Too Much Going On

I was up early and biked to the local market to pick up Abby's shorts and then walked back. The UBike was FREE! It was so hot walking back. 

I then proceeded to do a load of wash before scootering with Abby to the church where she was sharing at. There were about 40 people and I thought her message was perfect for the crowd! Alan was home with Mom! We got back at 1:45 and I had to take a shower as I was so sticky! We left at 2:15 for church as we were in charge of setting up!

Isaiah had gone to pick up Fenny as she came to church today, even though she had laryngitis.

Abby led worship and was the speaker.

The service went by too quickly. 

We got home at 8pm and I got Mom to bed and then went to do the recycling and cleaned the house. I guess I will have to do more tomorrow. I gave away things today to a lady at GEM, which is the morning service, then another guy came to pick up things, and I brought things to donate to the thrift store that's on the first floor of our church! I am going to clean out more stuff to give away when Alan and Abby depart.

Our old house also needs work... major work. So, I will schedule a Friday to go over there and hire someone to help me clean and then hire a general contractor to work on cement work for the ceiling and the wall! This is going to be major!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Spectacular Day!

I was up early and went out for 9k. Yes, I hit 50k this week! What an accomplishment in this heat!

Alan, Isaiah and Abby were out with friends playing tennis! They all came back here to take their shower.

The helper came at 11am and we took off for hot pot luncheon. It was like a buffet... fabulous. We ate so much!

Then we headed out to Keelung Harbor and went for a two hour massage! Fabulous!

The Night Market was packed. I was too full, but the rest of them bought things as we walked around! The weather was nice... and then we saw this contact lens shop and bought more for Abby.

On the way back, we went to Costco to buy milk and ice cream. That means I'm set for at least two weeks. No need to go to Costco! YEAH! Once Alan and Abby leave, I will be back to my full schedule of tutoring, Bible studies and speaking! Plus, I have several teaching jobs lined up! I will also have the helper come on Wednesdays as I can't make it back from my tutoring!

It was just a fun family day... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Another Fun and Filled Day!

I only ran 7km... That tells you how hot it was this morning!

Then I was caring for Mom! When she left, I tried to get things cleaned up, which always takes a bit of time. I had a lunch date with my online Bible study group as two of them are here from abroad! We had a wonderful time, but the restaurant was out in Banqiao. It took an hour to get there... and an hour to get back... I am grateful as God directed me! 

I came back to meet up with Abby at the dentist. She will go again on Wednesday. The top teeth are moving nicely, but the bottom teeth are not moving as fast!

I came home and it was time to gather things to drop off as the boxes for the Philippines will go out on Monday! Alan drove the car as we also had to get the annual government required smog check for the car! I also needed to buy more diaper inserts! Abby was home to get Mom and I had dinner for her in the fridge already!

We were back by 6pm.

Tonight after Mom went to bed, we went to select pictures and then headed to Shihlin Night Market!

Happy Birthday to my older brother James! He turned 67 today! I can't believe we are all in our 60's... heading to our 70's!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Sizzling Hot Sabbath!

I was up early but not early enough... 

I did get in 8k! BARELY!

Then it was Mom Care.

After Mom left, I called the Elderly Care Center and found out some information as we have a new company managing my mom's case. Then I called to order boxes for the Philippines! Then it was a call to ask about Abby's backpack. 450NT$ to be repaired... I'm just happy that it can be repaired. 

When those calls were done, I settled on the sofa and read! YEAH!

After lunch, I took a nap and then went to WGE, my first time in two weeks!

Abby met up with a friend from church for lunch!

I started packing for the suitcase that will have things for Annie and Abby! I didn't think I had put that much stuff in, but it ended up being 26.4. I will have to shift things. I also ordered pineapple cakes! Alan has another half of suitcase for me, so I should have enough room. Abby also has two suitcases of things to bring back to Brazil! Things are getting sorted out.

I didn't have time to go over all the make up that I've been saving for Abby. I just put them on the dining room table and we started on sorting after our dinner out with friends!

Yes, I did the recycling... not too bad today!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Packed Day!

 I was up early and ran 8k. Yes, it was hot!

I was back and got busy with things before getting Mom up and out.

Wednesday is recycling pick up day. So, I was down there helping. We finished at 9:30!

I had started to clear things up in my kitchen cabinets as more boxes are being sent to the Philippines next week. So, my living room is... SUPER MESSY! I have things for Abby, Annie, boxes for the Philippines and things to post to give to Buy Nothing Taipei! (Yes, my neighbors are very nice. They leave things at my doorsteps!)

Alan finally got back and after he took a shower, we were off to the Hub to meet up with Abby. She had gone to Danhsui for the YWAM Prayer Meeting. This is her second time. It's every Wednesday, so she plans to go one more time next week.

We were home by 2pm as she had an online meeting with the gal in charge of Taipei International Church Young Adult Fellowship. She will be sharing with them next week. They are going through the book of Acts and it seemed perfect for Abby to share on Missions as Paul and Barnabas are being sent out!

Abby is also sharing this Sunday at GEM and HOP. She is also leading worship, so she sent off the file for her song list and worked on her ppt for her talk, while I sent her ppt for GEM to the pastor, who was at the airport about to board his flight to the States. He's going to be gone for six weeks as he is taking his family back to the States for a vacation. That's why he needed outside speakers to cover for him.

Alan wanted to look for the carry on that he loves so we pulled things out of the living room cabinets. Nope, the luggage is at our old house. While I put everything back, he took the car to pick up the luggage. Abby went for a run. The rain never came!

Mom was back and I had dinner ready!

Abby went out for dinner with friends from HOP. And Isaiah went out for dinner with his basketball friends from work!

And believe it or not, I forgot to post... so that's why it's a little late!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

The Day Flew By...

I was up early and got 8k in!

And about the recycling... (Thank you Pam for asking)

This complex has three buildings with a total of 87 households. We have two dumpsters for trash which are picked up every day. Those dumpsters are in the garden area. Down in B1, we have eight large labeled bins for recycling. Recycling is not pick up except ONCE A WEEK on Wednesday! We have bins for paper goods, glass, tin, aluminum, electronics, lightbulbs, batteries, plastic bags and containers. The problems are: 

Our janitor is slow and I have observed him for three months. He is scheduled to do recycling twice a day but he is off two days a week.

Those who live here do not observe the label bins. So often times, they just put their items everywhere, but in the bins. Boxes are also not crushed down.

The weather here is hot and humid, so there are bugs if these bins are not cleaned every day.

I had spent a month cleaning out a space in the B1 storage room. So, we now bag or box everything and move the items into this room. That takes time!

As I mentioned earlier, the recycling is only picked up once a week. A daily recycling pick up service costs a lot of money as we have to hire a company to do that. Our current service is free.

That's why I've been doing the 'job' because we are the head of the board. At our next board meeting, I'm going to bring this up and hopefully, they will provide a better janitor!

Abby and I went to the salon again this afternoon. She had another facial and I had an oil massage! Luxurious. Afterwards, the thunder storm started and we scootered home, slowly. Yes, I love the rain, so it was fun. I only wished I could have been running!

Tonight, Isaiah went to play basketball and Abby met up with friends.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Another Much Needed Catch Up Day!

I was up early and then went for 8k. It was blistering hot!

I got Mom off and started with household chores, after helping our janitor with the recycling for the complex. I will have to talk to the management company as he is too slow. There is no way he can stay on schedule with his SOP.

Abby and Alan came home and I went off to pick up a clock that was being repaired, pay a bill and get Mom's prescription filled!

Abby was going to go play badminton with the YWAM group, but they usually have 40-50 people show up. So, she decided against it. She had time to pick songs for the worship service on June 30th. She will be speaking and leading worship!

I finished two talks for July! July 7th and July 21st. One is for HOP and the other is for GEM. I will ask Isaiah to help me make the ppt!

Alan went to B&Q to get caulking tape to redo our shower. Just replacing that makes the shower looks so nice and new.

The thunderstorm started, and I wanted to go out for a run... but I was too too tired. I took a nap instead!

Mom was home and I had dinner ready!

I did another load of laundry as things smell back there!

Tonight we had dinner at home and then family time. Last night we watched the 12 Mighty Orphans. Tonight we watched The Boys in the Boat! Fabulous!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Sunday Funday!

I was up early and after time with Jesus, I did a load of laundry and Abby and I went for a walk!

We went to the local market, which was so much fun!

After we got back, it was Mom duty!

Abby left for New Life Church to share with their youth group!

We left for church at 2:00 and were at church by 2:45 as we went to pick up Abby. We helped with setting up and we had a lot of newcomers!

It was so fun! It was a family affair as Alan was the MC, Isaiah was the translator, and Abby and I were the speakers.

We had cold noodles for dinner! It was very yummy!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Family Portrait and Much Much More...

What a day... 

I ran 9k to finish the week with 49.08. I'm happy considering how hot it has been... I am astounded that I even hit over 40k this week!

Then it was looking at recycling before Mom Care!

The Helper came at 11 and we took off... We had more stuff to drop off at church for this evening's event. Then we went to get our Annual Family Portraits done!

This is not the professional one. We just did one using the cell phone!

After the pictures were done (we get to see them next Friday at 7:30), we went and got shaved ice as it was extremely hot!

These were a bit pricey, but totally worth the splurge!

We were thinking of going to get a massage when the down pour came. So, we had to go home to get the car as we were picking up the chicken for the evening event. Abby went off to meet up with some church friends. Isaiah decided to just stay home. Alan and I went to church to set up! 

We had six couples and the couple who presented did a marvelous job and the food was fabulous!

We didn't get home until 9:15 and I had to wash and put away everything!

The kids came home after 10pm! 

It's going to be another busy day tomorrow!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Thunder Showers!

It was blistering hot this morning. I ran only 7k and at a very slow pace. Then this afternoon, we had the most beautiful thunder showers, but I wasn't out running! I was out running errands!

So, the day started early and I got a few chores done before going out to lunch with Alan. Abby met up with her youth group counselor who treated her to lunch! We first went to pick up the things from a gal named Alice. She was going to head out to the States but didn't get an appointment early enough to get her visa! So, that trip was canceled. Alan will have to bring everything that I have gathered for Annie!

We went to Alan's favorite restaurant for lunch -- a small noodles shop, and of course, we got drinks beforehand.

On the way back, we dropped by the watch place and got a replacement for a clock and a watch!

Then it was at the dentist to meet up with Abby and to pay for her retainer. Alan had gone home to drop everything off as we wanted to drive over to RTMart. So, he picked up up at 2:30. Abby will have to wear the retainer 24/7 and then she will go back to see the dentist next week!

We bought things for the Marriage Builders' Bible study tomorrow night and looked at the prices of contact lenses. We were home by 4pm. And the thunder shower had stopped... 

Mom was home and I had dinner ready!

Abby met up with her Soochow friends tonight and Isaiah had dinner and KTV with his co-workers.

Alan and I attended a small graduation party at 9pm for a gal who will be returning to the Philippines!

Tomorrow is our Family Portraits! YIPPY! We will all be together!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

What A Sabbath!

I didn't go for my morning run as the sun was up too early... 

Mom was off and I settled down to read after I went and cleaned up the recycling area!

The morning flew by and when Alan and Abby came back, I went out to buy lunch! We are treating Abby to one bubble milk tea every day plus her favorite Taiwanese breakfast!

We all had lunch together.

In the afternoon, I had booked an oil massage for Abby. She loved it! She also wants another facial next Tuesday!

I had to fit in a run before Mom returned, so I only ran 7k. And it was hot!

I had Mom's dinner ready and Abby, Alan and Isaiah went off to play basketball at Soochow. It's the last time as the summer basketball time is going to change to 4pm!

Alan had gone to pick up the suitcase of goodies that Annie sent! YIPPEE! Lemonade mix, biscuit mix, package sauces, and so much more! I took the time to put everything away and then what I ordered from Carrefour also arrived!

After Mom went to bed, I went down to the recycling area again!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Beautifying Day!

I was up and went out for 8k. Yes, I didn't hit 9k.

Abby was also up early and went to Danhsui to join the 8am prayer meeting at the YWAM Base. 

Alan was off to play tennis and he was out there until 11:30! He is really on vacation mode!

Isaiah, of course, went off to work. He is wanting to change job... They are pulling a fast one on him, meaning by July, he will earn less and be asked to be like a sales agent. That's not what he wants to do!

I again helped with the Recycling of our complex and then worked on cleaning the house and then went and got Chinese stuff for Abby's lunch!

We all had lunch at home before Abby and I headed off to the beauty salon. My appointment was at 3pm. Abby's was at 2pm. But they were able to take me at 2pm. So, I only got my hair washed and cut. She was getting her hair washed, dyed, conditioned and then she will also get a facial! We took two scooters. I had to be home for Mom Care.

Alan and Isaiah met up for dinner and then they had an Every Man A Warrior Event!

I had my Bible study at 8:30. Abby worked on her House of Praise talk for June 30th.

Tomorrow is my Sabbath! YEAH!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Another Productive Day!

I was up and did not go out as there were many things to get done!

Abby went to the workout place and then played tennis with Alan.

We were all home for lunch and then went to the dentist. Abby will get a retainer, which should be ready by Thursday and latest by Friday! So, we will go back for the fitting!

Alan also got his teeth cleaned.

Abby and I went and picked up her glasses. Superb! She rode my scooter home and I ran. It was hot and I was thinking... maybe I'll just do 7k. But I again went for 9k. As soon as I got home, it poured. Darn it!

Alan went to the workout place as it's free for him from 2-4pm! Senior citizens 'privileged hours'... 

I ordered things from Carrefour and bought coupons for different restaurants. Abby wanted to go to a hot pot place! And when we do, Alan always like a hot pot place with a buffet bar for drinks! Those are hard to find, but I found one. Not exactly cheap but with a coupon, it's about 12US$ per person!

Mom was home and yes, I had dinner ready.

Abby went out with her university buddy, Juliet, for dinner!

Isaiah was home from work! It was nice just to be home with no prayer group or online Bible study or tutoring!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Busy Monday!

I was up early... I don't think I need to write that... and I went out, thinking I'd only run 7k. But I actually went for 9k!

Then it was Mom Care!

After she left, I cleaned Mom's room and then I was off. I had a few errands to run before meeting up with Abby. We went to look at another glasses place, but the cost of contacts seems the same, if not more! So, we didn't buy anything and went towards the passport office. But we had planned to shop for two hours before Abby's appointment.

We went and bought underwear and shoes and many other things!

We got to the passport office and got a number. I'm so glad we got an appointment as there were over 500 people trying to get the passport without an appointment! We were finished before 3:30! And we are scheduled to pick up the passport on Monday, July 1st after 2pm! YEAH!

We scootered back and I rested for 20 minutes before Mom was home!

I had her dinner ready and then after she went to bed, we took off for a get together with friends!

We did receive some sad news... Aunt Ethel passed away!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Busy Sunday!

I was up early... and yes, no run! Not even time to go to WGE!

Abby went out for a run.

Alan and Isaiah had a tennis tournament.

I was doing laundry and then went out for fantwan for all of us!

Abby was back and showered and we were out. We went to get her passport photo from a booth and then got her glasses. They will be ready by Monday! So fast! But we won't have time to pick them up on Monday night so we will go on Tuesday afternoon!

We were home and I was busy with Mom Care. Abby and I also spent the morning going over the clothes and shoes she has here. Her luggage still has not arrived! But she has plenty to wear! YEAH!

By 2:20, we were all in the car, heading off to church!

We all helped with set up and then the service was special with new friends and Abby being back! The worship team leader asked her to lead worship for June 30th. She will also be speaking for that Sunday!

We were home by 8pm and I was busy, caring for Mom and putting everything away!

Tomorrow is another packed day!

And it's so hot... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Abby's Arrival!

We were tracking her flight... She arrived in Qatar and she said the airport is amazing... but the flight from Qatar to Hong Kong was delayed. That got her a bit frustrated!

I was up early and went out for 9k. I finished the week with 52.31k. Not bad in light of how hot it has been! I was thinking of going to WGE to run on the dreadmill but decided the heat is better than that!

I was home and went into the B1 storage room and got rid of two boxes of old paperwork from past community meetings! The recycling people will pick up on Wednesday!

Then it was a shower and Mom Care. I put in a load of laundry. While Mom ate, I went out to drop things off. Alan was home.

Isaiah had his men's Bible study group and then a talk hosted by Fubon Bank. He didn't get back until after 1pm.

Lunch was leftover and I had gotten stuff for a salad. It's so hot that I just want to eat salads and fruit.

We left at 5:30 for the airport. And it was a miracle that Abby caught the flight from Hong Kong to Taipei as the flight from Qatar was late. God did it!

She arrived at 6:30 but her luggage didn't. So, they will drop off the luggage at our house tomorrow. We went to the mall and shopped and ate. Yes, we spent like 15,000NT$ for five pairs of shoes and three pieces of clothing items. Two pairs for Alan, two pairs for Abby and one pair for Isaiah. And the clothes were for Isaiah! We didn't get home until 11pm! What fun!

At the airport! First time in a long time!

Tomorrow is going to be a long day as Alan and Isaiah have a tennis tournament and Abby will go for a run! I will walk and pick trash. Of course, Mom care and then church!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Date within A Date!

I ran 9k... and it was ... yes... HOT!

I came home and got Mom off and then I went to WGE.

Alan and I met at 10am and left for Costco Beitou. We first picked up Coco, of course... and then we had asked a friend to meet us there. I had a hot dog and drink... yeah. It was so yummy!

Then we went to pick up things from a friend who is moving... the same friend that I helped with her new place, going over design ideas. She's the one living in our Danhsui apartment.

We ran a few more errands and got home just in time for Mom! 

What a busy day!

Tonight, Isaiah had his dentist appointment and then dinner out with his co-workers.

I had a nice free evening and decided to go to bed early... Maybe I can get up by 4am and do a quick run before the heat hits!

And Abby arrives tomorrow night! YEAH!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Sabbath in Extreme Heat!

Yup, it hit 34 today! Even at 5am, it was 28! Yes, there were clouds in the sky and a slight breeze, but I could not run! Hit 8k! That was a miracle!

Mom went off to the Day Care Center and after cleaning things up, I ate breakfast and worked on my Bible study homework! Absolutely delightful!

When that was finished, I sat on the sofa and read! 

I got up from time to time as I put ground beef and other ingredients into the crock pot so that Alan and Isaiah will have some delicious dinner ready for when they get home! It sure smelled good!

Alan played tennis and coached a gal and was out there until 12:30. It was scorching!

In the afternoon, I called the dentist so that Isaiah and Alan can go and get their teeth cleaned. I also cracked a padlock that I found. Yes, I watched an YouTube video and it worked!

I finished another great book and while I sat and read, I sent the iRobot mop to clean the floor!

Isaiah and Alan both went to play basketball at Soochow University this evening! I decided to scooter over to WGE for the AC after Mom went to bed! I think I might have to do part of my run on the "dreadmill" this summer! I looked at the weather and even at 4am, the temperature will still be hot!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

The Usual Wednesday!

I was up early and went out for a 9k run. I was planning on only 7k but I pushed through! YEAH! Yes, it was blaring hot!

After Mom went off to the Day Care Center, I was down to help with the recycling. Everything was taken! It looked so nice and clean!

It was already 9:30. I was home to prep for my messages! YEAH!

For lunch, I ate the leftovers from yesterday's Bible study! Absolutely delicious! And I sat back down to work some more!

Before going off to tutor, I put lots of stuff down on the first floor as there were people coming by to pick things up!

I had tutoring from 4:30 to 5:30 and then stopped at WGE. Alan was home for Mom Care!

This evening... it was the dreaded Complex Meeting! We got some really bad news: two of the top individuals are going to resign by the end of June. We are going to have two new people on the complex management team assigned from the management company! Just when we were getting on track with this new company... Please pray!

Alan is officially finished with this school year. He now needs to finish his grades. He hopes to get that done by tomorrow.

Isaiah was at work and went to visit with Fenny! She is leaving for a 10-day trip to Tibet on Friday!

Abby is getting ready to return to Taiwan and we want to make sure she makes an appointment with the Passport Office so that we won't have to wait in line on Monday! I will keep you updated on that!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

It Is Blaring Hot Already!

It hit 93 today... with a feel of 100!

I was up, but not early enough. So, I just ran 8k.

No time for WGE. 

I baked and Mom Care!

I had Bible study this morning and two ladies brought a savory dish and a dessert plus fruit. We had such a feast, both in the word of God and with nutritious food!

After I cleaned up, I took a nap! I thought about using the day to catch up on housework, but decided that rest was more important!

I had tutoring at 3:30 and that went well.

Mom was back promptly at 5:15 and dinner was ready! In fact, I have enough food for her for the whole week!

Tonight was Family Time! It will be the last time before Abby boards the plane! We had lots to talk about as she needed to make an appointment for getting her passport renewed!

Alan had a very long day... his final day of oral tests with his students! One more student tomorrow as she didn't make it last week and then he will start on his grades!

Isaiah was at work all day... nice with AC!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Please pray for Fenny, Isaiah's friend. I shared with her about Jesus and have encouraged her to say yes to Jesus and to think on John 3:16 every morning. Please pray that she will open her heart and her life to Jesus. She is going to travel to Tibet for 10 days, starting on Friday. Please intercede for her that the blood of Jesus would cover her!

Seek Him First!

Holiday Monday!

Happy Dragon Boat Festival!

I did not get up early today... So, I was out for my run close to 8am. It was hot, even though it was partly cloudy! I really need to get up before 4:30 this summer if I want to fit in a run or else I will have to run on a dreadmill! 

I got home and left to take a shower at WGE and then bought special breads at Carrefour.

Isaiah and Alan were home.

It was Mom care and she was very lethargic! 

I guess I should have just let her stay in bed!

We left at 4pm to pick up Fenny for dinner out! I put Mom to bed at 7pm and we played Mahjong! 

I hope she feels better for tomorrow and to resume her daily routine of going to the Day Care Center! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Packed Sunday!

I was up early and of course, Sunday, no Run Day!

But I used the morning hours after time with Jesus to get Abby's room ready. Making that bed was the most difficult thing! I also set all her Minions on her bed and cleared off things! Wow... Her room looks great!

Then it was Mom Care. Since Alan and Isaiah were home, I went for a quick walk to pay Mom's Day Care bill! It was raining and felt so nice to walk!

We went to church and helped with set up!

Isaiah led worship and I translated. We had several visitors! And for Love Feast, we had tzong-tzi. YUMMY! I ate too many as they grew in my stomach! But I just have a hard time resisting! It's the Dragon Boat Festival tomorrow... and I love tzong-tzi. I bought 10 more, as there were leftovers and put them in the freezer! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!