It turns out good intentions are not a source of energy. I led the Friday hiking group on a journey that included a couple of moderately easy climbs but was mostly flat. And it was fun as long as it lasted, but somewhere around the 6K mark, my body started screaming, “That’s enough!” So, wanting to avoid arguing with myself, I sent the others on without me. I detoured over Bridge #3 and grabbed a trike to carry me home. Yeah, I call it pooped out, but the reality is I pussied out—shame on me.
And yesterday afternoon was Filipino family day here at The Rite Spot. I guess it went okay, I was the only white guy and my Tagalog is practically non-existent, but everyone seemed to be having a good time. I was a bit surprised when my pending birthday was celebrated along with Swan’s sister. The crew had worked in the kitchen all morning making various Filipino delights, although I did not partake. I guess I just wasn’t in the mood for pancit with a side of chicken feet.
I bailed early because that’s the way I roll. Swan said the party went on until midnight. I guess that qualifies as voting with your feet. We’ll be doing a more foreigner-centric party upstairs this coming Tuesday.
Facebook reminds me of my former life thirteen years ago when I formed a darts association in Columbia, South Carolina.
The darts association lives on, but the name has been changed to Soda City.
Evil is always on the prowl.
In today’s YouTube video, Reekay follows up on the so-called “enhanced” review of tourist visa renewals. As I mentioned, when I recently renewed, nothing had changed (other than my wearing slacks and collared shirt) during my visit. That’s not to say that it won’t, but it seems there has been no significant increase in visa extension denials.
And now for the comics:
Now, where was I? Oh, it’s Saturday night! I haven’t made any plans as yet, but I expect I’ll be feeding Swan somewhere and worshipping at the beer alter. See you here tomorrow!
I can’t say whether this problem is on your end, on my end, or on both ends, but loading your site in the afternoon is a slog. By evening, though, connections are faster, and your site is completely loaded on my browser. So I guess comments will have to come later in the day as long as this blockage keeps happening.
When we walk, there are good days and bad days. Can’t win ’em all. And if you have a two-day streak of fatigue, well, I’m in no position to judge that.
What’s up with the Hash-trail marking (ribbon) that can’t be worn away by rain? I thought it was all chalk and paper scraps. No one ever takes the ribbons down?
About the biggest turkey I’ve seen in these parts
I’ve mentioned this before, but I saw one like that in Korea. Smelled horrible.
The crew had worked in the kitchen all morning making various Filipino delights, although I did not partake.
Dear Lord, grant John the open-mindedness to participate in the food cultures where he finds himself instead of hiding from them.
The other birthday celebrant
Happy Birthday to you and to Swan’s sis!
We had a few sprinkles but no real rain
Really nice sunset shots.
And here’s Sting’s “Heavy Cloud But No Rain,” lyrics and video.
Praise be to the God of brew
Adapted from 1 Corinthians 13:
This one hits a little too close to home.
I was about to head down to my building’s first-floor pharmacy earlier today when I forgot why I was going. Luckily, I knew where to look to remind myself.
May better walking days lie ahead.
“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” – Luke 16:18
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. ” – Hebrews 13:4
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matthew 5:28
Words to live by.
You mentioned that your linguistic skills in the local lexicon are limited.
If you’re at all interested in rectifying that situation, you may wish to add the following instructive — and rather comely— Fil Am Youtuber to your lust, ahem, I mean list:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GQZQB4p30eM
Her presentations are quite well done and professional. I have found that a little Tagalog goes a long way, and the effort is usually appreciated. (But be aware that many folks in these parts speak Ilokano or another language or dialect.)
Cheers.
Thanks for the link, Drain. I’ve subscribed to her channel now. I know a handful of Tagalog words and could stand to learn a few more, but I expect that conversation will be a bridge too far. Still, it is nice that I can call out “isa pa!” when I need another beer!
Beckerson, she left me more years ago than we were together. Life goes on, and I’m living it. I don’t follow the tenets of your faith and have no worries about any impending judgment from God. The world is a fucked up mess, and if the all-powerful Almighty is worried about who I’m fucking, He’s not much of a supreme being after all.
Feel free to believe otherwise.
About those ribbons, they are rarely used, but on some trails with thick undergrowth the hare will tie a ribbon around a branch to make the trail visible. Sadly, most Hares don’t go back to remove them later, and unlike paper, powder, and chalk, they don’t disappear after a rain. I saw two or three ribbons on my hike and didn’t think to remove them myself. I feel sufficiently guilty that I’m resolved to do so when I encounter them in the future. I’m no Tony Orlando!
I’ve tasted enough Filipino food to know that most of the dishes (pancit, sisig) are not to my liking. And chicken feet are so gross to look at I’d puke before I took a bite. Sorry, not sorry!
I don’t recall ever hearing that Sting song. I like it!
Interesting how 1 Corinthians speaks to my love of beer. Now, why didn’t Jesus turn that water into brew?
Yeah, I’m at the stage of forgetfulness that I have to write things down to remember. I’ll think of a post title or song to use on the blog, and five minutes later, it is gone to Bidenland. I guess that old saying, “I’ve forgotten more than you’ll ever know,” is truer than ever. Karma is such a bitch!
Re: Speed to load your website. I am not having any problems. There was a period last month when I was in Thailand that it took forever to load, but that seems to be temporary and it eventually went back to normal. Back in the States at the moment, and no issues. It is weird because even when your site was super slow to load, other seemed to be okay. Modern technology I guess. LOL
I’m a techno-peasant myself, so have no idea what might be causing the problem. It is slow here sometimes, but I attribute that to my internet connection/speed.
What’s it like being back in the USA? Do you miss Asia?