End of the Year... Already!

I was up and got Mom out... 

Instead of going out for a run, I got things ready for tonight's service and also for a luncheon at our house. I asked Alan and Isaiah to go to Costco to pick up sandwiches and a Cobb salad. I had extra of everything else.

Then I headed out for a short 63minutes run... Almost made 10k. I didn't have enough time.

After a quick shower, I got everything set up and it was a splendid luncheon. 

Mom was home right on time and I had her dinner ready.

I got her to bed by 7pm so that we can leave for the New Year Eve Service.

Fenny couldn't make it for the service, but we picked her up at 9:30 and she hung out at our house and we played different board games.

Miramar Mall had a show and lots of food and game stalls. Of course, there was the fireworks at the Taipei 101. I was just too tired... No Day Care tomorrow... so... it won't be a holiday for me!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Plant Shopping Monday...

I was up early and didn't go out for my run until after Mom left... I ran 10k. The weather was nice...

After a quick shower and I waited for Isaiah as he had some work stuff to send off. We finally left at around 12:15 to go to the old house. We scraped the wall and applied this waterproofing paint. I don't think it's going to work.

Then we went over to the Beitou Flower Market. We were thinking about going to the World Trade Center to look at the Travel Exhibition, but I didn't want to drive down there, since it's extremely difficult to find parking. 

At the Flower Market, I bought 5 plants for 460NT$. My budget was 500NT$. I will go and maybe buy some more... 

We were home by 4pm, and I headed down to get the plants repotted before Mom got home at 5pm. 

The dinner was already made... 

While she ate, I was hoping to update the helpers' list for church, but I couldn't get access.

Tonight, we had Family Time...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Walk-About Sunday

Well... I had quite a day... 

The boys were up at 2am to watch the Chargers game. They won, so they have a playoff spot.

When that was finished, and Alan went back to bed, I got up for my time. And when I finished, Alan was up again at 7am as the San Diego State Basketball Game was on... So, I decided to go out for a walk-about. It was very productive. I updated our bank books, and bought bread and stuff for Annie... 

I was home and the game was finished and Alan went to bed.

I went downstairs to help move a huge plant... What a task! And of course, I checked on recycling.

Then it was time to get Mom up for her shower and breakfast... 

We were off to church early as I had to put away things from the Christmas Eve Service and set things up for church... The kids loved all the snacks!

I had to translate and I was feeling so tired... God helped me through... 

Alan had a Board of Directors meeting... and we dropped Fenny back home. So, we didn't get home until almost 9pm.

I got Mom to bed and blogged and checked my emails and prayed with a sister... 

2024 is going to end as it started... BUSY! (ha, ha, ha...)

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

"Keep Free" Saturday...

This being the last Saturday of the year, I had kept this day 'free'... ha, ha, ha... 

I was up early and after getting a load into the wash and Isaiah and Alan both left for tennis (Isaiah was coaching for MONEY), I went out for a run... It was so splendid... My legs finally felt as if they kicked in at the 10th kilometer... If I had more time, I would have gone for a half... and did it in very splendid time. I wasn't even breathing heavily... I came home for a quick shower and then headed out to get veggies and Chinese medicine. Yes, Annie, I'm sending some with Alan and we can buy some more when you're here.

I was home and it was Mom Care.

Alan took off for a Sunday School Workshop and Isaiah went out for lunch with Fenny and her sister.

Mom was not hyper... thankfully... And she had a great appetite... back to her 'usual' self. While she ate, I sewed up a couple of pillowcases for two odd sized pillows. I also put away her clothes and cleaned her bathroom. That's a weekly MUST!

The temperature was dropping throughout the day... In the morning it was 14... and when I came back from my run, it was 13... by the early evening, it had dropped to 11.

We had set to go out after Mom went to bed... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

No Run Friday... UNUSUAL!

I was up and decided to get Mom up as I didn't know if she would be 'tired' and it would take longer to get her ready. But she was fine and we were downstairs earlier than usual. So, I got her to walk around.

After she left, I helped with the lights on the Christmas trees in the three buildings... By the time I finished, it was 9:30 and I went back to nap... 

Alan was home and we went out for lunch and errands.

I had a list of things... heater to drop off to be checked, bag of goodies to drop off at church... Anyhow, we found a very nice teppanyaki place and had a great lunch. I was going to run from there home, but the time was too late and I was too full. So, we got home and it was already 3:15. I rested and left at 3:50 and got there early. 

The tutoring went well... and I had to stay late as the second kid had to write a sonnet... I did not lose my voice as I asked him to sit at the dining room table!

I was going to stop at WGE, but it was already 7:00 pm and I got home by 7:45. After eating soup and making Mom's breakfast and dinner, I got her to bed and went for a quick walk, just to hit my step goal. 

What a day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I'm preparing for the New Year Eve Service...

Seek Him First!

Boxing Day Sabbath!

Mom did not stop talking until after twelve midnight... so, it was difficult to get her up this morning. But I got her off... 

Then it was time to just sit and read... 

At 1pm, I went for my 10k run. The weather was quite nice. And after my shower, I went back on the sofa and read some more... DELIGHTFUL!

At 4pm, I finally got up and did a few minor household chores. I put boneless chicken in the air fryer, got Mom's dinner ready, and sorted through a collection of paper bags that I had kept for the White Elephant Party. I can finally toss them. I posted a few more things to give away and Mom was soon home. While she ate, I watched the old show, the Avengers. Do you remember that great show? Cheesy!

Mom came home tired... yippy! She ate her dinner and then I put her to bed!

Isaiah and Alan were playing basketball at Soochow!

Daily Lovely Insight:

The other day I read Revelation 14 and noticed the second sickle... The first one was for harvest... and the second one... read it for yourself.

Revelation 14:21!

And Happy Boxing Day!

Seek Him First!

Merry Christmas... Our Annual Newsletter...

I can't believe another year has flown by... I had to read our newsletter from last year to recall what we had mentioned... 

So, Lovely did run the ultra on January 6th and had a fabulous time... It was absolutely difficult... but she finished! The last 10 kilometers were done through sheer perseverance... She will say that the food all along the route was fabulous... unfortunately, she didn't stop to try anything... She just picked up a piece of banana or an egg... but they had cooked so many delicious items. She realized that she had signed up for the Challenge (63.3k) as the ultra was just the 50k. She also joined a relay team for the Challenge Taiwan Triathlon down in Taidong in April. She ran the full while two youngsters did the swim and the biking... and they were fast! She was not! But they still came in 6th overall for the mixed relay... 

Alan traveled twice this year... and he is set to leave on January 9th for the States, without going to Brazil this time. He will be away until February 15th. As for the summer... no plans yet! Of course, he is getting paid much less for the same amount of work. And he will again be in charge of the ICEE Week in May of 2025!

Isaiah has continued to work at Nanshan, but hoping to find something new in 2025... so far, he doesn't know what he will be doing... he will stay at his current job until God opens the next door. He will be leading the Young Adult Morning Service that is set to launch on January 12th. So, that's going to be an interesting area of ministry. He is dating Fenny.

Abby is still in Brazil and we hope she will get her visa renewed and make a trip to Taiwan in 2025, perhaps stopping in the States for two weeks. The flights are actually shorter in duration and cheaper in price if we do that. And of course, we will take our annual family portrait when she's back. It was so fabulous to have her in Taipei for 17 days... The days flew by. I don't think we ate enough or had enough bubble milk tea!

So... what's our theme for this past year? And what's our verse for this new year? And where are our 2024 family portraits?

Our verse for 2024 has been Romans 5:3-4. with the theme of HOPE... Through Christ, we have HOPE. Experiencing Christ's Hope through The Daily Challenges... 

And our verse for 2025 is Micah 7:7, which will be the verse I close with from now until Christmas 2025. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

It was a simple Christmas... I did run... after lunch. I helped with the recycling after Mom took off. And she has been higher than a kite. I gave her two pills tonight! I took the time to clean up the living room and then we went out for lunch! Alan dropped me off near one of the entrances to our river park and I ran home while they finished running the errands. Isaiah went out to dinner with Fenny. Alan and I were home, eating a simple salad and watching a TV show I found! That was our Christmas! No presents... No big meals... But filled with the HOPE, FAITH, JOY, LOVE and PEACE of Christmas!

Merry Christmas... 

Seek Him First!

 

What A Christmas Eve...

I guess the first Christmas Eve was filled with activities in every realm... that was like my day today.

I was up and did not go for my 10k until after Mom left.

I was working on getting the stuff out of the room as the bed switch was today.

At 9:15, I went out as I knew I would have no other time.

I was home and took a quick shower and Alan was working on disassembling the bed. The delivery guys came right on time... they were gone by 11:30 and we started to work. By 1pm, the room was almost all finished, but we had to head out... Alan went to the old house, first dropping me off at the church! I wanted to start the soup in the crock pot and set everything up. Alan went to move the second bunk bed and the two mattresses up to the old house. By 3:30, we were both finished and he came to pick me up.

I came home and got Mom's dinner ready and finished up the room. Yes, Mom was home... and after she went to bed, we headed back to church for the Christmas Eve Service! I made tomatoes soup and had grilled cheese muffin sandwich, chips and tea and coffee and pumpkin pie. To my surprise, 23 people showed up... It was so much fun... totally worth all the work I put into this event. Next Tuesday... another one... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Tutoring Cancelled!

I was up but not super early... 

And after Mom went off, I went back to bed... luxurious... 

I slept for another hour... and then I saw my line message: my student had to cancel as she still has a sore throat... 

That gave me time to go for a run... 10K... and then to run errands... I went to drop off her Christmas gift and she was actually upstairs, but practicing her oboe... anyhow, in 20 minutes, someone took the bag of snacks... She was so furious!

I had prayer time at 4pm... and then Mom was home.

Tonight, we had Family Time...

Isaiah came home with a runny nose...Alan is feeling much better.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Lingering Sore Throat

I was up but not so early... and after my time, I did a load of laundry as I was actually down to my last underwear... ha, ha, ha... I've only been washing the larger items as the socks and underwear I usually put in the dryer.

And then I went out for a walk... the weather was nice and nippy... 

Alan and Isaiah were out playing tennis.

When I got home, I decided to take a nap before getting Mom up! That was so refreshing as I still have this lingering sore throat.

We brought the leftover cake and other goodies and did the set up while Mom had cake for her snack... 

After dinner at church, we dropped Fenny off and then came home.

Tonight I had prayer time and a meeting... 

I think I might cancel tutoring tomorrow if I wake up with the sore throat! I like my tutee on Monday. We shall see... and here's the photo from last night's party:

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Jam Packed Costco and Christmas Party!

I was up early and did not go out... I wanted to make sure everything was set for the party... 

I met up with Alan at Costco and the went for a quick dreadmill run... hitting 60k for this week... What a miracle! And then rushed back home for Mom care... 

Alan had put everything from Costco on the dining room table and I worked on putting things away while Mom ate her breakfast. 

Alan and Isaiah picked up Fenny and went to the basketball game. We bought a lot of stuff as we have several events that we are in charge of. I rested my throat and ate toast and drank warm water.

Mom had her appetite and ate well... 

Friends came over at 3:45 to pick up things for the evening party. I headed over at 5:10 on my scooter. 

The party was fantastic... the joy of being together, celebrating the birth of Christ! And thank you for praying... I got my voice... but I will have to rest for Sunday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Funeral Celebration & More...

I was up early... and went for my 10K as I knew I wouldn't have time otherwise... I overdressed... I was back and got Mom up and out. I didn't have time to take a shower right after I got home... I think that was a mistake as I started to feel the start of a sore throat.

Alan was home and I cut his hair. He wanted to watch the game which started at 9am. I took a shower and we were on the road to the memorial service. We got there three minutes before 11am. The service started at 11:30.

When that was finished, we went to our old house. We had a radiator heater to drop off for our great fixer guy to look at and Alan went to our old house and moved the office chair to the recycling!

We then went and got him lunch and finally got home at 3pm. I immediately went to take a nap. I could have slept for the whole afternoon, but I had to tutor. They were both there. It was a very long two hours... very long... the kids had to be motivated to get working... so I had to use my voice quite a bit. One kid sat on the sofa while we worked. I was at the dining room table, asking him questions about his assignments. I was finished at 6:33 and riding home in that cold weather was a bit tiring.

I made soup and drank some and laid down. I fell asleep and got up to get Mom to bed. Alan was at the dining room table with her! 

I wrapped gifts and got things ready for the big party tomorrow night. Isaiah and I are the hosts... I went to bed to rest... it's going to be a long day tomorrow!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Chilly Sabbath!

I was up and went back to bed after my time in the 'study'. I love the early morning hour!

I got Mom up and out and proceeded to sit and read... in bed. LUXURIOUS!

At 12:30, I went out for my run after eating half of a PB&J sandwich with coffee... YUMMY!

The run was nice... cold and drizzling.

I was home and took a quick hot shower and then made dinner for tonight. 

At 2:45, I left for my massage... LUXURIOUS!

On the way home, I went and bought diapers and dropped off the money for the boxes to the Philippines.

I made it back minutes before Mom got home!

The Israeli couscous and lamb and veggies came out so delicious. I had two bowls!

My tutoring cancelled and I had a free night after Mom went to bed. I found an old TV show: Mannix. Anyone remember that show? And I watched one episode.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Double Meetings Wednesday!

I was up early! Instead of going for a run, I baked chocolate chips cookies for the Complex Meeting tonight. It was a great use of time... I got Mom up and out and cleaned out the recycling and had just minutes to spare as I had an annual evaluation for my Mom at the Day Care Center at 9:30. I had my list of questions and suggestions. That meeting lasted until 11:15. Mom is still at Level 7. Level 8 is the highest. To get to that level, the person is pretty much bedridden or recovering from open heart surgery.

I scootered over to Brooks and they had fantastic news... 5 pairs of Caldera 6... and I bought one pair of 7... after the discount... 11,788NT$, less than 400US$. Each pair was less than 2000NT$, which was my annual set budget! I took two pairs and the rest will be delivered. That worked out well as I had no way to carry that many pairs...

Alan went over to drop off goodies for donation which are being shipped to the Philippines!

After a quick lunch and setting everything for Mom's dinner, I went out for my 10k. It was chilly and a bit windy... I was glad to be home and in the shower.

I had tutoring at 4:30 and I left a bit early to pick up some snacks that I had ordered!

Tutoring went well and I was home. After putting Mom to bed, I headed down for the final complex meeting. That went well... of course, it was still two and a half hours... but it's finished!

Alan had a meeting at 9:30... Please pray... May God be glorified. The meeting was related to House of Praise. 

Tomorrow is my SABBATH. I reserved a 90 minute massage! YIPPY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Bible Study & Brooks Sale!

I was up early... and decided not to go for a run as I'd be rushed. Instead, I put in a load of laundry and got Mom up. She was coughing, so after giving her some bread, I also gave her some phlegm dissolvent syrup. It's prescription strength!

After she left, I got everything together and headed to my Bible study as I needed to reheat the dish and set up. We had only 5 ladies with one person online. Three of the sisters couldn't make it!

When it was finished, I didn't have to rush... that was nice. I cleaned up and locked up and headed to the Brooks running shoes bi-annual sale! They only had one pair of the style that I like in my size. They are going to see what else they can find. I will go back tomorrow. If I buy three pairs, I get an additional 30% off!

I was home and Alan and I worked on changing a plug as we had to move a piece of furniture to get to the socket. Then I went for a run while he took apart the top bunk and he moved it over to the old house! YIPPY!

I completed my usual 10k and was home to get Mom's dinner ready!

Tonight was Family Time and an online meeting... plus more issues with the complex... over the hanging of lights in the garden area... AIYO!

Tomorrow morning, I have to go for the annual evaluation for Mom and in the evening I will have my last complex meeting!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

No Tutoring... But Still Busy!

I was up early...As the boys were watching the game. So, the WiFi was on and after my time in the study, I called Abby and had a very nice long chat.

After Mom left, I got to cleaning... OK... so... our dear friend at church... her father passed away... so, she has this nice bed... electric... like a medical bed. Everyone wants me to have it... And to have it... I have to get the bunk beds to our old house. I have to reorganize the room... AIYO!!!! But everyone thinks it will be better for my back.

So... that's what's going on.

I went for a run and went to WGE to run 1k on the dreadmill at top speed... just to see if I can boost my VO2MAX. It was still at 48. I will try again another time... I only ran for 6 minutes... and I started on 10 and went to 11 and then to 12.

I went over to the old house... I had to clear out the stuff from the bedroom and give away two desks. one guy said he was coming, but he flaked. So, I reposted it! And the elderly couple has so much stuff... now it's everywhere. I'll be so happy when they move out!

I left at 4pm as I had to get home to get Mom's dinner ready. And I forgot to take out the chicken for our Bible study meal that I'm making for tomorrow.

The time flew by and Mom was back. 

Tonight... I had a free night... AHHHHHH....

By the way, the Chargers lost!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Relaxing Sunday!

I was up early as we have friends from HOP doing the first race that I've ever joined some 14 years ago. They were also running the half! I ran my first in 2010... I think it was also December 15th! Weird to think about. This year, the half started at 7am and they finished in 2:30 or so... Not bad... 

I then took down the clothes and tidied up the house and went to pick up the snacks that I had ordered before getting Mom out of bed!

She had her oatmeal and I gave her some coffee... Well... just before leaving for church, I smelled something. YUP!!!!!!!!!!!!

We were at church and helped with set up. I was sharing from Psalm 23:1-3. I truly enjoyed message prep! It's like teaching... I just love it!

We were home by 8pm and I got Mom to bed and put everything away! We got lots of dinner boxes as there were many people who did not come to church today. It was a very small crowd. A lot of people seem to be sick... And I got a message from my student. She had to cancel. She's also sick! So, no tutoring tomorrow... YIPPY!

The evening passed so fast... I had prayer time with a sister and headed to bed early. The week looks to be a busy one! Maybe more students will cancel... ha, ha, ha... 

Lovely Daily Insight:

Here are some images of our Shepherd:

He is our Gentle Shepherd as well as our Protective Shepherd! 

Remember that!

Seek Him First!

A Peaceful Saturday

I was up and went out for 12k and I hit 40! It was very chilly... which I love!

Then I was home and put the lamb leg into the oven, set for 7 hours. Four hours at 150 and the last three hours at 120. When I switch the temperature, I also put some veggies in to cook: carrots, pumpkins, potatoes.

I then headed out to this coffee shop that was going out of business. I got bags of creamer and syrup-- not for free! I was home and got Mom up and showered and eating!

Alan went over to the old house and broke down the desk so that it's ready for pickup on Monday. We are trying to get rid of things and get our old house 'restored'!

Isaiah went to church after coaching tennis. He was helping with the young adults event tonight.

The helper came at 5pm and we took off, picking up friends on the way.

The group for the dinner was small. We had a simple gift exchange. We didn't get home until about 11pm!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

The Temperature Is Dropping!

I was up early and went out for my run after Mom went to the Day Care Center! But I only had about 70 minutes, so it was a short run... I won't be hitting 50 or even 40 this week.

I was back and so was Alan. I took a quick shower and we were off in the car.

I had things to pick up... and then to drop off. After dropping off the juicer, we were in an area that had lots of little restaurants. We found a fabulous one and had a delicious lunch!

By the time that we finished, we both were already feeling tired. So, homeward bound... and nap time! I could have slept for a long time... but I had tutoring.

So, I got everything for Mom ready and took off.

Alan was home for Mom.

Tutoring went well and I was scootering back and the temperature had definitely dropped!

Alan took off for a special dinner, and after putting Mom to bed, I took off as well!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Lovely's Year In Review!

Yes... it's my personal newsletter... And I would lump this year as one of the three most difficult years of the seven years (by March 2025) since Mom moved to Taiwan!

But let me give you the 'Highlights':

In January, I ran 63.3 and got first in my age category!

In April, I did a full marathon as the last leg for the Challenge Taiwan Triathlon held in Taidong!

In June, Abby was home for 17 days... What a great time. We had our Family Pictures done!

In August & October/November, I taught a TOEFL class and a special project class for two different schools.

So, what made this year so difficult?

Being the Head Board Member of this complex and letting the other members change or sway my decisions. I should have stuck to my guns and insisted on keeping our original Management Company. The other board members had other ideas which made this year absolutely HORRIBLE!

Having renters who were detached from reality and hoarders... One has moved and two more will move by the middle of January 2025! The monthly cleaning became bi-monthly! I was already doing cleaning of poop, pee and diaper at home. I didn't need to be pulling double duty. I realized that I don't have the gift like Mother Theresa. 

Wanting to travel but not able to due to the care of my Mom, who was very unpredictable in her state of dementia. She was having three days a month of 'active state', but towards the middle of this year, it became two to three days a week.

The truth of the verse Romans 12:12 lifted and strengthened me. God led and taught me to rejoice in hope, persevere in suffering and constant in prayer!

What about 2025?

I won't be the head of the board!

The renters are moving out!

I will share only 7 times at HOP. I will continue to tutor 7 students, but no more! And my theme for this year is: Simplify and Glorify. This year's verse is from Mark 4:39!

Prayer Requests:

Connect to God daily! Follow Him!

Serve at HOP! Glorify Him!

Teach! Honor Him!

Run! Rejoice in Him!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Today was splendid! I am intentional about slowing down on my Sabbath. I went for a 9k run. My back is feeling so much better! After a quick shower, it was Mom Care. I put the belt on caring for Mom now! When she left and I had tidied things up, I sat on the couch and read! I finished another book by Max Lucado! At 11:30, I went out to run a few errands. And then after lunch, I went out to Marathon World, an annual Expo at the Soccer Stadium. It started today! I was home for Mom Care and this evening, I had to tutor! Alan and Isaiah worked and played basketball!

Seek Him First!

Slow-paced Wednesday

I was up early and felt so good about having time to rest...and hoping to go for a short run, which I did, but not until 10:10! I ran 8K and made it in 54 minutes. I couldn't believe it. My legs felt great!

I took a quick shower and started the meal planning! We had plenty of food in the fridge, so I made a big tub of salad. I got Mom's food ready as well. 

I had tutoring at 4:30 and again at 7:30, so it was a busy afternoon and evening.

It's always a rush as I get home and have to get Mom to bed before my evening tutoring starts.

Isaiah was home as Fenny is on a business trip in India. Otherwise, they go out for dinner on Wednesday night. He used the time to make my birthday card... 

Last night just when we had ended our Family Time, Abby told us to pray as a staff member fell off the roof! Please remember to pray for M who is in critical but stable condition. 

We also found out a dear sister at HOP lost her father yesterday. He was 96 years old!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Daily Improvements...

 I was up and after my time with God, I started the dinner in the crock pot. And it was amazingly delicious. I put in two vacuum packs of chicken, two potatoes, three carrots, one onion and I made this sauce to pour over it. And I let it cook for about 7 hours... Wow... 

I then rested before going out for a longer walk/trot. It was great! Of course, I wasn't going very fast.

I then rode my scooter to run a few errands: get gas for my scooter, and lemon juice at Carrefour. I headed home as Alan and I went out together to buy a leg of lamb for the dinner on Saturday evening. I found several recipes and I'm very excited to try... The process of marinating will start on Thursday night!

A friend came over at 5pm to look at dinner dishes and serving platters. She is having a big family dinner and will be cooking up a storm. 

Alan went down to pick Mom up! And I had her dinner ready!

Tonight we had Family Time!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!