Last night I heard from an old friend who just had her heart broken. I was pretty surprised because I know she was crazy about this guy and had gone “all in” to the relationship. And now she is devastated. I really feel bad for her because last time we chatted she was excited like a kid before Christmas waiting for his visit next month (yes, it was one of those long distance relationships which are of course especially fraught with peril).
I’m certainly in no position to give relationship advice (unless you are savvy enough to do the opposite of what I say), but I do know a thing or two about dealing with a broken heart. So I mostly just provided an understanding ear and assured her that she would get through this and come out changed, but stronger, on the other side. As they say, it only hurts until the pain goes away.
I’m ten months removed now for my latest broken heart and of course I’ve moved on with my life. Although this life I’m living here is the life I had intended to share with her. That took some getting used to the first few weeks but it also provided some much needed perspective. We all walk the path we choose in life, if we get lucky someone may choose to walk along beside us. There is no guarantee it will be for a lifetime. That’s the risk you take when you allow yourself to love.
In an odd little coincidence, Facebook “memories” feature shared a photo I’d posted two years ago of the love before the last love, Eun Oke.
This was right after we had first met. The caption on my FB post was “the future is a mystery”.
It turned out to be a very short-lived future as a couple. When I think of her I’m reminded of the Jim Croce lyric: “for every time that we spent laughing there were two times that I cried…”. But hey, no regrets. I still on rare occasions will get a Kakao message from her. Usually when she is drunk. Eun Oke is a good, but flawed, woman. I was just too fragile to deal with her mood swings. I hope she is doing better now.
And of course, this new life is what I salvaged when my previous life was ended on the seemingly capricious whim of the last woman I married. I’ll never understand that and I’ve given up trying. I died, spent time in purgatory, and was reborn in the Philippines.
Will I find a true and lasting love here? I honestly don’t know and maybe what I have is good enough. I’m open to whatever the future might bring but I’m not going to spend my time being sad about the past or lamenting what I don’t have in my life now. It is what it is. I’ll just keeping walking on.
Love hurts, love scars, love wounds
And mars, any heart
Not tough or strong enough
To take a lot of pain, take a lot of pain
Love is like a cloud
Holds a lot of rain
Love hurts…… ooh, ooh love hurts
Some fools think of happiness
Blissfulness, togetherness
Some fools fool themselves I guess
They’re not foolin’ me
I know it isn’t true, I know it isn’t true
Love is just a lie
Made to make you blue
Love hurts…… ooh, ooh love hurts
Ooh, ooh love hurts
Woke up to heavy rain again. Oldtimers here tell me this is the wettest rainy season they’ve seen in years. Perhaps one day years hence I’ll be holding court in the bar talking about the summer rains of ’18. Manila has massive flooding (some 50,000+ displaced) but so far we’ve weathered the weather pretty well this go round in Olongapo. Fingers crossed.
A brief break in the action afforded me the opportunity to take my Buddy out for a walk.
For me the worst part of the rain is that it curtails my walking. Less than 5,000 steps yesterday. Of course, that’s on me and my inherent laziness. I could get off my ass and get wet (like I did for the Hash), but I’ve been using the weather as an excuse to take a nap instead.
I’ve also been blowing off my dietary discipline, consuming carbs and sweets like I did as a fat man. So far at least I’ve managed to keep the scale under 200 pounds, but given my recent lack of exercise I know that won’t last. I’ll get back on the wagon. One day soon.
In light of the morning rain I had breakfast at home. Fresh baked brownies. Damn, they were good! And gone before I could stop myself.
After my nap I headed out to Alley Cats for the dart tourney. I’m still inconsistent, but throwing much better overall these days. Took a second place. The highlight of the afternoon was throwing a 141 out (triple 19, triple 20, double 14) to beat my arch rival. That’s a pretty incredible throw for a non-professional like me. Hey, better to be lucky than good, right? Anyway, that really made my day!
Came back home after darts (around 5:00 pm) and baked up some cornbread to go with the pork roast I’d been cooking in the crockpot.
Still not happy with the meat I’ve been buying. This pork loin roast slow cooked for over 8 hours but was still tough and hard to pull apart. Hence the sacrilege of serving pulled pork BBQ with a fucking steak knife. Ah well, it did in fact taste good, so there’s that.
After eating I was sleepy. I had planned to go back out for a few beers, but it was raining hard and I said fuck it. I was in bed at 8 o’clock. And of course, wide awake at 2:00 a.m.
As you can see, it’s an exciting life I’m living. And it’s good to remember just how much worse it could be.
That was me one year ago drinking $7. beers alone in Anjeong-ri. Now, my beers are a buck a pop and I have lots of friendly folks drinking with me (on my tab of course).
Anyway, it’s all just part of the continuing journey. Excited to find out what’s going to happen next. Stay tuned!
It was a wet day at yesterday’s Hash. No photos to share because I had my phone safely ensconced within a baggie. As expected, the trail was only a challenge because most of it was walked in a driving rainstorm. My review during the Hash circle was the trail was “too much and too little”. I wasn’t asked to elaborate, but my meaning was too much rain, too little trail”. It was all on surface streets, most of which I’ve hiked before, and only took an hour to complete. But that’s okay for a rainy day.
My Buddy don’t give a shit about the rain. Why should I?
It’s a dog’s life.
We did sing a variation of this song at the circle (just change singing to Hashing:
I’m singing in the rain
Just singing in the rain
What a glorious feelin’
I’m happy again
I’m laughing at clouds
So dark up above
The sun’s in my heart
And I’m ready for love
Let the stormy clouds chase
Everyone from the place
Come on with the rain
I’ve a smile on my face
I walk down the lane
With a happy refrain
Just singin’,
Singin’ in the rain
I need to be pampered. Especially at night. Apparently. Didn’t even realize it until after I woke up and saw the bed sheets. What a bunch of crap.
I pampered up Buddy’s breakfast by adding a slice of turkey lunch meat…
Then I braved the rains to get my morning meal of steak and eggs at Mango’s.
The sea at high tide was especially angry this morning. Water splashing up into Mango’s outdoor patio. I often eat out there, but not today!
Next I walked Buddy to the vet for the next in his series of inoculations. I don’t think he liked it much, but he was a trooper about it…
Then I pampered my feet with a foot scrub and pedicure…
And that’s what it’s like to be working at nothing all day. Now it is time to Hash and it promises to be a wet one. Saw the Hare on my way to the salon and he said it was an easy trail with no mountains today. Good plan!
Now that I have running water I can bitch about the power being out this afternoon. Not surprised really. As I was heading out for the pedicure there was a gust of wind and I saw some sparks falling from the power lines. I knew that couldn’t be good. You know, I don’t know much about electricity, but it does occur to me if you allow tree limbs to grow up into the wires you are going to have some problems. Especially when the wind blows. But, no one asked me, so…
And finally there’s this. A young Filipina showed up at last night’s dart tourney wearing this cap:
Is this a great country or what?
UPDATE: Power is back on. Water is back off. The utility God’s must be laughing their asses off. Or I have exceptionally bad Karma. One of those.
Yesterday started out in typical enough fashion. It was raining heavily most of the day, and coupled with some gusty winds I just decided to give up on taking any extended hikes. Not walking does put me somewhat out of sorts though, and I just felt “off” for most of the day.
I did plan to keep my Saturday night date with darts however. But seeing as how I hadn’t had a shower in two days, I needed to book a hotel room first. Luckily, I had a 50% off coupon I won at the SOB raffle on Friday. Got the room for a mere 850 pesos ($16). Had dinner at Dryden’s (a not bad cheeseburger with fries) and took a box of takeout chicken wings for the staff at Alley Cats.
Had a great time at darts. Managed a second place finish in a hard fought and well played finals match. And also had fun interacting (and buying drinks) with the bar staff and customers. My tab was a whopping 2200 pesos ($44), the most I’ve heretofore spent at Alley Cats. I put lots of smiles on the bargirl faces there. Funny thing is back in Korea that was what I’d usually spend on a solitary and depressing night in Anjeong-ri where each of my own beers were costing me $7 or $8 bucks (versus less than $2 here). Glad to spread that windfall savings around.
Marissa was working last night, and after darts I asked if she would like to join me back at the hotel. She was up for that so off we went. It was the first time we had actually spent a whole night sleeping together. I enjoyed that. Had to get up early though and get back to the house to let the construction workers in to do their thing. And it is all coming along nicely. Even got my dart board hung today!
And then guess what happened? I turned on the tap in the kitchen and by God I had running water for the first time in almost two weeks! I can’t begin to express just how exciting that was for me.
And so hopefully last night was my last night in Paradise!
Today marks three months of living in the Philippines. And while things can always be better, on balance my life here is generally good.
I’m more and more integrated into the expat community with each passing day. It’s a small town and so I recognize and am recognized by my fellow (non) citizens. For the most part they seem to be a pretty good group of gents. And it is easy enough to avoid the exceptions.
My interactions with the locals is pretty much limited to those who provide the services I consume. And even here I’m made to feel like a regular, almost always greeted by name and an honorific (kuya John or sir John). A small thing perhaps, but it does make me feel at home.
Of course, there are frustrations. It is outrageous that I’ve been without water for going on two weeks. Totally unacceptable and totally nothing I can do about it. Heh, even the hotel staff knows me by name now. I also get discouraged that some basic items I’m accustomed to consuming are not available in the stores. I’ll be bringing an empty suitcase when I return to the USA in October to help alleviate those shortages.
And my love life. I did expect that some lucky gal would have snatched me up by now. Yes, there is Marissa. But more and more I realize as nice and as pleasant as she might be, she is not going to be “the one” for me. We had a nice enough date last night, but today I woke up knowing that I’m very likely heading for a train wreck. I need to find the courage to jump off before someone gets hurt. Or else I need to learn to stop being an all or nothing kind of guy. One of those.
Anyway, one of my goals in living here was to find ways to make a difference. To be making life a little better for some by my presence. I’ve got a ways to go in that regard, but in some ways I’ve been at least a small help to others. My helper Teri has a decent job now. My driver Donnie seems to appreciate the work I throw his way. The caretaker Tony gets a little extra cash from me each week. I’ve done some acts of charity for people I know in need. It can be overwhelming because so many here have so little and you can’t help them all. But, I do the best I can and take some satisfaction from that at least.
Going forward I’d like to find a project or projects within my budget that could potentially change a life. One thing I’m considering is the possibility of sponsoring a student’s college tuition, at least in part. It would have to be the right person in the right circumstances, but the potential for helping someone move out of the cycle of poverty is pretty compelling. I’m not sure how to go about that, a scholarship perhaps, or maybe I’ll encounter a deserving individual along the way. We’ll see.
I don’t really consider it charity, but I do buy my share of lady drinks for the working girls I meet in the bars. Such a small thing can make a big difference. You don’t always realize that, at least I didn’t. One night one of the dancers offered me a chair massage. I always say no to that, but this one had such a look of desperation in her eyes that I assented. When she finished, I gave her 100 pesos ($2). You could see the relief in her face as she confided to me “now I can buy my baby some rice on the way home. Thank you!”. Fuck.
When you bring a gal down for a drink they all ask the same basic questions, including “where you from?” and “where you stay?”. I guess I look like tourist (well, I do tend to dress a little nicer than most of my fellow expats, but that’s not saying much). They always seem to be surprised when I respond that I’m living here in Barretto. Their follow-up question is invariably “how long you stay here?” to which I truthfully answer “until I die”. How long that will be is anyone’s guess.
Although it did get me thinking about just how I might die here. I’ve come up with ten ways, in descending order (least likely to most likely). Here they are:
10. Killed by a jealous Pinoy boyfriend. This isn’t too likely I suspect because I hope I’d do a better job of vetting any potential mates so as to know if they had a boyfriend at home. Still, it happens. Especially with bargirls.
9. Pissing off the wrong person. Face is a big thing in this country and you don’t want to cause a Filipino to lose face when a hitman can be hired for a hundred bucks. I’m not the most patient person around so I need to work hard at my mantra “deep breath, relax, accept the Filipino way”.
8. Lack of quality health care. Okay, well there are two decent hospitals nearby, another a couple of hours away in Angeles, and the best (St. Luke’s) down in Manila. So it is as much as matter of what, when and where as anything else I suppose. Something really serious I could hopefully fly to the USA, but you don’t always get that much advance warning. Everything is always a roll of the dice, right?
7. Fucked to death by a horny Filipina. What a way to go though! This actually kinda almost happened once prior to my COPD diagnosis. I couldn’t breath but my partner was bound and determined to get off before she got off. Anyway, I’m in better shape now and I’m confident I can hold my own with any sexy girl I might encounter. Or die trying!
6. Liver failure. Okay, it’s no secret that I drink a lot of beers. Several a day, every day. I am drinking light beer with low alcohol content which ought to not be so taxing on my liver to process. But again, we all have to die of something, and I’m not giving up my beer.
5. Trike wreck. I prefer walking to taking the most common means of local transport, the tricycle. They are uncomfortable and unsafe and the drivers routinely ignore common sense traffic laws. Still, they are perhaps safer than walking home in the dark late at night or when there is monsoon rainfall. What are the odds?
The ubiquitous trike on the National Highway in Barretto.
4. Killed by my driver. Speaking of death by traffic, my driver Donnie may very well be the death of me. He drives like a fucking maniac. But honestly, so does nearly everyone else in this country. Scary though it may be, he is effective in getting me to where I’m going in the shortest time possible. Not that I’m dying to get anywhere in a hurry.
3. Hashing. Regular readers have seen my weekly Hash reports. I’m often one false step away from disaster. So, the trick I guess is not taking that step.
2. The National Highway. My walking and bar adventures generally require me to cross the highway a couple of times a day. I’m getting better at it I think. It’s all about timing, in a Frogger kind of way. I had one close call a couple of years ago after which I was advised to cross “when the Filipinos do”. I guess I’m going native. They are in the process of widening the highway from two lanes to four. That may prove to be the death of me.
1. Peacefully in my sleep. Hey, I’m an optimist. It could happen. In twenty years or so.
I’m not scared of dying
and I don’t really care
If it’s peace you find in dying,
well, then let the time be near
If it’s peace you find in dying,
when dying time is here,
Just bundle up my coffin cause
it’s cold way down there
My troubles are many, they’re as deep as a well
I can swear there ain’t no heaven but I pray there ain’t no hell
Swear there ain’t no heaven and pray there ain’t no hell,
But I’ll never know by living, only my dying will tell,
Only my dying will tell, yeah, only my dying will tell
And when I die and when I’m gone,
There’ll be one child born and a world to carry on, to carry on
Give me my freedom for as long as I be
All I ask of living is to have no chains on me
All I ask of living is to have no chains on me,
And all I ask of dying is to go naturally, only want to go naturally
Don’t want to go by the devil, don’t want to go by the demon,
Don’t want to go by Satan, don’t want to die uneasy,
Just let me go naturally
And when I die and when I’m gone,
There’ll be one child born to carry on.
An all day rain sure does throw me out of sync. But it’s still the only running water in the neighborhood.
Walked over to my rented room at The Pub hotel for a shower and shave just before checkout time. Came home and gave Buddy a walk during a brief lull in the storm.
Now what? I may have to resort to watching YouTube videos. Just so you know, not every day here is filled with excitement and adventure.
Rainy day people
Always seem to know when you’re feeling blue
High steppin’ strutters who land in the gutter
Sometimes need one too
Take it or leave it
Or try to believe it
If you’ve been down too long
Rainy day lovers don’t hide love inside
They just pass it on
That’s actually my street and my house in the background. I think the road collapse is possibly related to the issues with the water in the subdivision. Which still is not fixed.
Had a goodly long walk this morning, but there are some streets you just should not walk down.
I took this as a sign that this is one of them…
Had a big fight with Marissa last night (the screaming at her on the street kind) which of course upon *ahem* sober reflection I regretted. I won’t go into details here, suffice to say we have a large gap between my expectations for a girlfriend experience and her ability to deliver.
That is exactly what I had planned to do, but then…
Marissa showed up at my dart league match today. And we talked. After darts I took her for a dinner of some Korean grilled pork belly and we talked some more. Then we had makeup sex.
So. She doesn’t fulfill all my needs. But she does an excellent job fulfilling the ones she does. And perhaps it is my expectations that need adjusting. She can’t be or replace the woman who broke my heart. I’m going to try (again) to let Marissa be who she is and accept that for what it is. At least for now.
A Frenchman a-sits in the loo
with some shit perched atop o’ his shoe
he craps; his teeth gnash
and the feces doth splash
in the end, he be proud of his poo
—Kevin Kim
In a first in the long and storied history of LTG, an original Hash-style poem, written by fellow blogger and friend Kevin Kim. See the comments on this post for the provenance of the poem, written in and translated from the original French. It seems like an appropriate way to kick off this week’s Hash House Harrier report, don’t you think?
Trails and Travails.
As is our custom, we loaded up in the Hashmobile and were driven a goodly distance out to downtown Subic where we commenced our hike.
And we are ON-ON!
Wherever I may be on-trail I try and appreciate the scenery. *ahem*
Over the river and to the woods we go!
I’m sure this lad must have found a troop of mostly foreigners marching by a little fishy…
Leaving the world of pavement behind…
Always amazed at the folks who live life truly off the grid. And I complain about not having running water (and I still DON”T have water by the way).
I’d check periodically to make sure I wasn’t bringing up the rear. Didn’t want to be left alone on trail again this week…
All’s clear on the way ahead…
Followed the creek bed and didn’t have a paddle….
….but I did have my walking stick. Which I needed as the ascent was particularly steep this week. At one point I grabbed onto a tree trunk to get my balance only to discover the bark was covered with tiny stickers. “Watch out for the bark on those” I was belatedly advised. Damn things would not wash out in the creek water either. Finally used my hanky to wipe them away. Bastards!
The view from the top. Way off in the distance is Alta Vista, my subdivision. Now, before we departed the Hare had advised that the descent was going to be steep and muddy. He suggested we find a stick to use if we hadn’t brought one. One of the Hashers actually bailed at this point. I was thinking on the way down that he might have made the right call. I was on my ass twice and in danger of toppling over several other times. One of my slips caused a mini-landslide and the two Hashers behind me came down with it.
The look of satisfaction on my face after reaching the bottom of the mountain with no damage other than the mud on my ass.
After that it was clear sailing (well, hiking) as we were on relatively flat ground for the longish remainder of the Hash…
On the home stretch along the paved banks of the Matain river.
LIfe on the riverside….heh, I’ve seen much worse.
On-Home was at Treasure Island this week. One of my favorite venues in town. Treated myself to the some orange chicken and some grilled wings. Life is good, glad I didn’t lose mine on trail!
The Hash Circle commenced and as is the custom, we were asked to rate the trail. I said it was perfect for a mountain goat. And then while the Hares sat bare assed on the ice block we honored them with with the traditional Hash song:
(sung to the Mickey Mouse Club theme)
S-H-I-T-T-Y T-R-A-I-L
Shitty trail (It sucked)
Shitty trail (really fucked)
The Hare’s have laid another shitty trail
I would rather drink a beer than hash your shitty trail,
S-H-I-T-T-Y T-R-A-I-L
Later on I was compelled to spend some time on ice for my two Hash Crashes. The guys who fell with me also joined me on the ice. One of them suggested that the Hares also take another cold seat since they had laid an impossible trail down the mountain. And finally I was given recognition for achieving double digit status (11 Hashes already!) with the Subic Bay Hash House Harries (SB H-3).
Then the circle closed with our going away song:
(there’s a bunch of pantomimes we do as we sing, but I can’t be fucked with describing them right now)
Swing low, sweet cherry ass,
Cumin’ four two carry me home…
Swing low, sweet cherry ass,
Cumin’ four two carry me home.
I looked over Jordan,
And what did I see-ee,
Cumin’ four two carry me home…
A band of An-gels,
Cumin’ after me-ee,
Cumin’ four two carry me home…
If you get there be-four I doo,
Cumin’ four two carry me home…
Tell all my friends I’m cumin’ twoo,
Cumin’ four two carry me home…
Yes, I know. I know. But it’s a Hash tradition. Don’t be a hater!
Yesterday was pretty much what passes as normal for me around here. If you discount the shitting the bed thing I mean.
I always start my day with a dose of the internet, mostly the blogs I follow and some Facebook. There’s some gems out there if you get lucky enough to find them. Like I’ve got this new pickup line to try out on the local ladies:
Although it will likely prove every bit as effective as my current repertoire…
Repertoire…isn’t that French? Coincidentally, the cover of this month’s online Hash magazine seems to feature bits of that archaic and dying language.
In the Subic kennel, we sing our songs in English thank you very much. Of course, I’m still learning the words to most of them but little by little I’m getting there.
I wish I could find me a songbook with all the lyrics for the Hash standards.
Anyway, once I’ve satisfied my internet addiction, it’s time to hit the road for the first steps of the day and of course some breakfast. I usually do Treasure Island for my morning meal, but yesterday I changed it up and ate at Mango’s.
Eggs with a view as it were.
I try to get 10,000 steps (1.5 hours) every morning. Back home to rest a bit, then give Buddy a walk through the neighborhood. He smiles the whole time!
Had my Sunday darts tournament at Alley Cats and managed a third place which was a tad disappointing. I’m not going to complain about it much, but this is not the traditional “blind draw” where teammates are randomly chosen. The tournament director instead divides folks into two groups “A” caliber players and everyone else, which in theory would give you more balanced teams. I just question how she determines who is going where. Now, I’m always in the “A” group and I belong there. But damn, she has some really solid players that in my mind should be in “A” as well teamed up with other “A” partners. Ah well, I have some thoughts on how to better rank and rate the players, but I can’t be bothered with it at this point. Just want to relax and have fun.
After darts I hoofed it on home and ate some leftover baby back ribs from the previous night’s dinner. Then took Buddy for his afternoon walk. With Buddy walked and fed, I packed a bag and headed back into town. Rented a room at the Paradise hotel using my 50% off coupon from the SOB raffle. Took a much needed shower, had a shave, dressed up nice and hit the bars.
It was in the back of mind that maybe, just maybe, I’d put the bed in that room to use. Sometimes my “no barfine” policy seems ridiculous. I mean seriously, some hot young women willing and wanting to fuck you for forty or less dollars and I just leave them up there on the stage? It strikes me as an awful selfish thing to do. After all, they really really need the money.
Alas, despite seeing some prospects that ticked all my boxes I just couldn’t pull the trigger. Bought a few ladies drinks which helps them out some at least. And didn’t feel guilty about enjoying some brews. This quote (attributed to Babe Ruth, but who knows, it’s the internet after all) pretty much sums up my thinking:
“Sometimes when I reflect on all the beer I drink, I feel ashamed. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the brewery and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn’t drink this beer, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. I think, “It is better to drink this beer and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver.”
After an abbreviated bar hop (Wet Spot, Cheap Charlies) I popped into Lollipop. On Sunday night they have a live band doing country music. I pulled one of the dancers off stage to keep me company, but mostly to be my bodyguard. There were only two other customers in the joint and the hoards of thirsty waitresses were swarming around my table with the “buy me a drink” fever in their eyes. It really is off putting.
Only stayed for the first set of music. The band was okay, featuring some Eagles tunes and a Kid Rock song I like, Only God Knows Why. Caught a trike home, leaving my hotel bed untouched. Slept on the couch since I didn’t want to put clean sheets on a dirty mattress.
And that’s pretty much how things roll around here.
People don’t know about the things I say and do
They don’t understand about the shit that I’ve been through
It’s been so long since I’ve been home
I’ve been gone, I’ve been gone for way too long
Maybe I forgot all things I miss
Oh somehow I know there’s more to life than this
I said it too many times
And I still stand firm
You get what you put in
And people get what they deserve
Still I ain’t seen mine
No I ain’t seen mine
I’ve been giving just ain’t been gettin
I’ve been walking that there line
So I think I’ll keep a walking
With my head held high
I’ll keep moving on and only God knows why
I rarely post news of the scatological, but I had a particularly shitty night.
So, I’ve had a case of the LBM (liquid bowel movement) for the past few days. It’s not that big a deal, no cramps or other side effects. When I have to go, I go. It’s just liquid. Sorta like shitting pee. Until last night that is.
I wake up at 2 a.m. and my underwear are wet. WTF? Sure enough, I had shit the bed in my sleep. Well, damn. I got up, cleaned up as best I could with no running water. Removed the soiled sheets, flipped the mattress over, re-made the bed, used the toilet just to play it safe, and then managed to get back to sleep.
Woke up at 5 o’clock and guess what? I had done it again. Even worse this time if you can imagine that. I honestly don’t get it. The LBM is no better or worse than it has been. I mean, I haven’t had the need to poop all day so it’s not like I’ve got a case of raging diarrhea.
Now on the chance that you are wondering if this might be drinking related, it wasn’t. I came home early last night after drinking less beers than I normally do. In other words, I was not intoxicated. I was about as normal as I get.
I don’t recall ever having shit my pants since I was child (other than the occasional shart). And I’m sure I never shit the bed since being potty trained.
And then twice in one night. Wow. I’m trying to recall if maybe I dreamed I had gotten up to go to the toilet, but I have no recollection of that. I just don’t get it. In the category of “it can always be worse”, one night earlier and I would have shit all over Marissa. I’m not sure our relationship could handle shit like that.
Anyway, it was a crappy start to the day. I really need to get my shit together…
Still no water. Unfucking believable. Every promise made has been broken, so I’m in the “I’ll believe it when I see it” mode. Ah well, deep breath and all that…
Spent the night at The Pub hotel last night. Prior to a shower and sleep (alright, something else between those two but I’m not going to go there because I’m a gentlemen and all that) this is was how I filled the day:
Did some walking, over 15,000 but less than 20,000.
Had a fight with Marissa.
Played some decent darts (our team won the match 13-0).
Had dinner at Mango’s Resort.
That would be the fish and chips…
Made up with Malissa. I was fully prepared to just cut her loose, but she is a pretty sweet gal. She is far from an ideal girlfriend. I don’t think it is in her nature to give me the type of relationship I desire. But in the end I just decided that at least for the time being I’ll try to appreciate her for who and what she is and not let what she is not bother me overmuch. We’ll see if I can live up to those words.
Better than eating alone, that’s for sure!
After dinner we headed out to Alaska bar for the weekly SOB dance competition.
I sat in judgment of these assembled dancers from the six competing bars.
Afterwards I booked the hotel room, took a shower, and hit the sheets. It was nice to have a smokin’ hot body sweet someone to sleep beside.
One of the activities I’ve engaged to fill the time is playing darts again. I play league on Wednesdays and Fridays, and tourneys on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday. And while I have yet to recapture the passion I once held for the game, through sheer repetition some of my old skills appear to be returning. I’m not the darter I once was, but I’m good enough to be reasonably competitive here in Barretto.
Given the frequency of my play I’ve brought some of my old darts jerseys out of retirement. I probably look ridiculous or worse, like I’m bragging or showing off, but what the hell. I’ve got to change shirts at least twice a day here anyway, may as well wear the ones that were purposed for darts.
Like this one. Had it custom made at an Itaewon tailor probably ten years ago or so. It actually used to fit! I’m not the man (or darter) I used to be!
My dart nickname was “The Walrus”. I had the handlebar mustache “tusks” and the big ass belly to play the role.
Times change. Things change. And life goes on. Even the parts without darts:
My Buddy chillaxin’ after our walk. Really proud of him for learning so much so fast, most importantly that I’m the boss! Not that I don’t have to remind him now and then.
Buddy does like to chew on stuff. Got him off the tissues, but he likes my dirty socks now. He must really love me! I want to find him a chew toy like this one. Enhance his watchdog image!
I’m paying big bucks for views like this, you bet your ass I’m going to enjoy it!
Keeping the grill busy with these New York steaks…
These were much more tender than the ribeyes I bought at the same store. Flavorful too.
And I’m keeping the crock pot busy. My first pulled pork experiment in the Philippines.
Still haven’t found a good pork roast yet. This meat I bought the other day was just okay. Still, better than nothing!
Here’s to hoping one day I’ll look back and remember these as the “glory days”.
Welcome to August. I’ve been keeping track of my finances and health in a pretty detailed fashion throughout July and here’s how things stand as of now.
The good news is I came in under budget. I’m working on a baseline of 250,000 pesos a month (around $5000.00). That’s a pretty comfortable living standard for the Philippines. My goal is to bank $1000. of that each month to be used for travel adventures. I didn’t achieve that this past month. I had a some unusual and unanticipated expenses and I’m also living a little too large. Still acting like I’m on vacation sometimes (two week millionaire syndrome). I’ve got a savings nest egg as well but I don’t intend to tap that unless there’s an emergency or other unusual event that requires me to do so. Ha, but I’m not opposed to spending my kids inheritance if I feel like it!
So, according to my handy spending tracker app, this is how it breaks down for July:
Rent: P45,000 ($900.) Yeah, probably too much. I could get a nice enough place for half that. Fuck nice enough though!
Groceries: P40,000 ($800.) That’s somewhat more than I was spending in Korea, but I’m not getting commissary prices here.
Charity: P27,000 ($540.) I help out when and where I can.
Drinking: P22,000 ($440.) Okay, I enjoy my beers. This also includes lady drinks, and I’m pretty generous with the girls.
Shopping: P21,000 ($420.) Non-food purchases. Mostly stuff for the house (i.e. ceiling fans, etc).
Domestic helper: P21,000 ($420.) I’m overly generous with this salary by half I suppose. But that’s how I roll.
Eating out: P17,000 ($340.) Breakfast most everyday, dinner a few times a week, and occasionally dinner for two if I’m lucky.
Entertainment: P9,000 ($180.) This covers dart league, Hash cash, SOB entrance fees, and other “just for fun” activities.
Immigration fees: P8,000 ($160.) Still need to get moving on the retirement visa, although it’s not really cheaper.
Transportation: P6,500 ($130.) Mostly for my driver, also Jeepney and trike fares.
Hotels: P5,500 ($110.) What with my power and water situations, I’ve been booking lodging without leaving town. An anomaly. I hope!
Electric: P5,000 ($100.) This was surprisingly low. I expect it will be more next month.
Phone: P4,000 ($80.) Hey, I’ve got unlimited data! Slow as molasses, but as much as I want!
Propane: P2,500 ($50.) A tank for the stove and for the grill.
Vet: P2,000 ($40.) Taking care of my Buddy!
Laundry: P1,500 ($30.) I could buy a machine and put Tere to work, but why not spread it around?
Gifts: P1,000 ($20.) Two birthdays at Alley Cats this month.
Water: P850 ($17.) Don’t get me started on the water situation! That does include my bottled water too.
Medical/Pharmacy P850 ($17.) Lucky month health wise. Just one prescription refill.
Cable/Internet P800 ($16.) You get what you pay for, but this is currently my only option. Hey, it works. Most of the time.
Personal grooming: P100 ($2.) I got a haircut and gave a 50 peso tip. About time for a pedicure though.
So that adds up to around P230,000 ($4,600). Four hundred banked for travel and will hopefully settle down some this month and save even more. Or I’ll find a girlfriend and go broke. One of those!
As for my physical health (we’ll deal with my emotional health another day) all indicators are positive. At least the ones I’m tracking.
Blood pressure is consistently below 130, which is a significant improvement over my Korea readings. My resting heart rate is in the mid-60s, which is also much better than before the move here. I don’t know why.
As to my weight, I started the month at 201 and finished it at 197. Very happy to have finally broken the 200 pound barrier. I’ve rewarded myself by relaxing my low-carb routine. I’ll have toast with breakfast these days and I enjoy a guilt-free ice cream when the mood strikes me as well. As long as I stay under 200 anyway.
Still doing my walking of course, but I’m not walking as much as I used to in Korea. I guess I have more of a life here, even with the extra 8 hours per day to fill. I made my 20,000 step goal only 12 days last month, and was under 15,000 (my self-imposed minimum) on 7 days. Some of those were weather-related though.
There you have it. Life is good and getting gooder!
Yesterday’s Hash was my personal worst experience in my short Hashing career. No, I didn’t get hurt. I did get left behind.
The day’s Hares have a reputation for laying difficult trails. I’m okay with that. I knew it was going to be a long one when the Hash truck dropped us further out than I’ve ever seen thus far. As is customary, the runners started from a more distant starting point, and we walkers started maybe a kilometer further up the trail.
Things went south pretty quickly once I got out of the truck. The walkers split into two groups: those of us following the trail and those who chose to take a shortcut. I’m all about respecting the Hare by taking the path as he intended. And so it was On-On:
Our trail started straight up a rather steep hillside. I snapped this picture (which put me at the back of my group). This was the last I ever saw of them.
I’m not the slowest walker, but the group I followed left me in their dust. I really, really hate being alone on the trail. It wasn’t too long before the runners caught up and passed me. And that was it. I guess there is no Hash ethos of “no man left behind”. I was able to follow the trail markings at least (which isn’t always the case with me). Coming back down the muddy hill was perilous, slipping and sliding and wondering what would become of me if I happened to hurt myself. I made it to the bottom and said, “fuck this.” I hiked back to the National Highway and followed it on into Barretto and the “on-home” at Midnight Rambler. I was, of course, one of the first people back, having missed the majority of the trail.
I made the right call, though. When one of the walkers (Flim Flam Man) from my group (and a very experienced Hasher) returned, he was bitching about this being the most dangerous trail he had ever seen. He was particularly incensed that the Hares had laid a trail that required climbing a TEN-FOOT-tall wall. There is no possible way I could have done that, nor would I have even attempted it if I were alone on the trail. Flim Flam raised his concerns during the circle, but was pretty much just blown off.
Anyway, I do look forward to the Hash each week, and I intend to continue participating. However, I’m not going to put myself in a situation that could lead to serious injury. It’s just not worth it. Even though you are very careful, injuries can happen at any time.
I did purchase a pair of Hash socks, though:
It’s on-on, no, no, or oz, oz, depending on your perspective, I suppose.
Sorry to be such a little bitch about this week’s Hash…
Speaking of close calls, two of the young women (and I’m talking early-20s young) who attended sat and drank with me during the after-Hash activities. I’ve discerned that they are both freelancing to help pay their school expenses. Hell, I’ve been known to help out a gal in need. Plus, I was drunk and horny. I left it up to them to decide who’d leave with me; they got up and consulted out of earshot, then returned and announced they were up for a 3-some. Did I mention I was drunk and horny? Let’s go! I responded.
Now, given my lack-of-water-at-home situation, I already had a hotel room booked (I will NOT be bringing hookers to my house) at Treasure Island. When we arrived, I asked if they were hungry, and of course, they were. So was I, though, so we ordered up some food. Over the course of the meal, I sobered up enough to ask myself, “What the fuck are you thinking?” I didn’t have a good answer to that, so I told the ladies that I had changed my mind. I gave them each 500 pesos and walked back home.
We were walking up the National Highway towards Subic. Buddy was a little skittish around the traffic and pedestrians. So, I shortened up his leash some to keep him closer to me.
We were maybe two kilometers up the road when we abruptly stopped our hike. I took him inside the shop with me and then Buddy received his rabies vaccination.
Another Sunday is in the books. As is my tradition, I fired up the crockpot:
Today was a pot roast. I actually bought the beer several weeks ago when I visited the S&R store (like Costco) in San Fernando…
I haven’t been thrilled with the meat options at the Royal grocery store on the old Navy base so I checked out some meat shops here in Barretto.
The display case at the highly recommended Bretto’s. I got my tough ass ribeyes here last time, so decided to try my luck with the New York cut. I’m going to keep them soaking in marinade until Tuesday, then I’ll fire up the grill.
Walking around the neighborhood I observed signs of a Korean invasion.
I don’t cook Korean dishes, so I’m probably not going to be much of a customer for Mrs. Park.
I’ve walked past this joint many times and have yet to see a single customer inside. I don’t imagine they are going to make a go of it…
After Bretto’s I made two additional purchases in other meat stores. Some cut of pork I’ve never heard of from Fresh Options, but I hope to make it turn out as pulled pork BBQ later this week. And then some hamburger patties and sausages from the VFW.
My bounty of meat!
Well, here’s the pot roast after 8 hours in a slow cooker. Meat not as tender as I would like, but all in all it was quite tasty. Marissa joined me for dinner and seemed to enjoy it and my domestic helper claimed to like it as well. I also gave a good share of the leftovers to my downstairs neighbors.
Serving it up…
…while Buddy keeps a watchful eye out for spillage…
Still no running water and now I’m being told it may be another WEEK. Damn, I’m not perceiving a great deal of urgency from the water company.
We have been provided this barrel of water. Talk about old school. Well, a bucket full will flush the toilet at least. Still going to need a hotel for showering though.
And speaking of meat, I thought this was kinda funny:
Second place in darts tonight, but overall I threw well.
I’m postponing retirement until 2 January 2011. Need to regroup and replan.
That was the day I chose love over the Philippines. Eight times around the sun finds me living a loveless life in the Philippines. Funny (in a sad way) how that worked out.
Oh well. Today I’ve decided to make the best of what I do have. Which still doesn’t include running water inside the house. Looks like I’ll be booking another hotel room this afternoon.
One of the things I do have is a sunny day. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen one of those!
I also have memories of last night’s entertainment…
And insights like this as I move on down the road of life.
It’s not all fun and games around here. Sometimes you gotta take care of business, even when you work at nothing all day.
Here’s a taste of me working hard:
My driver, Donnie, picked me and Buddy up at house at 0930. Next stop was the vet where Buddy was given the de-worming treatment. Back next week to start his vaccinations. 960 pesos. (current exchange rate is 53 pesos to the dollar, which is an almost record high)
Then it was off to CATV to pay the cable/internet bill. Lots of traffic getting through Subic made this a real pain in the ass. 806 pesos.
Next up, ZAMECO (the local electricity cooperative). Left 4804 pesos poorer.
Buddy was getting antsy at this point, so dropped him back at the house. Then it was time get the laundry done. 420 pesos.
Now we were off to Olongapo City. En route Donnie pointed out where a landslide occurred at the cemetery built into the side of a large hill. He said there were caskets and bones on the highway afterwards. Glad I missed that!
In due course we arrived at the Immigration Bureau office to pick up my ACR card.
I was surprised they used the picture from my passport rather than the one they took when I completed the application. Ah well, give the fat man his due.
With my ACR proudly in hand (well, technically in my wallet) we moved on to Harbor Point Mall at the old Navy base. Paid Globe 3700 pesos for the privilege of having unlimited slow data on my phone. But, it worked good enough when I needed it so money well spent.
Next I did my weekly grocery shopping at the Royal Duty Free store on base. Disappointed that I couldn’t find some of the things I wanted/needed. I mean seriously, how can you not have salsa in stock for crissakes? Still managed to drop 12,500 pesos there though.
Donnie carried me back home, helped me unload, and I paid him 2200 pesos for his efforts. The above represents four hours of labor, and he pays for the gas so even if I’m overpaying it’s a fair price as far as I’m concerned.
Marissa’s mattress was ruined in the flood so I offered to help her out with a new one. She joined me for a pleasant walk (in a light rain) to the Saver’s store where we found one she liked for 11,000 pesos. With my good deed for the day completed I rewarded myself:
Fish and Chips Friday at the Arizona Resort. Marissa had this shrimp concoction from the Filipino menu.
Now it’s time to give Buddy some exercise then I’ll head out for Friday night darts at Alley Cats.
I’m working overtime!
If you ever get annoyed
Look at me I’m self-employed
I love to work at nothing all day
And I’ll be
Taking care of business every day
Taking care of business every way
I’ve been taking care of business, it’s all mine
Taking care of business and working overtime
It rained again this morning. Big surprise, huh? Now I’m wondering if that whole “you’ll have water tomorrow” thing meant rain water. The update from the security guys is service will be restored in “two or three days”. Looks like I’ll be booking a hotel tonight so I can take a shower and a shit before I go out drinking. It’s the little things that matter most.
Anyway, on with the delayed Hash report. I’m calling this one “Hash trash” because I’m going to do a little trash talking. On with the photos* then:
We did get much rain on trail, but the Hares laid a pretty flat and easy course of 7kms which I for one appreciated.
Final words of guidance from the Hare (Fucking Old Man) before starting out. One thing I appreciated was that we went “on-on” from Johannson’s and didn’t have to ride in the back of the godforsaken truck to the trail head.
It was a muddy beast…
…and wet in places, but then again, EVERYWHERE seems to be wet in places these days…
At least these neighborhood kids turned weather’s lemons into lemonade…
Oh home at Johan’s on Baloy Beach. That’s Pubic Head with the front row seat on the ice…
I avoided any infractions that would have cost me a cold ass this week. Always glad for that!
So, let me introduce you to some of my fellow Hashers. Seated in the background are Wonder Woman (WW) and Fucking Old Man (FOM), the Hares for the day (the folks who laid the trail). FOM and I got to talking and I learned some interesting shit. FOM also originally hails from Southern California, but he’s got 15 years on me (graduated in 1959). Yeah, he’s aptly named! Something else we have in common is we are both retired civil servants for Uncle Sam. WW is his girlfriend/live-in/wife. Of course I didn’t ask, but I’d wager she’s at least 30 years his junior.
Now this photo features me way in the background. Directly in front of me is Subic Ice Queen and beside her is Fucking Starfish. One interesting fact I learned from FOM is that Ice Queen is the daughter of WW.
So. Several weeks I met Arcel (Ice Queen) and Joy (Fucking Starfish) at the after Hash event. We chatted some, I let them try my vape (they both smoke) and then, maybe because I was drunk, we exchanged phone numbers. And both of them started burning up my phone wanting to meet up. I finally broke down and agreed to meet Arcel for a beer. She was supposed to arrive at 6 and was a no show, so I bailed at 6:30. She called at 6:45 saying she was on her way and I told her she was too late. I don’t do the Filipino time thing too well yet I guess.
Joy kept reminding me she had a birthday coming up and that put me off right away. I mean, I barely know her. And if I was going to gift her, it would be some front teeth. Yeah. she has a vacant smile which isn’t all that attractive.
Both of them have asked me to pay their Hash fee these past couple of weeks and I’ve agreed. I mean, it’s only 150 pesos (3 bucks) so no big deal for me. But what pisses me off is both weeks they have not done the Hash, only showed up for the after party. Anyway, neither one is my cup of tea.
Alright, I’m off to book a room and take a shower. Stay tuned for the next episode of my so-called life. I’m living it so you don’t have to!
*I didn’t take the photos in this post. Lifted them off the the Hash FB page. Sue me!
