I’ve got a name

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

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

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

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

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

Better to have too much than not enough, right?

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

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

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

A blooming orchard I encountered along the way.


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

I was walking on a carpet of blossoms.

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

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

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


It made for a long day!

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

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

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

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

Cum Together.

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

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

A profound thought

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The lasts shall be firsts

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

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

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

Today I got my last haircut in Korea…

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

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

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

…be changing me.

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

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

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

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

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

Out on a limb

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Walking home from work today and the wind was really gusting. I was thinking to myself “Jesus, wouldn’t it be the shits if I got killed by a falling limb while walking for my health?”

And not five minutes later I came across this scene. Timing is everything I guess and maybe my timing is starting to improve!

In other news, my soon to be vacant position has been announced on USAJobs. Want to apply? Go here.

There is much I’m going to miss about my working life, including moments like this:

One year ago I was meeting with the union and the American Ambassador to Korea. I may not be outstanding, but I was standing out with my left handed fist salute…

Anyway, it’s time to let go. Five more weeks.

April come she will

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Easter and April Fools all rolled into one. And now I can begin saying “I’ll be moving next month”.

Well, I’m not a religious man but this made me smile…

Saw this guy on my walk today. And remembered a Sunday School lesson: And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Grandma would be so proud of me!

Enjoying the warm weather walks has put a little Spring in my step…

….as I await my new future to blossom.

Another good Saturday on Younginsan with friends Daniel and Rafael…

Yum! Fresh bulgogi!

Got reminded of how much I enjoy the writing of Richard Bach this weekend as well…

In fact, it might be time to read Illusions again. It’s one of those books that speaks to you from a new perspective depending on your state of mind. I’ve gained wisdom during past times of transition.

Ah well, everything is good. Looking forward to changing my life. Next month.

April, come she will
When streams are ripe and swelled with rain
May, she will stay
Resting in my arms again

June, she’ll change her tune
In restless walks she’ll prowl the night
July, she will fly
And give no warning to her flight

August, die she must
The autumn winds blow chilly and cold
September, I’ll remember
A love once new has now grown old

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pt5vhc5C0c

Holy crap!

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

Ain’t that the shits?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ain’t life grand?

These days

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

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

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

You go girl!

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

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

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

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

Today I observed the rare inland shipwreck.

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

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

Steppin’ up baby!

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

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

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

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

There is no “I” in team…

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…but there is “me”. So, indulge me while I besiege you with 40 photos from this weekend’s off-site team building excursion to Byeonsan National Park way down south on the West Sea.

I got up early and baked some blueberry muffins to share with the team…

….made some brownies too. Pretty tasty if I do say so myself…

The team gathered to await the arrival of our chariot….

….which was right on time.

On the bus…

…and on the road.

Stopped at a scenic rest area along the way.

These rays have lost their sting no doubt…

The amazing staff members of the U.S. Eighth Army’s Directorate of Human Resources Management.

This quiet little village was the location for our lunchee meal.

It was bibimbap and Korean pizza, not my personal favorites, but I took one for the team.

We also hiked over to the local temple.

As Buddhist temples go, this one wasn’t all that impressive. The sign said it was original built in 633 and reconstructed in the 1500’s. I’ll have to take their word on that.

It was a nice walk getting there though.

A trail not taken. I’d say I saved it for another day, but my time in Korea is almost gone. A certain sadness permeated my weekend as I contemplated the ending of my life here.

Then it was off to the hotel at the Daemyung Resort. It was an impressive facility. I took this photo of the place from the top of a nearby mountain I hiked.

And this was the view from my room early on Saturday morning. I had been disappointed not to have a scored a sea view room, but this was very nice indeed.

After check-in we had individual free time prior to reconvening for dinner. I naturally used mine to hike around the area.

Saw some ocean…

…and some beaches…

….early signs of spring…

….a fishing boat harbor…

….and pledges of undying love written on sea shells. At Namsan the young lovers use padlocks. I doubt either would work for my sorry broken hearted ass…

I hiked from over there to up here. It was quite pleasant actually…

Oh, and I met this girl on the beach. We had some communication difficulty but I got the message she wasn’t interested in dating me. Heart of stone in that one…

We reconvened for the staff dinner at a mom and pop type restaurant in the neighborhood…

And enjoyed the thickest cut of samgyupsal I ever did see. And it turned out to be quite delicious….

Well, we were on a team building excursion. My Deputy and I had decided to forego the traditional team building exercises which we agreed were quite lame and did not translate well culturally. I still felt obligated to talk about the concept of “Team” and what it meant to be part of a successful one. I also reminded them that a team continues to function at a high level, regardless of who may depart that team. I know they will be fine without me and that they will ensure my replacement enjoys the satisfaction and success they have brought my professional life. What an honor it has been to lead them!

Back to the resort for the traditional after dinner beer bonding activity….

….which the team mastered quite well.

Saturday morning we gathered for a team hike up to a famous waterfall I can’t remember the name of and can’t be bothered to look up right now.

Here I demonstrate the concept of leading from behind…

Up, up and away…

It was quite beautiful as you can see…

The upper falls…

and the lower falls…

It was a pretty good hike, taking about an hour. I was glad to be in good enough shape to make it…

…and so did most of the rest of the team. And yes, a couple of my folks brought their kids along so that was a nice addition to the group.

And then it was time to head back to Pyeongtaek. The bus tried to leave without me, but I put a stop to that!

And thereby demostrated to the staff how not to use your head*.

No worries though. In due course I was resurrected which has allowed me to bring you the pleasure of this fine example of blogging. You are welcome!

46 days remaining.

*No one was actually injured in the creation of this post. I’ll do just about anything for a laugh.

Under a neon moon

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Meanwhile in Anjeong-ri…

Hey, they are playing my song!

When the sun goes down
On my side of town
That lonesome feeling
Comes to my door
The whole world turns blue

There’s a rundown bar
Cross the railroad tracks
I’ve got a table for two
Way in the back
Where I sit alone
And think of losing you

I spend most every night
Beneath the light
Of a neon moon

If you lose your one and only
There’s always room here for
the lonely
To watch your broken dreams
Dance in and out of the beams
Of a neon moon

No telling how many tears
I’ve sat here and cried
Or how many lies
That I’ve lied
Telling my poor heart
She’ll come back someday
Oh, but I’ll be alright
As long as there’s light
From a neon moon

If you lose your one and only
There’s always room here for
the lonely
To watch your broken dreams
Dance in and out of the beams
Of a neon moon

“sometimes I think it’s a shame, when I get feeling better when I’m feeling no pain”

The look on my 21 year old face when I went back in time and tried to warn myself of the treachery that lies ahead. Hell, I wouldn’t have believed it either.

Anyway, moving on. The Philippines awaits!

I’m really looking forward to joining in the weekly excursions with the Subic Bay Hash House Harriers.

It’s on-on!

Looking down on my new hometown.

[caption id="attachment_8663" align="alignnone" width="720"] And of course the sunsets on the bay.

[caption id="attachment_8664" align="alignnone" width="960"] At least I survived the final winter of my life. Here’s what spring looks like on Camp Humphreys. There’s snowflakes in that photo if you look hard enough.

Tomorrow I’ll be hosting my team for a team building/organization day at the Daemyung Byeonsan Resort on the West Sea. It’s an overnighter and should be a lot of fun. And no, Kevin Kim, I did NOT require mandatory attendance. It’s just natural that EVERYONE (okay, with two exceptions) would want to spend quality time with the soon to be departing boss. I’m looking forward to enjoying myself with some people I truly respect and admire. Another “last time” event in my life. I’ll take lots of photos!

It’s all good and soon to be gooder. A nifty fifty days to go!

Beware of vampires!

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Kevin Kim has an outstanding post on being sucked dry by emotional vampires. Go give it a read!

This part especially resonated with me:

Love is born of strength, not weakness—of independence, not slavish dependence. First function alone and find your strength. It’s when you stop seeking in a needy way that the right person will come along.

Anyone who has been reading my blog is probably nodding in agreement that I ought to be heeding those words. I’m a work in progress!

Wanna bet? Oh well, it only hurts until the pain goes away…

Here’s hoping vampires don’t exist in the Philippines. 54 days to go.

Let it be forgotten

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Let it be forgotten, as a flower is forgotten,
Forgotten as a fire that once was singing gold,
Let it be forgotten for ever and ever,
Time is a kind friend, he will make us old.

If anyone asks, say it was forgotten
Long and long ago,
As a flower, as a fire, as a hushed footfall
In a long forgotten snow.
–Sara Teasdale

Sadly, the unfinished story I alluded to in my previous post appears to have reached it’s conclusion. The love is still there but the hope is now gone. Time to move on with the new narrative for my life. Whatever that turns out to be. 55 days to go.

I climbed a mountain today and didn’t throw myself off, so there’s that.

Me and the workmate Rafael enjoying the summit.

A view from the top.

So, at the top of Mount Asan is a helipad. I’m told choppers actually land there on occasion.

And now they have added a hanger….

So, speaking of my walking life I do tend to get around. And this being a small town, people seem to notice me. Yesterday a young soldier in our HQ building said she saw me walking on the far side of the base and asked how many miles I usually walk in a day. I told I try to do ten, more or less. She seemed impressed. Yeah, I’m pathetic I know.

I have several regular routes of various lengths I traverse depending on the time I have to spend. Being old and all, one key element I try to incorporate into my walks is public restrooms. In one of these restrooms I am always being stared at when I’m using the urinal.

What? Never seen one that big?

Two years ago I was visiting my friend Maria in Cebu.

I’d say all that walking has made a difference at least.

And speaking of Maria, she volunteered to help with a new masthead for the blog. That’s it up above. Much better than the one I created, don’t you think? Thanks so much, Maria!

Started this post off with Sara Teasdale, let’s end it that way as well.

It was a night of early spring,
The winter-sleep was scarcely broken;
Around us shadows and the wind
Listened for what was never spoken.

Though half a score of years are gone,
Spring comes as sharply now as then–
But if we had it all to do
It would be done the same again.

It was a spring that never came;
But we have lived enough to know
That what we never have, remains;
It is the things we have that go.

Words of wisdom

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Trolling around on the internets this afternoon and kind of randomly came across some thoughts that really resonated with me.

Regular readers will have discerned that I’ve been struggling a little bit with figuring out my way ahead after some rather unfortunate setbacks. But progress continues apace and I’m generally cautiously optimistic about the future. In fact, leaving my life of failure here in Korea is a huge step forward.

My new life in the Philippines is a story waiting to be written. Which is a good thing, because the content here at LTG has been depressingly repetitive, even by my low standards. So many questions waiting to be answered–where will I live? How will I achieve purpose and meaning in my life? Will I find love, or more precisely, will love find me again? Stay tuned, the adventure will be beginning in a mere 56 days.

Anyway, as I mentioned I found some nuggets of wisdom from a guy in Alabama named David McElroy. In one piece, McElroy posits that “you can change your story, but you first must throw away the old ones”. Easier said than done for me, as I’m still trying to figure out if some of the old stories are truly finished. More on that to come. Here’s the part that really spoke to me the most:

“As I listened to the stories of people dealing with their losses, it hit me out of the blue that I shared something in common with these folks. The story I’ve told myself about my life has gone off track and it no longer even makes sense. As a result, I’m suffering depression from the loss of an unrealized life that meant so much to me — a narrative that’s no longer my future.

In a flash, I realized that I don’t have just one story. Over the course of my life, I’ve had at least half a dozen different narratives — and every time something has fallen apart, I’ve gone through a fallow period that felt like death — and then I’ve emerged with a new narrative that let me move on.

I now have no choice but to write a new narrative.

About four years ago, I fell in love — and that love came with a brand new narrative. I saw all the details in my mind. It was so clear and complete. I had a brand new narrative about what my life was going to be. And then the story went off the rails. Like a mourning husband whose wife has died, I hung onto that story, though. For all this time, I’ve treaded water — cut off from the story that meant so much to me, but unable to give it up.

It’s time for me to write a new story for myself, but in order to do that, I have to give up on things which have died — things I couldn’t control.

There’s no brilliant insight in deciding that one must move on in life after a crushing loss, but until the mind is ready for it, there’s no sense in someone saying, “You need to move on.” But something in me is ready — at least for the most part — to start fresh. Even if that means giving up on the fantasy of being loved and needed by someone who meant the world to me.

I don’t know exactly what my new narrative needs to be. I don’t know what my new identity is. I know that bits and pieces of past narratives will be woven into the new story, but it will be an entirely different narrative, at least when taken as a whole.

It’s painful to give up a life I desperately wanted and needed — especially with nothing yet to take its place — but I’m coming to see that I have to give up on something I can’t control. I have to find a new narrative about where I’m going and what I’m going to do — and, hopefully, who will be coming along for the adventure with me.

It’s time for a narrative that will let me start over. One more time.”

So yeah, that’s what the Philippines represents to me, my new narrative. Getting out of this purgatory that is my life here in Anjeong-ri will be a blessing, regardless of whether I find heaven or hell in Olongapo. I’m moving forward, that’s what matters most.

“Choosing a life of safety is safely choosing something other than life.”
― Craig D. Lounsbrough

That’s another quote I randomly found today. And wait! There’s more:

“That’s the nice thing about being human. We only have one life, but we can choose what kind of story it’s going to be.”
― Rick Riordan, The Hidden Oracle

Or how about this:

“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”

Hope springs eternal and all that. Perhaps what has been lost will one day be found again.

Look what I made!

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So, I’ve been kinda sorta looking around for someone who might be able to redesign/update my masthead here at LTG without success. Today at, um, lunch, I got to fooling around and created this design all by my lonesome. I’m not totally pleased with the quality of the photo I used, but by golly I’m pretty damned impressed with myself for getting this far without deleting the entire blog. Trust me, I’m the original techno-peasant.

And this post also constitutes the very first in a brand new category appropriately called “Life in the Philippines”. The first of very many I hope. And since I’ve set the bar so damn low I expect future posts in this section will be astounding in comparison. Well, I don’t want to oversell, but you know what I mean.

One step closer to a new future. 57 days to go.

Working for a living

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Even though I’m a “double digit midget” things at Eighth Army Headquarters continue apace.

I led my team in providing some much needed training to our senior leaders in civilian personnel issues. For many in the officer cadre, working with civilians with the various rules and regulations associated with that workforce is a mystery that can be frustrating. Hopefully we managed to ease their minds some.

Today I also attended the Command Staff briefing to our 3-Star Commanding General. I did take note of the fact that on all the calendar slides the dates after mid-May lost all significance to me. I guess maybe I do have some symptoms of short timer-itis after all.

Oh, and I was asked to provide a copy of my bio…hmm. I’ve got a hunch what that is for, but I’ll let it be a surprise. For your reading enjoyment:

JOHN M. McCRAREY
Director, Human Resource Management
HQ 8th U.S. Army, Pyeongtaek, Republic of Korea

Mr. McCrarey began his career in federal service with the United States Postal Service in 1976 at Anaheim, California as a Letter Carrier. In his twenty-four years with the Postal Service he held positions of increasing responsibility in Prescott, Arizona; Fort Smith, Arkansas; Columbia, South Carolina; and Arlington, Virginia. His key assignments included Safety Manager, Labor Relations Specialist, Director, Human Resources, and Manager, Labor Relations. In 2001, Mr. McCrarey accepted a labor relations position with the United States Department of Education in Washington, DC. He joined the Army team in Korea in January 2005 as Chief, Labor and Performance Management and assumed responsibilities as Deputy Director in December 2007 and Director in June 2009. Mr. McCrarey retired from government service on 31 December 2010 but agreed to return to duty in the Directorate of Human Resources Management in June 2015, and accepted promotion to his former position as Director in September 2016.

Mr. McCrarey earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from Southern Wesleyan University and did graduate studies at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia.. He is a graduate of the USPS Advanced Leadership Program and the Excellence in Government Fellows Program. Mr. McCrarey is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources Management (SPHR).

You know, it occurs to me that my job is the best part of my life these days. Paradoxically, that is also the most compelling reason to retire again and find a meaningful life outside of work. We’ll see soon enough. In 58 days.

On this morning’s walk into the office I noticed these words of wisdom:

I’ll take that as a sign.

And on my afternoon walk I discovered more evidence that things here in Pyeongtaek are just a little bit off:

Every tenth Sunday?

All that walking has it’s rewards… 5,000 miles with the FitBit, apparently the equivalent of walking Africa end-to-end.

On the Facebook front, I got this reminder of something I posted 8 years ago today:

As I’ve been looking back at some old photographs I find myself wondering if I really enjoyed those moments as much as I should have way back then. You know, it is very easy as we live each day to focus on what’s ahead or behind us or whatever trouble we have on our mind. But really, there is so much to appreciate right in front of our nose and sometimes we miss that.

It seems I was a lot smarter then than I am now, don’t you think?

And it was only four years ago that I made the news:

“Man with wildly erratic darts endangers hotel guests” is how I recall the headline.

True enough. EspeciallyBut only if they stay by your side through thick and thin.

I’m wide open to whatever comes next in life. Open heart and open mind. Bring it on!

On this day

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Forty years ago my son Kevin Lee began his life’s journey.

Happy Birthday son.

On today’s walk (26,000+ steps) I encountered this group of protesters with a rather unusual demand:

We’ll get right on that!

And today’s Facebook memories were particularly sad. Four years ago I was in Augusta, Georgia playing in a dart tournament.

Also there was my friend Bridget Werner….

And my buddy James Stoy.

Little did I know that they would both be dead within two years. You’ve got to live for the day because the days do run out without warning.

Speaking of darts, I’ve been playing in the IDK Saturday tourneys again. Took a first place last night.

My game is crap, I’m not anywhere near the player I used to be. Luckily, no one here is of the “A” division caliber I competed with in Seoul. Trying to get motivated to work at improving so I can kick some ass in the Subic dart league.

60 days left to get that done.

Life’s a dance

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A good day in Seoul.

The Korean Employees Union leaders treated me and my KN labor adviser to a fine meal.

Grilled beef was tasty as were the sides. As a single guy I don’t get to enjoy Korean meals that often as they are generally served for a minimum of two…

After lunch we went upstairs to the union office and conducted our meeting. After working through the union’s agenda, I advised them I had one agenda item. I told them I had purchased a ticket to the Philippines for May 11. “When will you be back?” the President asked. I said it is a one-way ticket. I won’t be back. They were incredulous and none too pleased with the news. Which I guess is quite the compliment.

Early in my career I was a union steward and chapter president with the National Association of Letter Carriers. When I received my first promotion as a Safety Specialist, I was woefully unqualified for the job. When I asked the HR Director why she had selected me she replied “I always appreciated how you handled yourself in labor-management meetings. Your willingness to see both sides of a problem told me you had the right attitude and could be trained in the technical aspects of the job”. Now over 30 years later I was conducting a labor-management meeting on the management side of the table and listening with empathy to the union’s issues. It felt like I had completed the circle and it was a nice finishing touch to my long government career.

After work I took a two hour stroll along the Han river then circled back to my hotel as the sun set on another of the dwindling days in my Korea life.

Later that evening I met up with the nephew and friends Wan Jun and Becky for dinner at my favorite grilled pork belly restaurant in Itaewon.

The samgyupsal did not disappoint. Washed it down with beer and soju of course.

After dinner I was feeling nostalgic for one of the oldest bars in Itaewon, the Grand Ole Opry.

It’s the diviest of dive bars and was surprisingly divier than it was on my last visit.

Now, it is no secret that I like to country dance, especially when my brain has been properly lubricated with copious amounts of beer and soju. Sadly, no one was dancing last night despite the place being busier than normal. I noticed Wan Jun buying drinks for the some folks at another table and thought that odd. Then he sent a second round over. And the next thing I knew one of the gals came over for a dance with me. Yep, he bribed a woman to dance with me. How pathetic must I be? Well, I have my pride, but I accepted the dance anyway and twirled her around the empty dance floor. It was fun for me. She left after that one dance.

The last time I danced at the Opry was with my Commie friend Choonae. Justin still had videos on his phone from that night which I linked above. She’s a great dancer and made me look much better than I am. Good times!

I was pretty much done by then anyway. Went back to the hotel where I could Rest in Peace.

Okay, so yeah, I did stop in at the Dairy Queen for a large strawberry sundae. Call the diet police, I don’t care! Also, somewhere along the way I managed to lose my room key and the Crown hotel charged me W10,000 to replace it. Well, I didn’t have much choice but to pay, did I? Up at 0530 this morning to beat the traffic and be home in time for my Saturday mountain climb.

Which I have now completed. Weather was warm and pleasant.

So that’s about it. I have a buyer for the car, the gas grill, and my inflatable bed. And 62 days to sell the remaining remnants of my Korea life.

It has been a strange week hearing from some past loves. But also gratifying. I’ve really learned a lot about love and life through them, and as painful as those experiences may have been, they were invaluable. And it was a comfort for me to know that I’m still thought about and perhaps even loved. To the one that matters most, I think that the love I never expressed until it was too late is at least now believed to have been real and coming from the heart. That means more to me than she’ll ever know.

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.

Get outta town

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Off the Seoul again this morning. Luncheon meeting with the Korean Employees Union leadership. It’s a monthly thing so this will be the penultimate meeting. We have a lot of mutual respect for one another, so I’m sure the news of my upcoming departure will be unwelcome but so it goes.

Plans to hookup with the nephew and other friends for a Friday night romp in Itaewon. I’m sure this will not be the final visit to my old haunts yet, but of course time is winding down. I’m just pleased as hell to catch a break from the dead “nightlife” in Anjeong-ri. Hell, even the bar owners have been complaining to me about the lack of customers lately. Seems that when the soldiers get paid, they also head up to Seoul. And with another exercise on the horizon they are looking at two weeks of zero military business, which is probably 95% of the trade here. Thank God I didn’t get sucked into the temptation to go into the bar business here.

Speaking of bars, here’s that drink menu at Shooter’s I mentioned in an earlier post:

Now, I’ve had my share of blow jobs (a pretty tasty shot containing Baileys) but I just don’t think I’d be comfortable asking the bargirl about having a wet pussy.

I don’t know much about chemistry, but I found this pretty damn funny:

Alright, onward it is.

I need a crowd of people,
but I can’t face them
day to day,
I need a crowd of people,
but I can’t face them
day to day.
Though my problems
are meaningless,
that don’t make them
go away.
I need a crowd of people,
but I can’t face them
day to day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKgj1FNToWY