Category Archives: Life in the Philippines

Checking in, checking up, checking out

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Looked at four properties today. All coincidentally 45,000 pesos per month ($900.). I’m leaning towards one, but haven’t made a final decision as yet. Gonna sleep on it.

In other news, I’m monitoring my vital stats and it seems to be a mixed bag since the move. Back in Korea, my blood pressure was usually in the mid 130s. Here in the Philippines, it’s been in the 1-teens. Last night in fact it was an almost scary 109/66. This morning, I was 114/79.

Conversely, my resting heart rate was in the high 60s, here it is in the high 70s. Not sure why that might be.

Also monitoring the weight, it’s been up and down but most recently up. I’ve been lacking some dietary discipline and imbibing more fluids (i.e. beer) because of the hot weather. Things will settle down soon enough I expect.

Going to head out and take one more gander at the house I’m considering. Will give a fuller report on the search efforts tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Cheers!

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Or as we say in the Philippines “Tagay!”

While I was enjoying my solitary breakfast this morning at Arizona resort it occurred to me that it feels like I’m still on vacation. I was wondering how long that feeling might last, and then I thought “Hell, wouldn’t it be great if everyday for the rest of my fucking life felt like a vacation day?” Here’s to hoping that’s the case.

Ten days into this new life now and in some ways it’s starting to feel like home. I’ve got my regular hangouts where I’m always greeted with a hearty “welcome back, Sir John!”. Yeah, they’re bar staff and they work for tips, but still. Actually, I had a pleasant chat with Jerry, the manager of Treasure Island where I spend quite a bit of my “bar time”. And Barretto being the small town that it is, I’m also on a first name basis with a few of the local expats. So that’s nice. I’m sure with time I’ll integrate myself more fully into our happy little community here.

Anyway, the house search continues apace. The one across the street that I posted yesterday is a no go. The owner responded to my email yesterday saying she had decided that she only wants to sell, not rent or lease. And sure enough this morning I see the sign has been modified crossing out rent and lease.

The beachfront house viewing has been rescheduled for tomorrow morning. I did a walk-by yesterday and I’m not too hopeful that it will meet my needs. As I said it is very pricey and from what I saw, not worth it. Maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised, but I’m not counting on it.

Tomorrow afternoon I’m meeting with the owner of some houses in the coveted Alta Vista subdivision. My understanding is he has three. And if I got the right information from the security guard, this is one of them:

The front.

The back.

The long view.

I walked by this morning and took a closer look without actually trespassing. It does not appear to have an occupant, although there is furniture inside. Both are good signs if I’m correct in my assumption. I like the location in that it is the first house once you come through the security gate, so that makes for easy access. Whether it is high enough up the hill to afford the views I’m hoping for remains to be seen, but I’m thinking at least from the upstairs I should have bay and mountain views.

One downside is that it has a smallish yard and it is not fenced. That raises some security concerns (although the house is within view of the guard shack) and also makes my dog plans more complicated. I’ll ask the owner about fencing at least part of the yard. Otherwise, I really like the place and can picture myself living there for the long term.

So that’s today’s update. Yeah, how about that. Daily blogging here at LTG. Well, after all, I do have more hours to fill these days. Now I can bore you loyal readers to tears more often.

Cheers!

Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got.
Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.

Wouldn’t you like to get away?

Sometimes you want to go

Where everybody knows your name,
and they’re always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see,
our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows
Your name.

Ton-80

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Today was a good day.

Played darts at Alley Cats. Threw my first 180 in the Philippines.

For those who don’t know, a ton-80 looks like this (three triple 20s) and is the highest possible score in the ’01 game

In recognition of this rare event for pub league players, the bar gave me a coupon for a free drink. Just what I needed, more beer. Right?

More importantly, me and my partner managed to go through the winner’s bracket undefeated and take 1st place money for our efforts.

Ain’t she sweet? I mean, isn’t she a good looking dart player….er, we played well with each other. Ah, fuck…never mind!

Now, I ain’t saying that throwing a ton-80 and winning a tourney is enough to make you a celebrity in this town, but…

Just sayin’….

Anyway, it was a great afternoon of competitive darts with a good group who placed a premium on keeping it fun. It was!

Here’s a funny story that illustrates just what a small town Barrio Barretto truly is.

That’s my friend John and his girlfriend Mango. We got together for awhile on Friday evening at the SOB dance contest.

During the course of the conversation, Mango mentioned she had a friend I should meet. Apparently, this gal is somewhere around 26 years old and works at a local gift shop. I knew the gift shop because I had stopped in there back in January to by some sunglasses for Gem. Anyway, to counter my protestations that she was a bit young for me (which in retrospect was probably rude, Mango is 21, John is 66), Mango noted that this gal usually dates men younger than her and is continually disappointed. In part because they don’t have a pot to piss in. Mango said her friend had mentioned wanting to find an older guy who could support her financially like John does her (basically a small allowance). Mango also told me that her friend was half Filipina, half American, but that she looks American.

Well, I was non-committal. I mean, I’m thinking the best way to meet a “good” someone would be through an introduction by mutual friends. But, I didn’t really retire to the Philippines to hook up with an American looking woman less than half my age. Anyway, the conversation moved on and that was that. Or so I thought.

As I mentioned above, I played darts today from 2 p.m. until nearly 6. And it should come as no surprise that I consumed a fair amount of beer during the course of the afternoon. With darts finished, I noted that my fitbit indicated I was still well shy of my 20,000 step goal. So I took a long and roundabout route back home. And wouldn’t you know, I came upon the gift shop where this young woman works. Did I mention I was a little drunk? Anyway, I figured what the hell? Why not just go in and have a look see. And so I did.

The first words out of her mouth were “what are you doing here?”. You see, the young woman in question turned out to be MJ, my dart partner that afternoon. And then it all started making sense. I mean, even though MJ speaks fluent Tagalog, she doesn’t look like a Filipina (although truthfully, she looks pretty damn fine!). I just didn’t make the connection between her and the woman Mango described.

So, I told her that I was friends with John and Mango and they thought I should meet you. I guess we both found that pretty funny. And then I remembered something else. When I bought the sunglasses back in January, she was the person who sold them to me. Why do I remember that mundane detail? Because later that night she came into the bar where I was drinking. It was one of those “U” shaped bars and she was sitting across from me. We made eye contact and she said, you look familiar. How do I know you? I had to think about it myself, but then remembered I had seen her that afternoon in the store.

Anyway, it was another reminder of the joys of small town living. Or something.

Patience

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I’d be a failure as a doctor. I have no patience.

Yesterday’s interview of a potential driver got off to a rocky start when he showed up one hour late. Yeah, yeah, I know all about “Filipino time”. But the one quality I require of an employee is reliability. His pricing seemed a little high as well. Anyway, I have his number. He can wait for my call. And wait.

No response to the text I sent inquiring about the house I’d love to call mine in Alta Vista. I’m going to ask a Filipino friend to call them and see what’s up. Meanwhile, I’m scheduled to look at a beachfront house tomorrow morning. It’s pricey at 45,000 pesos ($900.) per month. We’ll see if it knocks my socks off. Otherwise I will keep looking.

This just became available (or at least the sign went up yesterday). I’ve emailed an inquiry. It’s right across the street from where I’m currently living. I love the big fenced yard which would allow me to get a dog or two, something I’d really like to do. I crave companionship and loyalty, rare qualities in the human species these days. At least for me.

Speaking of which, let me introduce y’all to Ester.

Ain’t she sweet? There’s no denying we make a great couple.

I’m proud to call Ester my partner. In darts. We took a third place finish last night!

Yeah, yeah. I’ve been here over a week and still no girlfriend. What’s wrong with me?

I’m just going to have to be patient. All good things come to those that wait. I’m just hoping that my investment in this farm pays off soon:

It could happen! This is the perfect environment for money trees….

Magellan’s revenge

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Or as the locals call it, LBM. I assume that’s liquid bowel movement which is an apt description for what ails me. I’ll just have to be patient I suppose while it “runs” its course. Ahem.

Anyway, it made for an early Friday night. I was able to enjoy the Son’s of Baccus (SOB) dance contest however before exiting for the comfort of my home based toilet.

My photography skills were not up to par, but here’s a taste of the competition:

Tonight I’ll play in a darts tournament. And I *might* have a lead on a sweet house in Alta Vista subdivision.

The view I aspire to. The view to which I aspire. One of those.

Onward!

What a pisser!

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Wrapping up my first week of being retired. Where does the time go?

Well, last night I spent some time in the bars. Primarily Voodoo and Hot Zone. Voodoo was a big disappointment. The lineup of dancers was for the most part plus sized. That’s okay, I’m not there for the “take-out” anyway. But before I could even order up my first beer two gals came off the stage and hovered around my table giving me those big doe eyes which translates to “buy me a drink”. No thank you!

I moved on over to Hot Zone which is almost always a fun place to hangout. The dancers are actually talented and seem to enjoy putting on a show. I know I enjoyed watching them. Later some hashers came in and one of them actually remembered me. I mentioned I was now a named hasher and of course he asked what name? I proudly stated “Cum Together” but he didn’t seem too impressed and indicated that after my fifth hash with the Subic Bay kennel odds were good I’d be renamed. I honestly don’t care one way or the other.

So when it came time to take a piss I was surprised to encounter a rather unique urinal:

Hey, when you got to go you got to go! I actually found it quite funny and posted the photo to my Facebook. A couple of folks said in the comments that it was inappropriate and “not cool!” I responded fuck your PC bullshit. I moved to the Philippines to escape all that SJW melting snowflakes crap.

Of course, if I was still working that’s the kind of photo that could create some problems for me. But I ain’t working no more and I will post whatever I please thank you very much.

What else? Well, my balikbayan box has arrived in Manila. Now to figure out how to get the big ass and heavy thing up here in Olongapo. I’ll worry where to put all the contents of the box in this small apartment later.

It appears to have come through relatively unscathed.

I actually need to make a trip to Manila to initiate my retirement visa application so I’ll try and arrange to bring it back with me then. Maybe next week.

I’m interviewing a potential driver in the morning. I don’t need one more than once or twice a week for shopping and the occasional trip to Manila. I went to the grocery store yesterday and the taxi charged me 400 pesos, which is inclusive of the “foreigner tax”. I expect a Filipino would have paid 300-350 for the same ride. I’ll tell your what though, I’m not going to be one of those guys who get incensed over what amounts to 50 cents. Still, I’d like to have a reliable driver I can call on when needed with a prearranged pricing agreement.

Speaking of the supermarket, Royal Duty Free, I was a little bit disappointed. It’s a big store but the selection of things I would normally buy was limited (or maybe I just couldn’t find them). Prices were higher of course than what I’m used to paying in the commissary, no surprise there. But really, with the exception of meat, not really outrageous. For example, I like to snack on Planters Deluxe Mixed Nuts. I was paying about $5.35 a can on base, and at Royal I paid $6.60. Again, not too bad.

I was really unhappy with the fresh vegetables, especially the total lack of celery, one of my favorite snack options (sometimes with peanut butter). Oh well, next time I’ll try the other large supermarket, Puregold, and see what they stock. The store appears more upscale so perhaps I’ll find more of what delights me.

Really though, after seeing how much meat costs I might be better off eating out at the multitude of dining establishments right here in my neighborhood. Especially unless and until I purchase a grill. My crockpot is packed in that balikbayan box, so that will also give me more options once I have it here.

Life is good regardless. Happy to be here experiencing it.

Am I brown from the sun?

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No, I’m John from the earth!

It’s been a hot ass week this week. You know it’s hot when even the natives are complaining about the heat. I’m sucking it up and still getting my 20,000+ steps in everyday, but it’s a chore.

They tell me it’s a bad idea to engage in politics here. Thus I’ve taken measures to ensure my redneck is covered.

I’ve dreamed about an easy and comfortable retired life, but I never expected I’d be riding the gravy train like this:

Yesterday’s lunch: Salisbury steak covered in mushroom gravy!

And last night for dinner I had a delicious chicken fried steak covered in gravy.

It was dinner with a view for dessert you might say.

This morning for breakfast I enjoyed me some shit on a shingle. Smothered in gravy of course!

Anyway, I seem to be settling into a comfortable routine here during my first week of being re-retired. I get up in the morning and walk the beach. Eat. Come home and relax, then take another walk (the killer walk during the hottest part of the day). I’ve re-introduced a short afternoon nap into my regimen as well. Then I walk back into town for the evening’s entertainment. This usually involves beer drinking, if you can imagine that.

I’m not looking to buy a car, but if I was I wouldn’t mind this one I saw on yesterday’s walk:

A 1966 Ford Galaxie. Pretty damn good condition for a golden oldie, that’s for sure.

Played in another darts tourney last night (finished 4th, there are some really good players here). Interestingly, one of the guys I met used to play in Songtan and we have some mutual friends. That was pretty cool! It appears there are dart events on five different days here each week. That’s probably more than I’ll want to participate, but it sure beats the options in Anjeong-ri (or Seoul for that matter).

Still plan to find a gym to build some upper body strength. I guess that’s called working on your core? Anyway, I hope to employ a trainer at least in the beginning for both the “how to” and some motivation to do the work.

Today I’ll be making my first trip to the grocery store so I can fill the larder and hopefully start eating at home more often. It’s not expensive to eat out here everyday, it’s just hard to find healthy choices. Too much gravy!

It might also be a good idea for me to get my head. Into a good book.

Be it ever so humble…

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…there’s no place like home.

Out of the hotel and into my first ever apartment here in the Philippines. I guess that kinda makes me an official resident, right? Anyway, I consider this to be temporary quarters until I can find something I really want to call home. I’ve grown accustomed to living in a “palace” with too much space to now being cramped into a one bedroom unit. It’s bigger than similar apartments I looked at though. The place verifies my thinking that I brought too much shit with me. There is certainly not enough closet/shelf/drawer space to accommodate my clothing.

Anyway, here’s some pictures of the place:

My apartment complex. I believe the landlord told me there are two upstairs and three downstairs apartments. The upstairs units have 2 bedrooms and one will be available later this month. I’ll check it out and see if it is worth repacking all my stuff to gain some extra space.

The entrance to my place. That would be what is known as a dirty kitchen area for outdoor cooking. I may decide to set up a grill out there.

The “clean” kitchen. Give me time, I just moved in. I’ll dirty that fucker up!

A small refrigerator and what will serve as a pantry I suppose. There is zero cabinets in this kitchen as you might have noticed.

The dining area which has been re-purposed as my office. Got to give the landlord props, when I asked about wifi she said the router is upstairs but she would install one on the ground level as well. The network is “Eriksson 5G” but I doubt it is really that fast…still no complaints so far!

The living room…

The living room with my personal touches added….

The bathroom…someone asked why you need a water heater when it is always hot as hell outside. So? I like a hot shower anyway. Sue me!

The one and only bedroom.

The one and only bedroom has the one and only air con unit in the apartment. It keeps the room chilled enough, but it is insufficient to cool the rest of the place. Ah well, I’m paying for the electricity so I guess I’ll just consider myself frugal.

So, all that for a mere $440. per month. If I take the two bedroom later the rent will be $500. That’s pretty high I think, but living in the Baloy Beach area tends to cost a little more. Plus I’m sure I’m paying the “foreigner tax”.

Yesterday I played in a sweet little darts tourney here. I’m still sucking but I had moments of brilliance, so there’s hope.

Finished second and was happy with that. Those gals were some amazing darters. I was very impressed with their level of play. I need to step up my game if I’m going to be competitive here!

Alright, time for my morning beach walk. I might just get used to living like this.

First impressions

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So, settling into my new life and so far, so good.

Filipinos have a reputation for being a friendly lot overall and I’d have to say from what I’ve seen it is well earned. Simply things like a cheery greeting and smile on the street just makes me feel good and comfortable.

I chose the Philippines in large part because of the English speaking abilities of the natives. I haven’t been disappointed in that regard thus far. It’s nice to engage in friendly banter with the bar staff and waitresses. And they even get my jokes! Most of the time anyway. Haha, and all my old jokes are new again!

The weather has been hot, but that is not a surprise. I’m dealing with it fine for the most part. Although I do have to change my shirt a couple of times a day. The air here is much cleaner than back “home” in Korea. I’m sure my lungs are appreciative for that.

One of my new routines is a morning walk on the beach. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of that!

And I incorporate breakfast before, during, or after my walk.

I never sausage a muffin!

Happy about the dart scene too. I’ll be playing again this afternoon at 1400. Good way to meet people and perhaps I will regain some of my former prowess.

Downsides? Well, I’ve got to say it’s pretty shocking to see just how dirty the beaches are here. I mean, covered in litter. And not stuff that is washing up on shore, it is just people leaving their trash on the ground. Disgusting really. I did note that there are no trash containers strategically placed along the beach, but that is really no excuse. You’d think the hotels and resorts would step up and police the waterfront as a matter of civic pride and responsibility.

I’ve been pestered by a few beggars, mostly kids, but it hasn’t been overwhelming. I tell them no for the most part. Don’t feel good about it, but in a bizarre kind of way I think that is the best approach. It’s not a matter of money for me obviously. Once I get squared away, I’ll get involved with the King’s Fil-Am Home again. You can’t help everyone, but you can help some!

And of course, I’m troubled by the spotty nature of the internet access here. Not a surprise, but I really need to find a source for steady and reliable connections. Yeah, I’m spoiled by the speed of Korea that I won’t be able to replicate here, but these past couple of days have been frustrating. Even my pocket wifi has been disappointing. Oh well, first world problems, right?

And that’s about it for now. I’ve been living like a tourist and I need to get out of that mode. Hopefully moving into my apartment will help me along in that regard. It will certainly be nice having a kitchen again. This eating out all the time makes it very hard to maintain my low-carb lifestyle.

Bottom line: I’m glad to be here!

No longer homeless

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I’m drunk tonight, so let me keep this short and sweet. You are welcome.

I have a short term solution to my housing problem. I’ve committed to a decent one bedroom place here in Baloy Beach. Committed for a month at least. The two-bedroom upstairs becomes available at the end of the month and I have the right of first refusal on that. So we’ll see.

In the meantime, I’ve negotiated 22,000 pesos ($440.) per month, and I pay the electric. It’s a start but not what I want for the long run. Gives me time to keep looking without too much pressure at least.

I’m drunk because I played darts and drank while I played. I didn’t play particularly well, but it felt good to be back on the oche regardless.

It’s been a hot motherfucker, but I still got my steps in. Scouted some new neighborhoods with nothing of interest. Heard tell of a couple of others I’ll hike out to see tomorrow or Wednesday.

Otherwise, I’m okay. Some fucked up things in my personal life but hey, I should be used to that by now, right? Too drunk to think about it at the moment, but I’d love to figure out just what it is about me that drives people I care about away. Heh, maybe I don’t want to know. Yeah, I actually DON’T want to know. I do my best and that’s all I’ve got. If that is not enough, by all means, walk away.

Ah well, I’m here and trying to keep it all together. I’m going to be selfish (er, more selfish than usual) for awhile. I need to take care of me. No one else is going to.

I must be a bloomin’ idiot.

A good day

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Up bright and early and ready for breakfast. Treasure Island did not disappoint!

A shitload of french toast, a big ass sausage, and two damn fine fried eggs. All for 350 pesos (less than $7.) Life is good!

Now, obviously I can’t eat like that everyday or I will be a fat old fucker once again. I’m resolved to make that kind of eating a once a week experience!

I did a one hour beach hike as penance for my over indulgence. As I neared my hotel on the return walk I spotted a woman in the distance walking towards me. She had the body type that I like and as she got closer I was pleased that she was in my preferred age range (mid thirties and up). As we passed I smiled and said good morning and she smiled back! I kept on walking, and ten paces later I turned around to look again. And so did she! Damn, getting the second look from a woman almost never happened to me in Korea.

I hesitated for just a second, then continued on. It is just not time yet for me. Too much to do right now and I need to stay focused on the task at hand. What are the odds that she would have be “the one” for me? I figure if it is meant to be, we’ll pass on the street again someday. IF that happens, I will offer her my phone number.

I can do that, because I now have a new sim card in my phone and a Philippines phone number.

Yep, I took the Jeepney into town, then hoofed it over to the mall and signed up with Globe for phone and internet.

Bought this pocket wifi as well. Internet here can be spotty. A couple places I went last night had non-functioning wifi. Today, my hotel internet has not worked. In fact, I’m blogging now courtesy of Globe and my pocket wifi.

Is that a wifi in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me? Yes!

And the day kept on getting better and better. Came back to the hotel for lunch, then headed out to see if the house I saw in the Santa Monica subdivision was still available. It wasn’t and damn, it was a hot motherfucker today. So hot it actually hurt. So on the way back home I popped into a hole in the wall bar called appropriately enough “Up the Alley”. I was surprised to see a dart tourney in progress, and very impressed to note that almost all the participants were female. Most of them quite attractive. I pinched myself and it wasn’t a dream!

I nursed a couple of beers and fantasized watched the action. One of the guys sitting next to at the bar (whom I hadn’t noticed for some reason) asked me if I was a dart player. I gave him an affirmative nod and he gave me the lowdown on the dart scene here. Basically, I can play on five different nights of the week if I am so inclined.

We got to talking about other things and I mentioned my so far fruitless efforts to find a suitable place to call home. He gave me some options on short term places, and suggested I talk to the manager at Treasure Island for other possibilities. I said that’s where I’m staying and I’m sure I’ve seen the guy. And then the other guy was going through his coupons won at the Friday night SOB dance contest raffle. He gave me one for a free night at Treasure Island. An extra day to look for an apartment. Sweet!

They (Tom and Jerry) invited me to join them at another nearby watering hole, Dynamite Dick’s. The owner immediately treated us to a round of beers. I liked the guy already, but when I saw his non-PC bar decor, I was even more impressed:

I’ll be back to grab me some…beers!

And lo and behold, the aforementioned manager of Treasure Island was sitting at the bar. Even though we had never talked, we immediately recognized each other. I was introduced and we got to chatting. Told him my dream was to find a house in Alta Vista but was having no luck finding anything for rent there. He said, there’s going to be a place for rent soon. It seems the owner of Treasure Island is building a house up there which will be completed in 6-8 weeks. His current house is also in Alta Vista. So, once he moves to the new place, he’ll be looking to rent his old one. I told him I’d definitely be interested in that, so he’s going to hook us up. Then I mentioned my coupon for a free night at his hotel, and he immediately called and secured me a room.

Is this a great town or what? I’m pretty damn sure I’m going to like my life here.

The first day of the rest of my (new) life

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What a difference a day makes!

The final goodbye to my work family was as difficult as I expected it would be. Lots of tears, including some of my own…

The king has left his palace for the last time…

I hired a local Filipina I know to drive me to Incheon for W150,000. I decided to pay a premium for the convenience of door-to-door service She brought her boyfriend along which turned out to be a good thing. She kept texting while driving in heavy traffic and after ignoring his entreaties to stop doing it, he took the phone away from her. I breathed a sigh of relief!

When the check-in counter for Philippines Air opened an hour after my arrival I was second in line for the business class check-in. When my turn came I hefted my two heavy suitcases up on the belt and then waited for what I hoped would be good news. After a bit she looked up at me and said simply “you are overweight”. I smiled and said, yeah I know, but I’m working hard on that with diet and exercise. She didn’t get my meaning at first, but then she pointed at the scale which read “64 kgs” and said I’m only allowed 30 kgs. She then helpfully suggested that if I wanted to pay and additional W334,000 she would check the bag. And so I did. I wasn’t surprised I was over the limit, just surprised by how much.

Anyway, I got to kill time in an airport lounge with a decent enough free buffet (another business class perk) while I waited to board my flight. Which in due course I did.

The only way to fly! The seat fully reclined, no one sitting next to me, and I enjoyed re-watching the musical “Chicago” for the first time in years. A short nap afterwards and then we were wheels down in Manila.

And once again the business class perks paid off as I was near the front of line at immigration and my luggage was amongst the first on the carousel. I was a little nervous that my many and bulging bags would garner unwanted attention from the customs folks (2 laptops, 15 new vape pens, and a dozen large bottles of juice) but they didn’t blink an eye as I sailed on through. Woot!

My driver was waiting in the appointed location and I was impressed as he skillfully maneuvered his way through the surprisingly heavy late night Manila traffic. It a long drive regardless and it was 3:00 a.m. when we finally arrived at the Treasure Island Resort where I will stay until Monday.

My room is a disappointment. I booked through Agoda and specifically requested (and paid for) an ocean view room. Well, the ocean ain’t far outside my door, but the room does not feature any windows. I guess if I sit out on my patio I can see water, but still… Oddly enough, the last time I stayed at Treasure Island I was given the same room, which is why I never came back. And just to prove that the God of Love has a wicked sense of humor, this is the room I shared with Loraine last year. So I slept in the bed we once shared, but honestly, it didn’t bother me. Much.

Maybe I was unfazed because before going to bed I took my sleeping meds in the form of ice cold San Mig Lights. It seemed like a good way to kick off retired life.

Up around 8:00 this morning, had an omelette and took a quick hike on the beach.

It felt damn good too.

A nice day to be retired.

While I was out and about I took a look at available short term apartments here in the Baloy beach area. The one I had looked at and liked during my January trip will not be available until next month. I found another one I kinda liked but when I asked about internet, the owner said “it’s better outside than inside”. Nope. So, I guess I’m going to settle for a little one bedroom place up the road a piece. It will run about $500 a month. Way too much really, but it is not a place I’m willing to stay long term, so there’s a premium on month-to-month. Or maybe I’m just paying the foreigner tax. Ah well, not going to sweat the small stuff.

Long term I still want a nice house. Walked through Alta Vista subdivision again but alas, I saw nothing for rent.

one of these…

…which feature this view would suit me just fine. I’ll be patient. Tomorrow I’ll check out another nearby subdivision and see what I can see…

Had lunch here at Treasure Island and flirted with the cute waitress Jessa. But it was all teasing, she is way too young and also has a four year old. Not going there!

I still need to go to the mall on the old Navy base and get a sim card for my phone. Was on my way to do that this afternoon and the sky started rumbling, so I said fuck it and came back to write this blog. Aren’t you glad I did?

And ain’t retired life grand?

My friend Eva sent me this poem and said when she saw it she thought it must be similar to what I’ve been feeling. Yeah, pretty much.

This is the beginning…
This is where it all will start,
on the wings of some new spirit with the beat of some new heart.

Every morning brings a promise,
Every day has gifts to give,
But today…right now…this minute….
is when I begin to live.
And the air that I am breathing is the breeze of what could be,
as I stand here looking out on all the things that could be Me.
And the road that goes before me, leading somewhere out of sight,
is a brand new opportunity for me to get it right.
This is the beginning. This is
Once Upon a Time….
There are dragons to be vanquished! There are castle walls to climb!
But this story isn’t written yet.
I’m only at page one.
The adventure that’s awaiting me has only just begun.
There are mysteries and treasures.
There are daring deeds to do!
And if I speak the secret word, then all my wishes will come true.
That magic word has powers that can make the heavens spin.
But it really is not secret that the password is……”Begin!”
Oh the possibilities is this beginning I have made!
I am ready!…. but reluctant.
I am excited!…. but afraid.

Afraid that starting something new leaves something old behind.
Afraid that what I seek is something I may never find.
Or, if I find it, that it won’t be what I want at all.
That what I’ve left behind is what I needed after all.

Beginning can be bittersweet, and hard to comprehend.
It can mean that some sweet, precious part of life is at an end.
And the heart can feel so hollow when it has to say good-bye
that the thought of starting over is too hard to even try.

But when I reach the end, when all my days are nearly through,
I will not want to look back on all the things I didn’t do.
Nor regret the joys and passions of the me that might have been,
if only I had found the simple courage to begin.
So…….This is the beginning….
My Beginning……..My Rebirth.
I awaken to the wonder of what I am really worth.
It is a springtime for the spirit, and it’s giving me a choice.
So I choose to use this season as a reason to rejoice!

I lift my voice in sweet thanksgiving, singing loud….and not alone.
A host of harmonies accompanies my song of the unknown.
Loving friends and willing strangers, with their voices joining in,
create a chorus of encouragement that begs me to begin.

And the end?…..
It’s out there, somewhere, farther than the heart can see.
And the power that will take me there is here, inside of me.
Though there is no way I can know how many trials I’ll endure,
nor the joys that I may find,
there is one thing I know for sure…..

This is the Beginning…….
–Warren Hanson

A moving experience

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Winding it down and winding it up. Completed my final drunken weekend in Anjeong-ri, featuring competing in my last IDK dart tourney. Took a fourth, which was disappointing. Understandable though since I haven’t found the motivation to get off my lazy ass and practice. But I’m resolved to re-dedicate myself to the sport after the move. I’ll have some hours to fill once I arrive and that should be a productive use of some of that time.

I’ve been thinking about the big move as the day rapidly approaches. I’ve obviously made many moves in my life, starting with moving out of my parent’s house when I was a lad of 17. But I’ve never made a move quite like this one. When I left California, where I was born and raised, for Arizona, I took along my wife and children and transferred with my letter carrier job. A few years later I was both divorced and heartbroken when I moved alone to Oklahoma. In some ways, that move most resembles this one. I sold everything I owned that didn’t fit in my car and started over. But, I was also going to be rejoining with my kids and mother and I still had a job, so in that way it differs.

I eventually remarried and took a big promotion in South Carolina. Later on, a new job and a new wife in Virginia. The big change in my life was moving to Korea in January 2005. Big culture shock both in learning about an Asian country and adapting to my new employer, the U.S. Army. I wound up loving both! So much so that I didn’t want to return to the USA, which eventually cost me yet another wife.

And then the day came (December 31, 2010) when I first decided to retire. I had been planning to live in the Philippines, but Jee Yeun changed my mind about that. Instead we made a plan to live 6 months in the states and 6 months in Korea. That worked for me. Until it didn’t work for her anymore. Not going to open that old wound now, suffice to say I came back to Korea and came back to work. Having completed the circle it is once again time to retire and this time I’ll follow through on the plan to live in the PI, for better or worse.

Is it a little scary? To be honest, yes. At least in the sense that I’m going to be exploring uncharted territory on my own. My many previous moves have not been anything like the one I’m preparing to make now. The biggest differences are that I will be alone and unemployed. A job gives you a built-in social network and a sense of purpose and belonging. I know I’ll make friends (already have one in Manila) and I’ll get settled into my routines. In time I’m sure it will feel like home. It’s just a bit disconcerting dealing with all the unknowns. Well, that’s what makes it an adventure I suppose.

Let the adventure begin! In a mere 5 days.

Almost home

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Well, I guess you could say I’m feeling a little week today.

That’s right, in a mere seven days I’ll be boarding a plane and flying off to find a new, and hopefully better, life in the Philippines. Despite numerous visits there as a tourist I’m not sure what to expect as a full-time resident. The adventure I suppose will be in finding out what happens next.

I’ve pretty much come to terms with the idea of going it alone, at least to start. I’m resolved to not actively look for a girlfriend/companion. If “the one” for me is out there, she’ll find me. I’m just going to let nature take its course. It seems more practical anyway to allow things to occur in the natural fashion, like being introduced by mutual friends or maybe encountering each other at an event of common interest (the Hash, darts, etc.). Yeah, I’m a lonely guy and that makes me vulnerable. I need to toughen my ass (and heart) up and accept things as they are, rather than settle for something that may (or may not) be better than nothing.

I’ve not been real busy at work (shuddup!) which has given me time to peruse expat blogs and webpages about adapting to life in the Philippines. Picking up some good tips here and there which may help me avoid learning by making mistakes. One thing is clear, how well you adjust and how happy you are in the Philippines really comes down to your own attitude. I’m not known for my patience and I know going in I’m going to have to lower my expectations about certain aspects of life in the PI, and accept that things will not always go as I hope and desire them to be. For the expats that acknowledge the realities of life in a third world country and who recognize that the overall good aspects of life outweigh the bad, happiness awaits. For those who bitch, moan and complain about inconveniences and disappointments, well the best course is to get the fuck out and go home. I will endeavor mightily to be amongst the former.

One blog I read particularly resonated with me. In a post called “Finding your own path”, Reekay (a six year resident) wrote:

Which brings me to the point of ‘finding your own path’. I have said so many times to so many people, “The Philippines has been fantastic for me… but it’s not for everyone.” I stand by that. For me, the Philippines awakens all my senses afresh. My mind is alive and in full gear all over again, just like when I was a kid. Something new is around every corner. Food is different. People are different. The very air is different. Is it altogether ‘better’ than my life in the USA? In some ways, yes and in some ways, absolutely not. Going from a 1st-world country into a country that boasts not only some of the most beautiful and accessible topical landscapes, but also no shortage of poverty and distress is a change that not everyone can handle in stride.

I’ve mentioned before that this is one reason those of us Expats who run into each other on the streets or online in the Philippines have a common sense of respect for each other. It takes a certain type of adventurous spirit to not only endure the new environs and distance from ‘home’… but to thrive and truly enjoy a whole other culture to the fullest. That commonality of spirit gives us a certain bond of friendship that has nothing in common with those expats who arrive and simply complain of their plight here. We distance ourselves from those who made the move, but never accepted the culture of the new surroundings. We are adventurous and revel in our new surroundings. ‘They’ arrived only to live in frustration at their own displeasure of inconvenience. Our only statement to them is, “If you don’t like it, leave.”

What I have spent many hours in front of a bonfire in the province alone pondering is my resolve to be content in pursuing my own path. I truly wish I could have found the ‘one path’ that would make others as happy as I am with my own life. But there is no ‘one’ path. I see poverty in the USA and I see it in the Philippines. Despite a few dollars here and there to random people in need I encounter, I have no solution. I can’t sit down for a moment and say to one of the beggars, “Just do ‘this’ and ‘this’ and all will be well, my friend.” I have no such solution. I see sorrowful marriages or relationships and over the years I’ve tried to offer the best counsel I could to avert or stop the pain involved. Some people listen, some don’t. Each person has to determine for themselves the path they will take. I offer to point out a fork in the road; this way leads to more of the same misery.. this other way leads to a freedom from the situation. That is the best I can do. It is the new mantra that I hear myself saying now that I have been in-country for 16 months and it is this; “Everyone must find their own path.”

I suppose this is the tight-rope that must be navigated in a poor country when you are the ‘rich’ foreigner transplanted for the duration. Figuring out when, where and to whom some level of compassion or assistance is to be given to others. In a land where there is much desperation, there is much abuse of kind-hearted foreigners trying to navigate those waters. Countless are the expat stories of being lied to and defrauded of money by those who take the deceitful shortcut to survival. I do what I can to give warnings and how to avoid such situations, but again I’m reminded that each one must find their own path. Some must learn the hard way that trust cannot be given so quickly. Discernment as to when and to whom to give compassion or assistance is not something that can be bottled and dispersed like a tonic. Despite whatever good advice anyone may come across.. time and experience is what it boils down to.

I am happy with the path I’ve chosen. I wish I could do more for others but, the reality is I can only do so much. And maybe that’s okay. Few men ever change the whole world in a positive way. Perhaps making positive change to the few within our circle of influence is all we can really expect of ourselves.

That last paragraph is what I aspire to do…making my little corner of the world just a little bit better because of my presence there.

So, in my readings lots of writers point out how inexpensive it is to hire someone to make your life simple and worry free, touting that as one of the big benefits of living in the Philippines. Yeah, yeah, I know. I’ve been there and done that. But, as many have pointed out, what I really did was try to purchase a relationship, and that effort was bound to fail. Lesson learned. Still, I would consider hiring a “helper” that could assist me in navigating the culture and in general just make my life as easy as possible. Obviously, this time around I would employ a person I’m not attracted to and keep everything strictly professional and platonic. We’ll see.

Before I can pursue that option I’ll need to find a house in which to live that would accommodate a live-in helper. I know the neighborhood I want (Alta Vista) but I’ve got to be on the ground to find an available rental.

This is the view I want to wake up to each morning:

If my Spanish is right, “Alta Vista” means “high view”. Works for me!

And this would be my dream house to wake up in:

I just have to be patient and look until I find just what I want. That’s why I plan to do a short term lease on a small apartelle while I walk the neighborhoods looking for home.

The search begins next week!

I saw my life this morning
Lying at the bottom of a drawer
All this stuff I’m saving
God knows what this junk is for
And whatever I believed in
This is all I have to show
What the hell were all reasons
For holding on for such dear life
Here’s where I let go

I’m not running
I’m not hiding
I’m not reaching
I’m just resting in the arms of the great wide open
Gonna pull my soul in
And I’m almost home

Social security

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I have kleptomania. But when it gets bad, I take something for it

The reaction of many (especially Koreans) when they hear about my forthcoming move to the Philippines is along the lines of “oh, but isn’t it dangerous there?” This can perhaps be attributed to the fact that anytime a Korean comes to a bad end in the PI it is headline news here. But the fact is that relatively speaking, the Philippines is just about as safe as anywhere you might choose to live. I’d certainly feel safer in Olongapo than I would in Chicago, Baltimore or L.A.

Which is not to say that there is not a certain “wild west” feel to place. The key to safety and security is to be situationally aware and to not take unnecessary risks. In other words, don’t do stupid shit. Foreigners do stand out in a crowd and are considered by many Filipinos to be wealthy, which relatively speaking, many of us are. So you don’t flaunt that wealth with ostentatious displays of fancy jewelry or other temptations for someone criminally inclined who is looking for an easy mark. I normally do not carry a wallet when I’m out and about as pickpockets can separate you from that with relative ease. I tend to carry only the amount of cash I will need for a particular outing, and I keep the large and small bills in separate pockets, usually closed with Velcro tabs.

I just purchased some security supplies from Amazon, including this “wear around your neck” wallet like thing. Doubt I’ll use it all the time, but there will be occasions where it might prove useful.

And check out this new brush. I can stash some cold cash inside where it will be handy but still out of sight from anyone with sticky fingers who might enter my lodging…

The other thing to keep in mind is to not piss off a local or cause them to lose face. That’s a big thing to a Filipino and given that it is relatively cheap to hire a hit (around $100 dollars, or so I’ve been told) and that many folks own guns (a right denied to foreigners) it just isn’t wise to get into disputes with the natives. I have every intention to keep a low profile, be friendly, and wear a smile whether I’m feeling it or not. Patience isn’t my virtue, but I will strive mightily to “take a deep breath, relax, and accept the Filipino way” whenever I find myself in frustrating circumstances.

To keep my luggage secure during my travels I have these fine new “TSA approved” locks. There have been recent reports of bags being rifled at some PI airports, so at least this will keep me from being an easy target. Not that I’ll have much of value inside my checked bags, but still…

The other thing that is different from my previous vacation trips is that I’ll be carrying a much more significant amount of cash. This is necessary because I won’t be able to open a Philippines bank account right away and I’m going to have some largish expenditures during that first month, assuming I find a suitable house to rent. Once I secure my visa I should be able to transfer funds from the USA to my PI bank account without too much trouble. Still, carrying a wad of cash increases the risk factor so I’ll need to be doubly on my guard. For example, a Facebook “friend” I’ve not yet met in person suggested I use her neighbor for my transport from Manila airport to Olongapo. At first I thought, sure why not?. Then I pictured myself never arriving in Olongapo, so I opted for the hotel shuttle driver I’ve used in the past. Once I’m there I’ll certainly look at hiring her friend as my driver (I’ll use a driver a couple of times a week for shopping excursions and the like). But I’ll want to meet him in person first.

So much for security, let’s look at my social life.

Joey and Sonya treated me to a fine farewell dinner at Braii Republic, a South African eatery here in town.

My team at work thought an afternoon outing to a nearby Catholic church was a good idea.

So off we went and the church grounds were in fact quite lovely…

Team DHRM rocks!

Then we all had dinner at a country style Korean restaurant featuring the traditional pancake…

….and fried gizzards. It was surprisingly tasty!

Last night I enjoyed a dinner invite from one of my Korean staff, Mr. So. He’s been with USFK for 48 years and last night was the final time we’ll be together (he’s going on leave and I’ll be gone when he comes back).

Mrs. So put out quite a spread. Actually, some of the best eating I’ve ever done in Korea. Very nice evening.

And now I’m off to Seoul for the final round of my farewell tour.

14 days.

I’ve got a name

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Sorry for the lack of posting, let’s catch up! Things continue apace as I transit the transitory process. I’ve even acquired a new moniker to carry with me in my new life in the Philippines. More on that later in this post.

Meanwhile, here in the real world (or at least the world in which I physically live) I’m making the best of it while it lasts.

Enjoyed me a lunch featuring crab legs at the Provider Grill DFAC with my counterparts from the Eighth Army G1.

After work on Friday I got stuck on base because of a lockdown. Apparently there was an active shooter (or more likely an active shooter drill). I waited around the walk-in gate as long as I could, but nature called so I hoofed it across the street to the Flightline restaurant. They were locked up, but let me in so I could “shelter in place”. They had a restroom and cold beer, so I waited it out in comfort until the all clear was sounded.

And I finally reached a decision in the one bag or two dilemma.

Better to have too much than not enough, right?

Having the second suitcase gave me the confidence to fill it with things that may be hard to find or expensive in my new homeland. It was raining Saturday morning which gave me the perfect excuse to go shopping at the PX. I surprised myself by spending over $500 during my spree. I bought a few more shirts and shorts appropriate for the tropics. I also picked up two large bottles of my favorite cologne (Armani Mania). I went ahead and splurged on a brand new Fitbit, figuring I’d want a backup handy should the one I’m wearing fail.

And these shoes. The most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned and probably the most expensive ($116). They have some cushioning effect that feels like you have little springs on your feet. Disconcerting at first, but I like it now!

The rain let up some in the afternoon, and I needed to get my steps in so off I went.

A blooming orchard I encountered along the way.


And even after being here almost one year (my lease expires on the day I fly out) this sign still cracks me up.

I’ve been trying to get back into darts as that will be one of my pastimes after I make the move. Still can’t seem to find the motivation to practice, but I’m back at it on Saturday nights at IDK bar.

I drew Ben as my partner. We have some history. First met him in Columbia, SC when he was stationed at Fort Jackson. A year later he moved on to Syracuse, NY. At his farewell I mentioned that maybe we’d meet again in Korea someday. His wife said NO WAY I’m going to Korea. So I took some satisfaction while attending Ben’s assumption of command ceremony on Yongsan a couple of years ago, asking Leah “what are you doing in Korea?”

Ben and I played on the “What the Bulls” championship team my last season in Seoul. He moved down to Humphreys this fall, but we’ve never drawn up as partners until last Saturday. We were both off our game though and had to settle for a second place finish. Great fun throwing with him again though!

And now I hope you’ll indulge me while I play the role of proud grandfather.

Gracyn did her second horse show and seems to have both a natural talent and a love for the sport.


Took first place in two events and that smile says it all.

Sunday morning was nice, so I decided to make the long trek to Pyeongtaek city and back (3.5 hours).

As is my custom, I took the riverside bike path…

Pyeongtaek awaits. As usual, I peed at the train station, walked through the glass house red light district, then headed on home.

I was walking on a carpet of blossoms.

Sunday afternoon I joined up with the Humphreys Hangover Hash House Harriers for the day’s event. It actually turned out to be a pretty challenging trail.

First time the Hare (Shamu Shagger), the person marking the trail, took us this far afield. A rice field as it were.

It was a smallish turnout (three hashers plus the Hare) but we really covered some territory, including down by the riverside.


It made for a long day!

It was also my 5th Hash and that meant I would be given my official Hash name.

Young Dum Cum is my Hash father, having selected my Hash name.

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m still learning the Hash rituals (I’m getting much better at following the trails though!), so half the time I don’t know what’s going on. The naming ritual was pretty intense, as I was grilled with probing questions for quite awhile as they searched for nuggets of information that would lead to an appropriate Hash name.

Now, Hash names are rarely PC or appropriate in polite company. Flim Flam, Blow My Pipe, Bum Burglar, Leech My Nuggets are examples of my soon to be fellow Hashers in the Subic Bay Hash House Harriers kennel. So I was a little nervous about what they might come up with for me. After about twenty minutes of deliberation over my interview answers I was called back to the circle and awarded the Hash name I will carry with me throughout the world. After drinking beer from the traditional dog bowl I was introduced as:

Cum Together.

I’ve already ordered my Hash jersey with my name on the back.

Like the pine trees lining the winding road
I got a name, I got a name
Like the singing bird and the croaking toad
I got a name, I got a name
And I carry it with me like my daddy did
But I’m living the dream that he kept hid
Moving me down the highway, rolling me down the highway
Moving ahead so life won’t pass me by

A profound thought

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“If you are willing to settle for less, less will be your destiny.”

Well, that’s as profound as it gets for me anyway.

Over the past few days in the course of conversation with a couple of different friends the concept of destiny reared its ugly head. As usual, the context was “well, that didn’t turn out the way I hoped, but it must be destiny.” Of course, destiny is the twin sister of “God’s will”. Well, I ain’t buying it.

I recall my final appearance in Sunday School at the First Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina. The lesson that day was about how God had granted mankind “free will”. At the conclusion of class there was an announcement that there would be a march to the statehouse in support of more restrictive abortion laws. I was sincerely confused and so I raised my hand and asked “if God has given us free will, why would you want to pass a law taking that away?” I was met with a blank stare and after a few seconds was told “it’s a matter of faith”. I took it on faith that there was no point in my returning.

The point is that if we have free will to make decisions in life there can be no outcome that is our destiny. If what happens in our life is preordained, it wouldn’t matter what road or course of action we decided to take, we’d always wind up in the same place. Bullshit.

The things that happen to us in life, good and bad, are not “destiny” they are the result of the choices we make. Yeah, call me Captain Obvious but I’m tired of hearing “sorry, it was just our destiny that we arrived in this fucked up place”. No, we are where we are because we chose through our deeds a course of action that led us here.

I’m taking a new path (in 28 days!) that will lead me to a different future. And as I move forward I’m very cognizant of the fact that the choices I will make along the way are critical if I am to achieve my goal of living a contented and comfortable life in the Philippines. In short, I can’t let myself fuck up again. There are many traps, pitfalls and obstacles along the road to happiness. I’ll have to be patient and cautious as I move forward and choose wisely among the options that will present themselves.

I remain confident that the love of my life is out there and that she will find me one day. It’s my destiny.

I’ve been looking for a lover
But I haven’t met her yet
She’ll be nothing like
I pictured her to be
In her eyes I will discover
Another reason why
I want to live
and make the best
of what I see.

Where the sun hits the water
And the mountains meet the sand
There’s a beach
that I walk along sometimes
And maybe there I’ll meet her
And we’ll start to say ‘hello’
And never stop to think
of any other time.

Looking’ for a love
that’s right for me
I don’t know how long
it’s going to be
But I hope I treat her kind
And don’t mess with her mind
When she starts to see
the darker side of me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFs_4N5PU28

The lasts shall be firsts

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Thirty days out or one month away, take your pick. I continue the slow process of extricating myself from the bonds that bind me here.

My big dilemma of the moment is deciding whether to bring two suitcases or one. Philippines Air says I can carry 30 kilos total on the flight, every additional kilo will cost me $12.00. Decisions, decisions. On the one hand, I can just leave behind whatever might not fit. Or I could fill the second bag with stuff I could use and may not find in the PI (or that would cost a lot more). For example, I wouldn’t mind bringing a bidet with me. Plus I can buy stuff at the PX tax free. On the other hand, I’d have to struggle with two big-ass suitcases, plus my carry-on. I’ll decide sometime in the next month I reckon.

Meanwhile, I’m in the zone now where some things I do here I’m doing for the last time.

Today I got my last haircut in Korea…

It was pretty funny, the barber said I seem in much better spirits than I was the first time she saw me. She said that first day I had an expression on my face like I had just stepped in dog shit. That cracked me up! I admit I went through a grumpy phase (oh hell, maybe it is just my nature). But, having a new life to look forward to soon has indeed brightened my spirits.

Even my milk has a longer shelf life here than I do!

On thing is for sure, moving to the PI will…

…be changing me.

On the flip (no offense meant to the Filipino people) side, every last in Korea will be an opportunity for a first come May.

What else? Well it is Siblings Day in the USA. So, let me give a shoutout to my bros…

I’d be the handsome one in the middle. But you knew that, right?

I’m planning my last trip to Seoul the last weekend in April. Will stay Friday through Monday. Anyone out there want to meet up, give me a holler. Especially you, Kevin Kim.

The days like a slow train trickle by
And even the words that I write refuse to fly
All I can hear is your song haunting me
Can’t get the melody out of my head, you see
Distractions are amusing, do you know how much you’re losing
No you don’t, but I do

Holy crap!

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It’s been a Good Friday so far. Took a 3 hour walk along the river to Pyeongtaek. And saw this:

Ain’t that the shits?

What else? Well, preparations for the big move continue apace. Made my reservation at the Treasure Island Resort on Baloy Beach for my first weekend in-country.

Stayed there once before for a couple of nights, but have enjoyed that bar on numerous occasions.

During the weekend I will scope out some short-term apartelles (I’m figuring 30 days) while I conduct a thorough on-the-ground reconnissance for my permanent digs.

I’ve also started doing some packing. Excited much? More and more as the move date approaches.

Ordered up 15 new vaping pen e-cigs and 15 bottles of juice. That ought to hold me until I make a planned trip back to the states in the fall. I can re-supply from there.

Monday I will visit the on-base legal office and get a Power of Attorney for my daughter to manage the mortgage affairs of our jointly owned property. I will also start the process of getting my Last Will and Testement completed. The only imminent departure I anticipate will be on May 11, but better safe than sorry, right?

Oh, and I sold my bicycle today. Shit’s gettin’ real.

Finally, I pretty much avoid political crap these days as I don’t see it adding any value to my life. Admittedly, one factor in my decision to move to the PI was my complete disgust with the bullshit taking place in my homeland of late. But sometimes you just have to take a stand. And when I saw that NETFLIX had hired the liar of Bengazi and the traitorous leaker of classified data derived from illegal spying on American citizens to its Board of Directors, I knew I had to act. Just canceled my NETFLIX account. Any company that thinks hiring a criminal like Susan Rice is a good move is not a company I will financially support. I used to watch NETFLIX to escape politics. Good bye and good riddance.

Ain’t life grand?

These days

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In news from the homeland, my granddaughter Gracyn (I’ve written about her before) competed in her first big time horse show.

Gracyn will be 13 in May. WTF? I’m not old enough to have a teenage granddaughter!

All dressed up and ready to ride! Her mother was also into horsemanship at that age, so I guess the fruit didn’t fall far from the tree.

You go girl!

And there she is, the Reserve Champion. I guess that is fancy horse talk for second place. The girl definitely has some talent and grandpa is very proud of her.

In other news, I continue my preparations for the new life to come. Picked up and assembled my first balikbayan box and began to fill it up.

That box is bigger than it looks. I thought I’d need to two to pack up the meager remains of my Korea life, but I’m thinking now that one ought to do the trick.

I continue to fill the dwindling hours here in Anjeong-ri with my walking routine.

Today I observed the rare inland shipwreck.

Will the day ever come that I will miss views like this? Probably not.

And finally, my efforts have not gone unnoticed. Fitbit has awarded me the coveted Astronaut badge.

Steppin’ up baby!

I’ve also had some company on my walks recently which has been a nice change of pace. Wipe that look of surprise off your face!

Well I’ve been out walking
I don’t do that much talking these days
These days-
These days I seem to think a lot
About the things that I forgot to do
For you
And all the times I had the chance to

And I had a lover
It’s so hard to risk another these days
These days-
Now if I seem to be afraid
To live the life I have made in song
Well it’s just that I’ve been losing so long

I’ll keep on moving
Things are bound to be improving these days
One of these days-
These days I sit on corner stones
And count the time in quarter tones to ten, my friend
Don’t confront me with my failures
I had not forgotten them