Here’s the lowdown on yesterday’s Hash run. I joined a rather large group of shortcutters who avoided the Kalaklan Ridge climb and did the second part of the trail. Including the 2K walk from my house to where we started, I had a satisfying 6K hike with one hill. That’s enough for me these days.
I guess I’m doing alright for a fat seventy-year-old. Some more after-Hash beers at It Doesn’t Matter, then home for some restless sleep.
Who’d a thunk I’d be one of those Woke bastards?
It’s still February 2017 in the LTG archives, and I’m in Barretto scoping out the possibilities of retiring there (spoiler alert: I did). Anyway, lots of pictures and memories. You can check out the post for yourself, but here are a couple:
It’s interesting to look back on those days when I had one foot in the future and the other stuck in the past. That’s a good way to fall flat on your face.
Today’s YouTube video is about the mountain city of Baguio. I’m sharing it as a prelude to my upcoming excursion there for a Valentine’s Hash. I’ve been to Baguio a few times, and it is a nice place to visit, but I don’t think I would enjoy living there.
Humor me:
Anyway, I’m off to see Dr. Jo this afternoon. My self-diagnosis is that I’m old, but I want a second opinion. My current symptoms include coughing up phlegm, high blood pressure, stiff and sore lower legs, and some lethargy. And I don’t want to sound morbid or anything, but I can’t help shaking the feeling that the end of my time is nearer than I’d hoped for. I can’t really explain these feelings, but maybe the brain knows when the body has reached its expiry date. I hope I’m wrong, but just in case, you heard it here first.
Good luck with Dr. Jo. Is this a routine appointment or a specially scheduled one?
Scenario 1: routine appointment, but I just happen to have questions
Scenario 2: special appointment because something pressing has come up
Does Swan ever nag you about your health, or is that a forbidden topic? Is she just biding her time, waiting for her inheritance? I assume she’s in your will.
Crikey mate ya can’t be feeling that way mate if suicide’s calling ya don’t answer mate ya gots ta hang in there mate reach out for help mate never give in mate drown ya sorrows with beers not razorblades as me mum used to say mate cheers mate cheers
Mate – I mean this with the utmost respect, but you’ve gotta do sonething about that gut. I’d wager that alone is responsible for 90% of your health issues.
You definitely toned down last year when you were “counting calories” You probably get enough daily exercise, but it is kind of pointless when you replace it with 1,000 calorie, nutrient-less shitty bar food and God only knows what snacks.
There was a famous interview with that pom, Ed Sheeran who had just lost a ton of weight. He was asked how he got in shape (diet plan, exercise regimen etc) and his reply was “I just switched from beer to vodka!” haha.
Have you thought about intermittent fasting? With your sleep pattern, you could just stop eating at 7pm or so, and then really just need to skip breakfast – you can eat again after 16 hours, so would be fine by 11am or so. If you do those hash walks in the morning, even better on an empty stomach because you will have used up all of your glycogen stores by that stage, and just be burning pure fat.
It’s boring, but try it for a month and see the results.
I’m not a Dr Jo level medical professional (merely a lowly ex-Vet), but these kinds of health issues stretch across all species.
Good luck, fat boy!!
Hope the doc appointment goes well. Probably just age related, which sucks in its own way, but beats the alternative.
Re: Baguio
What was it about the city that would not make it a long term option? I think I am more of a mountain person than a beach person, so a place like that would tick boxes for me in that regard.
Like Clint Eastwood said ” don’t let the old man in. ” On the other hand , today may be the best you will feel for the rest of your life. Take care of yourself and make 90 your goal for starters.
Dear Sir Blessed Holy Beloved Kind Sir Wondrous Dear Sir Jonh,
How are you these day? I must say the sun can be bright. Did you see the probems the Norway Family Royal is having? They say when one lives on ice then a mans heart can turn to ice. Please only eat ice not become ice, my dear sir sweet gentle prince.
Bless the regards
Cherry
Thanks, Cherry.
Terry, damn, I’d love to be living at Clint’s age. And yeah, I need to do better at embracing each day instead of worrying about tomorrow. My dad made it to 83 with a worse lifestyle than mine, so maybe there’s hope.
Brian, the only problem I have with Baguio is getting there. The long and winding mountain road makes it difficult. No airport or other means of escape. Traffic in town gets heavy at times as well. That said, once you are there, it is beautiful and has all the modern conveniences. I like where I am for everyday living, but I enjoy spending a weekend in the mountains. Great hiking in the former Camp John Hay, too.
Dr. Greg, yeah, my belly is disgusting, no doubt about it. I know HOW to lose weight, but lately, I’ve lost the motivation to deny myself the things I enjoy. I mean, if I’m going to die fat, I might as well be happy, right?
Aaron, suicide is not in my future, unless it is that slow method known as beer drinking.
Kevin, I scheduled the appointment as a consultation to see if any of my meds needed adjustment and to discuss my current issues to see if there are any easy fixes.
Swan barks a little when I go back for a second helping of ice cream, but generally leaves me to my own devices. Nothing left to leave her in my will. I am giving her money so she can contribute to the Social Security fund and help her build a house on the family compound. So, she’ll have a roof over her head at least when I’m gone.