Pretty much an ordinary day in the life here yesterday. Morning walk, nap, grocery shopping on the old Navy base. Then I had my driver drop me off at the mall in Olongapo City. Wanted to get my eyes examined. It’s been over two years since I got this prescription and sometimes I get eye fatigue when I’m reading on the computer.
I was somewhat taken aback when the salesclerk remembered me from that one time long ago visit. Kinda nice, but a little creepy too. Anyway, after waiting a few minutes I went in to see the optometrist. She spent a good 15 minutes with me and in the end said my corrected vision hadn’t changed since my last exam. That’s cool! Was very surprised when I was told there was no charge. They even repaired the nose pad on my old glasses.
As I exited the mall for the 15 minute walk to catch a Jeepney to Barretto I ran into a woman who looked vaguely familiar…
Back in Barretto I decided to quench my thirst at Cheap Charlies. And I couldn’t help but noticing this guy sitting at the bar.
Do you see what I saw? It’s a crappy photo but I was trying to be discreet. Eh, fuck it. Let’s try again:
And how about those crazy eyes? Not sure if he is an expat or a tourist, never seen him around before.
Later I got up to take a piss, looked out the CR (comfort room/restroom) window and saw this:
Safely back to my cold beer and window seat. Look down to the street below and see this guy passing by:
Anyway, I’m glad to be me. Speaking of which, my blood/urine test results are back. I need to see a doctor for his/her interpretation, but my reading is that all my indicators fall within the normal range. Maybe I’ll live long enough so some fucker can mock my appearance on his blog…
Up early this morning as usual and when I looked out the window I saw a solitary cloud in the sky.
Rows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere
I’ve looked at clouds that way
But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on everyone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way
I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down and still somehow
It’s cloud’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know clouds at all
Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way you feel
As every fairy tale comes real
I’ve looked at love that way
But now it’s just another show
You leave ’em laughing when you go
And if you care, don’t let them know
Don’t give yourself away
I’ve looked at love from both sides now
From give and take and still somehow
It’s love’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know love at all
Tears and fears and feeling proud,
To say “I love you” right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
I’ve looked at life that way
But now old friends they’re acting strange
They shake their heads, they say I’ve changed
Well something’s lost, but something’s gained
In living every day.
I’ve looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It’s life’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know life at all
That one dude is vying for first prize in the Who Looks Most Like White Buddha? contest. He’s got the close-shaved monk’s head to match his pendulous earlobes—a symbol of good luck, even if his ears do look like saggy vaginas (also a symbol of good luck…?).
I didn’t realize it was a Buddha thing, but now that you mention it. He was also covered in tattoos. Pretty much all visible skin on his arms and legs was inked…
You’re also reminding me that I need to go get new contacts and glasses. Maybe I’ll do that tonight or this weekend.
I love the honesty of tattoos: they’re a way of saying, “Guys—look at this summary of all my bad life-choices!”
The circus must be in town. Those two dudes are surely part of the freak show. See if you can spot the bearded lady. Peace Out!
At least I know my girl is a girl. I can feel it inside.