It Is Done!

I was up early... only because my stomach was feeling completely off... By 3:19, I was not well. I had my quiet time and the rest of the morning was spent mostly in the bathroom over the sink.

We went to church but I knew I was down with something. I think for the last two months, I was just going, going, going... And when the celebration was finished, my body finally said: REST!

So... I didn't blog yesterday. I went to church and went back home and slept. I got up for water and took two Ibuprofen and went back to bed. I walked indoors to hit my step goal and that felt good to move and get my stomach moving. But eating was not good. I had some chicken soup and crackers. That felt good. And I slept almost the whole day. I went to watch them play pickle ball but I was not about to move!

It was truly a SABBATH day of REST!

I got up today feeling better... but again spent the whole morning resting.

We went to the Y for Eddie's birthday lunch and Annie had brought birthday head bands... and they served the best soup. I had four bowls. And God blessed me with Apple Sauce! I had three of those and two packets of crackers!

Alan and Isaiah went to the Chargers' Training Camp. But they didn't get any autographs. In the afternoon we played pickle ball. It was my first time and Alan and I beat Eddie and Annie. It was quite fun but we had two close calls where Annie almost felt backwards as she twirled to get the ball!

Alan had signed up for two blocks of time: 2-3 and 5-6. Isaiah and KR joined the second hour, which meant it was a lot more competitive!

Annie stayed at her house to make dinner! It was a lot of food... but I had apple sauce. I didn't want my stomach to go bizerky. 

The day flew by... I forgot to mention that Annie and Eddie went to the mortuary in the morning and dropped off the urn. Annie was able to fit all the ashes into one blue and white urn that I got. She even put some special items in there. We all miss Mom... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Gravesite Celebration!

I was up super early... and the weather was perfect. I ran my 10K and after a quick shower, it was time to get things ready... Alan and Isaiah went and played tennis.

Annie and I were messaging each other to remember what we needed to bring.

Angel Lin came over and we left in one car to Green Hills. Annie, KR, Will and Kurtis were there already. Angel Lin bought flowers. They were so beautiful and perfect as Annie forgot to bring the potted plant. We set up the beach chairs and at 11:05 we started the service. 

Annie gave the opening remarks. Alan did the opening prayer and we sang three songs. The tears flowed freely... the circle of family was very special. Annie shared. KR shared and then read James' written reflections. Eddie shared. And I closed the time! We then went to Black Bear Diner for lunch! And boy did we have a lot of food?!?!?!?! And the conversations were so enjoyable!

 

We all headed back to Annie's house and chatted and watched a video of Mom at the Day Care Center. It wasn't until 5:30 when people headed home. Alan and I headed back to Nadine Circle and I put together things that Annie had gathered for me. We already have one suitcase of stuff for Isaiah to take back! And then we put all the stuff for Annie in the car and went back over to Annie's. Alan ate dinner while we had bubble milk tea that Eddie brought back. Angel Go went to get the goodies with him. We even had a bowl of shaved ice! 

While Alan ate, we cheered Kurtis on as he did the Scratch Off Cards that Corinna bought for him for his birthday! What a fun surprise! He didn't win the big prizes!

One other thing that happened this afternoon was Marc, Corenne's son, called from Indiana and Pam, Suz and I all got to talk to him. 

The whole day was filled with so many pleasant surprises. Every aspect as a touch of God's presence!

He sustained me... Tomorrow we will go to church... We forgot to book the court for pickleball in the afternoon... We will see....

Daily Lovely Insight:

In Christ, we have true HOPE!

Seek Him First!

Leaving On A Jet Plane...

I was up early... and went out for my 10K... I hope to run on Saturday and hit 60K this week... the weather in Torrance should be a lot cooler than here in Taipei.

I came home and received a message from Alan. I went to take a shower and at the same time cleaned the second bathroom and then I turned on the WiFi to talk to him.

The talk wasn't long as they headed out for dinner... In N Out Burger plus PIES!

I continued with my cleaning... and did the last load of laundry after I dried off the bathroom floor. I went down to clean the recycling... It's going to be interesting. The new management director quit after just one week! Our janitor is still not doing his job... 

I packed the last few things... including our passports...Watered the plants... Dusted... 

Isaiah took a half day off so he was home by 1:45. He loaded up all our suitcases.

We then took down the trash and put away all the clothes. He packed his backpack and we took off at 3:15.

I dropped him off at the MRT Station and drove back and parked the car. 

We are taking the MRT to SongShan Airport and then from there take the bus to Taoyuan Airport. I put money in our Yo-Yo Cards!

Our flight is at 8:05pm so we should be there by 5pm, when the check-in counters open up!

I am not sure if I'll be blogging while I'm in the States. I hope so...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Alan Has Arrived!

Yes, Alan has arrived and is staying at New Horizon... He had a nine hour stopover. He spent 20US$ and stayed in the lounge for four hours. They had good food and a nice seating area!

I was up early and went out and ran my 10K... albeit at a very slow pace. That's ok... the point is: I ran!

I was home and had many tasks to get done but I also wanted to use the time to read and connect with God. It was exactly that... a day mixed with both!

At 12:45, I went and checked the recycling and went for my two hour massage. The air raid drill started at 1:30, so every vehicle and pedestrians were to be off the road!

I finished at 3:35 and headed home as I had prayer time at 4pm. But I had to start at 4:30. When I left, I had the vacuum going... so I had to put the chairs down and turn on the WiFi.

This morning, I changed our bedding, cleaned the bathroom (I'll do the other one tomorrow!), did a load of laundry and cleaned off several desk tops as Alan had started cleaning our gadgets and plugs but never really finished before he took off for the States. There were several piles of things which I finished putting away!

Prayer time was great and I had a salad for dinner.

I blogged and checked my emails and had my Revelation online study at 8:30. We have two more chapters. 

I have a full day of things planned for tomorrow! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Alan Is Off...

I was up super early... as Alan wanted to leave at 5am for the airport... and we really didn't need to leave until 6:30! We arrived at 5:45 and check-in wasn't going to start until 7:15! So, we went downstairs... and I hung out with him until around 7:00AM.

Driving back was not so easy... but I didn't mind the traffic as I like to drive SLOW! I was home by 8:20 and after putting things away, went down to help with the recycling! 

I did not have time to go for a run, plus it was already way too hot. I got things together and went to pay a bill and headed out to meet up with a friend! 

I had a splendid time as she prepared all kinds of fruit: papaya, cherries, apples, Asian pears... and freshly brewed coffee. Oh... and homemade steamed buns! What a feast!

I left at 1:30 and it was a heavy downpour! Thank you God. I rode home and got soaking wet. After I put everything away and went out for my run, the rain stopped! SAD! It was still cloudy... but it felt like a sauna. I did run 10K. I am grateful. If it didn't rain, I was planning on going to run on a treadmill at the local sports center because it was too hot to run outside! God is gracious!

I was home and after a quick shower, I worked on a new Bible study that I'm working on with another gal from my Bible study. We are almost finished with our Ephesians study and should have a new one ready by December!

I also packed up things to give away: a helmet, two pairs of shoes, paper boxes and lids. The gal came yesterday and took the blankets and dishes!

Alan messaged me: he has arrived in the Philippines and checked himself into the Lounge for 20US$. He has 9 hours there so it's totally worth it!

Tonight I had counseling with a couple about stewardship in the area of finance!

When they left, I worked on packing the last luggage with Isaiah! We had to pack his tennis racket and his shoes. I still have to go buy maybe a few more items, but we are almost all set!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Tremendous Tuesday

I was up early and actually ran 10K... I was very surprised. It was so hot...

Then I had time for a very quick shower and called about a notice that was to have arrived. They will email it to me... 

I was off to the MOE and I had students come to see me.

I read the newspaper, watched a couple of sermons, and looked at possible apartments to purchase.

It was nice to see the students. My 'last' MOE day... 

I left at 5:10 and went to this old area with second hand stores, but the area has changed so much with lots of new buildings and very few second hand stores.

I then went to my Bible study stopping to withdraw money to pay the credit card bill. I will return after the due date, so I had to put the money in now.

The study was great and on my way back home, I picked up Alan's dry cleaning and the charging cables that I ordered!

When I got home, the recycling area was a mess... The guard who is great came down to help me. He told me that when I was gone for the two weeks in March/April, the residents complained about the mess. Well... I told him that I'll be gone for three weeks this time and the janitor and management company better step up! It's getting so hot and the bugs will be bad if they don't a better job!

Tomorrow I will need to be up even earlier as I'll be driving Alan to the airport! YIKES!

At least I don't have tutoring at 4:30, but I do have counseling at 7:30 tomorrow evening!

Daily Lovely Insight:

This verse summarizes my thought today... God alone is my help...He carried me through!

Seek Him First!

Pineapple Cakes and More...

I was up early and ran my 10K... it is not going to be easy this week... There was a slight wind and it was cloudy... I am grateful!

I got home and showered and put things down on the first floor for pick up and then rested until Alan came home.

We then headed out to get the pineapple cakes... and other 'desserts'... A LOT OF BOXES... I consolidated and gave them back the nice boxes... and we scootered over to meet a dear friend for lunch! She ordered so many dishes... what a splurge. We are truly blessed!

We came home after our long lunch because Alan needed to get ready for his meetings this evening. I had prayer time at 4pm and then I went to run the errands: dropping off things at church and buying more stuff to bring back to the States.

My Revelation Bible study was changed to Thursday night... I'm so glad as I was so ready to head to bed. Tomorrow is another MOE Day... my last one plus Bible study in the evening!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

What A Sunday!

 I was up early... but no run on Sunday... so... when it got hot fast, I was ok!

I tidied up the house and went down to check the recycling and then went out to buy a few things.

I was home and Alan was back and I did a load of laundry! YEAH!

2:20 came very quickly and we were out the door... Church set up... I translated... We had newcomers!

Dinner was delicious!

We were home by 8:45 and I checked the recycling once more and packed Mom's ashes in the carry on. Yes, this morning, I worked on packing. Tomorrow we will go pick up the pineapple cakes that I had ordered. They will go into Alan's suitcase. Most of the suitcases are all packed. But I will be working on refining all the pieces this week!

I had prayer time and then I checked about reserving the seat for Isaiah and I. I will update you on that in my next post!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Productive Saturday

I was up early and went for my longer run so that I can hit 60K for this week... It was nice... but a bit too hot!

Then I came home and got more things to give away... YIPPY... and the lady was downstairs waiting for me. So, she took as much as she could and will be back again on Tuesday to take the rest of the stuff.

I went down and cleaned up the recycling and then took a shower.

Alan and Isaiah came home and we took off for lunch after they got ready.

We then went to the area around the Taipei 101 to check out a possible apartment... It was interesting...

We also stopped to look at two appliances stores as we are in search of a dryer and a stove for the old house. I want to buy something second hand.

We were home and I had started the dinner in the crock pot. It looks and smells so nice!

The down pour started so we had to drive to church for the Marriage Builders event! We had a great turnout and a great time... We closed the time with celebrating three birthdays!

It was indeed a very productive day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

One More After Today!

I was up early and ran almost 12K. Yes, I'm still trying to catch up. The question is: will I make 60K this week?

At the park they had lots of military stuff set up... it was weird! I had to reroute my usual route.

I was home and after a super fast shower, I was out the door. The recycling area was a total mess. I did what I could in the few minutes I had and rushed off to the MOE! I made it... without riding fast!

The day flew by:

Read the newspaper. Read several newspapers.

Watched several YouTube videos, including highlights from Wimbledon!

No students came... so I had a leisurely lunch!

I clocked out at 5pm and came home by 5:45!

Next Tuesday will be my last time... David will be back from the UK!

I started working on the recycling... bags and bags of stuff to sort... again... brand new stuff! I salvaged what I could and posted things in the Buy Nothing Group. Within 10 minutes, people responded and the lady will come tomorrow to pick up blankets, etc.

Then I packed up the box for the Philippines!

Alan was home all day and decided to tackle the computer room... what a task?

The weekend has started!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Busy PR Day...

I was up early and went out and ran my 12K... still trying to catch up!

Then I did some more organizing of things to give away and things to pack! I also sat and read.

11am came very quickly and I was out the door after checking the recycling... and it was a mess... While I was cleaning, I saw the people who were bringing down bags and bags of stuff... They are moving and they are not sorting their recycling! There were full bottles of cleansers and that's why the bags were so heavy. I didn't have time to dump everything out, so I just stacked them up as I had to meet up with my students for a buffet lunch at the Far Eastern Hotel!

The food was fabulous... and the hours flew by! I didn't get home until 5:15 and went through the bags... Wow... At 6:10, I scootered out to give things to another gal who was waiting for me at the MRT Station. The gal who used to live at our Danhsui house needed more containers and a bike cover. I have so many things to give away!

I was back home by 6:45 and one of the gals in our monthly prayer group had to cancelled so I had a free evening. YIPPY!

I needed the free evening as I had a box to pack for the Philippines! That felt so great to get all that out of the house! Now this weekend, I will focus on more packing for the States plus fixing things for the Neihu House! We need to get a dryer and a stove perhaps... But we are not going to work on the mildew job! And we are not in a hurry to get renters in once the couple moves out! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

I Like This Wednesday

I was up early and went out... and ran 13K... I'm trying to make up for yesterday. But really, my legs felt great and the weather was nice... sprinkling... and not too hot! Overcast!

I was home and started cooking for my Bible study! When that was in the rice cooker, I went down to do the recycling, then came up for a shower. I went down again and they had arrived. I had brought down everything for my Bible study, so when the recycling was done, I took off!

We had a total of six gals... It was super nice! We studied the passage from Ephesians 5:8-20: Choosing Darkness, Choosing Light... and when we are in Christ, we are full of Light! One gal brought guava. Another gal had homemade salsa and chips. I brought fillet tilapia with rice and corn... YUMMY!

On the way home, I picked up the shoe that needs to be sent to the Philippines. I had ordered the box which will be delivered tomorrow. Isaiah is still in the process of cleaning out his closets. And a neighbor dropped off three bags of stuff. So, I will have enough for this box!

I got home and cleaned up everything and started a load of wash. I then decided to make onion rings. That was quite labor intensive! I made two batches... they didn't come out as I had hoped... but they are much healthier than what you buy outside!

I didn't have to tutor... YIPPY! So the rest of the evening was very relaxing... I ordered a charger for my Garmin watch.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Actually, my muscles were in agony yesterday... And I was definitely feeling weak!

Seek Him First!

Another MOE Tuesday!

I was up early... but I didn't go out for my usual 10K... can you believe it? I was feeling tired...and my legs were super sore... from the hour long leg massage!

I went back to bed... and it felt so good to sleep. I thought I'd get a long walk in during the lunch hour, but I had students come to talk. I then thought I'd go after I got back home, but I ate dinner and it was time for the movie...

So, what did I do all day???

Read the news.

Watched sermons.

Finished the book by Emily Ley, When Less Becomes More.

Researched activities for the Marriage Builders this Saturday.

And then day was gone...

Yes, we went to the movies as part of Alan's birthday celebration. We watched F1 and it was quite a good movie... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First! 

Birthday Monday!

I was up early and the skies were cloudy... I thought the run would be cooler... but it was actually quite muggy. The wind didn't start. The rain didn't start... They started after I was finished!

I came back and took a shower.

It is Alan's 67th birthday... He went off to play tennis and when the rain started, he came home!

I spent part of the morning reading and then started organizing the food pantry. What a massive task! And it was a bit sad as I found many items that I had been saving for Mom... pure blueberry juice... lots of cartons of supra... cookies... wheat grass... Why didn't I just give her these things to enjoy? Truly... don't save those nice items... Use them!

And that's what I did... I put them out and we will enjoy them... 

And at 1pm, Alan and I went for a nice hour long massage... 

When we came back home, he took a nap while I pushed through to finish the task I had started this morning.

I then had some time to read before we headed out to Selfish Burger for dinner with Isaiah and Fenny and one of Alan's students, Jasmine. We also picked a dessert place right around the area... Shaved ice... Mango snow ice and I had the taro snow ice... it was delicious! 

What a great celebration!

Daily Lovey Insight:

Seek Him First!

Fast Sunday!

I was up early and went out to run errands and then had our HOP monthly Prayer Time at 8am. The hour flew by... 

I then got ready and headed out to my friend's new house. She's the gal who used to live in our Danhsui house. I helped her design the interior of her house and now she needed some extra tips, like where to hang her paintings and how to organize her place. I got there and we had coffee and breakfast and got to work. It was a very productive morning. 

I scootered home and was back by 1:30 and took a 45 minute Power Nap! We were out the door by 2:20! And yes, when I got back, I checked the recycling area!

Church went well... We had a few newcomers and the dinner was delicious!

We dropped Fenny home and after we got home, I again checked on the recycling!

The rest of the evening flew by... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Fun & Fast Saturday

I was up early... and ran my 10K, finishing the week with a little over 60K... And yes, it was hot and humid, but there were clouds in the sky... 

I was home and I didn't have to rush off to my friend's house to clean... so I rested and read! Delightful!

The morning passed quickly and we went off to pick Fenny up for our afternoon tea at the Fundamentals. The buffet was great and the place was not crowded. The food was delicious and the music was soothing. After stuffing ourselves, we went over to buy movie tickets... NOPE... long lines and pretty much sold out... We will have to catch the movie on another day. But they had the Non-Stop K Pop Dancing Competition and we stayed for that.

We didn't get home until almost 9pm! 

It was a fun day... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Celebration Has Started!

I was up early and ran my 10K... barely... I should say... I trotted!

After a quick shower, I was out the door... and headed to the MOE and got there early!

I ate my breakfast of cream cheese and raisin bagel... So yummy!

I did the research and got my Garmin watch switched... and then listen to a few podcasts and headed out to meet up with my student from Shanghai who is here in Taipei. I had so many books for him... and summer writing assignments!

I got back to the office just in time for my student! YIPPY!

When that was finished, I watched the Women's Murder Club and read the news! 

Another great day at the MOE!

At 5:20, I headed out to meet up with friends and Alan and Isaiah and Fenny for dinner at Alan's favorite restaurant. He bought CoCO drinks and we had a great time!

On the way home, I dropped off toilet scrubbers for a friend! 

And when I arrived home, the recycling area was... horrible! I had not been home the whole day... I also went to look at furniture that people discarded. 

The weekend has started... and it's going to be a fun one!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Mixed Sabbath Thursday!

I was up early and yes... I ran... one kilometer at a time... and made it to 10K.

I was home and took a quick shower and was off to my friend's house. The mover was there... what a wonderful young man... hardworking! Pieces were moved and I talked to the landlord and prayed with him. He needs Jesus. We were finished by 10:15 and I headed back after running a few errands... 

I ate a light meal and headed out again. I had to mail back our handicapped parking permit and drop off donation to this old man who sells things. And I was again home by 1:30. 

Alan had the AC on and it felt so good... I started my Sabbath!!!!!! After putting in a load of laundry!

I didn't have to tutor this evening, so it was wonderful to have the rest of the day to REST!

Eddie bought his ticket for the States and will be there from July 12-22nd. Annie will now check about Greenhills if we can do the graveside thing on July 19th, Saturday. Yes, that's the day after I get there... I don't think Isaiah and I will be too jet lagged... especially if we do it in the morning... It's usually at 4pm that I start to feel like taking a nap. Of course, back in March and April, I never had jet lagged... I landed running... so to speak.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Another Go-Go-Go Wednesday

I was up early... but again, not early enough... The truth is... you can't beat the heat no matter how early you get up! That's just the truth... I think it will continue until October!

I went and ran my 10k. And the mentality these days is: I'll run 5K... and then just keep going!

I was home and took a shower and went down to do the recycling. Everything was picked up! But it took quite a bit of time!

Then I called to order the boxes for the Philippines and proceed to gather all the stuff I had gathered for donation! What a pile!

I called for movers as a friend will take some of the items. And the movers will be at my friend's house tomorrow, which means I will go there to meet up with them and open the door... and that will be the final time that I will go over there! YEAH! The job is done!

By then, it was almost time to go meet up with a friend for lunch... 

The food at the restaurant was super expensive. I won't be going there again. And it was way too loud to have a decent conversation.

I was home by 3:00 and started to pack up things that I had already purchased. Four suitcases are done... Alan has one more and Isaiah and I have one more... that's it. I still have to order pineapple cakes! YIKES!

I rushed to tutoring and made it there by 4:33! YEAH!

The hour went by and no tutoring for a whole month... 

We had counseling at 7:30, so I made a shrimp salad for dinner!

The day went by so quickly!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Yet Another MOE Day

I was up early and only ran 9K... yes... it was that hot!

I came home and took a shower and got everything ready and took off for the MOE!

I was there early and ate my breakfast!

Nothing to edit, but I had students come... and that always make the day go by so much faster.

I finished my Revelation study homework. I read the news. I watched organizing YouTube videos... and the day was done!

I didn't go home... I had Bible study at 7pm. So, I stayed at work late and went straight to Bible study. We started on the book Heaven by Randy Alcorn. It was a great beginning.

I was home by 9:45 and the recycling was an absolute mess! I got that organized and came up to blog and check my email!

Tomorrow... I have many things on my list to get done!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!