Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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Good stuff, Dan, thanks!
Yeah, I have the best docs ever, at least in the sense that they do seem to make realistic suggestions suited to both the needs and wants of the patient. I guess I should read up more on the B-12 injections, but it is certainly worth a try.
I’m not going to give up my booze, just moderate the type and amount I ingest. I agree that my best course of action will be improving my diet and reducing my carb intake. I know I can do it.
John Kim is indeed a lucky man, notwithstanding his current situation. The impressive thing is that he knows it. Too many folks (including me) forget about their blessings and get wrapped up in feeling sorry for themselves. I am going to strive to be better in that regard as well.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/May/2023 @ 7:03 am
Soju, who woulda thunk a piece of litter on a deserted highway would invoke such deep thoughts? It’s true what you say, though. The mystery behind who, what, and why the empty dick box found it’s way to that location might make for a good movie–a crime drama perhaps, since littering is technically illegal.
As for the size, I’ll defer to your speculation. I’m no expert in that regard. It is weird though that every Filipina I get to know carnally says the same three things: Ouch! Oh shit! Already?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/May/2023 @ 7:33 am
Kev, yeah, I was just attempting to avoid “mangrove grove” and I thought five guys walking through the trees kinda looked like a mangrove.
Well, whatever Chixsa is, it is available at Shamboli’s, a pizza joint and came in a pizza-like box. Should have got a picture.
I’ll post about the doctor’s visit today, but their advice pretty much tracked with yours. They also mentioned needing to be mindful of the insulin levels as I work to lower my blood sugar. So, it is back to a low carb lifestyle for me.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/May/2023 @ 8:04 am
Dan, your comment brought back memories of some of those talks I got from my dad when I misbehaved back in the day. Sometimes followed by him removing his belt and saying “this is gonna hurt me more than you” (I don’t think it did).
Anyway, harsh but fair and there is wisdom in your words. My docs agree there are some lifestyle changes in order, and diet is at the top of the list.
I’m motivated, let’s hope that I have the self-discipline to make it happen!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/May/2023 @ 8:12 am
Dan, no problem with the truth as you see it and no apologies necessary. Let it rip!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/May/2023 @ 7:57 am
Wow! Thanks for the insights, advice, and guidance Kevin. Or should I say, Dr. Kim?
I admit I’ve gotten a tad lazy when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet. Looks like it is past time to get back with the program. The desserts will be the hardest thing to let go.
I’m kind of at the stage in my life where I will have to weigh lifestyle changes against their impact on quality of life. Not to be overly dramatic, but what’s the point of living if the things you enjoy most are verboten? I guess I need to embrace the “everything in moderation” mindset going forward.
I really hope those pricks you mention aren’t a part of my future, but I guess if they help avoid even worse consequences it’s worth the effort.
I’ll keep you updated on what I find out.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/May/2023 @ 6:54 am
Really enjoyed that article featuring your Aunt Gertrude. Have you ever visited the “Spy House”?
Yeah, I’m pretty cautious about inviting strangers into my house so it is especially troubling when you get ripped off by someone you “know”. Shit happens, I suppose.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/May/2023 @ 6:35 am
Brian, I don’t *think* she’s pregnant now, it looks to me like she just hasn’t lost the baby fat from the last one. I’ll let you know for sure in a couple of months…
It’s also been shocking and hard to understand the apparent aversion to using modern birth control methods here, even among the gals who make a living fucking strangers. It’s a mystery.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/May/2023 @ 6:23 am
Jollibee does seem to be some kind on national treasure. For fast food, it is surprisingly good.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/May/2023 @ 7:02 am
Brian and Kev, yeah, I’m coming around to your way of thinking regarding the gift rejection. The only negative here was my reaction–Lyn can’t be faulted for her honesty and independence. She’s different than most of the women I meet, and I need to adjust my attitude accordingly.
As to the larger issues associated with my ability to maintain a platonic male-female friendship, I’ve managed that in the past. I don’t know that I would choose that with Lyn, although I’m not really in a position to expect otherwise. Where things might go is entirely on her, but the reality is she lives two hours away, and her children are her priority. Perhaps being her “escape from stress” is the only role for me to play in her life, take it or leave it.
Whether that role would involve sex is also TBD. I’m not the horndog I used to be, but I am also very attracted to her hot bod. I didn’t push it this weekend, but I’m not sure I’d enjoy resisting those urges over the long haul. I mean, if we continue to meet once a year, no big deal. But monthly sexless rendezvous is probably outside the scope of my ability to enjoy.
And about that apparently failed pun–the vial in the title was a reference to the small doses of being with Lyn I experienced. Of course, any joke you have to explain isn’t funny. I’ll try and do better in the future.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/May/2023 @ 6:26 am
Kev, Joy loves the pork chops almost as much as I do. I wasn’t hungry enough that night, hence the salad. Interesting perspective on the functionality of a properly prepared salad. I hadn’t really considered that aspect, but yeah, most of those veggies along the side didn’t get eaten. Especially those big slices of tomatoes–chunk ’em up and put them on top with the lettuce. As for the cheese, your suggestion sounds good, but honestly, those little slices tasted fine, especially wrapped around a chunk of roasted chicken.
I’ve been to Taos, too. Used to go skiing there back in my younger days. I don’t remember the traffic but I loved the mountains!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/May/2023 @ 7:34 am
Now, now, Rascal. I provide the materials, but Joy does the stuffing!
I’m halfway through Lucifer now and pretty much hooked. Will be interesting to see if I’ll keep up my newfound television routine when I’m done.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/May/2023 @ 7:20 am
Hey, lolas (grandmothers) need love too! I’m not sure what was up with those expressions, maybe they were tired of waiting for the old guy.
When I first met Aine a couple of years ago, someone who knew her ex warned me she was a drama queen. Now it seems we can’t even manage to share a drink and a chat at the bar without misunderstandings and hurt feelings. My big head is firmly in control with this one.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/May/2023 @ 6:54 am
Soju: Good song, great band. Sorry to hear the news about Gary.
At least the doctors are cheaper here, but coincidentally, my blood work cost me almost $200 today.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/May/2023 @ 1:23 pm
Okay, when you lay it all out like that, I see what you are saying, but the reality is I got your intended meaning the first time. Perhaps my blissful ignorance of the technical grammatical requirements serves some purpose after all. But thanks for the lesson! I’d never really thought of structural issues like this one before.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/May/2023 @ 6:38 am
Kev, well, there are some advantages to “fooling yourself,” especially when you go in eyes wide open with a purpose and objective in mind. In my experience, the fantasy of the joys that come with having a regular girlfriend never lives up to the realities that living day-to-day brings. It just seems that if I could hire the right “companion” for the hours I wanted one and be free when I didn’t could be an ideal solution. Again, I’m not talking only about sex; just someone to share adventures and hang out with when I want company, and to leave me alone when I don’t has some appeal. It would require the right woman and complete and upfront honesty about goals and intentions, but it might work. I didn’t see the Riker episode, but it doesn’t sound as off-putting to me as it is to you. We just have different perspectives, I guess. You seem to be completely at ease in a life of relative solitude; I always feel like I’m missing out on something.
Geez, I can’t believe spellcheck let me get away with that cemetery fuck up. Damn.
I also had no idea that Cheez Whiz was a legitimate ingredient for a cheesesteak. I was given a cheddar or mozzarella option when I ordered. Anyway, I liked it!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/May/2023 @ 6:30 am
Hey, Brian. Yes, I saw the comment about finding a charity and would have sworn I responded to you. One more example of my brain not being up to par lately. I liked your idea enough that I’ve included it in my “rich man fantasies” of things I’d do differently if I were wealthy. In the fantasy, I create and fund a charity like the one you describe.
Here in the real world, I’m kind of in a box. For example, the mountain mama relies on me for food and household expenses for her and three children (her American ex-husband was sending support but died last year, so I stepped in to fill the void). Cutting her off would be pretty devastating for them, and I’d feel guilty as hell about it. I budgeted 10,000 pesos per month (2500 weekly) in support, and that’s really not a problem for me. It’s the constant “emergencies” like utilities and medicine each week that are wearisome. I’m getting better at turning down her frequent requests for additional funds (even though she is willing to earn the money through massage services). Still, this is a charity project I volunteered for, and I think it is having a positive impact.
It’s all the other “nickel and dime” requests that wear me out. An occasional handout that is little more than pocket money to me is okay, but it never seems to end, and after you do it once, the frequency of these emergencies seems to grow exponentially. This is where I need to get better at just saying no, and maybe the charity referral you propose would alleviate some of the guilt associated with rejection.
Actually, when I first moved here, there was an orphanage in Olongapo City that I sponsored. My selfish motivation was to feel like I was making a difference while living “rich” in a poor country. After several months, both my driver and my helper took me aside and advised me I was being scammed–the food and money I was donating weren’t going to the kids. So, I started taking a more hands-on approach.
I’ll keep my eyes open for the kind of charity that might help the type of people I tend to get sucked into supporting. That will make telling individuals “no” much easier.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/May/2023 @ 6:01 am
Honestly, I don’t. Even my Grammarly cheat didn’t help. Enlighten me, please.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/May/2023 @ 5:21 am
Kev, yep, FRA=Fleet Reserve Association. I should have spelled it out, but it is a Navy-centric veterans organization similar to the VFW (support for vets and community service charity projects).
Glad you liked the “Marching along” photo. I didn’t take that one, but it does capture the flatland beauty of the area.
Re: the ice. Our regular supplier in Barretto brings the ice in that large block form, but when we do outstations, we take what we can get from the local providers. Putting the smaller ice blocks together on top of the beer containers did create the same effect, though.
There really is no way to tell which trail folks chose to take other than the after-hike feedback. You always have the “hardcore” group, but I’d estimate that 50% or more did the long trail on Monday. The group knew in advance it was going to be flat, and since old fuckers like Scott and I were involved, they knew the trail wasn’t going to be overly difficult. I was actually surprised at some of the long-trail adventurers, including Angie (a newbie). I was worried when she was so late in returning, thinking she might have gotten lost, but she just chose to take the long way. Good for her!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/May/2023 @ 6:53 am
Brian, it really seems to come down to a vibe, but defining a vibe is difficult–it just seems to happen. And vibes come and go–I was in IDM last night, and it is just not at all like it used to feel.
I’m pretty sure I would suck at running a bar; I just don’t have that outgoing, friendly personality that makes folks feel welcome. But the ambiance thing is just as important. IF I were to attempt a bar, it would be on the beach with water views to enjoy whilst imbibing. The music would be crowd appropriate (a classic rock/country mix works for me) and played at a volume that still allows having a conversation with the person next to you. And music videos on large-screen TVs would accompany the songs. I’d hire attractive waitresses and GROs that were welcome to drink with customers, but I would not impose drink quotas or other measures that encourage engaging in the “buy me drink” pressure game. I would not allow barfines, but the girls would be free to do whatever they want outside duty hours. I’d also have a limited pub fare menu…just a few items done well. Don’t want customers having to leave when they get hungry.
Is that enough to be successful? Maybe, maybe not. It still comes down to that vibe thing I mentioned. And that depends on the customers you attract. A welcoming crowd of friendly regulars having a good time the goal, making it happen might depend on luck.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/May/2023 @ 6:35 am
Yeah, by their nature, puns require taking some liberties with common sense and the rules. They don’t always work, though, and then the joke is on you.
I *think* you told me that “different than” rule before. However, your example was different from the last one. Perhaps I’ll remember this time.
Yes, I’ve had my share of bad luck with phones, although I can’t really blame Samsung because the phones can’t withstand the abuse I put them through. Yes, they have the “S” series here. The S-23 was even more expensive than the one I bought. I honestly don’t know the difference between the “A” and “S” models, but read that the A-53 (which is now the A-54) has the best camera. We shall see about that!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/May/2023 @ 6:25 am
I have surrendered in the war against carbohydrates, and I am now a prisoner unable to resist the carby poisons I am subjected to on a daily basis. All I can do now is serve as a bad example.
Well, if they built condos up there, I am quite certain some enterprising businessperson would open a bar/restaurant next door. Or better yet, on the rooftop. And as long as there was road access, I could have my driver take me to and from Barretto, where the urge for naughtiness could be satiated.
I actually believe there were plans for development on the ridgeline at one time. “The Great Wall” was the foundation for something that was never completed. It’s a shame. On the other hand, the development would make the hiking less desirable, so I guess I ought to count my blessings.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/May/2023 @ 7:04 am
You know, at this stage of my deterioration, it would just be easier if Nabisco would change the damn name of those cookies once and for all!
True, Gracyn has grown-up the American way. A star athlete in multiple sports, horseback riding shows, and a middle-class suburban lifestyle. Mary’s life has been hard by comparison, but she seems to be finding her way. Wishing the best for both of them.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/May/2023 @ 6:20 am
Yeah, I think it is bamboo. They use it for everything here.
Your eyes are better than mine…I never saw a planet live or in the photograph.
No follow-up with the docs yet; I need to get that ultrasound done first. I also found a place that does blood work and other medical tests–I’m going to do one of their packages and see what else is going on inside this old body. The knee symptoms seem to have receded, don’t know if that means I’ve healed naturally or if the intermittency has just been extended for a lengthy period of time. Either way here’s hoping it lasts!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/May/2023 @ 7:12 am
The good, the bad, and the ugly
Kev, yeah, it is scary to think Mary is such a talented player at such a young age, especially since she has never had the chance to hone those skills as a bargirl. I’m not sure if it is “predilection” or some magnetic force that attracts these girls to me. Either way, I’m cursed, it seems.
Just to be clear, though, I’m no longer entertaining any thoughts that I’ll find “the one” in a bar. My bad night on the town was because these gals who are paid to pretend to enjoy my company were treating me like shit. Crap, when even the bargirls don’t like you, you’ve hit the ultimate low.
Jenn didn’t respond to my tirade when I delivered it, just sat there with a surprised look on her face. She did send me this message yesterday: “Hello, I’m really sorry about last night…I just thought you don’t like to talk and be close to me, so I just go…ok, you always take care of yourself.” So, I guess it’s possible there was a misunderstanding, and I overreacted. Anyway, I’m over it. When you start thinking a bargirl shares any of what you are feeling towards her, you are on the road to trouble.
Yes, you are spot-on about the lack of substance in my life. I also agree that has been my choice and that it is possible to be content without substance, as long as you accept that life for what it is. I think I’m still on the fence. Anyway, I do think about traveling and have some destinations in mind; I just need to get off my lazy ass and make it happen. In the meantime, Netflix is the new addition to my meaningless pursuits, and it is something I’m enjoying for a change of pace. Yep, 6 seasons of Lucifer, and I’m on the last episode of season two now.
Filling in the hours, however comfortably and well. That seems to be the life I’ve chosen for old age.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/May/2023 @ 7:18 am
Brian, we do get a lot of tourists here, but in the bars I patronize, I’d say the clientele is 75% expats. But yeah, the two-week millionaires and newbie tourists are easy marks, and most will have to learn the hard way (like I did). That’s why when they treat me like I’m a fool, I get so incensed.
You are generous to call them oblivious; I think some of them just don’t care. Once they reveal their true nature to me, I cut them off and send them in search of the next sucker. Ultimately, it is up to the customer to decide when it stops being fun.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/May/2023 @ 6:47 am
Rascal, Yeah, the Vette is super cool. I’m on the last episode of Season 2 now and still really enjoying the show a lot. Hope you are feeling better soon.
Yeah, I know the gal you are talking about. She’s in a relationship now with a good guy who treats her right, and I’m happy for them both. I tried to make a play for her sister, but she just calls me daddy and ignores my overtures. Oh, well.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/May/2023 @ 6:38 am
DS, yes, and the hard part is ferreting out the legitimate ones. I’m trying not to become completely cynical, but more and more, I’m growing weary of the seemingly constant expectations of near strangers that I will save them from the crisis of the moment.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/May/2023 @ 6:33 am
Brian, most of the “transgressions” are bullshit charges brought by another Hasher. My “offense” last week was being one of several who was wearing an orange shirt–I really can’t remember what the reasoning behind why that warranted time on the ice was. Not that it matters; you can make up just about anything to ice someone.
Honestly, the fraternity-like shenanigans of the circle are my least favorite part of the Hash. I come for the hike. And the beer.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/May/2023 @ 6:53 am
«« Back To Stats PageI’m not sure if Fireman was named in the Subic Hash or somewhere else; it was long before my time. But I did hear about the time he was burning brush and started a fire that spread throughout the neighborhood and required the fire department to bring it under control…so maybe that’s the origin of the name.
Thank you, now I know a phase in French I could actually put to use!
The knee felt gimpy throughout the hike. When I came to the one climb near the end of the turkey trail, I opted out and stuck to the street. Better safe than sorry!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/May/2023 @ 7:25 am