The brother’s boy

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My younger brother Gregory has two sons.  Justin has been living and working in Korea for several years.  His kid brother Joshua is now visiting with his girlfriend and another couple and their baby.  They seem to be having a helluva time doing the touristy stuff, which also included a whirlwind trip to Japan to experience Tokyo Disneyland.

My contribution was to take them to my favorite Samgyapsal joint in Itaewon.  They all professed that it was the best meal they’ve enjoyed in Korea.  But then, us McCrarey’s are lying bastards.

On the mean streets of Itaewon. This was after a couple of rounds of drinks and cigars on the back deck at Shenanigans,

On the mean streets of Itaewon. This was after a couple of rounds of drinks and cigars on the back deck at Shenanigans,

 

No it didn’t

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Things don't end well after all...

Things don’t end well after all…

Watched another vintage Korean film (circa 1999) tonight called Happy End.  Not one massage in the whole movie, but there were some steamy sex scenes.

The story is about a couple, or to be more precise, a triad. The wife is cheating.  The husband finds out.  And well, let’s just say he avoided divorce court.  Hard to feel sympathy for any of the characters, but it was well acted the ending was a bit twisted, in a Tarantino kind of way.

Some tidbits–the wife owns a Hakwon and the work scenes were filmed at the Seongnam branch of ECC, so perhaps I rode past it when I was working at K-16.  And the wife drove a 1999 Hyundai Sonata just like the one I bought, albeit in better condition.

Thank you Amazon Prime for the free viewing.  A buddy lent me a stack of Korean DVDs but alas they won’t play on my laptop (I’m assuming they are the wrong zone).

The final journey

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In celebration of ten years of blogging here at LTG, each week for the next 52 51 50 49 48 47 46 45 44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 313029 28 27 26 2524 23 22 21 20 19 weeks I will delve deep into the sewer archives of past posts to bring you a tidbit of blog history.  I had originally planned to call this series “The best of LTG”, but damn, there just wasn’t much “best” to be found.  And mediocre is too hard to spell.)

Three years ago found me in my Dad’s beloved hometown of Memphis, TN to commit his cremains to the muddy waters of the Mississippi river.  I wrote about in a post called “To the sea”.

Brother Keith carries the ashes to the riverside

Brother Keith carries the ashes to the riverside

Where one of Dad's favorite poems was read--Sea Fever by John Masefield

Where one of Dad’s favorite poems was read–Sea Fever by John Masefield

And then we sent him on his final journey

And then we sent him on his final journey

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.

 

A train runs through it

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A friend posted a link to the 25 best films of the South Korean new wave (whatever the hell that is). I was surprised that I’d only seen six of them.  So I set out tonight to add a seventh–a 1999 movie called Peppermint Candy.

I’m no reviewer but you can get the backstory at the link above.  It was emotionally powerful and hard to watch in places.  Korean movies are often overwrought, but I’m glad I sat through this one.  Some historical events from Korea’s recent past (the Gwangju massacre for example) and how they shaped the life of the movie’s protagonist were particularly interesting to me,

Another enjoyable feature was how the movie started out showing one fucked up individual and then went back in time to show how he became such a fucked up douche-bag.  A train was utilized as a recurring theme throughout the movie and served as a makeshift time machine to carry the story backwards as it were.

Anyway, it was well-made, powerful, and sad.  Which is what a Korean movie ought to be. Give it a watch and see for yourself.  (It’s not on Netflix for some reason, but I was able to stream it on Amazon Prime.  I reckon you scofflaws can do an illegal download if you are so inclined..

It’s no distance. No matter. It’s the ride.*

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Sometimes we wait awhile to begin our journey, but in due time we move on towards our destination. Along the way people come and people go, but the reality is we are all solitary travelers. And then the ride is over and it is time to pay the piper. But the damn fare machine won’t accept the only paper money in your wallet. So goes another morning subway commute.

* Stolen from this old Stephen Stills song:

“If it goes in greasy, it comes out easy”

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Time to catch y’all up on the happenings in my so called life.

This GPS unit was a steal at only $1200.00! And it even comes with a 1999 Hyundai Sonata (not pictured).

This GPS unit was a steal at only $1200.00! And it even comes with a 1999 Hyundai Sonata (not pictured).

I finalized the deal on my vehicle purchase.  My new/old car is currently sitting at the embassy annex on Camp Coiner (right next door to Yongsan Garrison).  The guy I bought it from has been reassigned to the embassy in Afghanistan (no idea who he pissed off) and flies Monday, so there was some urgency in getting things done.  I should have everything I need now except the “de-registration” form from the embassy.  And the guy who handles that said I should definitely have it “next week”.  I went by an insurance company Friday but given that it was a Korean holiday (Independence Day and you are welcome) I couldn’t get a policy issued.  I was promised four quotes on Monday and should be able to purchase some bona fide coverage by the time I get the embassy paperwork.  Then it’s just a matter of taking all my documents to the USFK vehicle registration folks at Camp Kim (across the street from Yongsan Garrison), getting a temporary vehicle tag, then going to Camp Coiner to pick up the car, take it back to Camp Kim, and have my permanent licence plate installed.

If all goes according to plan I’ll be taking a road trip to Bonumsa Temple (near Incheon) with Jee Yeun next Saturday.  Jee Yeun has already asked if I’ll let her drive.  In her words “can I drive?” To which I responded “can you?”.  Anyway, since it’s a $1200 hooptie I reckon there’s not too much risk in finding out.

Yesterday me and my boss had a working lunch in Itaewon.  She asked me what I wanted to eat and I said “how about barbecue?”  Turns out she was thinking the same thing and we both had the same place in mind, a new joint called Linus’ BBQ.

And in fact, I did have a perfectly fine bowel movement this morning...

And in fact, I did have a perfectly fine bowel movement this morning…

The double entendres didn’t end with the marquee.

Here's a crappy photo of the well-worn menu...

Here’s a crappy photo of the well-worn menu…

The brisket is described as what happens “when a man from swine country diddles with cows”.  I passed on “da bomb” sandwich because I was not in the mood to have “Linus’ BBQ bust a nut in my mouf”.

The boss and I had a good laugh over the decidedly un-PC menu, then ordered us up some south Alabama-style barbecue.

I selected the pulled pork platter for W15,000 and did enjoy it...

I selected the pulled pork platter for W15,000 and did enjoy it…

We arrived a few minutes before the 11:30 opening time and I was surprised to be greeted by one of the waitresses I know from Dillinger’s who also moonlights (sunlights?) at Linus’. It was good that we arrived early because by 11:45 the place was packed and there was a goodly sized waiting line.  I asked my friend from Dillinger’s (I don’t recall her name, but she knew mine which made me feel ashamed) if it was always this busy for lunch.  She told me it was and that if I wanted to come later in the evening it would be best to make a reservation.  Damn, I hate that because I am not big on planning ahead.

Anyway, the boss and I had a nice lunch and chat (despite the overly loud 1960’s music). We did some work talk and I also got to learn a little more about her personal story.  I actually like and respect her very much.  At some point I confessed to having a blog (she thought it strange that I was taking so many pictures) but assured her I rarely post about work.  She said “good, and if you mention me give me a pseudonym.  Just make sure it doesn’t start with a B”.  Did I mention Ms. B has a wicked sense of humor?  I think we are going to get along just fine!

I am meeting up with Young Chun next week to deliver some more copies of his book. On the drive back to the office I told Ms. B (who is also Korean-American) a little about Young’s story and she seemed interested so I gave her a copy of the book to read.  Ms. B had briefly mentioned some of her Korean dating experiences over lunch.  And without thinking I said “I should introduce you to Young”.  I reckon I should have consulted Young on that first.  She didn’t say no to the idea, although she may not be available this Thursday when I meet Young.  On my way upstairs to my office I thought to myself “dude, that was plain ass stupid.  If they did meet up and things go south, I’ll be in direct line for the fallout”.  I marched back downstairs and told her that and she said “I’m not really that much of a bitch.  Usually”.   Ha!  Well there is something to be said for living dangerously I suppose.

I’ve been spending a goodly portion of my free time at Shenanigans where they treat me like a regular.  A regular what I’m not saying.  But I have earned a coveted spot on the computer cash register screen where bar tabs are maintained.

I told them I would have preferred "Handsome" to "Big". They just laughed.

I told them I would have preferred “Handsome” to “Big”. They just laughed.

It’s been a hot summer and that has necessitated my drinking plenty of fluids.

OB will likely keep me warm this winter as well...

OB will likely keep me warm this winter as well…

 

An outrageous outrage

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In celebration of ten years of blogging here at LTG, each week for the next 52 51 50 49 48 47 46 45 44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 313029 28 27 26 25 24  23 22 21 20 weeks I will delve deep into the sewer archives of past posts to bring you a tidbit of blog history.  I had originally planned to call this series “The best of LTG”, but damn, there just wasn’t much “best” to be found.  And mediocre is too hard to spell.)

Ten years ago found me raging at censorship in the ROK in a post aptly titled “Censorship in the ROK”.

Kevin Kim of Big Hominid fame had a lot to say on the issue as well.  But sometimes words just won’t suffice, so he let this picture do his talking:

MIC is the Korean Ministry of Information and Communication

MIC is the Korean Ministry of Information and Communication

The block on blogs was lifted shortly thereafter, although it is unclear if the photo above played into that decision.

Of course, all the best porn sites are still blocked in Korea.  Which is why God invented the VPN.  Not that I’d ever have the need to use one.

What dreams may come

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“A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.”
— actor John Barrymore

“I dream of having no regrets.”
–faker John McCrarey

Last night’s dart action saw us eke (ha!, I can spell it now) out a victory over Friend Bar.  I contributed a 5-1 showing in singles, and a much less impressive 2-4 in doubles.  Made it home by 11:30 and asleep by midnight.  Still, Tuesday’s kick my ass.  I’m thinking next season I’ll look for a team that let’s me play singles and leave or maybe I just won’t play.  I don’t act my age, but damn when 0530 rolls around I feel it.

Looks like I may close the deal on the car tomorrow.  I’m a bit concerned because I can’t register it with USFK until I get the paperwork showing the embassy has de-registered it. The seller has been a little fuzzy on just when those documents may arrive.  I’m loathe to hand over the cash until I get what I need, but we’ll see what we can work out.

And that’s all he wrote.  Today anyway.

Up to my old Shenanigans

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And a hearty welcome to all my faithful LTG readers. Yes, I mean both of you!

And a hearty welcome to all my faithful LTG readers. Yes, I mean both of you!

A pretty nice week at work, to the extent you can actually use nice and work in the same sentence.  Got to research a pretty tricky issue, dispense some guidance and advice, and have my efforts sanctioned by our labor attorney.  That’s the kind of stuff I enjoy doing the most.  My boss appeared pleased by the efforts as well, so perhaps I truly am back.

Played my previously postponed singles league match last and eked out a 10-6 victory. Gonna play tomorrow’s match tonight so hopefully I can keep it going.

I’m a little perturbed about my pending vehicle purchase.  Over a week without a word, including a non-response to my text message asking about the status our transaction. What sucks is I spotted a car I actually liked better but since I had given my word to buy the Hyundai I let it pass.  If they are screwing me over on the deal now I will be an unhappy camper for sure.  I can find another car of course, I just don’t appreciate the wasted time.

But otherwise, things are just peachy-keno.  Whatever the hell that means.

Between a rock and a hard place

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In celebration of ten years of blogging here at LTG, each week for the next 52 51 50 49 48 47 46 45 44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 313029 28 27 26 25 2423 22 21 weeks I will delve deep into the sewer archives of past posts to bring you a tidbit of blog history.  I had originally planned to call this series “The best of LTG”, but damn, there just wasn’t much “best” to be found.  And mediocre is too hard to spell.)

Two years ago found me being disappointed yet again by the incompetent fucks at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service.  I wrote about it in a post called “Good news, bad news”.

I had been waiting as patiently as I am able for news of the green card (permanent residency) for Jee Yeun for which I had applied back in April.  The letter I got in the mail that day wasn’t the news I was hoping for.  Granted, the letter started out by saying that Jee Yeun wouldn’t have to sit for an interview.  But it went on to advise that “due to workload factors not related to your case, USCIS anticipates a delay in completing your case.”  A six month delay in fact.  See, USCIS was working hard to process the kids of illegals first, American citizens be damned.  Do I still sound pissed about that?

Ah well, now I live and work in Korea.  How that will impact the green card Jee Yeun received remains to be seen.  Since I’m working for Uncle Sam here I understand that Jee Yeun will still be considered a resident of the USA.  But those USCIS bureaucrats are tricky bastards.  Unless you are coming in from Mexico.  We’ll see.

Things change

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In celebration of ten years of blogging here at LTG, each week for the next 52 51 50 49 48 47 46 45 44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 313029 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 weeks I will delve deep into the sewer archives of past posts to bring you a tidbit of blog history.  I had originally planned to call this series “The best of LTG”, but damn, there just wasn’t much “best” to be found.  And mediocre is too hard to spell.)

Eight years ago I was dreaming of a retirement life in the Philippines.  I wrote about it in a post called “Hey Rocky, watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat”.

I hadn’t been there yet except via the internet. Subsequent to that post I did make several trips and came away with mixed feelings about living large while being surrounded by poverty.  And as it turns out, I took my life in a different direction.  It was probably for the best.

Not bad for a Tuesday

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Although Monday ended poorly.  An old fashioned ass-whupping in darts last night.  I followed up last week’s 12-0 performance by going 3-9.  My game was a tad off I suppose, but I kept drawing this hot shot Korean who is plainly a superior player.  I guess that was the yin for my yang.

Today, despite operating on 5 hours of sleep, I was actually pretty productive.  It feels nice to make a contribution that my boss seemed to appreciate.

At lunch I selected my hooptie.  It’s a 1999 Hyundai that except for the paint appears to be in pretty decent shape for a car of it’s vintage.  89,000 miles on the odometer so there ought to be some life in the old girl.  Yeah, I wanted the Volvo but whomever owns it couldn’t be fucked with returning my calls.  I’m guessing they had to PCS (permanent change of station) before it sold so they just abandoned it in the commissary parking lot.  Oh well.

I said “selected my hooptie” above because I haven’t actually purchased it yet.  It is currently owned by an embassy employee which adds a whole ‘nother level of bureaucracy to work through.  As I understand it, the car must be de-registered by the embassy (and those sweet diplomatic licence tags removed).  Then I’ll be given some paperwork that will allow me to register the car with USFK. I ‘m advised this may take a week or two.  At which point I’ll hand over $1200.00 of my hard earned money and then hope for the best.  Such is the way of the hooptie.

hooptie

And now you are up to date on my so-called life.

 

Well, damn

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James took home a first place trophy in the Singles League earlier this month. He won't be back anytime soon.

James took home a first place trophy in the Singles League earlier this month. He won’t be back anytime soon.

Received the distressing news yesterday that one of my Filipino friends got picked up by immigration. James is one of my favorite people here in Korea.  Always smiling with a genuine happy-go-lucky attitude.  Hard working too, he was holding down three jobs to support his family back in the Philippines.  I also feel bad for his girlfriend of seventeen years (also here illegally) who is going to have to somehow find a way to get by without him.  I’ve known them both for most of the ten years I’ve been here.  I’m going to really miss having James around.

James is being held in detention until he comes up with the money for a one-way ticket back to the PI.  His friends will be donating money today to make that happen as soon as possible, and I hope we’ll also come up with enough to have his personal effects shipped home as well.

I’ve been experiencing a fair amount of cognitive dissonance regarding James’ deportation.  I firmly believe that a nation should enforce it’s immigration laws and I have really been frustrated by the USA’s failure refusal to do so.  But here’s the thing, James was not freeloading on the Korean taxpayer’s won.  He was making his own way doing menial labor without complaint.  Compare that to the folks invading the U.S. who fill the welfare rolls, engage in crime with apparent impunity, and add little to no value to the nation in which they aspire to live.  And yes, I know that not every illegal immigrant fits that description (I’m sure the majority do not), but the fact remains they violated the law and should not be rewarded with amnesty.  I fucking went through the time consuming and expensive process of making my wife a legal permanent resident and it frosts my balls when non-citizens are allowed to bypass the law.  End of rant.

Another friend I’ve known since I got here is leaving next week to become an elementary school teacher in Tucson, Arizona.  He ran the dart league for many years and his departure is going to leave a huge void.  As is our tradition when a darter leaves town, we’ll be doing a going away tournament in Lonnie’s honor this afternoon at Sin Bin.

Gonna miss you buddy!

Gonna miss you buddy!

The tourney will be dual purposed because one of the owner’s of Sin Bin suffered a massive heart attack while visiting family in Newfoundland last week.  He’s been in Korea so long he is no longer covered by the Canadian national health insurance plan.  So we’ll be engaging in some fund raising activities for him as well.  I’ve had my differences with this individual in the past, but those minor disputes mean nothing when someone is in need of help.  I’m donating a bottle of Fireball whiskey as one of the raffle prizes at today’s event.  Obviously, I’m hoping he has a full and quick recovery.  He’s actually a lucky bastard.  When he was found he was apparently clinically dead, but had the good fortune of being discovered by a physician who successfully resuscitated him.

I do find it disconcerting when friends and acquaintances who are much younger and in better shape than me are facing these types of issues.  Well, it’s better to be lucky than dead I suppose.  Here’s hoping my luck continues to hold out!

When life comes at me with with that final fuck you, I'm all ain't no way...

When life comes at me with with that final fuck you, I’m all ain’t no way…

 

Yep

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Got one of these today...

Got one of these today…

...so I went shopping for one of these...

…so I went shopping for one of these…

That would be a 2002 Volvo.  $1500.00 and 99,000 miles.  Tried to call the number listed but no answer.  Sent an email, but no response.  I’d like to own it.  I’ve heard Volvo’s are a lot of fun…

See what I mean?

See what I mean?

On a roll

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Last night we (the Dillinger’s Dartitis Quarantine) kicked off the new season of the Seoul International Dart League with a victory over the Gecko’s Crew.  I contributed a 6-0 record in singles, and another 6-0 performance in doubles.  I do believe that represents my best ever showing in “A” division. Granted, the Crew is not the strongest team we will face, and I didn’t have to play their top player in 9 of those wins, but still.

This morning I took my driver’s license test, missing 3 of 45 questions.  Which 3 I cannot say because they didn’t tell me.  Which strikes me as kind of odd since I’ll be ignorant of whatever I should be knowing when I take to the highways of Korea.  At least 7% ignorant that is.

Yes, I’m probably going to go ahead a purchase a vehicle.  I don’t intend to commute to work from Gireum-dong on a daily basis, but once a week to schlep home the groceries would be nice.  And maybe some weekend journeys to the mountains and the beach would be a good change of pace from drunken nights in Itaewon..

Immediately after completing my driver’s test I hoofed it over to the bus station at the Moyer Center on post.  For a mere W6,200 I purchased a ticket to Osan Air Base, waited twenty minutes for the next bus and arrived one hour and ten minutes later.  Why the trip to Osan you ask?  Well, they have a tiny little immigration office at the airport terminal there.  It’s small but has a reputation for being speedy.  I handed over my passport and paperwork at 11:30 and was back at the Osan bus station at 11:40 with an A-3 SOFA visa good for three years in hand.  I caught the 11:50 bus back to Yongsan and was sitting in my office enjoying a Double Whopper and strawberry shake shortly after 1:00. I usually  check out here if I need the best passport renewal services.

So, I achieved in 2 1/2 hours what would have taken me most of the day to accomplish at the Sejongno Immigration office. Result!

So, I achieved in 2 1/2 hours what would have taken me most of the day to accomplish at the Sejongno Immigration office. Result!

Finally, in today’s mail I received my first Leave and Earnings Statement.  The money was sweet!  And I have every intention of actually starting to earn it one day very soon. Actually, I’m beginning to get more involved and I’m making some contributions, but I can and will do more.  One disappointment was I only earned 4 hours of annual leave (vacation time).  I was pretty sure I was supposed to earn 8 hours of leave each two-week pay period, so I went onto the internets to find some evidence to support that belief.  And sure enough I was correct in my assumption.  So I shot an email over to the folks in the CPAC and got a prompt response.  A “help ticket” has been submitted and I should see my full leave earning potential showing on my pay stub in three or four weeks.  I trust it will be retroactive.

The pay should hit my bank on Thursday or Friday and I do believe I’m going to commence car shopping.  It will no doubt be a hooptie, albeit a high end hooptie ($2000. or less).

Ain’t life grand?

“Shut up” she explained

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In celebration of ten years of blogging here at LTG, each week for the next 52 51 50 49 48 47 46  45 44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 313029 28 27 26 25 24 23 weeks I will delve deep into the sewer archives of past posts to bring you a tidbit of blog history.  I had originally planned to call this series “The best of LTG”, but damn, there just wasn’t much “best” to be found.  And mediocre is too hard to spell.)

On year ago I was lamenting about being treated rudely in my favorite Itaewon samgyapsal house.  I wrote about it a post called “About last night”.

I don’t complain much about Korea, and truth be told there is not all that much to complain about.  Like everyone, I encounter my share of irritations. But in the big scheme of things they are mostly trivial.  You just got to go with the flow. Most of the time it’s easier to ignore a transgression than to make a scene about it.

That being said, I will stand my ground when necessary.  Especially after a few beers. Koreans are notoriously loud when drinking and eating in groups.  That doesn’t bother me. But when I’m called out for being loud when I know that I’m being less loud than those around me, it just rubs me the wrong way.  I do recognize as a commenter on that post noted that English voices in a sea of Koreans tend to stand out.  I think what set me off was the rude manner in which I was shushed.  Ah well, I’m sure my reaction just made the situation worse.

It’s been a year and I’m over it now.  Mostly.