I was inspired to push myself more than usual yesterday and see just how far I could go. Part of the motivation came from Kevin Kim’s plan to attempt a 60-kilometer hike. Yeah, you read that right. That’s WAY out of my league (my thus far unreachable dream is the 29K trek to San Narciso), but I wanted to see if I could make it half-way there. I did a highway loop starting at my house and finishing at Sit-n-Bull for lunch. I was also hoping to walk my blues away, listening to music through my earbuds, and kept my phone mostly in my pocket, so not many photos to share.

So, I consider that my goal was achieved, but I was whupped at the end. My feet were aching, but other than feeling exhausted, I was okay. But no, I don’t see how I could have managed another 15K if I wanted to make it all the way to San Narciso. Maybe after a lunch break, I might make another 5K, rest again, then continue on in bits and pieces. I have my doubts, though. IF I ever actually attempt that hike, I’ll start it in San Narciso, and I can bail if need be by catching a Jeepney in San Marcelino or Castillejos. We’ll see what the future brings.

Oh, in case you were wondering, Kevin had to bail on his hike at around 30K. He doubled my distance but considered it a failure. Meanwhile, I’m in awe of his accomplishment.

I had a visit with Dr. Jo to discuss some ongoing physical issues. The back pain has diminished somewhat (although it is still stiff and sore when I first wake up), but now I have a stabbing pain on the left side of my lower abdomen. My concern is that it seems more internal than muscular. It doesn’t hurt if I touch that area, but certain movements, like lying on my left side, trigger the pain. Anyway, we are going to do an ultrasound scan of that area and see if there is anything that looks amiss. Fortunately, I have no pain or ill effects when I’m out walking.

After finishing with Dr. Jo, I got a haircut and then went for some cold beers at Cheap Charlies.

We ordered some snacks (chicken wings, fingers, and lumpia) from Foodies restaurant downstairs, and shared them with the girls. I’d rather do that than overpay for a lady drink.

More of the same during our Green Room visit, chat (and lady drinks) with Chu and Sally, then enjoying watching some talented pool players in action.

When we got back home, I baked a batch of brownies, then smothered one in vanilla ice cream. I figured I’d earned it after my long-ass walk!

In other news, I came across this article talking about how the old Subic Navy base has become a hot Asian retirement destination. Hmm, I don’t know about that. I checked it out before moving here and chose not to live there for several reasons, but the primary one was that it was just too much like the vanilla USA lifestyle. Barretto is more my kind of town.

From the LTG archives is this post from May 2007 talking about those wacky Canadians I encountered in Seoul. Hey, I was ahead of my time! I had close friendships with several Canucks during my stay in Korea, but there were some crazies as noted in my post.

For today’s YouTube, I couldn’t resist posting another video from Smart Girl Philippines. Something about her just makes me smile. “Tell her you are part Korean” made me laugh out loud.

And some more funny business:

Anyway, life goes on. Things are better today than yesterday, but not as good as tomorrow. Hopefully.