A busy day yesterday. How busy? I skipped the morning group hike and passed on attending the SOB. I had other things to do to fill the hours. Here’s how it went:
I needed to go to Olongapo to pick up my blood work results. The plan was to take a Jeepney, but on the way out of the neighborhood, my neighbor (and Westminster High School classmate), Mike, drove by. It turns out he was on his way to SBMA, too, so we got a much more comfortable ride with him. Mike is one of the more interesting guys I’ve met here, and not just because he comes from my hometown (what are the odds of that?). Professionally, he was a record producer who worked with some of the biggest rock groups of the 70s and 80s. He showed me some really cool photos from those days at the rooftop party. Speaking of which, at the party, he reminded me that he had been to the original Rite Spot–the burger joint my dad managed in the early 60s. What a small world.
Anyway, I picked up the blood results, hit a couple of stores in the mall, and then we started the walk back home. I didn’t get far in the blistering heat before saying, “fuck this,” and grabbing a taxi. I got home, blogged, showered, and then walked back into town for my appointment with Dr. Jo. When Dr. Jo and hubby Chris reviewed the blood work and compared it to my previous results, they were shocked. In a good way. Almost all my high readings, including the ones predicting future diabetes and kidney failure, had dropped back into the normal range. So, I guess ignoring my sweet tooth has paid some dividends. I still miss ice cream, though.
We discussed my recent breathing issues, and it appears I’m retaining fluids again, which is likely impacting my lung functioning. Also, my blood hemoglobin level is slightly lower than normal. As I understand, hemoglobin carries oxygen through the bloodstream, and the low level could be a factor in my feeling short of breath. I received an injection of vitamin B1, which should help strengthen my hemoglobin levels. Dr. Jo also tweaked a couple of my prescriptions to address fluid retention and my recent bouts with high blood pressure. Overall, though, I left her office feeling encouraged.
It was still early, around 2:30, and we had initially planned to return home after the appointment. Since I’m going to be out of town on Sunday, I asked Swan if she would mind my taking care of the Hideaway feeding before I went home. She was fine with that, so we parted company for the time being. On my way to the bar, I ordered a pizza and a roast chicken. The girls were surprised to see me two days ahead of schedule, but they were hungry.
I stayed for an hour or so, then headed back down the highway. I thought about stopping somewhere for one more beer but decided I’d rather be at home with Swan, so I grabbed a trike. When I arrived, Swan was surprised to see me. She had sent me a message I hadn’t seen yet saying she was going to attend a memorial service for a recently deceased friend at the Palm Tree Resort. Well, damn, if I knew that I would have stayed in town. I didn’t want to go to a remembrance for someone I didn’t know, but I walked back into town with Swan and waited for her next door at Mangos.
There were quite a few lightning bolts flashing over the water, and I decided to move next door to Palm Tree to enjoy the show from the upstairs balcony.
Swan saw me come in, and the service had just concluded, so she came and joined me at my table. She introduced me to some of the other attendees, but I still felt awkward, having not known the honoree. When I finished my beer, we said goodbye and departed. We decided to do a nightcap at Outback before heading home.
So, the day turned out to be another good one.
It’s a big weekend in store, as we are traveling to Angeles City this afternoon. Swan and I will be participating in the ACH3 anniversary Hash on Sunday.
In other news, today is the last day of the season for both floating bars.
Today’s YouTube video is the latest from The Filipina Pea and covers a topic I’ve often wondered about–why don’t Filipinas use birth control? It’s insane. I’ve met two different gals working in the bars trying to eek out of living, and I was gob-smocked to learn that each of them has SIX children. Much of the poverty in this country is self-inflicted.
Today’s funnies:
I will be back with a change of venue report tomorrow!
Congratulations 🎊
I am glad to see that I was wrong with my prediction. You’ll remember that when you started this relationship, most of your readers wrote scathing previews about how long it would last. After all this time, it’s still going strong. And you still get to visit some of your favorite bars ; though you’d be the first to admit that you’ve made some adjustments. These days, you’re just as content to drink from your rooftop with your woman, rather than entertain the Cheap Charlie’s crew with your oldest and dearest jokes. The fear that your woman wouldn’t share your hobbies has been allayed ; and she seems to be as active as you are with the walking in the mornings and drinking at sunset. Let me be the first to apologize for my wrong prognosis. Both of you made some minor adjustments in your lifestyle and attitude, and I wish you all the best.
The same goes for your own adjustments when it comes to healthy living.
Is that Joy enjoying the food? Either that’s a really bad picture, or she’s really gotten fat. Come to think of it; I think I made the same comment a few months ago. Could she have gotten even fatter in the meantime? None of us have any control over our genetics…. I am on the way to becoming a sumo wrestler myself; just that I run out of breath from standing up from the couch.
Thanks for the writing as usual. Consistency is your middle name.
And congratulations for finding some male friends. I would say that is one of your most recent additions to a happier life ; even if you see them rarely. It’s a small world indeed.
Swan and I will be participating in the ACH3 anniversary Hash on Sunday.
So she’s officially Hashing with you now, after holding out for so long. When does she get initiated?
we are going to try and drop by before we go to say farewell
I forget—and I think you mentioned this before (sorry)—farewell for good, or just for the season?
why don’t Filipinas use birth control?
At a guess: old-school Catholicism. These aren’t American Catholics, who basically spit on their own religion but vaguely adhere to its trappings when convenient.
I’ve met two different gals working in the bars trying to eek out [a] living
Spot the error! As with “discreet/discrete,” we’ve been over this one before.
Enjoy your trip. And congrats on your medical numbers.
Great to hear the latest health results!!
Thanks, Brian.
She is Hashing tomorrow as a favor to her girlfriend, who will be there. The AC Hash is very tame compared to Subic. There is no ice, for one thing. Swan has Hacked before, so she is not subject to any rituals.
The floating bars are closing for the season. They will likely reopen in November, weather permitting.
Yes, the Catholic church doesn’t approve of birth control. Then again, premarital sex is also frowned upon. Funny they do one but not the other.
That sound you heard was my eek when I spotted the error. You’d think I could eke out a proper sentence by now.
Jimmy, so far, so good. One day at a time, but I think we’ve found our comfort zone. And she laughs at my jokes!
Yes, that was Joy in the photo, and indeed, she has gained quite a bit of weight in the time I’ve known her. Don’t blame me–I only feed them once a week!
As always, I really appreciate your thoughtful comments. I’m going to keep on keeping on and hope I don’t find a way to fuck things up!