Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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Yes, I just want to be cremated and spread around on the Hash trail that week. I probably need to put that in writing, just in case…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/April/2023 @ 5:51 am
Jerry, my Barretto is a pretty unique blend of people and things to do, and I haven’t seen anything quite like it in my travels thus far. Angeles City is too much bars and too little scenic sites. La Union could work as it has similar qualities as Barretto (a Hash, some beaches and mountains, and a couple of bars), but it just feels out of the way and isolated somehow.
Bottom line, at least for now is I haven’t seen any place I would rather be.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/April/2023 @ 5:57 am
Fixed it for you. I read right over the mistake the first time…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/April/2023 @ 7:02 am
Kevin, I have no recollection of anything other than a pleasant hike that day. No idea what my reaction to whatever you said was intended to convey, but I’m sure it wasn’t personal. I guess I can get a little intense when defending/debating a viewpoint, but I wouldn’t normally try to shut down contrary views. I apologize if I came across that way. That’s why I could never be a doctor–I have no patience! *ahem* Anyway, I should definitely work on my self-awareness and recognize how I might be perceived by others.
Yes, drugs are a big problem in this country–mostly shabu (meth) from China. I think it is primarily confined to the poor, but that’s the majority of the population here. So, yeah, I don’t want to get dragged into that pit inadvertently through association with the wrong people. I don’t personally know anyone (local or foreigner) engaged with illegal drugs, but I would immediately end the relationship if I discovered they were using (like I did with the bargirl).
As for Mary, she is anti-drug in a big way. She’s reported her uncle before and told if she suspected her father was using, she’d turn him in too. That’s actually a little scary. And yes, Mary has had a difficult upbringing and is estranged from her mother and other close relatives. That’s sad. So, I don’t mind helping her in her educational pursuits, but I’ve already recognized there is no potential relationship otherwise.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/April/2023 @ 6:58 am
Brian, from the pin that says “3rd family,” moving left until you reach the intersection with a road is the area where someone has bought the property and is erecting fences.
Believe it or not, the purpose of the bottles is intended to be decorative. I’ve seen it at other shacks in the woods, too. Well, they are colorful. During the holidays, I’ve seen Christmas trees made out of similar bottles.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/April/2023 @ 6:41 am
Jerry. Dennis is still in Cambodia, although I haven’t heard from him recently. As to the moving, I do have a Plan B, but I’m part of a community here, and for the most part, I’m enjoying myself. I’ve recently blocked some of the perpetual beggars, and I’m getting a little better at saying no, so that’s progress.
As always, appreciate your insights and suggestions.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/April/2023 @ 6:34 am
I aim to please, QP! As long as I’m feeding the Hideaway girls I’ll be sharing shots of Joy eating. Promise!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/April/2023 @ 9:13 am
Funny, DS, but we had a long chat this morning where she was asking for a second date. I held firm. She didn’t trip my triggers, and I sensed more drama on the horizon. Don’t want or need that in my life.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/April/2023 @ 12:06 pm
Yes, the landlord said she was having visa issues and wouldn’t be departing for the UK as planned. Also, I saw that the master bedroom construction was never completed. It just wasn’t meant to be.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/April/2023 @ 12:04 pm
Thanks, Jerry. Yep, I’m still in the game, and that’s the important thing.
You know, it’s funny, but like you, I used to think Korean gals were the sexiest in Asia. Of course, since I’m 60+, they wouldn’t give me the time of day. The longer I’m living here, the cuter the girls appear to me, and there is that whole “age is just a number” mindset. As for Aine, she’s been in the bar biz for over 20 years and has acquired some baggage along the way. I had my chance with her and opted not to pursue it.
The Blue House fell through–apparently, the landlord changed her plans. Disappointing, for sure.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/April/2023 @ 7:20 am
Thanks, Brian. Yes, acceptance of how things are is a powerful step in the quest to find happiness. There are always going to be disappointments and setbacks along the way, but I’m not going to waste whatever remains of my time worrying about what I don’t have.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/April/2023 @ 7:13 am
Well, you are talking to a man who has been married four times; I’ve earned my cynicism the hard way.
No, caregiver is a real thing, probably like the LPNs back home. That’s the work she does overseas, basically helping elderly or disabled folk get through the day.
Yeah, poor Richard. But he insists that his bride is a real woman. When asked why, he says, “I don’t know; I can just feel it inside of me.” *ahem*
Thanks, as always, for your support. I am what I am, so let’s see what happens next!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/April/2023 @ 5:18 pm
Sometimes I think about what it would be like to live in the wilderness surrounded by nature’s beauty. And then I think, “How would I get home from the bar at night?” Still, if I were to change my lifestyle someday and had a special woman to care for me, I think I could be happy (assuming I had internet). In one of my previous lives (with wife #3), our plan was to retire in a cabin in the mountains of North Carolina.
Yeah, I’m seeing Virginia differently now, too. I honestly think part of the problem is that she is not comfortable conversing in English. Still, her job is to pretend to like the guy buying the drinks, and she really sucks at that.
I honestly don’t know much about Bob’s (Kuehl) background. He was a Navy vet and struck me as the All-American type. I suspect the wake and funeral will be Filipino-style.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/April/2023 @ 6:07 am
Good to hear things are going well for you lately, Jerry. I’m not sure I’ve ever been to Tongyeon, but it sounds nice. And I had no idea you were spending so much time in Anjeong-ri. Glad you are able to get out and about and have a change of scenery now and then.
Yeah, attraction is a funny thing. Not sure what about Virginia caught my eye, but now that I’ve seen some of her personality traits, the attraction is diminished completely. Eighteen-year-old Mary isn’t really my type either, but she is nice and smart, and that’s what I see when I look at her. And so it goes.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/April/2023 @ 5:58 am
One bad decision on the road is all it takes to end a life, that’s for sure. And I witness people making bad driving decisions every day here. I rode a Victory Liner bus home from Castillejos yesterday and was astounded at observing several close encounters with other wayward vehicles. It’s a miracle there aren’t more accidents.
Choosing not to drive in this country was one of my smarter decisions.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/April/2023 @ 6:56 am
Hey, there, Rascal. I’ve been worried about you. Glad you are doing okay!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/April/2023 @ 11:37 pm
But do you have the guts to ask your lady if she’s shaved her balls?
I’d have to be nuts to ask that!Maybe that’s why I forgot her name; it was an Omen…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/April/2023 @ 3:07 pm
A chance encounter on Memory Lane
Yep, I’m too tired to swim upstream now anyway, so go with the flow it is!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/April/2023 @ 7:50 am
It’s funny, but Anne wasn’t sure it was me because I’d lost so much weight. I didn’t recognize her because she has gained so much weight. Anyway, she had another child shortly after we met–some foreigner impregnated her and disappeared. We did the math, and it wasn’t me (which I already knew since I’ve been shooting blanks since 2007). She seems like a sweet gal with a good heart, and I’m glad to get reacquainted on a strictly platonic basis.
Yes, my first date is tomorrow with Darlene from the dating site. I’m looking forward to that!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/April/2023 @ 3:00 pm
Kev, yes, Dave’s entry took third place honors. Nope, no one served the chili as a topping. I’m not sure what all the rules are, but I suspect that is not allowed. Dave had shredded cheese and green onions on the side that could be added on request, but he’s the only one I saw doing that.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/April/2023 @ 5:19 am
Dan, I understand what you are saying, but looks can be deceiving. She invited herself along to the Fralics. In fact, I never initiate contact with her–she’s always the one who asks for a get-together. I honestly don’t have any romantic interest in her at all.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/April/2023 @ 5:14 am
Yep, and you never know when time will say, “That’s enough for you.”
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/April/2023 @ 12:08 pm
“Easily the most awesome sentence in this post.”
You can say that again! What is especially impressive is that I missed the repeat when I proofread. Let’s go, Brandon!I’ve got some chili shots, but it was me on the camera, and you know that I suck at love. But hopefully they are tasteful. *ahem*
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/April/2023 @ 6:37 am
Kev, Yeah, and I imagine it was the pork chops that took longer to prepare as well. I won’t make that mistake again, at least at Da’Kudos.
Your take on the caption is a CATastrophe!
Yeah, buying that Hungry Man frozen dinner was as much about nostalgia (and laziness) as anything. And if you think the box looks depressing, you should have seen the mess that came out of the microwave. Almost inedible.
Well, I’m a long way from being a true foodie, but thanks for the compliment. Seeing your creations and tasting John Kim’s kitchen work confirms my amateur status. Still, I’m learning from the masters, and I have a greater appreciation for what it takes to create a worthy meal.
My chili is a good example of what a short cutter I am in the kitchen. Canned beans and tomatoes, packaged chili seasoning, ground beef, and onion. It usually tastes good to me, and most people seem to like it, but there is really nothing special about it. Still, it might be fun to see how my concoction ranks with the connoisseurs at a chili cookoff. There is a four-hour time limit on preparation, so I’d have to dial the crockpot up to “high.” Ah, the challenges!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/April/2023 @ 7:35 am
Good point, Drain Snake!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/April/2023 @ 7:09 am
Kev, The photo was taken as we first entered the property. As we walked by the building, the dogs started barking, and the caretaker came out and pointed toward the beach, saying something in Tagalog. I said, “Sorry,” and continued to the other side of the lot and exited there.
Re: Aine, at least it will be easier to say no next time she asks for money.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/April/2023 @ 6:09 am
DS, thanks for sharing your insights. I’m not familiar with Fallows’ essay, but I’m definitely going to give it a read–sounds fascinating. There are certainly many positive aspects to Filipino culture and character, but there is no denying the negative ones you mention as well.
Ah, the White Knight syndrome. Even back when I was a tourist, some of the hard-core mongers thought I was spoiling the bargirls and called me “Captain Saveaho”. I do still try and treat everyone with respect, but I’ve also wised up enough to know that trying to help some people is a wasted effort. So, I need to make better choices and harden my heart to the unworthy. And I definitely need to apply Rule #1 consistently.
Thanks again for the thought-provoking comment.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/April/2023 @ 7:16 am
Thanks, Kev. I’ll go with the 2XL…I’m sure I’ll grow into it…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/April/2023 @ 4:48 pm
You are usually only on the ice for five minutes or less–just long enough to hear the “charge” and have a Hash song sung to you. Most of the legitimate feedback on the trail comes directly from the individual participants. During the circle, Hashers tend to give a bullshit response to avoid joining the Hare on ice. So, even if I like a trail, I’ll say something like “too flat” or “too short” when called upon. Even so, I’d say we had a dozen folks joining us on the ice Monday (we had two blocks of ice to accommodate the large turnout).
First time I’d seen that dog at the Hash, and I was surprised too when he wanted to chill out on the ice.
Those painted names are just graffiti from previous visitors, I didn’t recognize any of the names, and I hope Hashers and foreigners would be more respectful of the landscape than to deface it that way.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/April/2023 @ 6:55 am
«« Back To Stats PageInteresting. Maybe it’s just me, but that Ferris wheel has a Morder-like vibe about it. Hmm, I guess the could call it the ring of power.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/April/2023 @ 6:41 am