Too Busy Wednesday!

I was up early and went out for my run early... yes, it was going to be another busy day... plus the weather forecast said HOT!

I came back and took a super quick shower and got Mom up and out.

Then I wanted to cook a pot of veggies to freeze for my Bible study next Tuesday. I had bought lots of carrots, zucchinis, potatoes and onions. So, I cut up every thing and started the crock pot.

A student messaged me. Her father passed away. Can I talk? 

I had to rush off to my Soochow Bible study... I had organized everything... 

When that was finished, I rushed off to run errands before coming home to pick up my tutoring bag. I was five minutes late. The errands took longer than I had expected!

The hour of tutoring was fun and fast! And I was heading back home.

The veggies were done and I had a huge bowl. I was so hungry!

After I got Mom to bed, I had prayer time at 8:30. I was so ready for bed!

Tomorrow is Labor Day... Mom has her Day Care Program. What a praise. 

Alan, Isaiah and I plan to go see a few properties for sale... I'll keep you posted!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Lots of Food Tuesday

I was up early and went out for my 10k as I had two appointments and knew I won't have time later...

I was back and didn't have time for a shower as I had to get Mom ready... and out...

I hopped into the shower and headed out and checked with recycling... and talked to our janitorial staff!

I had brunch with a dear sister... Her treat... and she always introduces me to some of the nicest places in Taipei... I had salmon avocado breakfast... WOW... 

When we finished brunch, I went to buy a few items before heading home as another sister was coming over and she made us Filipino food for lunch! I was way too full. She insisted that I keep all the leftovers.

Mom was home all too soon... I had her dinner ready and after she went to bed, I had to bake for Soochow Bible study! Oatmeal raisins banana cookies! Very yummy!

Isaiah had basketball tonight!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Calm Monday

I was up early... But I didn't go out for my 10k until after 12noon!

I got Mom up and out and decided to do some cleaning and a lot of resting... My body was in a very lethargic mood... It didn't kick in until after 12!

It was sunny when I went out which made it a bit too warm... but I was glad to be able to run!

I took a shower and made some food... hopefully enough for this week! And at 4pm, I had prayer time with a sister...

Then Mom was home... 

After she went to bed, I had time to work on my talk for Mother's Day! It's coming together quite nicely!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Miraculous Sunday

As you read my blog from yesterday, I was home at 2:40 am and stayed up until 4:10 and was up again at around 6am.

All the competitors made it and they were able to catch the 1:05 train back to Taipei! 

These three ladies did the 51.5 relay... two are newbies and I was really praying for them. The middle gal ran the 10k which was a totally new experience for her. It was also the first time for the swimmer to join such a competition. The gal on the right has done the individual 51.5. She's quite an amazing athlete. So, this is when they ran across the finished line together. I was not there... but I had to get up to track their progress and to pray for them. They all had a fabulous experience and will be joining again next year!

After they crossed the finished line, I went out to buy goodies for Mom's breakfast and for the church Love Cafe. This is my Sunday routine to hit my step goal.

This afternoon, I had to translate and the Lord helped me to have a voice and the energy.

The whole day went by quite smoothly and this week looks to be another busy one.

One other miracle: my Monday student cancelled so I have time to rest tomorrow! THANK YOU, JESUS!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

 

What A Saturday!

First of all... I missed my train on Friday night as I was waiting on the wrong platform. And it turned out that I was misinformed. The train was late and I could have caught it... so instead I had to pay about 5US$ to buy the train that they added... leaving on Saturday early morning: 12:23 and arriving in Taitung at 5:10.

The group waited for me and I hopped in to the car and we were off to the Challenge Taiwan Race Site.

The swim started... then it was the biking... and then the run! We were everywhere... cheering on three different individuals... it was wild!

During the biking part, we went back to the hotel and I changed into my running clothes and ran back to the race site to wait for people coming back to transition for the run!

It was hot... I even got sunburned standing out there...

I won't bore you with all the details... but we were back at the hotel by 6pm and one of the gals went and bought dinner for us. I changed back to my clothes without taking a shower... Another group of people went out for all you can eat hot pot... When that group came back, we finally loaded up the car and left! Another group stayed as their competition will be on Sunday morning!

I didn't get home until early Sunday morning at 2:40! 

So, one night I was on the train where I had my QT time... and the next night I was in the car! I never slept in a bed for 48 hours!

I came home and had my QT time and went to bed at 4:10 and got up at 6am to track the other competitors from our church!

I have not slept much...

But I'm glad I'm posting this... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Cooler Weather!

 Here's our 2025 Family Portrait!

I was up early and Mom made it to the Day Care Center! YIPPY!

I went for my 10k run and it was cooler and drizzling... So Nice!

I made it home at the same time that Alan came back. We headed out to buy veggies and cough syrup and his Coco drinks and had lunch together!

This is going to be a short post... 

Mom was back and after I put her to bed, Alan dropped me off at the SongShan Train Station and I caught the 20:07 train down to Taitung. 

I will post again after I get back on Saturday...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Not So Typical!

I was up super early and with my mom's mucus session, I went to check on her before going to have my time with Jesus... And I was stunned... She had spit up so much more mucus... I had to get her up and into the shower. I think she did not sleep much! I had heard her coughing a bit but I had no idea that she was spitting up!

After I got her back in bed, I went in and just 'rested' before the LORD! I knew she wasn't going to go to the Day Care Center. They don't like me sending her there when she is like this! So I messaged the day care center and called the van driver!

I checked in on her and she was sleeping so I took off for a run... I had wanted to do a long run to drop off things for a friend at the Grand Hyatt. I left at 8:50 and was back by 11am! Mission Accomplished! It rained on the way back... And I realized that I had not done a long run in an entire year! My last long run was the marathon down in Taitung almost exactly a year ago! (I will be going down again this weekend to cheer on the individuals from House of Praise who are competing!)

I took a quick shower and checked in on Mom. She was still sleeping! I then made myself a nice lunch and did a load of laundry! I got her up to eat and drink and take some cough syrup and got her back to bed at around 6:30! I had tutoring online at 7:30!

I hope Mom will be going to the Day Care Center tomorrow! I will keep you posted!

Alan and Isaiah had work and then went to play basketball. I made grilled cheese sandwiches for them!

Abby should be back in Vitoria! Just in time for Corenne's birthday!

So, overall, even though this was not my typical PR Day, the Lord gave me rest!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Typical Wednesday!

I am up early as the weather is now getting warmer... so if I want to fit in a run, it must be finished by 7:20am!

I got Mom up and out and worked on the recycling. 

I was back in the house by 9:30!

After cleaning up a bit, I took the time to take a Power Nap! YEAH! 

Alan was home and we had lunch together before I rushed off for my Bible study at Soochow! After the study, I scootered back home as I didn't want things to get wet.

I was off again at 4pm for tutoring! When that was finished, I was scootering back home! What a day!

I used to go to WGE between Bible study and tutoring... so it's nice to be able to go home and drop things off!

This evening, I had no tutoring... NICE! But Mom had a mucus episode so I couldn't get her to bed until she coughed up all the phlegm! What a night!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Bible Studies!

I was up early and went out for another short run. It's getting so hot that the only option is to run early!

I came back and started the prep for the meal for my Bible study... and I also lined Abby to see what's going on with her. She has boarded her next flight after seeing Annie and KR and Kurtis for a meal! I had also packed a bag for Annie, which she handed off!

I got Mom up and out and at 9:15, I headed out and had plenty of time to set up and we had 10 sisters! Two gals who haven't attended for a while came today. I was so thrilled! We studied Ephesians 3:14-21. What a powerful prayer!

I wasn't home until 2pm and put things away and made more food for Alan and Mom's dinner! The gals finished everything!

Alan helped me drop off things to be packed for the Philippines! YIPPEE! With him riding over, I was able to stay home and work on things... I wanted to get everything together for tomorrow's study at Soochow! Plus I have tutoring at 4:30! But that's all... I am really thinking about 'downsizing' all that I am presently doing...

Mom was home and I had her dinner ready. 

I had another Bible study this evening!

Alan had a free day... and Isaiah had work and then had basketball practice with his company team.

Abby arrived in Santiago, Chile!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Crazy Monday!

That's the only way to describe this day... 

First of all, we were in bed very late, after having Family Time and getting Abby packed and trying to buy the extra luggage for the second leg of her trip back to Brazil.

So, I did not sleep much at all... 

We left for the airport at 6:10 and stopped to get the Chinese breakfast... YIPPY!

We arrived and had a glitch with checkin. The luggage were perfect in terms of weight but the guitar... the total measurement exceeded 158! WHAT? And it was going to cost 200US$! Then... we did a switch. We checked in the carry on and hand carried the guitar! 

Abby went in through Customs and we left.

As soon as I got home, I got busy to get Mom up and out. Alan drove me to the Day Care Center and waited in the car while I walked her up. We then came back and he left for school. I got busy with housework: a load of laundry, the floor, putting things away... I also got busy with meal prep. I also called to order boxes for the Philippines and then called the social worker about getting helpers for the next month! I don't like this new agency as they can't send the same person each time. I never know if the 'new' person will be reliable and I have to go through all the logistics every time someone comes. May 3rd is the HOP Retreat and I will need someone from 11am to 7pm. I have reached out to someone, but I will be paying out of pocket for her service!

Anyhow, by 12, I was so tired that I had to lay down and two hours flew by. It was 2:00 and I had to go out in the heat for a short run: 8K! Then I rushed to the post office to mail a few things before meeting up with a sister at 3:30! 

Mom was home and I had dinner ready. The friend stayed until almost 7pm. 

Alan was home and he was exhausted. After dinner, he went straight to bed.

I got Mom to bed and worked on my Bible study materials plus making the food for tomorrow!

I wanted to stay up as Abby was arriving in the States... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Risen Indeed!

I was up early but not before dawn... 

After my quiet time, I set out to get Abby organized for her packing! She took off for a morning service and then lunch with a high school friend.

I did a load of laundry, making sure all her stuff was washed! Then I went for a quick walk to get bread for Mom!

I got back and had time for a 30 minute Power Nap before getting Mom up for breakfast! How I wanted to sleep just a bit more...

Isaiah helped me get all the verses for the message as the ppt only had Chinese!

We were off to church by 2:15 and we had such a great abundance of snacks! YIPPY!

We had quite a group of people... and people stayed afterwards to chat!

We dropped Abby off at the MRT station as she had her scooter there and she rode home to start the packing. We dropped Fenny off and got home around 8:15! Abby was tired and losing energy as packing was sucking her dry! 

I put Mom to bed and went to work! Isaiah and Abby both went to take a nap as we wanted to have Family Time in person... as we won't be doing this for another year!

What a RESURRECTION SUNDAY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Photo Selection and Much Much More!

I knew today was going to be packed... and it was...

I was up early and after my run, I got busy with prepping for the Marriage Builders' Dinner: beef stew and Caesar Salad and dessert, etc.

Alan came back and we shipped everything over to church. We rushed back home and I got Mom up and ready. I also had all her meals done as the helper came at 11am. I made sure she knew what she was to do and Alan and I left to see a dear sister's art exhibition. We also had lunch together before we rushed off to see the photos.

Abby had left at 8:40 for her massage and she had lunch with a friend. She was set to meet up with us for the big Photo Selection at 2:00pm.

Isaiah went to pick up Fenny! They arrived at 2pm, just when we all arrived!

It took about 45 minutes to pick our final three: one family, one of us, and one of the kids. 

Family one will be coming soon... 

We then all split up. Isaiah, Fenny and Abby went to see the Exhibition and we headed back to Neihu, stopping to get Coco drinks for Alan and I needed to buy dinner rolls and more contact lenses for Abby!

We were there with only an hour to set up and to make the salad!

We had four couples... and the focus was on Holy Saturday! What a fun time!

We cleaned up and got home by 9:30, leaving most everything at church as we were on a scooter!

I was so ready to rest... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Much To Do- Good Friday!

I was up super early and went out for my 10k run... Then after my shower, it was time to get Mom up and out.

I had made an appointment for Abby to get a two hour acupressure massage, but she had to go to Danhsui and Alan drove her there. They planned to have a Father/Daughter Day!

So, I decided to get the massage and it healed me of the tightness in my back. Amazing!

I then went to get veggies and then went to Costco for more stuff. I had to go home and drop everything off as I had milk and chicken meat and cheese! I decided to make myself a salad... Isaiah came home as his eyes swelled up from an allergic reaction. I gave him an allergy pill and I headed out to YangMing Hospital for Mom's med!

When that was done, I went to get bread and then stopped at Cathay to get the car insurance finished. I was feeling tired, but I had one more errand to run: copying off pages for tomorrow's Marriage Builders' activity. And I was going to stop at Shopee to pick up the soap dispenser for Annie and also buy more pineapple cakes, but I was too tired. So, I headed home to rest! 

Isaiah was still resting... and Alan came home!

He stayed with Mom and I went to get the soap dispenser and pineapple cakes!

Tonight for Good Friday, we went to a dear friend's house for dinner! I had bought two bottles of wine and table grapes and she made a feast!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

My PR Day & Maundy Thursday

I was up but not early enough to fit in my run before getting Mom up and out...

So, I went and ran my 11k after Mom was off... and thankfully, there was a bit of shade and a slight breeze! But it was still hot!

I was home and after a shower, I made myself a salad... absolutely delightful!

And then I proceeded to read... I could not put the book down... I got the book during my time in the States for 1.00US$... John Ortberg, the Life You've Always Wanted! Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People

Abby had a lunch appointment and then went and got her hair done. She was home by 4:30 and then she went to play basketball at Soochow with Alan and Isaiah.

I was home with Mom.

After she went to bed, I just used the time to sit and listened to worship songs... I also made grilled cheese sandwiches for everyone's dinner!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Unexpected Restful Wednesday

My Wednesdays are usually packed... but not today... AMAZING! 

On a typical Wednesday, I bake and then have my Soochow Bible study. When that finishes, I usually rush off to tutor then rush home for Mom Care. In the evening, I usually have another two hours of tutoring! 

But today... 

I was up super early and went out for my 10k run because I saw the weather forecast. It was going to be hot...

I was back and took a shower and ate my breakfast and then got Mom up! Abby went and ran down to the tennis courts as Alan was already there!

After Mom took off, I checked the recycling and headed out to the DMV as I forgot to bring the kids' ID cards yesterday. The government agencies here in Taiwan are so efficient. I was finished in 30 minutes. I had told Abby that I'd be home by 10 am and I was home by 10:05. She ran back home and took a shower and went for her massage. But... I made a mistake on the time. It was for 1pm. So, she came back and rested. 

Alan came home and we had lunch. I ordered the soap dispenser for Annie and worked on my Revelation Bible study. We were to have our study online tonight, but four ladies couldn't make it, so we will postpone it. We are a very flexible group! 

Abby took off and she had lots planned for the rest of today: meeting up with three different groups of friends.

Alan and Isaiah went to another Mars basketball game, which was their last home game! 

I stayed home for Mom Care!

I did finish my homework, which was nice!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Another Family Outing!

It was great to have time together... Isaiah took the day off of work... 

I was up early and put in a load of laundry and then got Mom up and out.

I had time to run, even though it was quite warm. Isaiah, Abby and Alan played tennis... 

We were all back by 10:30. I was back earlier to make lots of phone calls! I called the environmental agency and arrange people to come and pick up the couches tomorrow morning. I also called to ask about when to see the pictures and we got it arranged for Saturday at 2pm. Finally, I called to make an appointment for Abby to have a massage with Ms. Hsieh!

We left at 11am and when we got to the DMV, they wanted the kids' ID and passport! Darn it... Isaiah and Abby got their pictures done and I'll have to go again tomorrow! Oh well... 

We then went to Glory Mall out in Linkou, but first, we stopped at Coco and there was a nice restaurant right next door and we had a delicious lunch!

We walked around the Mall for three hours: Alan bought a pair of Mizuno, Isaiah bought a pair of Palladium and I bought two pairs of Brooks! They had my size and the second pair was half off... so... two pairs came out less than 3800NT$! (About 60US$ a pair!)

We headed back home and had time to rest. The helper came. Isaiah, Abby and Alan went to move the sofas and I stayed home with the helper as I had to put Mom to bed and then we went to pick up Fenny and headed out to the Night Market!

What fun!

Abby got all her favorite night market foods and we also shopped!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Bank Done for Abby!

I was up early... not super duper early, but early... I'm getting Mom earlier now as I never know what I need to do to get her ready. She's not able to control her pee now... so... she might pee before I get her diaper pulled up! And then, I'll have to change everything! YUP!

Mom was off in the van and Abby and I took off for the bank.

The process took almost two hours... 

She went to her luncheon meeting and I rode the bike to my meeting. I stopped to get a drink and a snack.

The students showed up quite on time and the interview went well.

I then rode the bike back home... and it was hot.

The afternoon was spent calling different places: trying to find a repairman for the old house Magic Chef stove, making an appointment to see our pictures, talking to the social worker about the terrible helper on Saturday (they will send a 'better' one this Saturday).

Abby was home and gave me a great leg massage... thus, I did not go for a run... What a blessing!

This evening, we went and met up with friends from the UK after Mom went to bed. We also ran a few more errands!

Tomorrow is another fun Family Day! Mom has Day Care!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Sunday!

I was up super duper early... It's Palm Sunday! 

After my time, I did a load of laundry and worked on sorting through things. Then I went to the old house as the stove guy came. He doesn't have the parts as our stove is Magic Chef, American made... So, I had to call Whirlpool and find someone who can come. I did check out a couple of videos and perhaps I can fix one burner. The other side will need a part!

I went to Costco and picked up a few things and I also went to PX Mart and got Abby some milk tea that she wants to bring back to Brazil. She also wants to bring some pineapple cakes!

I got Mom up and yes, the helper was bad... the diaper leaked major time!

I trimmed her hair and cut her toenails and she had her shower and ate well before we went to church.

Isaiah was the worship leader. Oh... Abby and Isaiah went to the Young Adults Morning Service and then Abby spoke at another church for their Young Adults group... She scooter over to church and in the evening, she met up with her high school friends. She had a very busy day.

We went to church and it was nice to have lots of snacks for the kids.

I didn't have to translate... YIPPY! I was feeling quite tired!

We were home by 7:45 and I got Mom to bed and blogged and headed to bed as early as I can!

This week is going to be... yes... you can fill in the blank!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Family Day Out...

I was up super early... and went out for my run at 6am. I knew that I would not have time later...

I came back and took a quick shower and went to get gas for my scooter, pay a few bills and then got my scooter tuned up! 

The helper came early and she was not good... We all thought she was a bit 'special ed', to tell the truth!

Anyhow, we left and went to get our annual family portraits done as we had an 11:30 appointment. Here are some of the photos we took and we hope to look and choose next Saturday:

After the photo shoot, we went to watch our friend's son's basketball game!

The game was very tight but Mars won by 6 and Sam made the most points! YIPPY!

We had bought lots of goodies and ate while we were watching them warm up!

After the game finished, we waited around and talked to Sam. Isaiah and Abby got interviewed... 

We were still so full, so we decided to go home. I'm glad we didn't stay out as the helper was not good. The lights in my mom's room were on. The music was not. She didn't change her into her pajamas and I'm wondering what the diaper will be like tomorrow! 

Next Saturday we will be getting another helper... Please pray!

But overall, we had such a fun family day... We will go out again on Tuesday and then again on Saturday. Abby is heading back on Monday April 21st. So soon... the time is flying by!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

 

Our 38th...

I was up super early as Alan has his discipleship group at 5:30am on Friday mornings. Abby was up at 7am, which is early for her. She ran/walked to the park and played some tennis with Alan.

They were back by 10:45 and I was already home and finished with my shower. I went to run errands and then came home to make some 'pigs in the blanket' for Abby. She had an appointment at 2:30.

Alan and I took off for our date... we first went to look at an apartment that's for sale. It is decorated/remodeled and you just need to bring your clothes or kitchen items. Of course, you have to buy your own frig and washer/dryer. But personally, I didn't like the bed or the sofa or any of that stuff. I would have preferred a place with just all the cabinets but the rest was left empty. Anyhow, it's way over-priced.

We then headed to Hyatt as I made reservations a month ago for their afternoon tea. It was really fabulous for 40US$ per person. We totally enjoyed ourselves.

BUT... we had to rush home for Mom care!

Abby had an evening engagement but Isaiah came home for dinner!

Tomorrow, we are going to have our Family Pictures... YIPPY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!