Here I go again, nothing new or interesting to report, but I’m reporting it anyway. Just another day in the life in my sweet hometown of Barrio Barretto.
Well, there was this disconcerting news: my ATM card stopped working yesterday. Three different ATMs, and the same result… my card can’t be read. ATMs are my preferred source for restocking my pesos, so I’m rather inconvenienced without that option. I could do a money transfer to myself, similar to how I provide funds to the needy. However, that requires standing in line at the redemption shop, which I prefer to avoid. I’ve reached out to my credit union, and they advised that my account has not been blocked, so apparently, the card chip has been damaged. I requested that a new card be mailed to a friend’s FPO address (retired military personnel can use a US address via the embassy), but I’m not sure they’ll send it to a name other than mine. If not, I’ll use my South Carolina address and have my daughter forward it to me via the FPO. Yep, that’s what passes for excitement around here.
I did an 8K walkaround of Barretto to get my daily dose of steps. Nothing new to see on this route, except for the funeral banners.
It remains to be seen how long I’ll last, but I’m glad to be around for boring walks and writing boring blog posts about them.
It was pouring down rain at beer o’clock, but that didn’t stop us from heading into town. Umbrellas only help so much in a wind-blown downpour, so when we arrived at our dinner venue, Jewel Cafe, we were more than a little damp.
After we ate, we paid a visit to the Alaska Club. Treated our waitress and her girlfriend (yeah, lesbians) to a lady drink and tipped the dancers fifty pesos each as is my custom. Also handed out cookies and lollipops to the crew. We went next door to Wet Spot for our nightcap.
We also gave our regulars, Beth and Irene, a pasalubong gift from Vietnam.
And so another day ended with a trike ride home at 8 p.m.
The journey continues through the LTG archives with this March 2010 post about diversity training (the predecessor to DEI). I recount a true story about a session I attended where we were advised that the word “flip” was offensive to Filipinos and therefore should be stricken from our vocabulary. We mocked the instructor for his ignorance, and I don’t recall any repercussions. It must be that “white privilege” I’ve been hearing about.
I came across this in a different post from 2010:
It’s been a while since we’ve checked in with Smart Girl Philippines, so here’s a twofer. The first is less than a minute long and categorizes the level of dumb you are when giving money to a Filipina. I was mostly “kinda dumb.”
And then in this video, Irish talks about the seven types of Filipinas you want to find and marry. I’d say Swan best fits category #3. Of course, I won’t be getting married or making any babies, but we are enjoying sharing the life we have, at least so far.
Humor me:
That’s it for now.
I requested that a new card be mailed to a friend’s FPO address (retired military personnel can use a US address via the embassy), but I’m not sure they’ll send it to a name other than mine.
They didn’t tell you when you talked to them?
And my namesake died five years younger.
If that’s a recent photo, he looks to be in his 30s.
I had the filet mignon (gravy on the side) again. Damn, it seems even smaller than last time. Still, it was cooked to perfection and satisfying.
It’s an obnoxious thing to do, but take a kitchen scale with you and note the numbers over time. This could be shrinkflation.
Swan also enjoyed her chicken cordon bleu dinner.
With those marks in/on the mashed potatoes, I’m reminded of cut mangoes.
(yeah, lesbians)
If they’re hot, it doesn’t matter.
I was mostly “kinda dumb.”
I see that “loaning money” is in the “danger” category, though. You’ve done that more than once. And “investments and businesses” is also up there in the “danger” category which, frankly, is more your speed. But I know you like to rationalize.
Where do you find this runway memorial to the recently deceased?
you make it seem like it’s something you stumble upon on your walks around town.
It is great that you keep score to see who’s living longer than you. With your daily walks and occasional drink, it looks like you’ll be the last man standing.
I’m sure that the local businesses appreciate your custom especially in this low of lowest seasons. But where old businesses close, a new millionaire rollls into town and tries out his dream bar slash laundromat. I would definitely drink there while waiting for my laundry to finish the rinse cycle.
how is that SOB business mogul doing? I hope he didn’t give up on the town yet. Whether new or old, bars need the exposure of talent shows. Especially the smaller bars that don’t get as much foot traffic.
would Baloy beach bars start to close since the rainy days really affect them more
as always
thanks for the consistent writing
hash on even in the rain 🌧
to balance out the calorie intake
Maybe some day your grandkids will learn to appreciate this blog .
James, the funeral banners are hung on or near the residence of the recently deceased, so I do randomly encounter them on my walks around town. The disconcerting thing is that well more than half of the dead people I see died younger than me.
There is a new guy who has been buying up bars around Barretto. I believe he is up to four now (Whiskey Girl, Voodoo, Tryst, and the recently closed Oasis). Rumor has it he has a couple of other projects in mind as well. I’m not sure the bar/laundry idea is one of them, but you never know.
I fear the SOB is dying on the vine. Down to five bars and it is not even being promoted online anymore. The founder, Daddy Dave, is in failing health and his bars are up for sale. Changes to to Barretto bar scene are on the horizon.
Yep, need to keep walking as long as I am able.
The main reason I’m going through the blog archives is to tag worthy posts with “The Story of My Life.” Maybe I’ll even have those posts made into a book so the grands will know that mystery man who lived in Asia.
Kev, I didn’t talk to anyone at the credit union; I messaged through the website. I cleaned my ATM card, and it worked yesterday. This morning, I received a message from the CU stating that they had seen I made a withdrawal and inquired if I still wanted a new card. I asked again if they would mail it to the FPO address. We’ll see. I’m glad the card worked again, but it makes me nervous that it’s unreliable.
Yes, the steaks are high and small(er). Oh, well. Half the size and half the price of John’s place.
Swan cuts and serves me mango like that. I hadn’t made the connection to that look on the mashed taters.
Yeah, the lez gals are hot. I’d like to do them (if I were single) together. But then, I’m a lesbian trapped in a man’s body.
True, I am guilty of “loaning” money, but I have an ulterior motive. By calling it a loan instead of a gift, I can deny future requests by saying, “You still haven’t paid me back from last time.”
True, I am guilty of “loaning” money, but I have an ulterior motive. By calling it a loan instead of a gift, I can deny future requests by saying, “You still haven’t paid me back from last time.”
If that’s the rationalization, then OK, I guess. Just remember Rule #1.
It is not an issue these days. I have the few “charity” cases I give to on a monthly basis. Nothing else.