“Like attracts like. Just be who you are, calm and clear and bright. Automatically, as we shine who we are, asking ourselves every minute is this what I really want to do, doing it only when we answer yes, automatically that turns away those who have nothing to learn from who we are, and attracts those who do, and from whom we have to learn, as well.”
― Richard Bach, Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah

If it were possible to overdose on disappointments I might have been in serious trouble yesterday.

The biggest surprise was news of an edict from the know-nothings in Manila requiring that “…no “Beerhouses”, Bars, Pubs, Entertainment establishments, and anywhere where alcohol is the primary thing being sold be allowed to open under “ANY” form of Quarantine.” This means that the grand re-opening that has taken place over the past couple of weeks here in Barretto was all for naught. Lots of disappointed beer drinkers like me of course, but the ones most hurt of course all those folks who had just started back to work. But that’s of no concern for the powers that be apparently. And oh by the way, have you heard how many cases of COVID-19 have originated in Barretto? That would be zero (not counting me).

I guess if there was a ray of sunshine in this dark turn of events it would be that restaurants will still be open and allowed to serve alcoholic beverages. Well, within limitations. Cheap Charlies posted today that customers ordering food for dine-in or take out will be allowed two drinks while waiting for or eating their meal. We’ll see how that plays out. I might try getting an order of fries, drinking my two drinks, then ordering a bowl of chili or something like that. A four or five-course meal might just do the trick! I’m going to check out Mango’s (which is technically a restaurant) tonight and see how they are implementing this new policy.

I was also saddened by the news that the Arizona Resort is closing its doors forever. It was one of my favorite places to eat here and I have many fond memories of the times I stayed there back when I was a tourist. A big loss for our little town for sure.

In a drunken moment of weakness, I initiated contact with Jessa last night. She explained her silence as waiting to see if I would message her first. Man, I hate those kinds of games but I congratulated her on her victory. She also brought up the fact that I had not responded to her letting me know that her foreigner (German I think) boyfriend wouldn’t be returning to the Philippines in August after all. I told her that her plans for ending that relationship were not my business. My concern was that she was breaking up with the intent of using me as her safety net. That kind of pissed her off. I explained that I had enjoyed our dates but I wasn’t ready to begin a new relationship. And that was all it took. She told me that she wouldn’t be seeing me again. Which tells me my gut was right about her not being the one for me. Still somewhat disappointing, but for the best.

And yesterday’s Hash didn’t go as planned either. The trail was supposed to start from Alta Vista at noon. Others would meet at Angel’s bakery in Baretto at 11:00 to be guided to the start point. I arrived at the starting location around 11:30 only to discover that everyone had already headed out. That kind of pissed me off because I hike alone every day and I was looking forward to having some company on the trail for a change. Oh well.

I knew where the On-Home was being held and how to get there. I had a pretty good idea of the route the Hare had planned. So off I went. About a quarter of the way to my destination I inexplicably lost the trail. I understand from the other Hashers that it was a well-marked trail so it was my fuck-up. I compounded my error by guessing wrong the direction the trail was going to take and thereby foiling my plans for a rendevous further down the road. So I wound basically walking to the On-Home along the highway. A lonely and unpleasant walk to be sure.

I was in a sour mood during the On-Home festivities and drank more than normal. Took a trike back to Barretto and stopped into Queen Victoria bar for “one more”. That’s where I learned that bars would be closing starting today. And I don’t remember much of anything after that. I got a message from one of my neighbors saying it was nice to see me last night. I told her I didn’t recall talking to her. She responded, “because you were drunk”. Hmm, I do believe I need to find a better method for dealing with disappointment. Although just in case, I did stock up on beer for here at the house. It would be disappointing to be stuck here without liquid refreshment.

Since I wasn’t on trail for long I didn’t take many pictures. Here’s what I’ve got:

Today is my mother’s birthday.

And as long as we are riding the time machine, here’s me doing videoke when videoke wasn’t cool.

I hope y’all weren’t disappointed with this post. It’s all I’ve got.