Getting Things Done!

I was up and had my quiet time... and then I started... 

Sorting through lots of boxes... and going through the garage to sort and organize.

Both of Isaiah's bags packed and I started on my bag as well as one bag for Alan. I went out and cleaned the garage and brought things in to organize and put away.

That is done, but the house is now filled with things that I need to go through. I also have about six boxes of things to give away! So, tomorrow we will take a haul to Savers!

Alan and Isaiah went to play tennis and then went and played pickle ball. I worked until about 2:30 and went for a run!

Then I went over to have an early dinner at Annie's. Alan and Isaiah were watching the Hall of Fame Chargers' game.

We came back over here at 8:15 and loaded up the car and headed to LAX!

Isaiah is off... He will land early Saturday morning, Taiwan time! All the luggage were perfect! Even his carryon!

We were home by 10:50 and parking cost 16US$! Wow...

Tomorrow, I will box up more hangers!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Back in Torrance

 It was an early morning... I like it... so nice and cool. 

I was able to chat with Alden before he took off for school. I then started to get things ready as we headed up to Torrance at around 10:30.

We stopped at Jack in the Box as Alan wanted to get the free Jumbo Jack with the purchase of a large drink. That's the special from the Padres' win last night. He got four for 15US$.

We drank so much Dr. Pepper that we had to make a stop and that was nice as we went to the Salvation Army. And it was a nice one! We must have been near San Juan Capistrano... 

The rest of the drive went well and we were at Annie's by around 2pm.

I immediately started to pull all the boxes out of the closet... and the task just got very daunting! I have decided that there is no way for us to bring back all the stuff we have here. The books, the photo albums... plus we want to bring food items back... 

I did get a run in and then we went to Norm's for dinner!

Tonight was the Bible study at Branch of Hope on Job 12. 

We were home by around 9:30 and I started a load of wash and did more packing.

Isaiah's luggage are ready... He just has his carry on.

I have one of my luggage done already... but there is still so much left to sort through! I open one closet and boxes call out my name... And I haven't even looked in the garage... I have three boxes of empty frames and books and knickknacks that are stacked outside for donation. I also have one box of books that I will bring to the Friday night Bible study. Maybe someone will enjoy them. Isaiah leaves tomorrow... and I have a week before I take off... My task is to get things sorted and perhaps I will need to take another trip to the States and consider bringing back four more suitcases of stuff! But the question is: where am I going to put all the stuff that I'm bringing back??? My apartment in Taipei has no garage, no shed in the backyard... It's going to be very interesting... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

This is the verse that comes to mind when I think about the task ahead!

Seek Him First!

Simple Tuesday

I was up and had my time and got Mom Bea's stuff ready and went out to run my 10k. I came in a bit lower than 10K... 

After a shower, I got Mom Bea's lunch and took Emma out for a walk!

The weather was getting quite warm.

The afternoon flew by... 

Alan, Isaiah, Paige and Alden went to the Padres game... 

Mom Bea had her dinner and I took Emma out for another walk!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Marie Calendar's

I was up early and had my quiet time and then after the caretaker came and Mom Bea was settled, I went out for my run... and I hit 10K! Now... it's a big deal as I'm running back and forth on this hill and then it gets quite hot!

I was home and after a quick shower, I started working on my talk notes and then looked at the new study that we are working on.

The hour flew by and Alan and Isaiah were home.

We took off with Mom Bea at around 1pm and arrived early at Marie Calendar's. The food was great... Alan and Albert ordered an entree and the buffet salad bar! I guess you could say they were hungry!

We came home at 4:30 and I took Emma out for a little exploring before we had Family Time at 5pm.

Tonight was another dinner at home... I just ate as much veggies as I can... And there was a Padres game on!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Sunday Rest Day!

I was up early and I didn't sleep well... I don't know why as sleeping on the floor is quite comfortable.

After my quiet time, Alden surprised us with two dozen donuts!

We hung out at home and I fell asleep and had a great nap.

Isaiah and Paige went to the beach and they didn't get sunburned!

We went to visit Jamie and Daniel and they were so hospitable as always. She made guacamole and we had chips and salsa. And then she made fresh lemonade with strawberries and then had cherries for us. We then went out to Mira Mar Lake and did a great 5 mile walk. I hit my step goal! Yippy!

We didn't get back until 10:15. Isaiah and Paige and Josh went and met up with Kurtis and Corinna for dinner! They had Korean BBQ and then shakes... and they didn't get back until 10:45!

The day flew by!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Saturday Run and Church

I was up early and knowing this heat, I headed out for a run... and ran a bit over 11K. I only ran four times this week... and I don't think I even hit 40K. 

I was home and helping out with chores around the house. 

After a quick shower, we had lunch which was leftovers and we had plenty of that!

I actually took a short nap before finishing off a few more chores.

This evening we went to the Foothills Saturday evening church... 

Mom Bea stayed home... 

The worship in songs was a bit loud. The message was on Romans 1:16-17! 

We came home and had more leftovers! YEAH!

The day flew by!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

DMV Done!

I was up early... and just hung out at home. I got Mom Bea's breakfast ready and then went out with Emma for a walk-around!

And at 11:00 we went to the DMV without an appointment! And we actually got everything done! We then went to Sonic to get milk shakes and fries! We realized that one shake and one bubble milk tea here are the same cost. So, Isaiah will have more shakes as shakes are so expensive there in Taiwan. We then drove around La Mesa and went to visit a friend who I haven't seen in 45 years! I just went up to his front door unannounced! It was so fun to surprise him!

We then drove home but Alan dropped me off about 4miles away and I ran back. After a shower, I took Emma out for another walk-about.  Then Gina's relatives came over and we had so much to eat!

What a fun day! 

The weekend has started!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Another Fulfilling Day!

I slept in a bit... but it was nice to get up and have my quiet time.

Alan and Isaiah went to play tennis at Balboa Park. Pam, the Visiting Angels, caretaker came to help with Mom's shower. I just set things up for her.

Gina and I went to Smart & Final and I ran home from there. It was hot and only 8K.

I finished the job at McKenna's and hung out with Emma so that McKenna can have a little rest.

Alan, Josh, Alden and Isaiah went for a round of golf- 18 holes!

All the meals here are great... I helped organize a few cabinets... and played four games of Rummique, which I won three out of four games! And the day was done!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Mom Bea's 96th Birthday

I was up early and after time with Jesus... Mom Bea was up soon afterwards. I was surprised as she didn't go to bed until 10:30 last night!

I gave her a Granny's Donut from Annie!

We then played Rummique and Isaiah won once and I won twice! For lunch we went to Jimmy's. I ordered scrambled eggs with two pancakes and two sausage links. For the 7 of us, it was not cheap!

After coming home, I went for a walk to buy bananas and to make my step goal. It was so hot... 

I was home and they were making pizza for dinner and I wasn't even hungry. So, I started helping out McKenna. She's due soon and it was nice to do something for her! I came back and ate a salad and Josh was making fish so I had some fish! It was yummy!

Mom Bea had a slice of lemon meringue pie for her birthday dessert. We had a nice celebration for her!

It was a simple day!

Oh... Eddie has arrived safely back home in Australia!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

This Is Going To Be Short!

I was up early... and I did not go run.

I had my quiet time and rested! The Lord is healing me. And I need to be obedient! My stomach was still feeling weird and I was feeling extremely tired!

We went out to Tuesday Taco and had a wonderful meal. And then Annie, Eddie and I went to Aldi.

I came back over to the apartment while Isaiah and Alan went to play tennis.

I went through the photo albums. What a process... Eddie wanted me to pull all pictures of him and Sandy and Mom and Daddy George. He thought he had finished the task. I proved him wrong!

So, my whole afternoon went by... no run... not even a walk! I also worked on packing up as we will head down tonight to San Diego!

We had dinner together: a combination of restaurant food and leftovers!

Annie drove Eddie to the airport and we took off at the same time!

Tomorrow is Mom Bea's birthday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

The LORD truly blessed us with a wonderful mom... it's evident by the way we care for each other! Some siblings don't get along... but not us... There is always a sense of sacrificial love among us! And that's a huge blessing!

Seek Him First!

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!