Meeting Cancelled... Time to Catch Up!

I was up early... and had thought that I had to go for a run and rush... but I checked my message and the gal that I was to meet up with had to cancel because there are sick people in her household... 

That made the day a lot more 'productive' as I had a list of things that I had wanted to get done.

1. Move the manger scene away! After Chinese New Year, that's when I usually put the manger scene from off the top of the piano back to the shelf where it sits year-round. 

2. Pack up the suitcase of things for Annie. The pile was getting higher and higher.

3. Clean up the area by our shoe cabinet. There were things from the neighbors, gathering there!

4. Sort through the small appliances and post things to give away.

5. Organize the items that I plan to sell and things that are going to Isaiah's place.

6. Go over to our old house to steam mop the floor (Alan finished and we wanted to clean the back balcony and the floor!) 

7. Try a new recipe!

And that's what I did... I completed the list. And I went for a run... it was so hot!

Yes, Alan did finish painting the house! And he did a fantastic job!

Isaiah came home tonight... So nice to have him home... back on the living room sofa!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Back in Taipei!

I was up early and had quite a few things that I wanted to get done.

People had left things by my scooter, which I brought back, washed and posted. I also wanted to steam mop the floor... Alan did go over to paint the old house after playing tennis... The whole house looks great!

I had people come to pick up things... including two suitcases and toys! YEAH!

I went for my run and after a shower, I was out to Costco! There were plenty of people... but I just went in to pick up the items on my list and came back home to cook! 

I also went to pick up a bottle of perfume from someone on Buy Nothing Taipei.

The day flew by extremely fast! Overall, I thought it was a fulfilling 'free' day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Since it's February 20th... 

Seek Him First!

A Short Post... But A Long Day!

I was up... and did one more run in Tainan!

Alan and Isaiah were up and Alan was working on packing up... We decided just to eat in the hostel our leftovers and check out at 11am. I took a shower and tidied up the place and ate our breakfast!

At 10:55, we were out and loaded up our stuff to drop off at the scooter place while we rode around some more. 

And ride we did... 

At the AnPing Old Street, we bought drinks and more snacks... and yes, it was crowded! There are so many temples in Tainan... the smell of the incense gave me quite a headache!

We were back at the scooter place at 3:10 and Isaiah took off to meet up with Fenny and her family! He was properly introduced to everyone!

We went to the mall nearby and there were these nice massage chairs. 20 minutes for 80NT$. I napped in one... 

Then it was dinner at Burger King. Alan said he had enough of night market food... I would have enjoyed more!

We walked back to the scooter place and picked up our luggage and waited for our train. 

It arrived very on time and we arrived in Nangang by 10:56 and found our scooter and was home by 11:45! We unpacked and I did a load of wash! Alan was in bed by 12:15 and I was in bed by 1:15!

We have a free day tomorrow! YIPPY! I'm not meeting up with the YWAM group as they are leaving to head down to Kaohsiung. Their train is at 10am. Alan might go over to start painting but it's almost all finished! So, we will see what we do tomorrow!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Another Full Day in Tainan!

I was up and had my time... 

Then I went out and did the usual run... 10K. I decided not to go longer as we wanted to leave to ride around.

And that's what we did... 

We went to the TaiJiang Ecological Park. It was huge... There were several videos to watch and I quite enjoyed them. We then rode around these small roads along the dike and it was so windy. I don't know where we went but we rode for a long time... stopping all along the way!

We went to the baseball stadium and I walked across to the 7/11 and had a cheese hot dog and bought two drinks. 

Since Alan has a discount, he went into the National Historical Museum... Isaiah and I cruised the souvenir shop! That was fun!

We then went to catch the sunset by the beach... Wow... and walked around that little 'island' before hitting yet another night market! And it was so crowded! But of course, tremendously fun... We ate a lot... And yes, more tea drinks for Alan!

We didn't get home until 9pm... 

What a day...

Oh, we did go to the train station to ask if we can get earlier tickets... standing room only so Alan said NO. We will head back late tomorrow night!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

ChiMei Museum & More...

I was up early and went down to the kitchen to have my time... 

Then I went for my run... just 10.4KM. I could have gone longer and I might try a longer route tomorrow. The traffic was great... NOTHING WAS OPENED!

I got back and Alan had gone off... to ride around the area! He found a supermarket and his favorite dessert! While I was waiting for him to return (he needed to message me so that I can go and open the door for him downstairs), I finished my ppt for this coming Sunday! YIPPY!

We got Isaiah up after I had finished my shower...  And we were off... Our first stop was the ChiMei Museum. It's a private museum which the guy made to look European. The special exhibition was the Egyptian Display from the British Museum. We weren't that interested in the special display as we had seen the 'real' things... We just bought tickets to see the regular exhibition! YEAH! Just to walk through that took more than two hours!

Next Alan and Isaiah were hungry and we went in search of something simple. We went and bought fried noodles, fried rice, fried oysters with eggs, fried shrimp with eggs and an onion egg pancake. Obviously we ordered way more than we could finish. Alan also bought two tea drinks!

We went off to a nice beach area and ate our late lunch. The wind was pretty strong... but it was nice!

Slowly, we made our way back to our hostel, stopping at several scenic points.

Tonight we had dinner with my cousin, Mitzi, her husband, her two boys and only one wife could come with the grandson. I had not seen her for a year!

After dinner, we went across the street and bought a few items before heading back to our hostel. Tomorrow will be another fun day around Tainan!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Good Bye Turtles!

I was up early and we went to see the sunrise... 

I saw several people running... and when we got back to our hostel, I changed and attempted another run around the island. I got lost... but still hit 13KM. More than yesterday!

On the way back I saw the two runners I met in the morning at the sunrise pavilion and said hello to them.

We didn't do much for the rest of the morning and just hung out in the room, packing things up. I wanted them to go ride around, but they were tired.

We checked out, returned the scooters and got on the 12noon boat for Kaohsiung. And we did the reverse route and took the bus back to the HSR where we caught a regular train to Tainan. After a short walk to the scooter rental, we got two scooters for three days. 10US$/day!

The scooter ride to our hostel was short but the location is in the snail alley... which is an intricate area of many hostels and all the hostels have a special theme. Our hostel is a travel back in time... 1969! And honestly, it is exactly like when we lived in Taiwan... the furniture, the knickknacks, the whole ambiance... walking in made me think of my mom... I wish my siblings were here... this place made me miss them quite a lot... In 1969, Eddie was 6... I was 8. Annie was 10. James was 12. They would have enjoyed this hostel -- our room has an old brother's typewriter and VHS... the tub is like the one we had at JinHwa Street! The kitchen toaster... everything... I just kept snapping pictures.

I went and walked around and most places were closed. Alan and Isaiah stayed in the room.

We went to the night market... 

Tomorrow... we will go to the ChiMei Museum... and who knows what else?!?!?!

Dinner at 6:30 with my cousin, Mitzi!

This has been a very nostalgic trip... filled with many memories...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Fun Sun Day

I was up early... and Isaiah and I both got a neck cramp because of the pillow...

I had my time with Jesus... and we all got ready and headed out.

First, we found a wonderful breakfast place and bought the food to the church courtyard to eat... And people arrived early for church. Most of the people were quite elderly! The pastor was young... but the average age of the congregation was probably 70!

We had to leave early as we had our snorkeling appointment at 11am. The church started at 9:40 instead of 9:30! It was quite a nice service.

The snorkeling was quite short... but the package included free videos and pictures!

We were finished by 12:30 and decided to ride around. First to a nice rocky reef beach where Alan and I again went in and saw lots of turtles. I was too chicken. To walk out and to go in the water... It was just a bit too cold for me! But standing there, I talked with others and did see quite a few turtles popping their head up!

We left there and went to have shaved ice... and then walked and hiked around a few trails. It was getting close to sunset so we found another point to enjoy that.

Dinner was at a nice oyster pancake place... and then we were back at our hostel! We were out the full day and Isaiah and I got quite sunburned!

It was really a FUN SUN DAY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Little Island!

I was up early and we got ready to head out at 6:50! Alan wanted to stop for breakfast so we found a great Chinese breakfast place and bought the stuff to go to HSR.

The train was very on time and we rested.

Then it was a bus ride to the port... and the ferry was only 30 minutes... We would not have lasted any longer as it was quite ROUGH!

The hostel had our scooters ready so we picked them up and got to our hostel. We quite like our room... Isaiah rested and I went for a run. I decided to run the whole island. It's only 12km and even though it was hot, I ran faster than I expected!

I was so hot when I got back... 

Alan wanted to head out to the beach... so after a quick shower, we were off. 

The beach was quite crowded with people doing paddle boats... Isaiah actually saw one turtle... That's what this island is famous for.

We then went and ate ramen... YUMMY... and then headed to the 7/11 for drinks... Alan... OF COURSE! We also found the church which we will attend tomorrow at 9:30. 

We were back at the hostel and after blogging, I was ready for bed. 

Alan and Isaiah stayed up to watch TV.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Vacation Starting Today!

I was up early... 

Alan went to play tennis and Isaiah found out that he got a great bonus!

YIPPY!

I started cleaning as we planned to go over to the old house. I had things to drop off there and we wanted to set up the bed and do a bit of sorting and cleaning. 

I went for a run in the middle of the day and it was so hot.

Alan went to get Abby's criminal record notarized!

When he got back, we took off! We found a great parking space. Alan worked on putting the bed together while I set up the storage room! We were there for three hours and there is still a bit more work to do... but we will do that on Saturday after our return from our mini vacation! The side room is set up so nicely and the storage room looks great!

We had dinner at home and watched one episode of House. Isaiah came home fairly early... 

We will be out of the house by 7am to catch the High Speed Rail for ZhoYing, Kaohsiung and then take a bus to the port and the ferry to the island!

Prayer time at 8:45 and we were all ready for bed after that!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

 

I Almost Forgot to Post!

I was up early and even though it was my PR Day, Alan and I had planned to get a few things done. But I took the morning to read and rest and run!

At 12:45, we took off... unfortunately, the office for Abby's criminal records (a necessary document for her visa in Brazil) closed for lunch. So, Alan waited in the car while I ran a few errands. I was the first one at the window at 2pm. After getting the paper, we went to Danhsui. The traffic was pretty bad, but we Mae it there by 3pm! Alan scraped while I set things up! We were finished by 5:15 and ran into traffic heading back home.

It was nice to be home to have dinner... I had a delicious salad... 

Then at 7:30, I went to meet up with a friend. She was running late, so I ran a few more errands and got back minutes before she finally arrived and gave her the movie coupons. I stopped at PX Mart before heading home for prayer time at 8:45. Family Time at 9pm and we finished by 10:30!

I put away the clothes. Alan and Isaiah packed and I was in bed by 11:15... It felt so good!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Tutoring Cancelled... Go Go Go Stopped...

I was up early and knew it was going to be another Go Go Go Day. But after my QT, I checked my Line messages and one of my tutoring cancelled. Because she cancelled, I cancelled the other person as well. Thus, I had time to get things done without feeling like the whole day rushed by in a blur!

I ran my 10K and got to chat with Alden as he figured out how to get Mom Bea back into blogging!

Alan and I then headed out... first to TIC to drop off stuffed animals and winter sweaters for their May and October Missions Trips: Boracay and Kathmandu!

We then went to my friend's house to check her mail. Next, it was back over to Neihu to drop off things at church and I cleaned up the area as I wasn't the last one to leave on Sunday! And we won't be having church on the 15th as it's Lunar New Year! Then we went to the 'old man' who sells things... I always give him some nice stuff to sell... He is really nice. I am sharing with him about Jesus!

Finally, we were home and it was already 4pm. Alan went to get his scooter tuned up and to buy more Coco. When he returned, I went to get my scooter tuned up and to go to Miramar to attempt to sell things. You drop things off for them to assess. And if you are ok with their offer, then they give you cash! I also had a meeting with a gal about getting her connected to many possibilities around Taiwan to sell Eden Jewelry. Eden is a non-profit organization involved in rescuing gals from sex trafficking!

I had to be home by 8:45 for our Prayer Time!

The day was finished... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

The Go Go Go Has Not Stopped!

I was up early and had the day planned... 

Ran 10K!

Loaded up the car!

Headed to Isaiah's new place and get a few things done! I even went and walked around, donating books at the library right next to his place. The back balcony is cleaned and set up. The bathroom corner racks put up as well as one shower curtain. The other one was ordered and has not arrived. The kitchen sink is fixed and dishes and other items are neatly organized! Alan had bought Coco and a lunch box and enjoyed his lunch.

We left at 3:15 and got home at 4pm. I proceeded to put things away and then took a nap. I was going to go and sell some items to the second hand store, but I was way too tired. I didn't do all that I had planned!

I sat and blogged and checked my emails and ate my delicious salad.

I was feeling quite tired... I hope tomorrow won't be so go, go, go...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Another Go Go Go Day!

If you didn't watch it... this is a spoiler alert!

The Seahawks WON...

I was up early and when I finished, Alan was already seated in front of the TV... getting Isaiah up at the same time... ha, ha, ha...

I put the chicken in the crock pot and went out for my run. It was so nice!

Then after a quick shower, I was out the door... and I was already late for my prayer time at 11am. I arrived at 11:15. And from there, the whole day was late... 15 minutes. I arrived at my tutoring at 2:15. I didn't finish until 3:45... 

I was home by 4:05 and started to get everything sorted. I did not bring up any more bags... I was just too exhausted. 

The boxes are packed. And things are sorted... Isaiah helped me to seal the boxes as I attempted to put more stuff in once he pressed down! YIPPY! He moved the boxes down and it will cost 120US$ to ship to the Philippines. 

I had the evening free, so I did a load of laundry. The laundry basket was overflowing... And I made congee for my dinner. It was perfect! Just what I wanted!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

GO GO GO SUNDAY

I was up early and the weather was spectacular! 

I went over to my neighbor's place and the car got packed with six trash bags of winter clothes.

I didn't have time to go through the stuff... as I had the Young Adults at 11am. I like to get there early... and that gave me time to put the books in the revolving bookcase and the puzzles in the game area for the kids at Sunday School and the dishes nicely put away as I got a stacking shelf for the cabinet. 

We had four people total and the time was very nice.

I stayed at church and set up the Love Cafe before going to tutor from 1:30 - 2:30... we went until 2:45!

Church service is so nice now... yes, we don't have a large group, but we are beginning to feel like a family again. That strange awkward feeling is beginning to dissipate. People stay around after the service to talk. 

When I got home, the recycling was an absolute mess! Honestly, it made me angry because it showed that many people in our complex has no consideration for the cleaning personnel... no public morality! They just threw things everywhere! The night security guard came and we worked for about 30 minutes to get things 'cleaned up and sorted'!

I came home and had things to put away before going down to get three bags of clothes to sort. Two boxes are going to the Philippines on Tuesday, so I wanted to make sure that they are packed to the max! And those three bags had summer items... 

This is the 'final' week before the Lunar New Year Holiday... people are all 'rushing around', trying to get things purchased or done. And of course, people are cleaning... hence, the recycling was piled high... and people are leaving stuff at my doorsteps!

 Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

The 7th of the Month Reflection Time

I was up but felt distracted. Maybe because I didn't get up as early as I had hoped... whatever the reason, the time felt rushed...

Alan and Isaiah went to play tennis and since it was 'Reflection Day', I didn't set any agenda for the day. Alan was kind enough to take things over to Isaiah's place after they finished playing three sets of tennis. I had everything on the dining room table. They also planned to go to the old house to finish up the master bedroom and the living room ceiling... with both of them working, it was much faster. They also brought another ladder from our complex. I had drawn a simple illustration as to how the corner room should be set up. We gave away the closet, so it will be a lot more spacious. We had initially planned to head out to Taoyuan, thinking Isaiah needed another pair of tennis shoes. But we had bought him a pair the last time we were there... so we scratched that plan, especially since they didn't start the painting until 3:30... the earliest they thought they'd be finished would be at 6:30, but it was not to be... they didn't finish until way past 8pm.

I went for my run and the temperature was starting to drop. It was 15 with a real feel of 9. 

I had things set out down in the lobby for people to pick up... and the neighbor called: he had at least 6 more trash bags of coats and sweaters to give away. I didn't want to go today. He also put things near my scooter parking place and I sorted and gifted those things away. I gave the guard 6 trash bags and my neighbor will fill them up and put them on the first floor. 

The box to the Philippines is almost packed... but I called and ordered another one. That box will be delivered on Monday and both boxes will be picked up by Tuesday. YEAH!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Wild & Exhausting Friday!

I was up early... and went for my run after everyone took off... And it was still somewhat cool... 

Alan and I planned to be back so that we can head out for lunch... and we had a lot on our plate.

First, he stopped at Coco for his usual drinks and I went to the restaurant to order the food. Then I went and walked around as I needed to pay for Abby's hair coupon and get some eggs at the local market. We sat and had a nice lunch... leaving the restaurant after 2pm!

Then it was heading back home to pick up the car and go to drop off things for Judy to bring back to the States. I also dropped off a nice big ceramic cooking ware to another friend who lives nearby. We went to Costco and it was already 3pm and the crowd had already gathered. We tried to get in and out within 30 minutes... Alan bought too many items that were not on the list... we didn't get out for 45 minutes. We thought about stopping at the old house to pick up some tools... but decided to head to another friend's house to drop off things... and then we went to Margaret's Second Hand Store and loaded up about six trash bags of stuff to be packed and shipped to the Philippines. Our car was maxed out. 

When we got home, I got the trolley and we made at least five trips up and down the elevator. 

We were hungry but we had to put away the groceries and then we had dinner! I started to pack the box... and that took about an hour... 

Prayer time at 8:45 and study at 9:15... I was so ready for bed by 10:30.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Much Needed PR Day

I was up and just so happy that it was my PR Day!

Alan brought up another box of stuff dropped off from our neighbors... I sorted through that and then settled down on the sofa and read. Yes, Isaiah and Alan already took off... 

I wasn't in a hurry to go run... which was a bit of a mistake as the temperature increased... I ran a slow 10K. But I was glad that I ran...

After a quick shower, I was back on the sofa... YIPPY!

For dinner I had a salad... and Alan and I watched another episode of House.

Prayer Altar was from 8:45 to 9pm and we had Family Time at 9pm... 

What a fabulously relaxing day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Warm Wednesday

I was up and had my time with Jesus... Alan took off for tennis and Isaiah took off for work.

I organized my electrical cooking appliances, trying to make things more accessible and taking out what Isaiah's new place might need, such as a rice cooker.

I went down to help with the recycling before I was finished with the organizing... but when hat was done, I took a nap and then went out to run... too bad... it was already quite warm! 

I was home and Alan was on the sofa watching the SDSU basketball game. I had a nice lunch after taking a quick shower.

At 3pm, I took off as I had a few bills to pay before tutoring. The hour flew by and I went to meet up with friends to chat. The wife is leaving tomorrow for Edinburgh. 

On the way home, I stopped to buy bread... and then got home. Alan had painted one wall in our bedroom. It looks great. 

By the time I put things away, it was prayer time... when that was finished, I got to download my emails and blog. Alan and I watched another episode of House while he ate his dinner!

Tomorrow is my PR DAY! YIPPY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

 

Bible Study Tuesday & More...

I was up early... and when I finished my time, Alan showed me that the real feel was 9 degrees. I love it!

He went to play tennis and after Isaiah left, I went for a quick run.

I took a very quick shower and was out the door, heading to church. I wanted to go there just a bit early to start the toaster oven as I had chicken and cheese and wanted to make these breakfast sandwiches. I also wanted to get the Christmas tree and other decorations organized as well as the kitchen plates and cups and goodies.

Only two other gals showed up, but we had a great time. We didn't finish the lesson! At 12:30, I had to meet Alan as we went to B&Q to buy more paint! Another 2000NT$! He dropped me off at church and I finished cleaning and went over to the old house. He was enjoying his lunch (which was the leftovers from our Bible study!) I got out several telephones as the telephone guy came and got our phone working. I then went to PXMart and bought a few things and scootered home, stopping to buy packets of coffee!

There were more things for me to give away! 

I also had made another chicken dish in the crock pot before leaving for my morning Bible study and that was ready! Very yummy!

I called to order a box to be shipped to the Philippines... but I do want to share a praise! Two ladies were heading to Rangoon for a ministry opportunity. This ministry helps to rescue ladies... I had collected lots of beautiful dresses and I asked if they could bring them. They said 15 dresses... but then they didn't know if they could take them because they are only allowed one suitcase each... I had put more than 15 dresses... into two bags... and dropped off the bags... And they took all the dresses... The miracle: there were 25 gals and there were 25 dresses... That's totally GOD! The gals were so happy to be able to pick a dress... and all the dresses were different... and they somehow were all the right size! I also received pictures from people in the Philippines who received the boxes I had mailed... and I had stuff animals in one of those boxes and each kid was able to choose one to take home... how fabulous is that!!!! 

This evening I had tutoring... I had to cancel last week because we were gone for Prison Ministry and then I had gone to Taichung for baby delivery... 

I also called and made an appointment for our Annual Family Portrait! We will do that on Saturday, March 21st at 2pm!

The day again flew by... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Prep Monday!

I was up early... and just felt quite refreshed... I slept late and woke up early... but I must have slept very soundly...

Isaiah took off for work... Alan took off for tennis... and I settled down to input my talk for 2/22. At 9am, I went for my run and got back right after Alan. He was getting ready to go to the old house to paint... I took a shower and a nap... and then got up to order dinner: Pizza Hut... I got a coupon from B&Q... 

Then it was lunch time and 'meeting' with Pam and Sue about our upcoming trip! YIPPY!

We are three months away! We booked our hotel for Heidelberg... May 6th to May 10th. We will hit only two countries: Germany and Switzerland. I will message my dear friend about going for a short visit to see their newly built house... 

The conversation was for almost two hours, but it felt like minutes!

A neighbor messaged me and had LOADS of kitchenware to give me... So, I went down and borrowed the trolley and picked up everything. Another hour went by as I sorted and posted things to give away.

At 6:30, I left for church. Alan picked up the pizzas and we had a nice meeting and prayer time. I was home by 10pm and finished with giving more stuff away and cleaning.

The day again flew by!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Busy Sunday!

I was up early... and Alan and Isaiah went to play tennis where they had a luau!

I stayed home and cleaned and did a load of laundry. The morning flew by... I bagged things up to give away. A neighbor dropped off a box of books... and I had 9 thermos that I posted to give away. I also put together an entire HUGE bag of purses to give away.

I left at 1:30 to meet up with a friend to catch up and church started at 4pm.

I was the speaker... and we didn't have a large crowd... but I praise the Lord for the time together.

I again made brownie/cookie dough and the kids and everyone enjoyed the dessert. I prayed with several people and came home and left again to pick up things from a gal in Buy Nothing: containers for Isaiah's house!

I was home by 9:30 and can't believe how fast the day had flown by. I still hadn't blogged or checked my email... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!