John Kim, of John’s Sushi and Steak fame, passed away yesterday. He had been dealing with kidney failure and dialysis for the past year. Last Sunday, he suffered a stroke. Word on the street was that he had been comatose ever since, and the end came shortly after they removed him from life support. Tough way to go, but at least his suffering has ended. I’m not sure what the future holds for his restaurant, but I expect it will not survive without him at the helm.
Meanwhile, I’m inspired to continue living my life to the fullest as long as I am able. Swan was getting her driver’s license in Olongapo, so I did a long-neglected solo street stroll through the streets of Barretto. In honor of the event, I took a photo at each milestone:
I had a 3 p.m. appointment for my first chelation therapy treatment with Dr. Jo. It went fine once she found a vein willing to be poked with a needle. She said the standard is thirty-plus weekly sessions at 2000 a pop. Hey, if it keeps me alive a little longer, it is worth it. I haven’t noticed any adverse side effects thus far. I had been experiencing some body aches and foot pains during sleeping hours, but they weren’t in evidence last night. I’m not saying chelation had anything to do with that, but I hope it is more than a coincidence.
It was still early when my session with Dr. Jo was completed, but there was no point in going back home to wait for beer o’clock. My helper Teri had never visited the Central Park Reef hotel rooftop before, so that is where we started.
We finished our glasses of wine and headed down to the beach.
We continued the beach walk until we arrived at the Papagayo Resort and stopped in for dinner.
So, I usually go for the enchiladas when I dine here, but I overcame my urge and explored other options, settling for a grilled chicken breast dish.
That photo seems to capture my new dietary lifestyle. But fewer calories on my plate make room for more alcoholic beverages. And we made Green Room our next stop. It was my gin and soda night, and I intended to stop at five. But Daddy Dave joined us at our table and bought a round, so I ended up imbibing six for the night.
Commenter Kevin mentioned something called “Intuitive Eating.” I joked that it reminded me of the seafood diet—I see food, and I eat it. I honestly don’t see how eating intuitively would work for me. My hybrid plan (reduce calories and burn more while making healthier low-carb menu choices) forces me to think about what goes in my mouth. Relying on my brain to tell me to eat when I feel like it is the reason I’m fat now.
Speaking of which, today is weigh-in day, and here is where things stand:
- Weight on November 15: 250.2 lbs
- Last week’s weight: 258.7 lbs
- Weekly weight loss: 8.5 lbs
- Beginning weight on November 1: 267.1
- Overall weight loss: 16.9 pounds
My belly circumference is at 49″, down from 52″ on November 1. My waist remains unchanged at 44″.
I’m surprised at the pounds lost and doubt I will continue to lose weight at that rate. Still, I’m progressing and will continue working towards my goal.
To the memories courtesy of Facebook:
Today’s YouTube video almost brought tears to my eyes. The vlogger is from Manila and is exploring the Barretto nightlife scene. But he starts out with dinner at John’s place. You won’t be forgotten, John. I’ve never watched this guy before, but he drinks Zero and loves Barretto. We have that much in common, at least.
Let’s lighten the load with some humor:
I’m skipping the SOB tonight. Instead, Swan and I will attend a gathering of the neighbors at Thumbstar Bar and take it from there. I hope to be back here tomorrow to share those stories.
I’m sorry to read this. My condolences to you and to John’s family.
One mile in, I stood in front of Barretto’s Catholic church.
Nobody tell the church, but in Tibet, those could almost be prayer flags.
And when was the last time you saw a jukebox?
Standard issue at the Silver Diner chain in the States. But it’s been a few years for me. I haven’t flown overseas in a plane since the pandemic began. I did fly to Jeju for that walk, but that was a domestic flight, and that was otherwise it for planes for me. I’ll hit the States, and maybe France/Switzerland, next year.
Overall weight loss: 16.9 pounds
Sounds as though you’re past the water-weight phase and losing real weight now. Try not to engage too much in the “less food = more alcohol” thinking. Even vodka, despite its lack of macros, has calories. You went over-budget again, I see. Still, congrats on the weight loss. This time next year, we look forward to pics of a much slimmer you. Can you get down to 200?
“Another One Bites the Dust” might be in poor taste, but I bet John himself would’ve approved. I’m really sorry he’s gone. So much for the fantasy of my ever meeting him to talk food. And I know how much he meant to you. Again, sincere condolences to you and to his family.