Not A Date Day!

I was up early and after Isaiah went off to work, I just stayed around at home... messaging Alan. He didn't need me to come so I went out for my run. It got quite warm.

Isaiah was set to be home at 1pm, but he was home late. We headed off to his new apartment, taking over a huge load of stuff. He unloaded while I sprayed the place down with bleach. Then we hung up the curtains and moved the furniture around a bit. He then vacuumed while I worked on the bathrooms and the kitchen. The fridge needed cleaning and the stove. 

At 3:30, we went to the household registry and got Isaiah out of our Neihu household registry and signed him into his own place. Wow... 

We went back to the house and tried to finish up a few things... but we will need to come back again. I think we need at least another five hours of cleaning... the bathroom floors, the whole house needs to be mopped, the back balcony and the kitchen cabinets. We are planning to go tomorrow... 

Alan will be discharged tomorrow, so we will head over and maybe by tomorrow night, everything will be finished. Isaiah isn't moving in... Fenny is in the process of looking for a new job.... so we shall see!

We came back and had our dinner and watched House... 

The day flew by...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

PR Day... Hospital Visit!

I was up early... and just relaxed... I got my talk notes and PPT finished... and went for a run... the air was so crisp with a slight drizzle. I loved it... 

I had a nice lunch and then rested until about 2pm and went to the hospital!

Alan was resting... and the doctor said that he can be discharged by Saturday. YIPPY! Two more nights at the hospital with another patient that moans... 

I got to talk to the patient next door: scooter accident. Riding too fast and slid... He had to get three pins in his back... and now he is doing PT. It's really a miracle that he isn't dead!

Two of our church friends came and visited... they brought pork jerky and tomatoes... YUMMY! These are the two elders that have supported Alan and I through the church ordeal! We are blessed to call them family!

I came home at around 6:45... it was a nice cold ride back home... 

I didn't have tutoring, so I watched one episode of House... and blogged and checked my emails. Yes, I didn't turn on the WiFi until after I got home... 

It was a very blessed PR Day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Doctor Appointment -- Hospital Stay!

I was up early... and it felt cold... and it was... 

I went out for my run and the recycling people came and I saw them as I was right near the apartment complex. They were already finished! Yeah... but again, they didn't pick up several things... if I was there, I could have 'begged' them, and they would have said YES... oh well...

I took a shower and Alan and I headed out to his doctor's appointments. But we didn't need to go to see the dermatologist as the infectious disease doctor advised Alan to check into the hospital and do the IV drip with the stronger drugs as the oral medication did not seem to do the job as fast as he had hoped. So... there were no bed available unless we checked in through the Emergency Sector. That just meant that we had to pay about 30US$ instead of 8US$. So... we did... 

Alan waited in the ER while I came home to pack up his stuff. I also canceled my tutoring since I had no idea how long things would take. I'm glad I did... 

He got a bed and the doctor came to look at it... and he said, "This is not so serious... Hum? Why did you decide to check into the hospital?" So, he thinks by this weekend, Alan will be able to check out. And the drugs really do work fast... Even after the first round, we can see a difference. I brought him lunch and we ordered his meals for the next three days... but the dinner that came was not tasty... The portion was small and there was absolutely no flavor to whatever was in there. I guess that's the point of a healthy meal??? Alan looked at me and said, "Maybe we will cancel the meals?"

I came home at around 8pm and will go back again tomorrow... Which is my PR Day... There is really nothing to do there... 

Oh, the hospital does have a second hand store and I got a nice iPhone case for about 80cents! The design was exactly what I would buy... I also got two forks for Isaiah... and yes, 80cents!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Bible Study Tuesday!

I was up early and the weather was chilly... Yippy!

I didn't go for a run as I had our Bible study group at 10am and I had things to buy and drop off beforehand.

I made it by 9:58.

We had only three people, but the discussion and sharing were so honest and deep. We didn't finish until 1:48! WOW... and there was such an abundance of food!

I came home, put everything away and rested.

Then at 3:18, I went out for my run and it was fabulous... 13 with a feel of 9! 

I came home, took a shower and made dinner for Alan. We then watched one episode of House.

Isaiah was home and had one of my homemade chicken taco.

I also made an appointment for Alan to see the dermatologist as the doctor will most likely clean out the blister! He is doing much better. I think he will have to do another round of antibiotics, but no need for anti-inflammatory medication. We shall see... His appointments are for tomorrow!

My tutoring cancelled... YIPPY!

That gave me time to work on things... like a load of laundry.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Memorial Service & Prayer Gathering

I was up early and thinking I'd have to go for a run early as the Memorial Service was going to be at 10am. But I decided to cancel my tutoring and that was a wise decision!

I left at 9am and got there by 9:45 and found the Hall for the Service. There were many old friends... When the casket when in, I left... And got home at 12:48! After a delicious lunch, I took a nap! Wow... that was so refreshing. I finally went out for my run at 3pm and it started to sprinkle. I was home by 4:10 and started baking. While the cheese & chicken bread was in the oven, I took a nice shower!

Dinner at home... and we watched House.

At 7:30 we headed to church for the Prayer Gathering! We decided we'd pray on the pulpit, asking God to redeem whatever was not pleasing to Him. The hour flew by!

We got home at 9:30 and I wasn't feeling too tired. The nap definitely helped!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Interesting Sunday!

I was up and got Isaiah up as he had his tennis tournament.

After getting Alan settled and he took his pills, I went off for my walk. I used the walk to complete a few errands: pay a bill, get passbooks updated, and return the helmet face shield. I didn't need to buy bread as we had enough.

I got home and helped with the recycling. My usual Sunday task. 

Isaiah came home for lunch and I had a huge salad!

After a 30 minute nap, I was off for tutoring! YEAH! The hour flew by and at 3pm, when I came down, the Love Cafe and sanctuary were set up! YIPPY!

I set out the cookie dough and the kids made them.

I had to be the translator, but the service was great! Alan rode his scooter to church! Wow...

I got home at 8:30 and there was a bag of goodies on our front door... Now, Isaiah has nice new plates for his place... And lots of other items!

I blogged and prayed with a sister and went to bed early as it's going to be an early start tomorrow!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Yang Ming Mountain and Marriage Builders

It was quite a day. After my time with Jesus, I got Isaiah up as he was going to the River Park for the weekend tournament. Alan had to bail as he still can't stand well.

Then I went for a run as I had to get to the junior high school. A friend's son was running the Yang Ming Mountain Marathon (I ran the 63 Challenge!) and he was to be finished by 9:30. 

I got there and saw many people I knew. This young man was set to be first... He finished in 3:42, beating the second place guy by only 10 seconds! Wow... what a feat!

We hung around so that he can be on the podium for the award ceremony and I came home at 10:45. I had the crock pot going for this evening's meal. I also made mashed potatoes and a salad! 

When that was all done, I called to make the reservation for our Family Trip when Abby is back. March 13th - 14th! I also got more stuff from a friend and sorted through that and pack things up for people to pick up! Finally, I had time to take a nap! That was so refreshing.

We had to leave early as it takes quite a bit of time for Alan and he can't help with any of the stuff that we were bringing. When we got there, I took the first load and one other couple came early and helped to bring the rest of the stuff. And I went to park the car and they helped with set up!

We had six couples and it was a great evening! I had ordered water dumplings as a gift for Lunar New Year. The next time we meet will be after the New Year!

We got home at 9:45 and Isaiah was still out with Fenny.

What a day! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Not A Date Day!

I was up early and the skies outside looked cloudy... NICE!

While in my QT, the LORD reminded me to buy our return train tickets. Sure enough... No high speed rail... I messaged Isaiah... He needs a ticket too... So, we got the regular train back... But I knew I better go to the Nangang Station to pay for them and to make sure we got seats.

When the reservation was completed, I went for my run. 10K.

I had a quick shower and was out the door to meet the son of a dear friend. He's here to run the Yang Ming Mountain Marathon. I did the 63 Challenge. He will run the Marathon tomorrow. I had a drop bag for him. I wanted him to take the Challenge Taiwan backpack, but he has several like it already.

I then scooter over to the Nangang Station and got everything sorted out. Alan cannot buy the elderly ticket as he is not a local citizen. Oh well... 

On the way home, I went to Carrefour and got some lettuce. I also stopped to look for the helmet shield replacement. I bought one, but it won't work. So, I will have to go and return or exchange it.

I was home by 3:15 and the tutoring mother asked if I can tutor one of her sons. 5:10... OK... why not!?!?!

I was off at 4:40 and the hour flew by.

We had Family Time this evening. YIPPY!

The weekend has started.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Restful PR Day

I was up but not early enough. I was just glad that it was my PR Day... 

After Isaiah left, I got Alan his breakfast in bed so that he can take his morning pills. I also got the cream put on his ankle. 

I set the iRobot sweeper and mop off to do their work and started cooking the chicken. (That turned out so nicely!)

I spent the morning on the couch reading and listening to a sermon on the Heidelberg Catechism. I never knew about this document! I've always heard the Westminster Catechism... and the sermon talked about the differences between Creed, Confessions and Catechism. 

At 12:30, I went out for my run and it was HOT. I came back and went down to clear the recycling as our janitor is off every Thursday. Last night, the guy did come to take the huge bag of CDs and DVDs... I keep trying to give things away.

When I got back home, Alan was hungry so I fixed him his lunch after I took a nice shower!

It was already 3:30! So... I decided to rest on the sofa and at 5pm, I finally got on the computer... 

No basketball tonight as school is out... And my student messaged me... no tutoring tomorrow! YIPPY! 

The Complex had another meeting at 8:30... I had prayer time so I couldn't go down... I'm not sure if they had enough people show up!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

 

Time Flies Wednesday

I was up early and knew I had to squeeze my run in... since Alan's leg was still quite swelled up.

So, when I got back from my run, we went to the hospital. Glad we went early because the numbers were being called quite rapidly.

The doctor looked at the leg and decided to get him to have a blood test, a long term antibiotic shot and 7 more days of oral antibiotics and cream. Many of the meds were what my Mom had been prescribed when she had that heel sore!

I knew by 10:30 that we were not going to finish by 11am. So, I told my dear friend that I'd be late. I also asked if Alan can come and she graciously got her complex to give me a parking space and ordered an extra bento box.

We were there by 11:15 and hung out until 2:45.

We came back and I prepped quickly for my tutoring and took off. Alan rested at home!

I hadn't seen this child for three weeks so it was a great session!

I was home by 5:45. I was so glad that I didn't have anything planned: no Bible study, no prayer group, nothing! I did have to look over a student's essays... that took some time... and I also blogged and prepped my messages for February. And I also got online to try and see about buying coupons for Abby... but I decided to wait until she gets here to buy... no need to get them now! It's only January! And I pressed on and did a load of laundry! 

Please do pray Alan... that the meds will work and that the cellulitis is healed!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

What A Tuesday!

I was up early and after Isaiah left, I went out for a run! 

Alan was watching the last of the playoff games... And I think Houston won!

I started cooking things and went out to buy some burger buns and veggies.

I was home and then a friend came over for lunch and to talk about homeschooling!

She stayed until 3:45 and then I rushed off to Costco! I was in and out fast!

I got home at 4:45 and started reading essays.

I had dinner ready in the fridge! Alan and I had dinner and watched House!

Isaiah and Fenny were back for dinner!

I was so glad that I didn't have to tutor!

The day flew by and I had no time to rest!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Fast Paced Monday!

I don't know how the day flew by... 

I was up early... and after Isaiah left, I made sure Alan was set in front of the TV (for the Chargers Game... and sadly, they lost!), I took off for my run!

I was home, finishing my 10K and I didn't have time for a shower as I was off again... to meet Elaine, a dear friend, for share and pray time!

I got there five minutes late... and she again prepared a delicious brunch! Wow... giant seedless grapes, sliced apples, cherries. hard boiled eggs, toast with three kinds of toppings, and coffee... 

We talked and prayed and headed out at 1:45. I got home at 3pm as I went and did a few errands, including getting gas for my scooter.

Alan was back in bed... and yes, we are taking the full course of antibiotics... 

I had taken chicken out to defrost, so I put that in the air fryer and also made rice with spinach... yummy dinner... and Isaiah will have lunch tomorrow.

I worked on my talk and then we went to Century 21 as Isaiah's house deal is DONE... we got the KEYS! He now owns a mortgage! Oh... I meant... a small 900 square feet apartment! He will have to go and clean it up and we have everything we need for it... furniture and appliances... bedding, curtains, almost everything!

What a fast paced Monday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Can I Say It? Weird Sunday!

I was up and had my quiet time. I had planned to drop off the oven at church and go to Costco. BUT... Alan was not feeling well... And so we went to the ER. 

They took one look and said: cellulitis... YIKES! They prescribed strong antibiotics which we had at home as Mom had to take it when she had her heel sore! They also gave him a shot.

We got home at 10... which was fast. We love Yang Ming Hospital. 

I rushed off to the Young Adults Fellowship and there were only three people. Yep... another result of the wolf in sheep clothing ordeal! Isaiah did a great job... and we had lunch together and shared. I set up and headed back home to see how Alan was.

Audrey, our HOP Ministry Assistant, was kind enough to come over to our house to get the oven. I had an inspiration as the gal who usually bakes had decided to attend what I consider the 'wolf's' church. So, I made oatmeal and raisin cookie dough and the kids helped themselves and baked their own cookies. It was a lot of fun and the smell of the baking cookies was fantastic. Next week I'm going to bring more cookie dough!

I translated for the service and yes, we had a smaller crowd, but it was a great time of worship! I didn't get home until 8:30. I ate salad for dinner, put everything away and prayed with a sister. 

I was so ready for bed!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Continues to be Weird!

I was up early... that's not weird... and I went for a run... that's also not weird!

Our complex had an emergency meeting because one of the neighbors (not in our complex) went to say that our complex had one gate that's higher than the allowed height. It's been 23 years... She wanted to cause trouble, but since she filed a complaint, the government sent someone over and measure it. And it's true. Anyhow, not enough residents showed up at the meeting, so there is going to be another meeting next Saturday!

Since Alan attended the meeting, I went over to see my student's art exhibition for her master's degree. It was at the Treasure Hidden Village and was it hidden! I was so lost... and someone finally helped to direct me there. The art works were fascinating as she struggled with depression and her works were an expression of how God is leading her out of that dark place! Making all things new... 

I scootered back home and it was so nice to be home.

Alan's leg is swelled up... so maybe he has a bite from a bug of some sort... Anyhow, he had his leg propped up and worked on his grades. Isaiah was fast asleep on the couch, his bed!

I put things away and started working on my talk for Feb. 1st: In His Image!

Alan and Isaiah were going to go to a basketball game but decided just to hang out at home. Isaiah went to work and we stayed home... 

It's going to be a busy day tomorrow... Young Adults, tutoring, afternoon service and I'll be translating, prayer time with the gal... I need my beauty sleep!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Weird Week!

I was up early and after my time with Jesus, I got Isaiah's stuff ready. After he took off, I sorted through what was on the bed... It's finished and I'm giving lots of stuff away. 

We didn't have to drive the route for our friend's son and that was good as Alan is really sick. We also didn't have our usual date. I made soup for him and I made oatmeal for him. He just pretty much slept all day. We didn't go to see the exhibition of one of my students.

At 1:50, I took off as I had prayer time with two sisters. At 3:45, our neighbor called. He was giving us a monitor and a 65inch flat screen TV. Alan drove and it's now in the back of our car! WOW... 

I didn't get back home until about 5:15 and Alan was back in bed.

We had left over soup and beef bakes. 

I had Bible study at 9:30... what a day... very different. This whole week has been 'weird'... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

An Unusual PR Day!

I was up and after my time with Jesus, I looked and got a message from Angel Lin, my oldest friend (I've known her since Kindergarten!) She is in Taipei and we were going to meet up to catch up, but she had to rush to the airport as they found her daughter's iPad. So, she left the suitcase of stuff at the concierge for me to pick up. 

After Isaiah and Alan left, I took off... First, I scootered over to church to pick up the air fryer. I then scooter to the Datong District to see if the Philip Repair Center can figure out what's wrong. It turned out that it was a very small chip, which made the pan unable to push completely in to set the machine to 'start'. A replacement pan was 800NT$. I paid.

I then scootered over to Hyatt, stopping to get cash to pay for our credit card bill. When I got there, Angel had already left. The suitcase was ready for me to pick up. So, I had the suitcase and the air fryer. I scootered home, stopping at the Post Office to pay the credit card bill!

Lunch was soup and that was perfect since it was so cold scootering... I like the cold air, but it was very windy!

At 12:40, I left again to meet up with a friend who was looking to buy an apartment in Taipei. The location of this apartment was great, but it was right next to the freeway and since it was on the sixth floor, the freeway noise and ramp totally blocked the view. BAD! And it wasn't cheap!

So, I came back and it was already 2:30pm. I changed into my running clothes and went out at 3:30! 10K! Not fast... 

I got home and after my shower, I continued with sorting through the stuff in the room: things for Abby, more items to put in the box and other items to give away. I'm not done! I called to have the box picked up on Monday. It is already maxed out! I will ask Isaiah to help me close it up!

Isaiah went to play basketball and Alan stayed in the office to get his student's work graded. I had the house all to myself! YIPPY!

It wasn't exactly a PR Day where I sat on the sofa and read... but it was still a blessed day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

It's the 7th!

I was up early and didn't know what the LORD had planned for this particular Reflection 7th!

After getting the recycling finished, I went up and started packing the box... and it turned out... I spent most of the day in Mom's Room... as I was just in there getting things sorted for the box to be shipped to the Philippines. I didn't think it would take so long... but it did... And soon it was already 1:45 and I had to squeeze my run in.

I was home and after a quick shower, I was out the door for my massage.

Alan called and wanted to leave early to head out to see Isaiah's apartment as it was a walk through before the deal is done! He will get the keys next Monday along with the title and the deeds in his name! Wow... what a journey.

Alan and I came back home and he went to bed. He has had a busy week!

I made burgers for Isaiah and Alan's lunch tomorrow. 

I went back into Mom's room and sorted through a few more items and went to bed.

I had a very different kind of 'reflection 7' day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Busier Than Usual Tuesday

I was up and after my time with Jesus, I put a load of laundry in and got ready for my Bible study.

I got there early and set up and people were late. We started on our new study through selected Psalms. And today was Psalm 18! 

We stayed and chatted and I didn't get home until almost 2pm. I changed into my running clothes and off I went... I came back and took a quick shower and was off again. This time to pick up things to mail to the Philippines. The car was packed.

I was feeling too tired to move anything upstairs. 

I came home and ate a great salad and Alan was home. 

I had tutoring at 7pm and that went well... 

I was so ready for bed by 9:30!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Quite A Packed Day of Activities!

I was up as the boys were up... Chargers LOST! (Against the Denver Broncos)

I went out for my run after Isaiah took off... and came back for a quick shower and simple brunch before taking off to drop things off for my dear friend, Angel Lin. She's going to be in Taipei for a few days.

I scooter back and went to church to continue organizing and cleaning. I got a lot done but not everything as I had tutoring at 2pm. So, 90 minutes was not enough to go through all that I wanted to get done. 

Tutoring went well... I hadn't seen her for over six weeks. We've both been super busy.

I was home at 4:30 as I stopped at three places trying to find a shield piece for my helmet. I'm still looking!

Tonight we had our HOP Team Meeting and then the prayer meeting... I was so glad that I had a Power Nap before heading out at 6:30. I wanted to buy Burger King stuff for dinner. The meeting went well and then prayer time was so short.

I finally got home after 10:45!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Sunny Sunday!

I was up at my usual time and the morning flew by.

I went for a quick walk and did a few errands. It's my usual Sunday morning walk. 

Alan went to play a little tennis and came back for the San Diego State Basketball game! They won in three overtime!

My back was feeling a bit off... very weird... I stretched and put some ointment on.

Alan preached today on Celebrating the Sacraments... It was a smaller group of people, which was expected! But the service was great! I helped with Sunday School. We have two teachers who will be joining the Sunday School Team, but they are both new. And I was also the intercessor. Isaiah was the translator and the worship leader.

We got home at around 8pm. My back is still bothering me... hopefully with a good night's rest, I'll be fine tomorrow.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

 

Unusual Saturday

I was up super early... and after my time with Jesus, I went back to bed... How amazing!

Alan and Isaiah took off for tennis and then later on in the morning after doing two loads of laundry, I went for my 10K run!

We were all home at about the same time and had water dumplings for lunch. I also made another pot of soup.

I called the hotel at the Little Island and they will give us the room... even though they are going to 'paint' the rest of the hostel. We shall see... I can't believe that as that is high season: Lunar New Year!

I also talked to a neighbor as he needs help with finding a caretaker for his wife!

The day went by so fast. I scootered over to the post office and the convenience store and the local supermarket: paid bills, transferred money and bought bread.

It was a very unusual Saturday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Lunch at Our Favorite Place!

I was up early... and it was nice and super chilly!

I did go out for my usual 10K at around 9am... and got back to take a shower and take off with Alan for our Date. We went to our favorite noodles shop and it was so wonderful to see the owners. They always ask about Abby and we have the best food. A CoCo Drink Shop opened up right around the corner, so Alan was super happy.

We went to Soochow afterwards and saw three colleagues of Alan and chatted a bit. The church had a box of See's Chocolates, so I got some and shared them with everyone... 

We were home by 3pm and I had tutoring at 4:45. It went long but I got paid! YEAH! I rushed over to the photo developing shop and got the pictures put in... Should be ready in a week!

Alan put down the toaster oven and it was picked up! YEAH!

I made water dumplings and soup for dinner and a huge salad... and we watched House!

It was so cold scootering back from tutoring... and the temperature is going to continue to drop... WOW!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Hello 2026!

Getting up at my usual early hour was not easy... but I did get up... and then went back to sleep. How wonderful.

The weather was fabulous... COLD! Alan had to ask for the radiator heater... I thought it was marvelous!

I did go out for my run and did my usual 10K.

We had plenty in the fridge... I had a great big salad with steamed chicken. So yummy!

More people came to pick up things... YEAH!

And I got a bag of light bulbs from the recycling. There were two bags...each bag had like 20 lightbulbs. The other bag was taken by the recycling yesterday. But today, I took the bag up and tested them. I had a feeling that both bags contained good lightbulbs as there were four light fixtures in the recycling. So... I figured that the remodeling people just took out all the bulbs before disposing of the light fixtures. And I was right. I should have put both bags aside and brought them up. Now... I realized... I can afford to buy lightbulbs. That's not the point. I just can't believe the waste... As a follower of Jesus, I want to be a wise steward. It's not whether I can afford to buy something... It's about using all that we have. Like getting the clothes from my neighbor. I'm wearing a beautiful outfit right now... the color, the fabric... even the brand... I'm so well dressed by the clothes people gift me. I don't need to shop. And I'm helping the environment. 

We didn't have anything planned for today, which was a real blessing!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!