I was first in darts last night. First out of the tourney I mean. That’s what happens when you throw like shit. The upside of going 0-2 is that it frees up the rest of your evening. So, I paid up my tab, left Alley Cats, and walked up the street to Alaska Club to do a bar review.
I didn’t spend much time in Alaska (see the review to find out why) and decided to mosey over to It Doesn’t Matter. It has been over a week since my last visit. Having a girlfriend certainly does cramp my barhopping style. Roan welcomed me back with a “your face has gotten fat” greeting. Thanks for that. You should see my belly. Anyway, I’m working on losing the excess weight, but I fear that it’s going to require cutting way back on my beloved beer to achieve that goal. I’m not sure I’m ready to make such a sacrifice just yet.
I only had one beer at It Doesn’t Matter because I realized there was somewhere else I wanted to be. Yep, it was time for me to pull up a stool at Pamela’s place, so I hoofed it on over there. I had a couple of more beers and enjoyed some wings with her. Then when it was time for me to go, she surprised me by joining me for the trike ride to my place (her previous visits were after I was already home). That was nice. We did what consenting adults are prone to do, then fell asleep in each other’s arms. That was even nicer.
I woke up at 0330. That’s not unusual–I wake up several times throughout the night for a drink of water and a piss. But while laying there I looked up at the ceiling fan. The thought occurred to me that as frequently as it is running (I don’t use the aircon) it will inevitably wear out. When that happens I’ll have to contact the landlord. The landlord? Oh shit! I had forgotten to transfer the rent money to his bank account on the first. I hopped out of bed and corrected that oversight immediately. Then sent an apologetic email to the landlord explaining what happened. Yet another example of my slow slide into dementia. Karma for Biden jokes, perhaps?
I guess my sudden departure roused Pamela from her slumber. She joined me in the living area and we had a bit of a talk. I guess the outcome was positive because we wound up doing some exercise together. We did the dog walk and then headed down the hill and had breakfast at Harley’s.
After we finished eating, Pamela needed to go home. I needed to make another visit to the ATM in Subic, so we shared a trike. I got out and said my goodbyes at the BPI branch and Pamela continued on to Waltermart. After getting my cash I did the 7K walk back home.
Sometimes I don’t know if I’m coming or going.
Anyway, I’m trying not to get too far ahead of myself with all these changes going on in my life. There is still a lot to digest, not the least of which is the ramifications of a thirty-eight-year age gap. Even though I’ve been assured many times since moving here that “age is just a number”. We’re about to find out how valid that idea truly is. Not going to overthink it at this stage though.
And now for the photos from the Friday group hike:
And there you have the story of another day in the life. Close enough to perfect for me.
Those rolling electric scooters are all over Korea. I think I’ve photographed a few empty scooters during my long walks. I never see their owners.
Great pics of the walk, as always.
As to the question of Pearl versus beer, I assume (hope) there’s no need to deliberate over the answer to that. If some old habits have to die a grudging death as you adjust to this new normal, then so be it. You’re making room for someone new and important in your life, and that means allowing her to mess with your boundaries a bit. Not too much, of course, but you’ve got to be able to compromise. Keep in mind that she’s young and energetic, and she wants to Do Stuff. Plus, she sees the world through the still-fresh eyes of a twenty-something lass.
But let me ask you, and I realize it may be too early… do you see potential for the “L” word to raise its gorgeous head? Are things possibly moving in that direction? (Maybe I should ask that after your first fight-and-forgiveness session. A fight will test the fundamental strength of the relationship.)
Anyway, things seem to be going great, overall. What’s really encouraging is how you’ve both bonded over the simple act of loving to walk. The PI is a happy labyrinth of places to explore, and if Pearl is willing, you both can go explore it together.
Damn… what if you got Pearl interested in darts?
Sometimes the best days are those rooted in simplicity. Cant ask for much else. Good on ya’.
Re: your comment on beer reminded me of the old joke. “I decided to give up women, drinking, and sex. It was the worst 15 minutes of my life.”
Well, to be clear, it’s not about drinking beer as much as it is about WHERE I drink it. Instead of visiting my favorite venues around town, I’ve been spending my time at Pearl’s place. She even ordered some San Mig Zero to add to the menu. So no real complaints there. The most she has ever said was to “drink slower”.
Oh, the “L” word has been bandied about already. And I think we have entered the “fight and forgiveness” zone as of last night. Honestly, I’m concerned about the implications of her behavior in this mode. Stay tuned.
And actually, Pearl did express an interest in darts. I just haven’t been able to get her out to throw with me. I understand she’s busy with the new business these days, but I wonder if something else is going on…
Brian, it seems I might be missing the simplicity of single life–so much less drama. And, why waste time? Fifteen minutes without the elements of a happy life seems so pointless!
Anyway, thanks guys for your support. At the crossroads now, we’ll see which is the best way forward.
Thunderheads on the horizon already, eh? Not good. Anyway, I’ll continue to hope for the best. From my perspective, if you leave out the age question, Pearl checks all the right boxes. She has struck me as low-maintenance; she’s not a single mother (huge plus); she doesn’t come off as a beggar or a gold-digger (another huge plus); she shares some of your major interests. That’s a good foundation for a relationship. My main concern was that you guys plunged into the sex phase way too quickly, but there may be a cultural component that I’m missing, here, so I’ve been hesitant to say anything.
What is it that you’re looking for in a relationship? If you’re looking for a woman who is simultaneously young and coltish while also having the sense of responsibility of an older woman, I’m afraid such a bird is exceedingly rare. Pearl seems to me, so far, to be the best you’re going to get. But if you’re concerned with how life with her is upsetting your old routines, then the focus on self may mean that you’re not really ready for the work it takes to engage in loving commitment. You can’t have the love without putting in the work. Anyway, that’s all a lot of preachiness; I continue to root for you both, and if you’ve survived your first fight, then good.