Just a mishmash of random-ass stuff.

I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.

–Groucho Marx

That’s no joke!

Out this morning to mark tomorrow’s Hash trail. It went pretty well but still have a bit more to do. Will finish the section from my house (yeah, the trail goes through Alta Vista again) to Baloy Beach this afternoon. In the morning I need to go back and mark the 6K short trail section that diverges from the 9K long trail we marked this morning. A Hare’s work is never done it seems!

Today’s “interesting” photo feature is of the deceased thatch grass:

Speaking of nature’s beauty, I’ve got a video of the girls from Rum Jungle doing their winning routine from Friday night’s SOB dance competition. My gal’s right up front, do you see your favorite Kevin Kim?

Still haven’t found any facemasks available for sale around here. I wonder if this really works?

On a more serious note, another long term expat has passed away this week. He was known as “Aussie Bob” around town, although I had never personally made his acquaintance. He had a young wife and child I understand. It does occur to me that when you live in what is essentially a retirement community it’s only natural that us old fuckers will pass away on a regular basis. I’m just hoping it won’t be my turn anytime soon.

What else? Well, it’s good to be reminded of the dangers that are always lurking around the next corner.

A lesson from the world of grammar:

On rare occasions when I’m bored I’ll provide an answer on Quora. As often as not, I’ll leave a pithy and snarky answer. I do occasionally give a serious response, and wonder of wonders, this one to the question of “How was your first trip to the Philippines” has nearly 1000 upvotes:

The first thing I noticed on my first visit to the Philippines was the poverty. My plane landed in Manila coming in over the river that was lined with squatter houses and full of trash. Once on the ground my driver took me through one of the squatter villages and actually apologized for what I was seeing but said it was the fastest way to my destination. It was all pretty shocking and eye-opening, I’d never seen anything quite like it.

After spending a few days here something else became quite apparent. Despite the poverty, the Filipino people are the happiest I’ve met anywhere in the world. The family is really the center of life here, and the generosity and love within the family is really something to behold. I’d never seen anything quite like that either.

I wanted to see and learn more so I kept coming back for visits (I lived in Korea so it was an easy trip). I eventually decided this is where I wanted to live, so I retired in 2018 and moved here permanently.

Here’s a funny and sad anecdote I can share. I brought my Korean girlfriend here for a visit the year before I retired. She had a blast and was treated like a rock star (Korean culture in the form of K-dramas and K-pop music is big here). On our last night in the Philippines, she broke up with me. I asked her why and she responded “because we have no future. You want to retire here. Who wants to live in a poor country?” I told her that you can live in a rich country and pretend this world doesn’t exist, or you can live here and try to make a difference. That’s what I want to do.

So, I have two helpers and a driver. I’m making a difference for them. I do some charity projects that make things better for some. You can’t help everyone of course, but it feels good to know that my presence at least is helping a few. I’m glad to be here!

Anyway, it was nice to get the positive feedback.

I’m dealing with some bullshit woman issues lately (ha! the story of my life!) but trying to stay strong and resolute (this time). So far, so good. I’ll take inspiration from wherever I can find it.

I hear some people
been talkin’ me down,
Bring up my name,
pass it ’round.
They don’t mention
happy times
They do their thing,
I’ll do mine.

Ooh baby,
that’s hard to change
I can’t tell them
how to feel.
Some get stoned,
some get strange,
But sooner or later
it all gets real.

Walk on, walk on,
Walk on, walk on.