But I’ll be in Korea for Thanksgiving. I’ve got an e-ticket on Korean Air that says so!
This is kind of a spur of the moment thing. And it will be a quick trip, arriving on Tuesday evening and departing on Sunday morning. I will spend a couple of days in Seoul and a couple in Pyeongtaek. One thing on my to-do list is spending some time with my former Deputy. Donna is leaving Korea in December and life being what it is and all, I expect it will be our last time to see each other. I reckon I’ll get together with the nephew as well and hopefully meet up with some old friends as time and schedules allow.
Everything is just dandy, thanks for asking! Here’s what passes for a good day here in my world:
A first-place finish in darts last night was a fine way to end the day.
I haven’t been playing very much lately. Just haven’t been in the mood I guess. The lack of practice certainly hasn’t helped to improve my inconsistency, but I had my moments of goodness during the tourney. No win is complete (or possible) without taking down Steve, the Englishman who doesn’t drink, and that’s just what me and my partner managed to do. By the way, I’m getting to know Steve better and really enjoying his company. He has a wicked sense of humor.
Yesterday morning I did the Sausage Walkers group hike. We were all disappointed that our planned out of town sojourn had to be postponed because of the uncertain weather. This was going to be one of those do a hike then cookout gatherings that gave the group its name. Our planned destination included a river crossing and with the recent rains, the river was deemed too high for our vehicle to safely drive through. Ah well, another time.
We left for one of our standard local walks under cloudy skies. And as if on cue, once we reached the mountain top the rain commenced to come pouring down on our collective heads. And everything else, we were drenched. That’s how it goes, and once you are thoroughly soaked it really doesn’t matter anymore anyway. Coming back down the mountain was a muddy and slippery nightmare though. I somehow managed to keep my feet but I had several close calls. Not to overstate why avoiding a fall is my primary goal, but I couldn’t help notice the path was strewn with broken tree trunks sticking several inches up out of the ground. I nicknamed them “Vlad the Impaler” and my overactive imagination could picture the end result for some unfortunate who happened to fall on top of one. Yikes!
The calm before the storm. We began our march through the peaceful streets of Alta Vista.On trail with me falling behind the pack as per usual.And then on up we go. The rain began shortly thereafter so I had to put my phone/camera away in a ziplock bag to keep it dry.There was a pause in the storm just about the time we reached the flat ground again. I snapped this picture of Easter mountain in the clouds.
Gunter the Austrian is the leader of the pack but I take his leadership with a grain of salt. When he deemed it wise to climb yet another mountain shortly after my self-congratulation for surviving the previous descent, I balked and bid the group farewell. Made my own way back on flat ground.
I still managed a 7.5K hike and more importantly, lived to tell about it!
What else? Well, I’m always trying to engage in self-improvement efforts. So, I took this information to heart:
Yeah, I know.
Things are going well so far today too. I’m getting more creative in my breakfast selections these days.
Welcome to the club! Hey, it’s got egg and bacon on it, so that makes it a breakfast sandwich, right?
I took a stroll down Baloy Beach after breakfast and was in for quite a surprise. The tide was high but not as high as it had been a few hours ago.
This picture doesn’t really tell the story that well but it’s the best one I got. The water came all the way up to the wall of this resort. And the places with Nipa huts on the beach were shoveling sand out of them this morning. As I stood there watching a wave came up behind me and soaked my shoes real good. Sneaky bastard!
What I really wanted to see though was how the Kokomo’s floating bar was faring.
Not well I’m afraid. Now, I don’t think it sunk because there was no wreckage on the beach. I assume they had it towed back to storage. It will be interesting to see if they bother bringing it back out.
This reminded me that sometimes humor just doesn’t translate well. Especially puns:
Oh well.
I woke up this morning with the sundown shining in I found my mind in a brown paper bag within I tripped on a cloud and fell-a eight miles high I tore my mind on a jagged sky I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in
I pushed my soul in a deep dark hole and then I followed it in I watched myself crawling out as I was a-crawling in I got up so tight I couldn’t unwind I saw so much I broke my mind I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in
Someone painted April Fool in big black letters on a Dead End sign I had my foot on the gas as I left the road and blew out my mind Eight miles outta Memphis and I got no spare Eight miles straight up downtown somewhere I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in I said I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in
I do drink more than my fair share of brew and I have the belly to prove it! Geez, guys bragging about their six-pack abs; I’ve practically got a keg under my shirt. Anyway, I walk so I can drink with impunity. And notwithstanding my girth, I’m maintaining my weight in the 200-205 range.
I’m sorry, what were you asking?
Which is not to say that I don’t consume calories in more traditional ways. I’m not talking about ice cream, although that’s a sweet tooth indulgence I can’t seem to resist. Last night I enjoyed a home-prepared meal:
Ribs, corn, and not shown, freshly baked cornbread. Slow-cooked those ribs to optimal tenderness, then baked on a bbq sauce crust. Pert near perfect if I do say so myself!That’s how it looked all together on a plate.
I did manage to get my steps in yesterday afternoon, despite the rain.
I played it safe and stayed close to home in the Alta Vista subdivision. I managed to hit at least some of every street in just under an hour. That squiggly looking “5” near the bottom center is my house.
I took a few “between the storms” photographs from one vantage point on my neighborhood walk.
This one was my favorite. I like the sunbeams illuminating the water of Subic bay.But this one generating the most “likes” and comments on Facebook.
It rained again like a motherfucker last night. I was glad I had the foresight to carry my umbrella with me to Cheap Charlies. I still wound up taking a trike home. And as infrequently as I use something other than my legs to get home, the driver not only knew where I lived but called me by name. Even after several beers, I found that somewhat disconcerting.
Speaking of the rain, I’m sorry to report that the Kokomo’s floating bar I recently visited hasn’t faired too well in the current stormy weather.
I’m advised that all crew and passengers made it safely to shore.
In other disconcerting news, I received this email from my older brother today:
I received a voice mail from some very rude bitch who did not identify herself or her firm. She stated she had a right to contact me because she is unable to contact you.
Her message: There is a formal complaint filed against you. You must call 833-960-XXXX and reference file BFA 14598 regarding the pending allegations.
I honestly have no idea what this is all about. My scam radar went off, but that doesn’t really make sense either. The 833 prefix is a toll-free number apparently. Anyway, as far as I’m concerned she can keep on looking, I have no intention of calling. I haven’t lived in the USA for years and years, can’t imagine how I might have generated a “formal complaint” from anyone. If it were something from my working days, well, they have my email address. Hell, even a Google search would probably reveal my current whereabouts.
Oh, wait a minute! Did one of you readers finally complain about the boring drivel I post here every day? Damn it! Guilty as charged.
It’s not like I’m washed up or anything, but yesterday’s Hash was a washout for me. Or more precisely, a rainout. The skies opened up around 3:00 and the rain continued periodically throughout the afternoon. Of course, the Hash goes on, rain or shine, but I just wasn’t feeling it. The Hare, Vienna Sausage, has a reputation for doing Alps-like climbs and I just wasn’t prepared to go there in the rain and the mud. I was not alone in that decision as probably only a third of 39 Hashers in attendance actually did the trail. I opted for a one hour hike on pavement and left it at that.
The runners are already gone, these hardy walkers are being driven out to the start of the short (5.7K) trail.
After I’d completed my own trail I popped into Cheap Charlies to await the beginning of the on-home activities across the street at Hot Zone.
I had to laugh because the place was packed with like-minded Hashers.As seen from the vantage point at Cheap Charlies, the first of the runners arrived after completing the muddy trail. That was the signal for the rest of us to join them and start drinking our free beer. (Hash tradition holds that socialites and other early returners are precluded from partaking in the liquid refreshments until the first person to complete the trail returns. Oh, and the beer is technically not free. Men pay 350 pesos ($7.) in weekly Hash dues for the privilege of enjoying an all-you-can-drink on-home event. I always work hard to get my money’s worth!)The rooftop provided no shelter from the rain showers that periodically came down upon us. Umbrellas did help though.
Anyway, it wasn’t a great day for a Hash but we made the best of it. Still raining off and on today as well. I guess if all I’ve got to complain about is the weather things must be going pretty good, right?
Oh, I did come across some more Fiesta related information on my personal Hash trail yesterday. It’s a barangay-wide event as opposed to being city-wide, with events taking place in the various puroks around town. (A barangay is a village within the city, a purok is a neighborhood within the village).
Lots of exciting events are on the menu! Barrio Barretto will be rockin’ this weekend! I’m especially looking forward to the “Gay basketball exhibition”. Well, actually I don’t give a hoot. But one of the things about Filipino culture that I do admire is that gays/transgenders are totally accepted as part of the community. No one gives a shit about sexuality or how you identify. Be who you want to be and leave us to be who we are. Folks back home would do well to give that a try!
Damn it! It’s pouring rain again, just when I was fixin’ to do my afternoon walk. Now what? Well, I came across this mildly interesting article today:
I talked to a Russian man who, during the 1980 Moscow Olympics, found himself working near the stadium box where Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev was going to sit for the opening ceremony. He was standing by when Brezhnev’s security detail stormed in ahead of the General Secretary, and demanded to know what certain metal poles were doing in a particular place. Technicians explained that these were the supports for the TV lights that would illuminate Comrade Brezhnev.
“We didn’t agree to these things!” one of the KGB men barked. “Get rid of them!”
You didn’t argue with the KGB. Down came the poles. And so, at the 1:25 mark in the opening ceremony (see above), when the camera lands on Brezhnev as he is introduced to the crowd, and to the watching world, the General Secretary is shrouded in darkness.
“That was the first clue I had that the system was going to fall,” said my Russian interlocutor. He meant that a system that caused a globally humiliating mistake like that to happen, because certain people in authority thought they knew better, and everybody below them was reasonably terrified to tell them no — a system like that was going to collapse.
I guess the reason I found it noteworthy was that it reminded me of one of the highlights of my government career. As usual, the Korean government was not wanting to pony up the amount of money the Americans thought necessary to pay for the US forces stationed in Korea. So, the USFK Commander (a four-star General) was frustrated and decided to pursue action that would send an appropriate message to the Koreans. I was invited because I was the civilian personnel director with oversight of our Korean workforce. So, the General’s big plan was to furlough our Korean workers. The room was packed with General Officers, Colonels and the like. They were all nodding their heads approvingly and saying “yes, sir!”. I’m sitting in the back of the room pretty much unnoticed. So I raised my hand and said: “excuse me, sir”. “Yes, what is it?” the General barked. I responded “I can do the union notification and issue the furlough letters. But I hope you understand this means we won’t have anyone to drive the school buses, clean the hospital, serve food in the mess hall…” The look on his face! He turned to the 2-star Marine General next to him and asked: “why wasn’t I informed of this?” Woo boy! Suffice to say we didn’t do the furlough and I got a lot of dirty looks from the yes men after that meeting.
This is the sight that greeted my weary eyes when I awoke at 0600 this morning:
I’d call that a good start to the day!
After taking care of my morning chores (coffee, perusing the internet, walking the dogs) I headed out for my traditional a.m. hike. And I noted that it is fiesta time once again in our fair city. Honestly, I’m not all that clear on the concept, check out the link above and you’ll know about as much as I do. I have noticed that at least in Olongapo the fiestas are celebrated within an individual purok (neighborhood), and not necessarily on the same dates.
For example, the folks on this street will be celebrating this weekend. I’ll have to check it out and see what the hell the big deal is.
In news that is more pertinent to someone like me, my beach walk revealed that the Arizona floating bar has been anchored offshore. Word on the street is that it will be opening later this week. I’ll have my own damn fiesta!
They’ve still got a lot of work to complete to get it ready for customers. Not that it matters, but I noticed it’s been positioned opposite of the way it was last year (restrooms and stairs were in the front).
On my afternoon walk yesterday I imagined this conversation:
Pulot maaari mong alisin ang basurahan?
Oo mahal
Oh, I guess I should translate that for you.
Honey, can you take out the trash?
Yes, dear.
Yes, yes, I’m showing off my mastery of Tagalog Google translate. But back to my story. As I’m coming down the mountain, I see this:
Someone has just been carrying their household garbage a hundred yards up the trail and throwing it into a ravine. Their personal landfill I guess.
Now, I can kinda sorta understand this. There is likely no city government trash pick up service out here in the sticks, so what are your options? Lots of people just burn their garbage which is probably equally bad for the environment. I honestly don’t put this in the same category as littering, that’s just pure laziness. Anyway, this is sort of the opposite of my morning rainbow.
And I’m reminded just how filthy some Americans can be.
Yeah, you suck Schiff!
Alrighty, then. Time to move on. Got a Hash on the horizon this afternoon. Thanks for stopping by!
Somewhere over the rainbow way up high There’s a land that I heard of once in a lullaby Somewhere over the rainbow skies are blue And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true
Someday I’ll wish upon a star And wake up where the clouds are far Behind me Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That’s where you’ll find me
Somewhere over the rainbow bluebirds fly Birds fly over the rainbow Why then, oh, why can’t I?
If happy little bluebirds fly Beyond the rainbow Why, oh, why can’t I?
UPDATE: Well, I’ll be damned. I used “somewhere over the rainbow” as a post title for the first time way back in August 2006. I had totally forgotten seeing The Wizard of Oz performed as a Korean play, featuring an acquaintance of mine in the role of Dorothy. It was really nice taking that stroll down memory lane this afternoon.
Not much happening on this lazy Sunday. Nothing to speak of from Saturday night either, unless you want to hear about cold beers at Cheap Charlies. Didn’t think so.
So, what does that leave me? The last bastion of a desperate blogger–shit that popped up in my Facebook feed.
Admittedly, I’m a bit of a dinosaur when it comes to getting grammar, punctuation, and pronunciation right. Is there a word for that?
I remember looking up the word “inexplicable” in the dictionary once and all it said was “cannot be explained”. So I still don’t know what it means.
Speaking of Kevin Kim, he’s taking his pie-making to a whole other level. Check out his Windmill’s breakfast pie. It’s a masterpiece! After reading his post, I went out to breakfast myself. And when I saw the chicken pie on the menu, I couldn’t resist.
I’ve never had a Windmill’s, but I enjoyed this one quite a bit.
And finally, I learned something today about the origin of darts:
Works for me!
I’ve actually not been playing all that much lately. When I do play, I’ve been throwing pretty well. I just can’t seem to recapture my passion for the game. Anyway, no big deal. I play when I feel like it or don’t have anything better to do. Last night I started out at Alley Cats but just wasn’t feeling the darts vibe, so I drank beer and took in the view at Cheap Charlies instead.
It’s all good.
Smile an everlasting smile A smile could bring you near to me Don’t ever let me find you gone ‘Cause that would bring a tear to me This world has lost it’s glory Let’s start a brand new story Now my love right now there’ll be No other time and I can show you How my love
Talk in everlasting words And dedicate them all to me And I will give you all my life I’m here if you should call to me You think that I don’t even mean A single word I say
It’s only words, and words are all I have to take your heart away It’s only words, and words are all I have to take your heart away It’s only words, and words are all I have
All Saints Day is apparently a big deal here in this predominately Catholic country. Who knew?
I took a Jeepney out to the mall yesterday morning. Got there a little before the assumed opening time of 10 a.m. Nope, a late opening (noon) due to the holiday. So, I took a goodly long walk around the old Navy base then popped in here for lunch:
So, in other words, you are NOT open 24 hours. I’d seen this place before but never tried it. I had me a hankering for some Korean so I popped on in.The side dishes were excellent. The best I’ve had outside Korea for sure.A little disappointed the meat wasn’t grilled at the table, although honestly, I’m glad I didn’t have to do the cooking. The galbi was quite flavorful and tender. I left satisfied, praise be to the saints of good food!
Returned to the now open mall in search of some new shoes. I usually plan to just re-stock on all my personal needs during my annual trip to the USA. I decided not to go this year, so it’s time to see how the locals do it. I found a nice pair of New Balance sneakers to wear for everyday use. The mall also has a Merrill store which is my preferred brand for hiking shoes. Saw some I like but don’t need any just yet. The also had a Nike and Columbia store. I’m boycotting Nike and the Columbia store didn’t have much in the sizes I require. Anyway, I got what I came for this trip. Praise be to the saints of shopping!
So, it occurs to me that in my self-indulgence I’ve been negligent when it comes to sharing with you some insights into Filipino culture. And what better way to do that than through song? Mikey Bustos is a very popular actor/comedian here in the PI. In the video “If Freddie Mercury were Filipino” he hilariously depicts some of the things that make the Philippines unique, especially the food.
HaHa, when I went to pull that video, I see he’s done parodies of Lady Gaga and Michael Jackson too! So much culture, so little time! Saints preserve us!
Speaking of culture, Kevin Kim has a post about learning the native language of the country in which you reside. Now, I’ve learned a handful of words in Tagalog. But Visayan and Cebuano are also widely spoken here (depending on where you are in the country). Which is why English is supposed to be the common tongue in the Philippines. I’m working at getting better in that one at least! That doesn’t make me a saint, I know.
Despite being a colony of Spain for a few hundred years, Spanish is not really a thing here. I mean, you can see the Spanish influence in some Tagalog words, but it doesn’t sound the same to my ear.
Hey, do you want to see my dogs?
Buddy boy……and my Lucky boy.
They are not perfect, but they love me like I’m a saint. That’s good enough for me!
So, I did the Halloween party thing last night. I’m not into that whole wearing a costume routine, the last time I did was three years ago at Eun Oke’s insistence. Anyway, people kept asking me if I was going to “dress up,” so I figured, hell, why not? I got my old work suit out of storage and dressed up for the occasion. It was actually pretty funny hearing people guess who I was supposed to be. And I couldn’t help but think that I’m far enough removed now from my working life that dressing as a government bureaucrat makes for a good enough costume.
The party was held at the Queen Victoria bar and it was packed. Even had a live band playing. There was also a makeup artist on hand, so I took advantage to spice up my “costume” some.
I didn’t feel a thing.
There was a woman there I hadn’t met before, but I just had to pose with her:
I think we might have wound up getting married…Oh, and Ilene was there as well. Looking amazing. Those eyes! She got second place in the costume contest. The bride pictured with me earlier took first.That Trump 2020 hat must have scared the shit out of any liberals around last night.That clown next to me is a Hasher…I didn’t spend much time listening to the band, but they sounded fine as background noise.“He did the mash. He did the monster mash…”
A drunken good time was had. Apparently.
I was working in the lab late one night, When my eyes beheld an eerie sight. For my monster from his slab began to rise, And suddenly to my surprise, He did the Monster Mash. (The Monster Mash, ) It was a graveyard smash. (He did the Mash, ) It caught on in a flash. (He did the Mash, ) He did the Monster Mash.
