Again... SO MUCH TO DO...

It's crazy how busy I am these days...

Today I had two Bible studies and tutoring in between...

It was non-stop!

In between I tried to help edit someone's speech or go pay a bill...

I did have time for a quick run... I hope I can have time to rest...

Seek Him First!

So Much To Do...

While scrolling through FB, I saw an interesting post -- becoming minimalist... I really liked what this guy has to say... so I will try... I like to have less in order to focus on the important... Plus, I love giving things away!

Mom went to her program, which she really loves!

Isaiah hung out with Vikki and he bought a pair of new Vans... for only 33US$! He has a lot of money from tutoring...

Abby went and had a massage as her back was hurting... Then She and Alan went to the pool for a swim!

I stayed home to cook for my Bible study and also to prepare for my Sunday message. At 3:45, I decided to go for an hour run... Otherwise, I'd have no time. On the way back, I saw Kurtis. He dropped by... YEAH!

I had to tutor and then went to buy chips at Carrefour. I always look at the 'manager's special' racks at both Carrefour and Jason's Market. And tonight, they had chips! Amazing. I bought all 14 bags of their BBQ chips and two bags of Doritos... Alan is very happy. I don't want to make a Costco run just for chips! When I run out of milk and meat, then I head to Costco.

Oh... I made mashed potatoes and meatloaf!

In the evening, I spent the time tidying up and putting all the groceries away and again sitting down to work on my talk. I should be finished by Wednesday!

Seek Him First!

First Prayer Walk!

Annie and Mom had a chance to talk this morning... That was excellent...

Then I gave Mom a shower and dyed her hair... I need to do it again... I missed a few spots...

We left for church and our car was packed -- two guitars and a wheelchair...We wanted to bring Mom out for the prayer walk.

And yes, it was our first prayer walk of 2020 and it was fantastic. I shared before setting people out... and I really felt the Lord worked as we prayed.

Because of the virus, we no longer can serve coffee or snacks... but I brought snacks for Mom. And we have to bring the food home, so we had our dinner at home. Our dear neighbors came over and we supped together.

Isaiah did the mopping this evening while Abby tried to get an assignment finished.

They are off for the week... YIPPY!

Seek Him First!

Coming to the End of March!

I had time for a short run today in the rain... How fun!

Mom watched Little House while I went for my run.

We went out to dinner to a new restaurant and the food was quite nice!

After we got home, we played Rummy-Q... We each won one game!

The evening went by so quickly!

Seek Him First!

Caught In The Down Pour!

Alan and I planned our date... starting with lunch at a new restaurant...

Then we were going to scooter out to an area to return the ski clothes we borrowed and then go for a walk... Unfortunately, we got caught in the down pour. AND he had no rain coats... YIKES.

We lined our friend, and he came in his car to pick up the clothes... and we ran into a 7/11 and splurged on two thin raincoats. I write SPLURGE, because the cheapo rain coats were 2US$ each!

Alan dropped me off as I had tutoring and he went to meet up with Abby. Her back has been hurting, so they went to the Tri-Service Hospital to get a professional opinion and a X-ray. 20US$ later... and almost three hours later... the doctor said, JUST MUSCLE STRAIN!

I scootered back and the weather was clearing up. I had five cheapo rain coats in my scooter... I got back just in time to pick up Mom.

Isaiah was home... no basketball practice.

Abby went out with friends for dinner...

Alan took a nap...

I tidied up the house and blogged and then we had our family time...

The kids and Alan have started their spring break... YIPPY!

Seek Him First!

More Organizing...

Yes, it's true... I'm trying to work on clearing drawers and spaces at least three times a week... and today was an area in our living room!

I got all the pictures together and that opened up a space in the living room cabinet for Isaiah's craft stuff... Once the craft stuff was in the cabinet, I decided to consolidate two containers of things into one, throwing some old Ikea magazines away! I still have lots of places that I can work on... for example a drawer full of old gadgets... Maybe next week...

I went to tutor and the personal trainer that I tutor always pays me for 10 times. I wasn't even keeping track and he handed me the money today for 10 more times. What a pleasant surprise!

I came home and did a load of clothes and made meatballs that would go with the rice! And then in the heat, I went for the hilly 90 minute run! I survived...

When I got home, Alan was home, so he went down to pick Mom up while I took a shower.

The kids didn't get home until after 10:30... basketball and tennis practice.

Seek Him First!

Early Start!

After getting Mom ready, Alan came home to take Mom to the Center as I had tutoring.  Some of my students are on their spring break. But since the school has said NO TRAVELING, the parents decided to have their tutoring session in the morning!

I was back by 2pm and ready to tackle one more area. Today I worked on the photo drawers.

I made rice with Prego four cheese sauce and add more free cheese and air fried chicken!

We had counseling this evening...

Isaiah started with a new student...

Abby had her school fellowship and worked on putting together the music for worship on Sunday as she's leading!

The day again sped by... way too fast!

Seek Him First!

Bible Study & Paying Down Our Loan!

This morning after dropping off Mom, I had my Bible study. It's always great to get together with these gals. We talked about the Argumentative Tongue!

Then I got my new post office ATM card and withdrew money to paid down our loan. We are planning to make our last and final payment on 4/10, the day before our 33rd anniversary! YIPPY!

The fire department person came to check on our kitchen as I had to move the smoke alarm! He had to check to make sure it was working properly!

I then went out for a run... and by the time I came back, it was time for Mom to come home. So, I fixed the dinner and since Isaiah was home, he went down to pick up Grandma.

The two stools that I had ordered also came. Isaiah put them together and they look great at our counter!

Now we can sit there to eat or work at night... I really like them. We were going to get two different colors, but I'm glad we didn't. The yellow looks nice!

Alan had evening classes... Isaiah had basketball practice and Abby had tutoring... That's her only job right now. She hopes to get at least another student or another part time job!

I worked on talk notes... as we have a prayer walk and I will speak on April 5th.

Seek Him First!

Taking the Day to REST!

I've been too busy to really take the time to rest... So, today... I DID JUST THAT!

After dropping my mom off, I came home and had a cup of coffee... and organized a few things. The kitchen guy called and he was coming over with the extra board and he put in the four small holes and got the board set. I now have a shelf for my tea cups and tea pots... NICE!

I want to clear one area a day, so today I put away backpacks in a nice box for the back balcony. Then I had lunch and napped for two hours!

The weather was nice and off I went to run the hills -- 90 minutes... absolutely relaxing...

And of course, after a shower, mom was back... so dinner for her and got her to take a shower and off to bed.

I cooked for my Bible study tomorrow and completed the lesson...

Alan was home... Abby had her senior high fellowship while Isaiah was tutoring tonight!

I can't believe it but next week is their spring break. This week is the spring break for Taipei American School... so I don't have to tutor as much...

Seek Him First!

Picking Up A Few Things...

Isaiah bought a few Minions for me and I went and picked them up...

Since I was down there, I went to JinShinFa! And I went past two wet markets and bought lots of fruit! On the way back, I past Costco, so I stopped by. And I was surprised that it wasn't that crowded! I bought meat and veggies. I didn't buy any toilet paper, but every cart had one huge bag of toilet paper. Everyone was restricted to having only one huge pack of 24 packets per card.

I got home and started cooking... and then we were off to church. I had to translate... and for our Love Feast, we decided for people to get the food and go home to eat! That was very sad!

Kurtis came home with us and hung out for a bit. Mom always enjoys having Kurtis around! I told him to come more often... but he said he might not come for our Prayer Walk next week!

The kids and Alan watched basketball and the movie, Knives Out!

I worked on getting things done... Plus ordering some coupons for the week of spring break!

Seek Him First!

Another Dentist Appointment...

We all went to the dentist this morning at 11am... all five of us!

Mom got that dead root pulled...

We got our teeth cleaned!

We then went out to lunch... yes, restaurants are still opened here... Only a few have changed to take-out only! Lots of street vendors and small restaurants are all doing fine... But I did hear that there has been a 'panic buying spree' at all the supermarkets and Costco! We have not!

I took Mom to have a massage... she fell asleep and was snoring!

We took the bus home, which she really enjoyed!

And I forced her to walk...

It was a nice warm day! But I had no time for a run... Oh well...

And, I ordered bar stools for our counter! The kids and Alan wanted bar stools... So, I bit the bullet and spent 70US$ to buy two NEW YELLOW bar stools. Alan is very particular and wanted the nicer ones that can go up and down... Not just a regular wooden stool!

We had family time tonight... And tomorrow... we still have church, which is such a praise!

Seek Him First!

I Love My New Kitchen...

Yes, I finished... everything is put away and I just love my new kitchen. I love the storage space... I love the color... I love the layout... I love all the items so nicely placed in all the cabinets... I need one more shelf and handles on the sliding doors... the kitchen guy said that he will come next week. Everything is paid for... 293,000NT$! (That's 9800US$)

I had tutoring but Alan and I had lunch together and time to catch up on our reading. We are reading a devotional book and the Ministry to Intercession by Andrew Murray.

We were going to have family time, but Isaiah came home late from his basketball practice. So, we will do that tomorrow night!

The weather was really nice, so I did have a morning run after dropping Mom off!

Tomorrow... dentist for everyone... plus massage for Mom!

Seek Him First!

I Can See The Light...

First of all, I love the new kitchen set up... People ask -- only one burner...??? Yes, only one burner... as I use the air fryer and rice cooker and crock pot and... So, I really don't need more than one burner. I don't need the hood range either! I love the extra shelf space... and no dish dryer...

The morning started early... but I didn't have to rush as we didn't have any workers coming.

I dropped Mom off and headed back home to get the last few things cleared and put away... I didn't finish before having to head out to run a few errands! I didn't get those errands done... as I had to tutor from 1-2 and then from 2:30 - 4pm.

After I finished tutoring, I rushed home and got the post office stuff and hurried over to there. I had to transfer money to pay for the kitchen. The ATM had a limit of 2,000US$ per day! I needed a bit more!

I got that done and rushed home as Mom was coming back! After dinner, I got her into the shower and then the night time routine with her.

I was going to go for a run, but the rain started... So instead of a run (I love running in the rain), I decided to stay home and finish up the cleaning... I just don't like looking at the stuff on my counter!

I have to get the paperwork together for the 200US$ I will receive from Taiwan government as part of the elderly care program! That's on my to-do list for tomorrow!

One note: I needed milk from Costco and thought maybe Alan and I would go tomorrow. But our neighbor called. She was going there, so she picked up the milk for me. She said it was crazy over there... I think the Taiwanese have caught the panic buying spree! That would be so horrible!

Seek Him First!

It Is Finished!

The kitchen and the bathrooms are finished!

I just need one more shelf board!

Now, I'm busy with putting everything back... I'm about 80% finished! This last 20% will take a long time! I'm purging!

And tomorrow, I will have no workers showing up at 8:30!

So... I had time to go for a run... even though I was so tired!

Then I tutored from 4:30 to 6:30 and we had a complex meeting, which went too long!

The last 20% and two small boxes are piled on my dining room table! Will I finish by tomorrow? That's the goal!

Seek Him First!

The Kitchen Shelves...

This morning I had at least six workers in and out... People were delivering the cabinets... People were doing the electric wiring... People were ripping up the old shelves...

It was quite a thing to witness...

And my whole house was filled with incoming or outgoing pieces of cabinetry... There was no room to walk!

The estimated time of completion... They hope to finish by 2pm tomorrow... By 4:20, I was looking and hoping... Mom was coming back in an hour... how in the world are they going to be finished? No sink to wash dishes... no problem... we will use paper plates... The microwave was hooked up and sitting on our dining room table!

Tomorrow... the sink, the stove, the water filter and the counter...

For today... there is still quite a bit of chaos. And one of the shelves ran into a 'snag'... the tracks weren't put in the shelves so the doors cannot go on... well... this particular shelf was to go on first so that the other shelves can 'rest' on it... So... I don't think we can finish by 2pm tomorrow... The factory has to come with two more pieces tomorrow... and the work will continue.

Seek Him First!

Sleeping In...

Mom got up super early and was all dressed... So, I gave her breakfast and she went back to bed... and so did I...

It felt so good to sleep in...

Isaiah had a tennis tournament... He lost in the tie breaker.

Abby and Alan went to see him but he was already on his way home.

Mom got up and had lunch... and then I gave her a nice hot shower! Her back was still hurting... but she's getting better. No pain for her tooth being pulled...

We went to church and I was the speaker...

Titus 2:11-14
Redeemed From Sin to Live For God

We had dinner at church.

After coming back, we finished pulling everything out of the kitchen and cleaned a bit. Tomorrow morning the kitchen people will be here by 9am! We also drove to deliver a cabinet to a sister who wanted it.

Abby and I had a nice short walk...

The weather for the next few days will be nice, but forecast says rain will start on Thursday.

Seek Him First!

Dentist & Massage...

It was quite an activity filled day...

Mom was up early... But she's moving a bit slower... which is a big praise. her back is still sore.

I went for a long run as Isaiah and Alan were both home... It was sprinkling, but I don't mind.

When I got back, I quickly showered and we were out the door with Mom. She had a dental appointment. After x-ray, and going over the letter Annie wrote, it was decided that we had to pull that tooth... the root was cracked!

The dentist was great... very gentle and patient with Mom.

After that ordeal, I had booked a massage for her. She thoroughly enjoyed that...

She came home happy... and was ready for dinner. She wanted to eat what we had, but I told her she could only have porridge with cheese and soft pieces of meat.

Oh... I forgot to mention that this morning I cut her hair. She looks great. In the afternoon while Mom was getting her massage, I cut Isaiah's hair!

Alan was reading all about how things in the States were shutting down... and Annie was keeping us posted about how people were 'hoarding' things... the line to get into Costco was at least a block long.

After Mom went to bed, we watched TV!

Seek Him First!

New Student... And The Bathrooms Are Almost Done...

We went out and shop for a few things for our bathrooms... And this evening when Isaiah used it, the sliding door is not completely sealed properly! So, they will have to come back on Monday, when the kitchen is going to be torn out... and new cabinets will be coming!

I also had a new student... He is a fifth grader who should be in Shanghai... but everything is closed! And there is no set date when they are to return! I worked on writing and reading with him!

We had Family Time... and that was needed as we had missed last week!

The rain started, so I didn't have time to go run... I will have to put in two hours tomorrow!

I did do two loads of clothes and we did go to Costco!

Oh... I also picked up our annual family portraits...

Seek Him First!

The Bathrooms Are Done... well, almost...

Yes, the bathrooms are almost done...

The sliding door people came and installed the doors... but the faucet in the master bedroom has a leak. They will have to come tomorrow to fix it... The ceiling where they scratched it still needs to be fixed. We did put the bathroom stuff back and both bathrooms look great... Tomorrow we will go to the local 'home depot' and IKEA to look for bathroom extension shelves -- one for each bathroom. I also need to buy under the shelf cup hooks so that when the kitchen guys come, they can install them for me.

The massage chair is gone... The people came to pick it up this evening...

I did have time for a run, which was fantastic... and I had to tutor in the afternoon.

The kids were at school all day and had practice this evening. They had to take a shower at our neighbor's house. Alan did not have basketball, so he came back home at 3:30. This evening, he scheduled an elders' meeting. I used the time this evening to work on organizing the bathroom stuff and then took a nap! That felt so good.

I cooked chicken with Alfredo sauce. Isaiah had some last night and requested more for tonight.

Please do keep praying for my mom. Her back is still a little sore... but I can tell it's getting better. I find that she's more manageable with her sore back...

Seek Him First!