The journey continues

Posted on 28/August/2016 by John McCrarey

Today I commenced my 62nd annual journey around the sun. Wish me luck!

Last year’s journey drew to a close with a surprise breakfast birthday party by my sneaky co-workers…

As tradition dictates, I successfully blew out all the candles on my cake.

I decreed that politeness dictated that I break my diet in the spirit of the occasion. There was no way I was saying no to pecan pie!

Had to go on base to be fitted for a new suit I'm having made (I guess that makes it a birthday suit!). Eun Oke joined me on base and I took her to see my office. I must admit she looks better in the Director's chair than I do...

Had to go on base Saturday to be fitted for a new suit I’m having made (I guess that makes it a birthday suit!). Eun Oke joined me on that errand and I took her to see my office. I must admit she looks better in the Director’s chair than I do…

Eun Oke bought this nice shirt for my birthday…

And I gifted myself with becoming debt free.

For the birthday meal I made samgyetang for the first time.

Slow cooked for 8 hours.

Eun Oke said it tasted better than her mother’s. I hope that means it was good.

Saturday night we went out to celebrate the B-day at Shenanigans. I had good intentions to keep the alcohol intake at moderate levels. But word got out about it being “my day” and all and people kept buying us shots.

…and things got a little bit blurry after that…

We finished the night at Grand Ole Opry where Eun Oke added this money message to the collection. I asked her if I wasn’t perfect and she said no, but you are “good enough”. Thanks. I think.

All in all it was a special day.

Having company on the weekend has made it hard to get my walking in. Barely managed 15,000 steps both days. I’m going to have to buy Eun Oke some walking shoes soon…

Sexy-one!

Posted on 27/August/2016 by John McCrarey

Random songs appropriate for this last Saturday in August.

Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day
Fritter and waste the hours in an off-hand way
Kicking around on a piece of ground in your home town
Waiting for someone or something to show you the way

Tired of lying in the sunshine staying home to watch the rain
But you are young and life is long and there is time to kill today
And then one day you find ten years have got behind you
No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun

And you run and you run to catch up with the sun but it’s sinking
And racing around to come up behind you again
The sun is the same in a relative way, but you’re older
And shorter of breath and one day closer to death

The longer I live the more I believe
You do have to give if you wanna receive.
There’s a time to listen, a time to talk.
And you might have to crawl even after you walk.
Had sure things blow up in my face,
Seen the longshot win the race.
Been knocked down by the slammin’ door.
Picked myself up and came back for more.

Life’s a dance, you learn as you go.
Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow.
Don’t worry ’bout what you don’t know,
life’s a dance, you learn as you go.

Yes, my guard stood hard when abstract threats
Too noble to neglect
Deceived me into thinking
I had something to protect
Good and bad, I define these terms
Quite clear, no doubt, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I’m younger than that now.

White line fever, a sickness born
Down deep within my soul
White line fever, the years keep flyin’ by
Like the highline poles

The wrinkles in my forehead
Show the miles I’ve put behind me
They continue to remind how fast I’m growin’ old
Guess I’ll die with this fever in my soul

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU0WcW2k2tc

Every time I look in the mirror
All these lines on my face getting clearer
The past is gone
It went by like dusk to dawn
Isn’t that the way?
Everybody’s got their dues in life to pay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Wzic15m7YQ

And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We’re captive on the carousel of time
We can’t return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game

I ain’t as good as I once was
I got a few years on me now
But there was a time back in my prime

When I could really lay it down
And if you need some love tonight
Then I might have just enough
I ain’t as good as I once was
But I’m as good once as I ever was

Free falling

Posted on 20/August/2016 by John McCrarey

What counts as a good night for me.

I invited Eun Oke to my place for dinner. It was great to finally have someone to cook for…

The ingredients. Chocolate, shrimp, ribeye steak, baby back ribs, baked potato, mixed vegetables, banana pudding, and of course ice cold beer.,

Eun Oke seemed pleased with the effort.

Afterwards I suggested an old-fashioned pub crawl–one drink in each bar until we could go no further…

First stop–Scrooge Pub.

Bar number 2–Dolce Vita.

Then on to my bar home Shenanigans.

Our fourth stop was Dillingers…

The we moved on down the highway to Route 66.

By the time we got to our sixth bar, Sin Bin, things were getting a little blurry…

We finished up at our 7th venue, Debut Bar. At least one of us was still on their feet…

I’ve got to hand it to Eun Oke, she’s a real trooper. I insisted we walk back to my place which in hindsight might not have been my best idea of the night. But we made it. Poor girl is still passed out on the bed. And no, I won’t share the picture I took of that!

To top it all off, Fitbit even awarded me a new badge!

Life has its ups and downs to be sure, but I’m still in the game!

I wanna glide down over Mulholland
I wanna write her name in the sky
I’m gonna free fall out into nothin’
Gonna leave this world for awhile

And I’m free, free fallin’
Yeah I’m free, free fallin’

It’s deja vu all over again

Posted on 09/August/2016 by John McCrarey

Yesterday was my first day back in my new/old job.

My desk, just the way I left it over 6 years ago. Well, neater now but give me a little time…

The view from the desk. As Army offices go, I’d say mine is worthy…

And here I am hardly working.

In other news, the kids report a successful yard sale (defined as over $900 in purchases) which pretty much completes the sell-off of my broken dreams. Whatever didn’t sell is going to charity.

And I got an offer on the house which I’m accepting. Still losing my ass but not to the extent I expected. I’d rather go for a quick sale than to pursue recouping more of my investment in a future that never came.

And that’s the way it is.

Take it to the limit (part deux)

Posted on 02/August/2016 by John McCrarey

If Namsan were the world and I was a Spanish explorer my name might just be Magellan. I circumnavigated that bitch of a mountain on Saturday. And that required some creative walking since I had to find ways to work around the tunnels. Nothing like a little adventure in life!

Bring it on Lapu Lapu!

You’ll note I finally had the good sense to buy a headband. Looks dorky but it keeps the sweat out of my eyes. I’m convinced it was the sweat that caused the stye.

One of my tunnel detours put me smack dab in the middle of the Dongguk University campus…

…where I unexpectedly encountered a herd of Republicans…

Came home after 3 hot hours and had a spare rib lunch.

Saturday night I met up with Sam, an old pal visiting from the UK. Had a nice chat about Brexit (he was against it, and I of course favored it) then threw some darts. Sam was still on British time so he made it an early evening. I must have stopped by Debut bar on the way home. I don’t actually remember getting home. I woke up on the floor. And later found a receipt in my pocket from Debut for W135,000, I hope I had a good time!

Fixed this fine breakfast Sunday morning and set out on my river walk…

I was bound and determined to go further west than I ever had before. It was not a good plan for an extraordinarily hot day. It took me two hours to reach my destination bridge which I feared might wind up being a bridge too far. I was getting lightheaded and although I didn’t hallucinate like Kevin Kim, I did imagine myself having a heat stroke. I seriously considered taking a taxi home, but then decided fuck that, I’ll just plop down at a convenience store and drink copious amounts of water. And so I did.

The view from the bridge over the river Han. At least the last bridge over the Han that I made it to…

I was trying to capture that huge ass Taegukgi flapping in the wind. My stunted skill with a camera (and lack of patience) doomed me to settle for this…

Anyway, four hours and four bottles of water later I was safely home enjoying the pulled pork bbq out of the crock pot. I went out later and brought my step count to just over 30,000 for the day…

Monday night was dart league, and me and my What the Bulls? teammates took home a 20-7 victory over our sister team from Shenanigans…

Today was a busy but satisfying day. For one thing I purchased an airline ticket for a planned Labor Day adventure outside the friendly confines of Korea. More on that another day. Had a refreshing walk into work, a sweaty lunchtime walk, and then I got the bright idea to stroll home via the Han river.

It started out pleasant enough…

And then almost out of nowhere the sky opened up and dumped some of the hardest rainfall I’ve encountered in quite a while. Not to mention lots of thunder and lightning. Seeing as how I was on the river sans umbrella, there was nothing to be done but walk on through it. For an hour and a half.

I took this photo under the bridge that adorns my masthead. And yes, my spirits were somewhat dampened.

Still, not bad for a weekday…

And finally (the words all my readers doubtlessly look forward to seeing), I got some news today. It seems I’ve arrived back to where I ended.

Yes, I’ve been promoted to the job I retired from over 5 years ago.

Well, I don’t blog about work these days so I’ll just say I expect it to be challenging, necessary, and well-compensated. The plan is for me to lead us through the transformation and relocation to Pyeongteak. I’ve promised to stay on through the move and several months after, then I will re-retire. And then what? Stay tuned.

I celebrated my good(?) fortune with a rib-eye steak and green beans.

And now it’s time for the periodic legal disclaimer:

All thoughts, opinions, and commentary expressed on this blog are mine and mine alone. My views are not sanctioned (or necessarily condoned) by my employer. I blog on my own time, from my own computer, strictly in my personal capacity. I do not speak for the government I serve (and lately they don’t speak for me!) Thank you for your support.

You can spend all your time making money
You can spend all your love making time
If it all fell to pieces tomorrow
Would you still be mine?

And when you’re looking for your freedom
(Nobody seems to care)
And you can’t find the door
(Can’t find it anywhere)
When there’s nothing to believe in
Still you’re coming back, you’re running back
You’re coming back for more

So put me on a highway
And show me a sign
And take it to the limit one more time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fyY-TxGEwE

Take it to the limit

Posted on 31/July/2016 by John McCrarey

Ah, time for my Sunday night reflections on the weekend that passed way to quickly.

My leather couch and love seat sold for $830. About 1/3 of what I paid for them, but no complaints. Daughter-in-law informs me that the guy who bought them intends to sleep on the couch. It is in fact big and comfortable. And great for sleeping.

See what I mean?

Anyway, the reason the guy needs to sleep on a couch is that his wife of 28 years left him and now he can’t bear to sleep in their bedroom. I feel for the guy. Hope the couch is luckier for him than it was for me.

The big yard sale is next weekend where the remnants of my shattered life will be sold off piece by piece. I’ll be glad when it is over. I looked at pictures of my house and stuff tonight and it jut makes me sick to think about it. Ah well, what’s done is done.

Friday was sort of the usual. Started at Shenanigans where I ran into Mark, a contractor on base and more importantly, a reader of my blog. It was good catching up with him again. Left Shenanigans and enjoyed a Thai massage. I guess I’m a regular now (about once a month) and the masseuse was comfortable enough to sing to me in Thai while she went about her work. It was quite lovely actually..

I left relaxed and thought about checking out some new bars. Went to King Pub which I had been led to believe is where the Filipinos hang out. The staff was all white women (Russians?) and the customers were all Korean. One drink and out of there. Then I started climbing the stairs to Lollipop. But the rainbow flag on the wall made me think it was a gay bar. Nothing wrong with that, it’s just not the way I roll. Yet. So I played it safe and went to East-West, the rock-n-roll version Grand Ole Opry. In fact, it is right upstairs from the Opry. Ran into a couple of folks I know and was made to feel right at home. So it was a good time. Or as good as it gets for me anyway.

(To be continued, I’m tired)

Carefree highway

Posted on 26/July/2016 by John McCrarey

So, where did we leave off?

Really enjoyed the dinner party at the Cassady’s. Tom is an Army chef and his pulled pork is the BEST I’ve ever eaten. And I’ve eaten a lot of pulled pork in my time…

After the meal us menfolk retired to the gaming room and entertained ourselves with a darts match. Me and my partner Tom R. eeked out a victory… Gawd, will I ever lose that fucking belly?

The Rago’s were also in attendance. Bill and June recently returned to Korea after a couple of years in Vietnam. At first Bill didn’t even recognize the clean shaven and somewhat lighter version of myself. Anyway, it was nice to have a non-bar related social event on the calendar.

Speaking of bars, after I left the party I hoofed it over to Grand Ole Opry where I enjoyed some icy cold gin and sodas with my nephew Justin. I’d had several beers at the party so it didn’t take much gin to get me ~~drunk~~ relaxed. We sat at the bar and there was this Korean couple sitting at the table nearest us. The female portion of the couple was only marginally attractive but since she was in my line of sight I looked anyway. I could have sworn I caught her looking back a couple of times too. Then they got up to dance and I swear they did the two-step every bit as good as the country folk in the honky tonks I used to frequent in Oklahoma. At the conclusion of the dance I gave them a round of applause and she gave me a big smile. They danced again later and I found watching them entertaining so I had a couple of drinks sent over to their table as a reward. They both seemed pleased. She thanked me in English, so there’s that.

I’m not sure what the status of their relationship was, for all I know they were married. But, she looked back more than once! Justin even noticed so that is not just my drunken imagination. When she got up to use the ladies room I had half a mind to follow her to see if she might be interested in exchanging phone numbers. Of course, the sane half of my mind talked me out of it, as did Justin.

Justin did teach me to say “난 여자친구가 없어”, but I haven’t found an opportunity to use it. And some lady friends have suggested it would probably be better if I didn’t. Ah well.

Did my river walk on Sunday, about 3.5 hours all told. Not sure if it was the heat or what, but it was a tough hike. I was feeling light headed by the time I got home. Had a bowl of chili from the crock pot and took a nap. Feeling restored, I ventured to Shenanigans for some liquid refreshment. Made it an early night though, as I had to report to Soonchunhwang hospital for some blood work early Monday morning.

Last night was the first match of the season in the Seoul International Dart League.

I reckon we did alright. 23-4. I contributed a 6-0 performance and managed to throw a 9-mark (2 triple 20s and a trip 19) despite still not being on my game. Of course, I haven’t been practicing but I prefer to blame it on the weight loss affecting my center of gravity causing me to be unbalanced when I throw. It’s probably one of those.

This morning I had a doctor appointment with my cardiologist. All the markers continue to show improvement. I’m technically being treated for hypertension. My previous appointment I had blood pressure of 150/90 which was a huge improvement. Today I was at 140/80 which puts me in the borderline high category. I’m liking my trend line. The doc was astounded when I told him I’d lost 26 kgs thus far. In fact, he even shook my hand. Then he gave me a refill on my prescription and said he’d see me in three months. Hopefully he’ll be seeing even less of me by then.

The walk to the hospital took about 25 minutes. I walked back home, changed out of my sweaty shirt, and walked the long way to work, arriving sweaty enough that the Deputy Director asked if that was the color of my shirt or was I wet? I responded “both”.

In the afternoon the staff ventured out to Myeongdong for a luncheon at a restaurant called “Under the Sea”. I’m not big on buffet style dining, but this place put out a good spread. The occasion for our visit was to bid farewell to our Director who departs for a Pentagon job next week.

The staff…

The boss.

Still haven’t heard yet who his replacement will be. Chances are I know him.

I used to be indecisive. Now, I’m not sure.

You know, if the elevator is old and broken they should do more than just slap a sign on it. Why not fix or replace it?

I decided to walk back home from Myeongdong but wasn’t exactly sure how to go about it. Once I exited the restaurant and got my bearings I noticed a familiar building that I often pass during my Namsan adventures. But how do I get there? Walked in the general direction and sure enough, there was my old friend.

But getting from here to there was not as easy as I anticipated.

So, I figured going up was a good choice. Except this up led to a dead end. So I went down again.

Regardless, in a roundabout fashion I found my way. And something unusual happened along the road. Now, when I pass by a female version of the human race I’ve noted that they studiously avoid making any eye contact with me. I guess that is both normal and understandable. But today an attractive gal gave me the slightest glance as I passed by. Didn’t turn her head or smile or anything, but made a brief moment’s eye contact. As pathetic as I might be, that was milestone and I felt pleased. So pleased in fact that after about 20 more paces I turned around to look back at her as she moved on down the road. And I’ll be damned if at that exact moment she didn’t turn around to look at ME!

Well, I suppose a braver man may have turned around and approached her. But that man was not me. Besides, I was soaking wet with sweat. Anyway, after being virtually invisible to the fairer sex for so damn long, just getting “a look” makes me feel good about myself. Baby steps.

Not a bad day’s work. Although I’ll probably venture out for a bit later tonight just to move the marker past the 20,000 barrier…

Technically, my weekly goal is 125,000 steps (15,000 on weekdays, 25,000 on Saturday and Sunday). I managed to exceed that last week.

So that’s a lot of time on the highway. I’m not what you could call carefree when I walk, but I do try not care.

Turning back the pages to the times I love best
I wonder if she’ll ever do the same
Now the thing that I call living is just being satisfied
With knowing I got no one left to blame

Carefree highway, got to see you my old flame
Carefree highway, you seen better days
The morning after blues from my head down to my shoes
Carefree highway, let me slip away, slip away on you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHaGBhl0U6E

Acceptance

Posted on 05/July/2016 by John McCrarey

Today is Jee Yeun’s birthday. I sent her a message wishing her a happy one. She thanked me and told me “good luck”. So…

It’s been a little over six months now since I was sent packing. And I’m okay. The fact of the matter is that I’ve grown accustomed to being alone. I can take care of myself. I’ve even gotten to the point where I’m no longer achingly lonely.

One of the things I like about walking is that it gives me time to think. In a good way. Not like when I lay awake in bed at night wondering what the fuck happened to my life. Anyway, I’m not sure I’d call it an epiphany but I’ve come to understand some things.

For one, I’m a selfish bastard. It is just the way I am. I’m not willing to compromise or settle. I’d rather be alone than to accept less than what I want in life. I don’t need anyone to complete me. I’d be ecstatic to encounter a kindred spirit who accepts me as I am, but I’m guessing those are pretty long odds.

But here’s the thing: I just don’t care. Perhaps I’m broken beyond repair, but all those sweet words of love mean nothing to me. I’m dead inside and just don’t feel it. I’ve been burned one too many times to ever believe it again.

And I understand the ramifications of that portend a solitary future. So be it. I’d rather be alone than sucker punched again. Love me at your peril!

I don’t have the patience or desire to make the sacrifices that are required in a “loving relationship”. And that is so contrary to to everything I’ve always believed about myself. I never thought I could make it own my own, and now I’ve come to understand that it is my destiny to live a life of oneness. And I’m alright with that.

Baby we can talk all night
But that ain’t gettin us nowhere
I told you everything I possibly can
There’s nothing left inside of here
And maybe you can cry all night
But that’ll never change the way I feel

And all I can do is keep on telling you
I want you, I need you
But-there ain’t no way I’m ever gonna love you
Now don’t be sad
‘Cause two out of three ain’t bad

I can’t lie, I can’t tell you that I’m something I’m not
No matter how I try
I’ll never be able to give you something
Something that I just haven’t got

Baby we can talk all night
But that ain’t getting us nowhere

The life of PI

Posted on 30/June/2016 by John McCrarey

Here’s a photo dump from last week’s Philippines adventure.

Let’s go!

My “cottage” at the Camp Holiday resort.

What passes for a beach at Camp Holiday… That’s the port of Davao City across the water…

A street scene in Samal..

Maria’s business…

Hard at work..

Lechon for Maria’s birthday…

…and a cake of course…

I got a pedicure and the local kids treated me like a zoo exhibit…

Hot day, cold beer, lunch on the way…

Letting me know I was not welcome…

Maria on the beach…

Me on the beach…

Low tide…

Palm tree and water…

Climbed these steps to the waterfall. Not as many as Namsam, but a fair hike…

Was it it worth the walk?

There was this…

…and that…

A river runs through it…

At dinner I gave our waiter a round of applause…

Great minds think alike…

Visited a resort that was much nicer than the one I stayed in…

lots more expensive though…

The obligatory water lily photo…

A beer with a view…

Chillin’ at Camp Holiday…

Here’s a little eye candy for you ladies…

Next up was the bat cave…

No batman though…

or robins either…

but there was a carabao..

So, having seen all the sights on Samal, we moved on to Davao where the Philippine Eagle Center is a must see tourist attraction…

I came…

…I saw. And then I left.

Next up, the infamous Japanese tunnel…built with slave labor by Filipino P.O.W.s in WWII…

Apparently it was an underground garrison that went on for some 7 kms…

The commander in his office counting tribute from the locals…

Hey guys, MacArthur says he will return…

Tyranny is nothing to brag about. Just sayin’…

And then we did the crocodile farm…

What a crock…

Me having an identity crisis…

hungry goldfish…

When we got hungry we ate here…

Hey, give me that! I saw it first!

Nothing left to do now but reminisce…

That’s all folks!

Damn it to hell

Posted on 26/June/2016 by John McCrarey

Or as my father used to say “that just frosts my balls”.

Philippine Air was supposed to send a car to take me to the airport this morning. Apparently they sent it yesterday. Philippine Air: Putting the “in” in competence. In front as it were.

I was perturbed by this turn of events but fortunately I had kept some pesos in my wallet for contingencies such as this. Caught a cab at the hotel taxi stand, loaded my bag in the trunk, told the driver to take me to the international terminal at NAIA and we were off. Before we were out of the parking lot I noticed the driver had not set the meter (something I have learned to always check). When I called him on it he said it is 500 pesos to airport. And I snapped, saying (well, yelling technically) “bullshit! it doesn’t fucking cost anywhere near that much!” Then instead of turning on the meter like I had asked, he had the audacity to want to negotiate a price for the trip. I screamed “stop the fucking cab, you’re not taking me anywhere”. He said okay, okay, I’ll turn on the meter. I’m like “bull fucking shit, stop the goddamn cab and give me my bag!” I’m yelling at the top of my voice by now, and for those who have not heard it, that’s really scary loud. My kids never feared spankings as much as they did my “big voice”. I’m sure all the other drivers in the taxi queue heard every word of it. Anyway, the driver popped the trunk, I grabbed my bag and stomped back to the hotel doorman. Who didn’t seem to give a shit, simply asking me if I’d like another cab. Yes, thank you.

I could see the other taxi drivers gathered around probably discussing who was going to get stuck with driving the insane ‘Kano to the airport. In short order a cab pulled up (not the first one in the queue I noticed) and when I hopped in he had the meter on and ready to roll. Clearly he got the memo. After an uneventful ride we pulled into the airport and the meter totaled 126 pesos. Having given all my small bills to the homeless I handed the driver a 500 peso note and told him just give me 300 change. He said he didn’t have any change. Mother Fucker!

Well, I wasn’t going to let him back door me into the 500p fare I had refused the first driver. So I told him to wait while I went for change. Which was easier said than done. I couldn’t get into the airport until I had gone through two layers of security (boarding pass check then bag x-ray). I went through the first and realized that my plan was flawed. Saw a semi-officious looking dude and asked if he could change a 500. He could and did. There was no exit from where I had entered, but the change guy said something to the guard and I was able to go out the in door. Gave the driver his fare and a too generous trip and was on my way again.

While waiting in line to check my bag I did something somehow that resulted in a feeling like I imagine getting stabbed in the ribs would feel like. At first I thought, shit I’m having a heart attack, but since it’s the right side I guessing I pulled a muscle. Still hurts when I move an hour later. Should make for a pleasant flight.

And now I am stuck in the worst international terminal I have ever visited. No restaurants or bars and no where to vape. Free internet though which permitted me to share this rant.

You’re welcome.

Beggars can’t be choosers

Posted on 26/June/2016 by John McCrarey

Wrapping up my visit in the not-so-lovely capital city of Manila.

Yesterday afternoon I had some time to kill so allowed myself to be enticed into getting a massage at one of the joints in the mall adjacent to my hotel. The already cheap one hour full body massage was on special for only 180 pesos ($3.83). The masseuse asked if I preferred hard, medium, or soft. I went medium and damn when she was cranking on my back and shoulders it was f’n painful. Of course, male pride wouldn’t allow me to scream in agony so I just lay there gritting my teeth while my torturer said “you have lots of tension”. Anyway, it was mostly good and I feel no aftereffects this morning.

Last night I cabbed over to Makati, the upscale area of Manila. There’s a strip of bars on Burgos Street I’d read about over the years so I wanted to give them a try. Well, I made it to four of them anyway before reaching my self-imposed limit on alcohol consumption. The bars that I saw were all of the “girly” type which I don’t particularly like. The girls get a commission on overpriced “lady drinks” and some of them will outright harass you until you relent and purchase one for them. At my first stop “Shampoo”, I’d taken like two swigs of my beer and the mamasan started in on me to buy drinks for the girls. Told her I’d think about it once I’d finished my beer. She kept on and I finally lost my temper telling her “do you think I’m stupid? Do you think I don’t know how this works? I’ll buy a lady drink if and when I’m ready. So leave me the fuck alone”. .I wasn’t so popular after that and I left.

The next bar was called “Bottoms”. I was happy they had an actual bar in the bar. When you sit alone at a table it is like an open invitation to be besieged by thirsty bar girls. Usually you will be left alone at the bar. Sometimes anyway. Not at Bottoms. Girl stood on my left and another stood on my right (apparently they are not allowed to actually sit at the bar). They weren’t pushy on the drinks though and we engaged in some friendly banter. I eventually rewarded their good behavior with a lady drink for each of them.

Moving on, I stopped in “Dimples”. It also had a bar so I plopped myself down. A couple of gals approached but I channeled Greta Garbo and told them “I want to drink alone”. Surprisingly they actually respected my wishes and I wasn’t bothered again for the duration of my stay. In addition to the drink beggars I also dislike the music played in the girly bars. It’s normally loud techno-pop dance crap which grates on my nerves pretty quickly. Yeah, I know. Kids and their music these days said the old codger. To Dimples’ credit they had a nice mix of tunes played at a reasonable volume. Even a few country songs! I had a nice time there but there was still one more place I wanted to see before I ran out of time (and money).

I had read about Crazy Horse on some of the Philippines forums I frequent and I wanted to see if it was as good as everyone was saying. It is. It had a large stage chock full of very attractive young women who could actually dance. They did choreographed performances every bit as good as those you see in K-Pop girl band videos. And best of all I did not get approached or pestered even once for a lady drink. That’s how it should be, a great selection of girls willing to keep you company if company is what you want, but you have to make the first move. I really enjoyed just sitting there watching the gals dance and chatting with the other customers a bit. When I was ready to depart I walked to the stage and gave my favorite dancer a 100 peso tip for her efforts. Yeah, I’m a cheap Charlie but she seem appreciative of the compliment at least.

Caught a cab back to the hotel with no problem (they’ve got that much on Itaewon at least). Driver got lost on the way and was asking the drunk man in the back seat (me) for directions. I just shrugged and said I don’t know, it’s by a mall. He stopped and asked a trike driver which I guess worked because I did sleep in the right hotel last night.

This morning I enjoyed my last free breakfast and walked to the convenience store for some Coke Zero. It was locked up tight, not real surprising I guess for a Sunday morning in a Catholic country. Across the street in front of the also closed mall was a group of homeless folks laying about on the sidewalk. Most of them were young children. A depressing sight that I don’t expect I’ll ever get used to, and frankly, I’d hate myself if I did get used to it.

I learned a long time ago that it is a fool’s errand to give money to a beggar on the street. As soon as you do you will be besieged by fifty others. It can also be dangerous as I’ve heard of do-gooders being surrounded and having their pockets emptied by the prying fingers of these hungry waifs. So, I just don’t do it. I always feel like a prick when I tell a filthy child “no” when the say “I’m hungry”. After a few days I actually get depressed. Which is one of the things I’m going to have to factor into my decision on whether the PI is a viable re-retirement option for me. One thing I’d consider doing is sponsoring an orphanage with a monthly stipend of some sort. Maybe that would assuage the guilt I feel when I can’t (or won’t) respond to beggars.

Anyway, I looked in my wallet and I still had some small bills amounting to 160 pesos. I walked across the street and handed them to the oldest woman in the group whom I assumed was the grandma. I didn’t technically break my “no beggars” rule because they hadn’t asked, I just offered. Ah well, as I walked away five or six young boys followed me asking me to give them money too. I told them that’s all I have but they persisted in their efforts. I kept moving so as not to be surrounded and finally let loose. “No goddamn it,I told you that’s it. No more!” I used my big voice which put them back on the heels a bit and I made a beeline to the security of my hotel.

All packed up and waiting for my ride to the airport and the completion of my journey back to the first world.

Greetings from the Philippines

Posted on 22/June/2016 by John McCrarey

Davao City to be precise.

Checked into a hotel that offers wifi in the room so I was pretty damned excited. I have had a technician up to the room twice so far today to get it working. Thought I’d better post while the posting is good.

The view from the room…

President-elect Duterte was there to greet me when I checked in this morning…

Speaking of President Duterte, Davao City is his hometown and he’s been the mayor here for quite some time. Davao is known as the safest city in the PI and that is largely due to Duterte’s being strong on crime. By strong I mean that it is said he was not above using ~~hit squads~~ extra-judicial methods to rid the city of undesirables. Some other things he’s done include closing the bars at ungodly early hours and making Davao City smoke-free. I really dislike nanny-state shit like that but the people in this area are crazy about him.

I got a taste of the police state this morning. I was minding my own business and enjoying a little vaping time when I was accosted by a law enforcement officer. He told me sternly that I couldn’t smoke there. I responded as I always do in such situations “I’m not smoking, I’m vaping.” He seemed unimpressed and took me away…

…here. What a pain in the ass. I’ve since learned that Davao City’s smoking ordinance does in fact specifically include vaping. Bastards!

Anyway, this is clearly a city in which I could never live. Still, I’ve got a full day to kill here tomorrow so I’ll have to find a discreet way to skirt the law. I’ve already designated my hotel room a designated vaping zone.

Tonight it is samgyapsol for Maria’s birthday dinner.

Look for a full trip report with tons of photos when I return home to Korea this weekend.

Have a dream and hope!

Posted on 14/June/2016 by John McCrarey

At least that’s what this sign told me:

Lately, I just hope my dreams aren’t nightmares…

Best compliment yet on my new look– Bartender at Srooge Pub said ” I used to call you ajussi (uncle) but now I call you oppa (brother).” Should have shaved years ago!

Speaking of being not quite as invisible as I once was, while waiting to cross the street in Itaewon I caught this group of young ladies staring at me.

I’m not a piece of meat girls. I am a human being! Alright, so it was a bus stop advertisement. I can hope and dream!

With some of that free time I mentioned in my previous post I peruse the reader submissions at a Thai-centric website called Stickman Bangkok. As is common with this type internet venue, the quality of writing runs the gamut of truly awful to “this guy should be making money as a wordsmith”.

I’ve never been to Thailand (yet) but I do enjoy visiting vicariously through the submissions by those who have experienced the Thai life up close and personal. And my favorite writer who frequently posts at Stickman is Steve Rosse.

This story is a good example of his work. It’s a quick read and entertaining. Go now, I’ll wait here for you.

Good stuff, huh? I’m not all that interested in girly bars and whoring around these days, and neither is Steve. Although quite honestly, I’m never quite sure where truth and fiction reside within his work. That doesn’t lessen the genuine pleasure I get from his stories though.

Anyway, a few months back I read this story by Steve called “Cellies” and it was like being hit upside the head with a brick. He had artfully expressed in words something I had been doing frequently in the last few months of my ill-fated marriage–escaping to a better life in a world that existed only in my mind.

I was so moved I felt compelled to send him an email and thank him for his effort. I was a little surprised when Steve wrote me back. In his email he mentioned that if I enjoyed his writing I might consider purchasing some of his published work on Amazon. I told him I most certainly would. But then ~~I went of my six month bender~~ life intruded and I never got around to it. I did use one of his quotes in a blog post though.

Well fast forward to a week or so ago when I was catching up with StickmanBangkok where I read a submission by Steve called “The List”. And a couple of days later some anonymous asshole wrote a post that started off by attacking Steve and then went off on a rant delving deep into the sewers of misogyny. I was pissed and was working on an appropriate response in my head. I needn’t have bothered, because before I could put words on paper (or pixels in Word if you will) Steve came back with perhaps one of the top ten take downs in internet history.

I sent Steve a congratulatory email and told him his evisceration of “Anus Moony” had finally provided the motivation for me to keep my promise to buy some books. I guess for a writer that’s about the best thank you of all, right?

I’m quite certain these will provide excellent beach side reading entertainment next week.

And what beach might that be you ask? Why, lovely Samal island in the Philippines. Never been to that particular part of the PI, but it looks nice in the pictures.

My friend Maria will be my host and tour guide during my visit…

And that’s about where things stand at this particular moment in time.

Except for this:

I’ve been studiously avoiding engaging in Facebook banter with my friends on the left who all want to talk gun control while ignoring the hulking elephant in the room–Islamic terrorism.

Liberal logic. Now there’s an oxymoron for you.

Another bad decision

Posted on 05/June/2016 by John McCrarey

When I was equipping myself for my new bachelor life I bought the red can opener for $5.00. I’d considered the more substantial black one at $8.00 but figured, hell, how many cans do I ever open anyway?

So this morning I had it in my mind to make up a crockpot full of chili. I browned some ground beef and popped it in the pot. Diced up an onion and added it to the beef. Grabbed my can of pinto beans and the red opener…then encountered mission failure. The gear is stripped or something, all I know is no matter how I turned the handle, the lid was not being opened. Curses!

My solution was to detour from my river walk and pop into the PX for the opener I should have bought in the first place. Chili is cooking now, but I had to go four hours on high versus the preferred 8 hours on low. But enough of my #firstworldproblems.

Yesterday I had the honor to attend the wedding ceremony of Brian and Justina.

That’s me getting warmed up for the festivities with a refreshing tall glass of gin and soda…

I was also fortunate to escort Nuri and Sonja to the big event….

The happy couple…well, Brian looks like he’s going to the firing squad. But marriage is not that kind of death…

Friends of the groom. Poor guy…

After the ceremony dinner was served…

Brian all decked out for Phase II–the traditional Korean wedding rituals…

Anyway, it was a very nice wedding. Very formal and Christian. Which meant no alcohol on the tables and a long ass sermon (all in Korean). Other than that, no complaints.

There was an after party at Shenanigans in which I marginally participated. Meaning that I scored free drinks from the patio and drank them from my usual seat at the bar. Went home early and hit the sheets.

Up early this morning to no avail as the aforementioned chili plans were foiled by a faulty utensil. So I did laundry then headed for the river.

It was a pretty warm morning and I worked up a good sweat. But the air was clearer than it’s been in awhile.

These wildflowers were holding on for dear life…

And I walked across that oddly familiar bridge…

I was dragging ass by the time I got home…

And home I remain. Waiting on my chili…

UPDATE: Oh, yeah. Minus 3.4 pounds this week. That leaves me at 224.7. Dropped 44.5 pounds overall. When will the belly go away? Stay tuned!

A memorable weekend

Posted on 30/May/2016 by John McCrarey

It was a long weekend, but a good one. Good enough anyway.

Friday evening found me at Sin Bin Sports Pub for a darts tourney. I don’t usually play Sin Bin for a variety of reasons. Primarily that it starts late and if you are winning, finishes late. I made an exception because on old dart buddy, mentor, and former Seoul International Dart League President is in town. He’s big time into darts back in the states, even has earned a pro card.

And Friday night I beat him. He professes to read the blog, so let me say it again. I beat Mike “Petro” Petrocelli. Alright, it was doubles and my partner was probably stronger than his. But still. Took home W30,000 for a second place finish. Stumbled home with my winnings at 0130 feeling no pain.

Except for the pain that comes from sitting on my new Galaxy J7 phone and breaking the screen.

A broke phone to go with a broken heart. Some guys have all the luck…

So, I got up Saturday morning and set about my chores. Popped a chicken in the crockpot but added some melted butter to the recipe. Basting worked much better than rubbing the spices and seasonings on the bird. At least it came out a lot more moist and juicy this time.

It was literally falling off the bone when I pulled it out of the slow cooker...Tasty!

It was literally falling off the bone when I pulled it out of the slow cooker 8 hours later…. Tasty!

So, I had my old phone as a backup fortunately. But rather than Namsan, I trekked into the Yongsan Electronics District to score a repair. I was told I could get it done on the 8th floor of the I-Park mall. After climbing the escalators all those flights I was advised that none of the booths with every type of phone and accessory imaginable did Galaxy repairs. I was told I’d have to get it done “on the street.”

Alrighty, to the street I went. I wandered about till I reached an alley that was phone-centric. Where I was informed in broken English that I’d have to go to the Samsung SVC center. I asked for directions and got a series of hand gestures, “Family Mart” and “second floor.” Amazingly enough I somehow managed to find the place. Above a CU store, but still…

After a short wait I was sent to a technician. He asked if I spoke Korean to which I could only respond “anio”. So he advised me the repair would be “very expensive”. And that it couldn’t be completed until Monday at 2:00 p.m. I asked how expensive and he said W55,000. Which was less expensive than I expected.

I left my phone and hoofed it back home along the Han River. I had to hustle because I had big plans for the afternoon. Choonae was celebrating her birthday with a cookout on the back deck of Shenanigans. In her sweetest voice she had asked if I could bring my meat. How could I refuse?

The birthday girl…

Steaks and brats is the meat I brought…Heh, I brought the brats I bought…

…and threw them on the grill just like I knew what I was doing…

I brought along some shrimp as an appetizer as well…

We served every thing cut up in bite size morsels. Made it easier for all concerned…

Brian (Shenanigans owner) and I toasting Choonae in honor of her XX birthday. She’s older than she looks and that’s all I’m saying…

Ain’t she sweet? She said on Facebook I’m her best male friend…gotta love the friend zone…

Some of the happy guests…

Group shot…

I left the party around 7:00 and headed over to Dolce Vita for another darts tourney hosted by Petro. You know, the guy with the pro card I mentioned above. He professes to read my blog so I find it only fair that I mention how I beat him. Again. Now granted, it was doubles and my partner was arguably stronger than his. But still. Took home 3rd Place money.

Finished the night with my nephew Justin at the new Debut bar. It’s an expensive place to visit when you are drunk. Hopefully I’ve learned that lesson by now.

I woke up Sunday morning feeling a little worse for the wear. But I needed to get my weekend Namsan hike out of the way. As I passed through Itaewon, I notice a new restaurant has opened in the former location of a bar called Rock n Roll I used to frequent way back in my early days here…

There’s a new BBQ joint in town. We’ll have to give it a try Kevin Kim. We are a couple of big boys…

I took a new approach this time. These stairs lead up and around the Hyatt Hotel…

The view from the top…

So, I took the path up to the road, and followed the road around to wear it leads to the stairs to the top. I had good intentions of climbing them, but I wimped up. I was just feeling rough and not energetic. Next week for sure! I settled for 20,000 less difficult steps.

Made it an early night last night and woke up feeling much better today. Did some more laundry and popped a pork roast in the crockpot. Left the house a little after 10:00. First stop was paying my gas bill. Not going through having it shut off again! Then I hoofed it to the base and picked up some shorts and t-shirts in the PX. Nothing seems to fit me these days (in a good way).

So, I was bound and determined to figure out where I went wrong when I got lost on last Sunday’s hike. I followed the river from the opposite side and discovered where I had made the wrong turn. I won’t make that mistake again. Since I still had over an hour until I could pick up my phone I just kept on walking.

It’s always nice to see someone has their ducks in a row…

I didn’t see this creature sneaking up behind me until it was too late. Luckily, one taste and he spit me back out…

Spigot or faucet? Either way, I’ve got to hand it to you…

I made it to the National Assembly building intentionally this time…

A better perspective from the bridge on the way back…

By far the farthest bridge I've ventured too thus far. Far and away.

By far the farthest bridge I’ve ventured to thus far. Far and away.

The river looks about the same from all the bridges though…

Made it back to the Samsung SVC place at 2:30 and picked up my phone without any hassle. Made it home four and a half hours after I left. Around 31,000 steps all told. (had to add the steps from two different phones).

Lost one pound this week, but I’m motivated to reach my goal!

And tonight we have a dart league playoff match. In fact, I should be in the shower now and getting my ass over to Shenanigans to do some warm-up work.

Hope your weekend was memorable too.

Closing a door

Posted on 27/May/2016 by John McCrarey

Today I gave my departed wife the last installment on the promised six month support after our split. I sent her a message telling her the money was in her account. I told her I would never understand why she turned her back on a life we promised to share. I wished her well in her quest for happiness. She responded thank you and good luck. And that was that.

I’ve enlisted the support of my kids in South Carolina to assist in liquidating the contents of the house I bought, remodeled, and furnished for Jee Yeun in Columbia. And then the house itself will go on the market and I’ll take the first reasonable offer I receive for it. Fact of the matter is I have no desire to return to the USA to live, and even if I did I couldn’t bear to live in a house full of sad memories.

At this stage of my life I do not want to be encumbered with material things nor the baggage of the past. That’s about as close to freedom as it gets I suppose.

What next? Well, unless I fuck up massively I expect to work until June 2017. My goal is to have a year’s worth of my pension salary in the bank by then. In addition to whatever I recover from my ill-advised decision to pay cash for that fucking house.

And then what will I do? No idea really. I’d say the Philippines is a definite possibility. Old time readers will recall that was where I was going to retire in 2010. And then I met Jee Yeun and she convinced me that she was a better option. Now six years later I’m back where I started. Older but likely not much wiser. Certainly more cynical, bitter and lonely though. So there’s that.

Things can change. I’ve just got to get my mind around how to go about changing them.

Tears for Bridget Werner

Posted on 25/May/2016 by John McCrarey

I lost a close friend yesterday. Bridget died during the night, apparently of a heart attack. I’m not sure of her exact age, but I’d reckon it was late 40s. Far too young to leave us, that’s for sure. Left behind are her husband Chris, two grown children, her middle school aged son Christopher (or Fooey as she affectionately referred to him) and a grandchild. As well as many, many friends all over the world.

As a military veteran and a military spouse Bridget had lived and traveled pretty much everywhere. And everywhere she went she made many friends. Her last stop on Earth was Columbia, SC. During my trip there last Thanksgiving we had the chance to get together, throw darts, tell jokes, and catch up on new events and reminisce about some old ones. This photo was taken on the last day we’d ever be together.

I met Bridget and Chris here in Korea around 2008 or so. Something just clicked for us I guess. She was such a unique person with a wicked sense of humor. Real, nothing fake about her. She was kind and generous and also full of piss and vinegar. Always fun to be around someone like that–you never knew what was coming next. I don’t let many people get too close to me, and Bridget was one of them. Which makes it especially hard to see her go.

She was big time into darts of course, which gave us plenty of opportunity to spend time together. Hmm, that’s the ill-fated Jeremy. One dead, one in jail, and one wondering what the hell is going on.

Bridget’s favorite exclamation was “What the balls!” which she freely used in just about any and all situations.

Bridget captained our dart league team, and in her honor we named ourselves “What the Bulls?”. We won the league championship that season.

And while we were all in Korea we did a bit of traveling.

Here we are at the West Sea.

I retired and moved to South Carolina. Shortly thereafter, Chris was transferred to Savannah, Georgia which afforded us the opportunity for some weekend get togethers, here or there. I came back to Korea, and the Werner’s eventually set down in Columbia. I told her stalking doesn’t work if you wait until I’m gone.

Chris and Bridget. She surely did love that man…

This joke fit Bridget to a T. She laughed when I posted it on Facebook and tagged her…

Well, you had to know her I guess. And you can be sorry you missed the opportunity. I will never forget her, I know that much.

Here’s hoping there’s a well-lit board wherever you may be in infinity…

What the balls!

Love is just a four legged word

Posted on 22/May/2016 by John McCrarey

A nice wedding celebration for Mat and Sohee yesterday. I had to laugh at this sign I saw at the wedding hall:

I'm not getting the reference. I love the Bob Dylan song "Love is just a four letter word" though...Oh wait, I guess a married could has four legs. Is that what there were going for? Of course, I've been called a tripod...

I’m not getting the reference. I love the Bob Dylan song “Love is just a four letter word” though…Oh wait, I guess a married couple would have four legs. Is that what there were going for? Of course, I’ve been called a tripod…

The happy couple…

A kiss for luck and they’re on their way… I’ve known Sohee for quite a few years and she’s a sweet gal. I know Mat from dart league and he’s NEVER that lucky at darts!

I had the good fortune to be seated at the Filipino table during the reception…

I do admit that I’ve become somewhat cynical at weddings these days. During the vows I recalled similar words from my most recent soon to be ex-wife. I muttered “promises, promises” under my breath…

Look for a post about today’s adventure later tonight.

Adios…

In the mood…

Posted on 16/May/2016 by John McCrarey

…for a post about my weekend?

Well, it started with no hot water on Friday. Called my real estate agent and she was basically non-responsive. Texted my landlord directly on Saturday and he came over. Then I got a text from the realtor saying my gas had been cut off because I hadn’t paid the bill in three months. What the fuck? Every month I take everything from the mailbox and carry it to Woori bank and pay everything via wire transfer. So, if I hadn’t paid my bill it was because I hadn’t gotten one. Well, communication is definitely a barrier for me I admit. My realtor said I should go to an ATM and pay my gas bill. I’m like how the fuck do I do that? Finally she said she’d pay it and I could put the money in her account on Monday. She also made a point of mentioning that she was on her day off on Saturday. Bottom line, she paid the bill (W530,000 for 3 months apparently) and my gas was back on Saturday night. Which is good, because fat men need to shower! I put W580,000 in my realtor’s account today (the extra W50,000 for my guilt about her trouble). But still, if the gas company isn’t mailing me a bill I guess I’ll have the same problem next month. Well, I’ll worry about that later.

Had another bad experience on Friday with a Chinese girl but that’s a story for another time.

On Saturday I did my Namsam hike.

A waterfall on Namsam…

Which was enough to to reach my weekly goal of 100,000+ steps.

Steppin’ out

After my hike, I went to Haebangchon for a dart tourney at Phillies. Took 3rd, and my share of the winnings was W18,000. Also had the high out good for W30,000 towards my bar tab. Which actually totaled exactly W30,000. So that’s a win!

Later that day I met up with my friends Sonya and Sung Ha for dinner at Tabom Brazil. Sung Ha is moving to Toronto later this month so it was my farewell treat. They seemed to enjoy it.

Had a great walk on the Han River on Sunday…

Made it to the Hangang bridge, the farthest I’ve gone in that direction…

Along the way I saw:

real flowers….

…fake flowers…

A tunnel…

…of sorts…

what the hell is this? Oh, me drunk at the aforementioned dart tourney on Saturday…

Donald Turmp is towering over the political scene, even here in Korea…

…apparently..

Sunday afternoon was the end of the season tourney for the Seoul Sunday Singles League. I didn’t place, but I was given this trophy and a bottle of Mongolian vodka for my hard work in keeping the league viable…

Kamsamnida!

It was a great tourney. One person thought I had played favorites by cheering for a particular player. Fact of the matter is I don’t care who wins or loses, I just appreciate a well played game. Rather than say something to me, she called me out on Facebook which hurt my feelings some. I apologized with a private message, but didn’t receive the dignity of a response. Oh well.

I tried something new in the crockpot A chicken. Came out dry as sawdust. Gonna need to work on getting it right next time.

Took the day off work today. I needed to clear my head It was beautiful outside so I did an 2.5 hour trek around Namasn.

It’s late. I’m tired. And drunk.

Goodnight.

UPDATE: The person I upset at the dart match sent me a message apologizing for the FB post. I reiterated my sincere sorrow for having made her feel bad during the match. She’s says we’re good, and that is good.

It’s a national holiday…

Posted on 05/May/2016 by John McCrarey

…in honor of my granddaughter’s 11th birthday. You can call it Children’s Day if you want, but for me it will always be Gracyn day!

She loves horses and is a great rider, just like her mother at that age…

Like mother, like daughter…

In other news I purchased a new phone. A sweet Galaxy 7.

Pain in the ass downloading all the apps I like again, but what the hell…

One thing it didn’t come with was a spare battery. After checking several stores and getting the same response “you have to go to the Samsung store”, I took it upon myself to go to, well, the Samsung store. I was told it was near exit #1 of the Sookmyung Women’s University subway station. In due course I actually found the store, but was told the service department was closed. Not sure if that is an every Thursday thing or just in celebration of Gracyn day. I was told they’d be open tomorrow, so I’ll try again.

Seeing as how I was on my lunchtime walk anyway, I meandered on over to Seoul Station.

The original Seoul Station mind you…

And is my wont, I found an unidentified (for me at least) statue to photograph.

You will never be forgotten whoever the hell you are…

Making my way back towards the office where I am employed but not allowed to blog about, I found this vista featuring both old and new Seoul worthy of a photo…Was it?

Today is also Cinco de Mayo. So, here’s a photo I took in honor of that event…

On the 15th of May we’ll be holding the Seoul Sunday Singles League end of season tournament. The trophies have arrived, here’s hoping the medals get here before the event as well.

Some damage in shipping, but I suppose it’s nothing a little super glue won’t fix…

And yes, I’m just about as handsome as ever. Thanks for asking.

here’s looking at you kid.

Long Time Gone

Category Archives: The story of my life