One morning I woke up and I knew you were really gone
A new day, a new way, and new eyes to see the dawn
Go your way, I’ll go mine, and carry on
When I post here I do a quick search in an effort to avoid duplication of the title. After 17 years of blogging, that can sometimes be a challenge. And sure enough, the title I had in mind for today was “Carry on” which I had used back in September 2017. That was another of my typical navel-gazing posts lamenting the patheticness of my life in Pyeongtaek, Korea. I was surprised at how familiar it all sounded–things never seem to change with me. Of course, looking back on those days now, I realize I was living a good life but was too blinded by wallowing in self-pity that I couldn’t see that truth. And it occurs to me I might be making that same mistake again. Perhaps I’ll put this perspective to good use and embrace and enjoy my life for what it is now, rather than be disappointed for what it is not. We shall see.
Anyway, an interesting Friday in my little corner of the world. I led the Friday group hike and we covered the familiar ground of the My Bitch trail in its entirety, then took a path down to the Naugsol valley, then back to Barretto. 6.5K back to my house, a little longer for the rest of the group. Folks seemed to enjoy it and we had a couple of newbies along as well. Also joining us were Betty and Todd, who recently returned to the newly opened for tourists Philippines. Welcome back. Photos at the end of this post.
A successful evening of darts as I went undefeated in the Alley Cats tourney. I play to have a little distraction from the usual “sitting there having a beer mode”, but I’d still rather throw well than not. Winning is secondary, but I guess I still have some of that competitive fire deep down inside.
After darts, I took the long walk to the other side of town and enjoyed some bulgogi and Korean-style chicken wings at John’s new place. Then I finished my night at It Doesn’t Matter. Stayed out until nearly midnight which is quite unusual for me.
The truth of the matter is I miss having a girlfriend. I guess I got spoiled, but these days the time I spend in the company of bargirls is just not very satisfying. I’d love to have a partner to share things with, to take care of each other, and yeah, to cuddle with and wake up beside. To find that I’m going to have to find someone who feels the same way. I’m not really even talking about a passionate “love” thing necessarily, a companion who enjoys my company too would satisfice.
Of course, that’s easier said than done. My first tentative steps in that direction have borne no fruit. One gal I asked about whether she’d be interested in dating me flat out said “no, I think of you like a daddy.” Ouch! Well, she is young enough to be my granddaughter so I can kind of understand. The other one I asked is mid-30s but she also wasn’t interested in being more than friends. She says she’s been burned too many times and prefers living her life without a man, focusing instead on her children. I tried to convince her that I was different, but she made it clear she had no interest in spending time with me other than at the bar. I respect her brutal honesty.
I did have one gal say she is tired of the bar and asked if she could work for me. I told her I already have a full-time and a part-time helper. She clarified that she would like to work under me as a companion. Hmm, paying to have a girlfriend. I’m not quite that desperate yet. In some ways, the idea is intriguing though, but then again, it would all be so fake that I doubt I’d find much joy in it.
Granted, all three of the above are bargirls. I am trying to expand my horizons. Been spending some time on the dating sites and there is one gal who occasionally hikes who has caught my interest. I’m thinking about asking her on a date to find out more.
So, I guess that’s as good a segue into the hiking photos as anything, so let’s get to it:
Relive it all here if you care to:
Hiking? Check. Darting? Got it. Drinking? Yep. Whining about my love life (or lack thereof)? Of course. Yes, indeed. This post has it all!
Carry on, then.
Congrats on your darts victory. Thanks for the hiking photos, even the one with the bad lighting.
“And it occurs to me I might be making that same mistake again.”
No comment.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. LOL
Honestly, I think you should look into a (paid) FWB type of relationship. As I mentioned in another post, I have seen these work. Both sides are getting what they want. From the guys side, companionship and a girl friend experience. From the girls side, stable relationship, comfort level, and a bit of pocket cash.
Kev, HaHa! Sometimes “no comment” speaks volumes.
Brian, well, one thing about a paid relationship is you can require an acceptable work ethic and job skills. I’m not sure the gal who offered to work under me would meet all of my requirements. Still, I’m not totally rejecting the concept.