that I’m full of shit!
Enjoyed the Zen story as well. It was a berry good ending! (oops, farted again)
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/June/2023 @ 5:21 am