Seek Him First!
Monday, November 23, 2015
First in Five Years?
Today I went to see the music concert at Alan's school. The performers were all people with disabilities. One gal got her arm cut off by a train when she was one and wander on to the train tracks. One gal got all four limps amputated due to gangrene. One gal got her hand in a meat grinder.
After the show, I went and got my hair WASHED AND CUT at a hair salon -- first time in FIVE years. I fell asleep while the sweet lady, Mini, washed my hair. She spent extra time on me. It was a gift from God. I had bought three coupons for Ray and Gay Brooks and their friend. But I mistyped one number on one of the coupons. So, they asked me to use it. I made an appointment as the coupon expires by 12/1 and went this afternoon!
Okay, I don't look any different from when I give myself a haircut... And when Alan and the kids came home, they didn't notice the difference... ha, ha, ha... But it sure felt great. I don't know... maybe I will have to treat myself to at least one haircut at the hair salon once a year.
Seek Him First!
Seek Him First!
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Sunday Here and Gone
Isaiah made it back from Kaohsuing early enough to be at church by 4p.m. He lost in the preliminary.
I tutored from 11 to 12:50 and then got back home just before Alan and Abby took off for church. I stayed at home so that I can get the laundry done and put the chicken and veggies in the crock pot. I then scootered over to church as I had to start the rice cooker for our evening love feast!
We had a group of special speakers and one family that came from San Jose turned out to be friends we had met some 27 years ago, when we first got to Taiwan.
The evening flew by.
The week has started.
And yes, it looks like another busy one!
Seek Him First!
I tutored from 11 to 12:50 and then got back home just before Alan and Abby took off for church. I stayed at home so that I can get the laundry done and put the chicken and veggies in the crock pot. I then scootered over to church as I had to start the rice cooker for our evening love feast!
We had a group of special speakers and one family that came from San Jose turned out to be friends we had met some 27 years ago, when we first got to Taiwan.
The evening flew by.
The week has started.
And yes, it looks like another busy one!
Seek Him First!
Saturday, November 21, 2015
The 24hour Ultra -- "I Complete"
Today started the 24hour Ultra Marathon at Soochow University, I Complete. For 24hours, these elite runners will be going around and around a track. I didn't go to watch and I did not go for a run. The day went by too fast and honestly, I was too tired. So, when I had an hour, I took a nap. It felt so good!
Here is one person's write up on his blog (Bald Runner) about the ultra at Soochow University back in 2010 --
Ryoichi Sekiya is 48 years old!
I went for a longer run yesterday and my leg muscles are sore today. I don't know how these runners do it.
I guess one thing for use -- I like their running strides -- just shuffling and maintaining a consistent pace. I don't keep to that pace... but I do shuffle along!
Seek Him First!
Here is one person's write up on his blog (Bald Runner) about the ultra at Soochow University back in 2010 --
- I was surprised to see that the Japanese runners had a short, quick and fast strides but consistent throughout the event. Sekiya maintained a time of 1:58-2:03 minutes per lap while Mami Kudo maintained a time of 2:30-2:35 minutes per lap. Sekiya whose height could be a good basketball player did not use his long legs for a longer stride. He was a perfect sample of a runner with an economy of motion.
- Runners started to hydrate (while running) after completing two laps. The water bottle used has the same size with that of the Yakult Drinks. This drinking of water is done repeatedly every two laps. Eating was also done while they are running. Such foods were placed in small plastic container trays with cover which could be grasped by the hand. Foods consist of sliced fruits and nuts.
- Runners were all “shuffling”, maintaining a consistent pace. After four hours of running, the runners had to change the direction from counter clockwise to clockwise and so on.
Ryoichi Sekiya is 48 years old!
I went for a longer run yesterday and my leg muscles are sore today. I don't know how these runners do it.
I guess one thing for use -- I like their running strides -- just shuffling and maintaining a consistent pace. I don't keep to that pace... but I do shuffle along!
Seek Him First!
Friday, November 20, 2015
Go Seniors!
Not having attended high school here in Taiwan, I had another 'first' today.
You know about the packets we've been assembling. Well, today was the school event.
617 seniors, their homeroom teachers, some of the school administrators and about a handful of parents gathered in the main auditorium. The parents were set at different 'posts' around the room while the seniors were in the center. They were given candles and in front of each class, there were signs on the table. Each sign had words of encouragement. The seniors lit their candles and put them on top of the paper, lighting up the words. They gathered around and took pictures. Then they proceeded to come over to their assigned station and the parent at the station handed out a lunchbox filled with four food items that made up another encouraging phrase when put together in Chinese. I tried to say something encouraging to the students as I gave them the box. Looking into their eyes, I could see that even though they were almost 18, in their heart, they were still kids, scared about their future, wondering, doubting, trying... in less than 62 days, they'd be faced with two days of harrowing tests which would give them a score that pointed to their future college and department. Sad... as I've taught some of these kids who were in the accounting department but hated accounting. They got there because of a score.
I will be praying for these kids. Alan handed out boxes to the PE class. And looking at these big 'tough looking' basketball players, I again saw kids, who needed to be love, who wanted to fit in, who wanted to belong.
God again confirmed to me that He wanted us to be a part of PTA. I don't know what we could do, but I will do what I do best -- I will be praying for them.
Here are some pictures from today --
Seek Him First!
You know about the packets we've been assembling. Well, today was the school event.
617 seniors, their homeroom teachers, some of the school administrators and about a handful of parents gathered in the main auditorium. The parents were set at different 'posts' around the room while the seniors were in the center. They were given candles and in front of each class, there were signs on the table. Each sign had words of encouragement. The seniors lit their candles and put them on top of the paper, lighting up the words. They gathered around and took pictures. Then they proceeded to come over to their assigned station and the parent at the station handed out a lunchbox filled with four food items that made up another encouraging phrase when put together in Chinese. I tried to say something encouraging to the students as I gave them the box. Looking into their eyes, I could see that even though they were almost 18, in their heart, they were still kids, scared about their future, wondering, doubting, trying... in less than 62 days, they'd be faced with two days of harrowing tests which would give them a score that pointed to their future college and department. Sad... as I've taught some of these kids who were in the accounting department but hated accounting. They got there because of a score.
I will be praying for these kids. Alan handed out boxes to the PE class. And looking at these big 'tough looking' basketball players, I again saw kids, who needed to be love, who wanted to fit in, who wanted to belong.
God again confirmed to me that He wanted us to be a part of PTA. I don't know what we could do, but I will do what I do best -- I will be praying for them.
Here are some pictures from today --
Thursday, November 19, 2015
A First!
In case you don't know -- I have an extreme fear of cockroaches. Just the big ones -- the ones that can fly -- the ones that move after being hit.
Today, in the morning, being home by myself, I pulled a folder from a cabinet in the kitchen and one HUMONGOUS cockroach came out. I jumped. Screamed. Freaked out. And threw the folder on it. I knew it was not hit hard enough and that it woudl soon be running out. In that split second, I knew what I had to do -- I had to jump on that folder to squash it. But I couldn't move. I stood there -- frozen, nailed to the ground. It was God that lifted me and I found myself on top of the folder. I heard the sound... oh... for those who do not suffer such a phobia, you won't understand.
There in the kitchen, I stood. Now what? Leave the folder on the ground until Alan comes home? Lift up the folder and clean up the carcass?
I walked around as I couldn't decide.
Finally, I pulled a small stack of tissue and armed with tissue in one hand, I lifted the folder and threw the tissue on top of the carcass. I couldn't even look as it was still moving!!!!!!!!!!
Then, I walked around some more as I had to now use my hand to wipe the carcass up and dispose of it. The stack of tissue was not thick enough.
I won't go into all the details as if the above description has not surfficed.
But this was the first time I have actually killed a cockroach in my 54 years of life on earth!
I hope I won't have to do it again! It still freaks me out, thinking about it.
Seek Him First!
Today, in the morning, being home by myself, I pulled a folder from a cabinet in the kitchen and one HUMONGOUS cockroach came out. I jumped. Screamed. Freaked out. And threw the folder on it. I knew it was not hit hard enough and that it woudl soon be running out. In that split second, I knew what I had to do -- I had to jump on that folder to squash it. But I couldn't move. I stood there -- frozen, nailed to the ground. It was God that lifted me and I found myself on top of the folder. I heard the sound... oh... for those who do not suffer such a phobia, you won't understand.
There in the kitchen, I stood. Now what? Leave the folder on the ground until Alan comes home? Lift up the folder and clean up the carcass?
I walked around as I couldn't decide.
Finally, I pulled a small stack of tissue and armed with tissue in one hand, I lifted the folder and threw the tissue on top of the carcass. I couldn't even look as it was still moving!!!!!!!!!!
Then, I walked around some more as I had to now use my hand to wipe the carcass up and dispose of it. The stack of tissue was not thick enough.
I won't go into all the details as if the above description has not surfficed.
But this was the first time I have actually killed a cockroach in my 54 years of life on earth!
I hope I won't have to do it again! It still freaks me out, thinking about it.
Seek Him First!
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Three Stores and Way Too Many Tasks in One Day
This morning, I attempted to go to three different stores in a short two hour span. It was not possible to get everything done in that short period of time.
First, I went to buy a light fixture at B & Q. That was actually quite fun as I haven't been in a giant hardware store for quite a while. So, it took a bit of time to look and see which living room fixture I liked the best and for the best price. I was able to find one for 788NT$. 50% off!
Then I went to RT Mart as they had drink packets for sale -- the things I bring back for my mom and sister. No milk tea packets, but soy bean milk and almond milk -- buy one, get one free. I walked out spending more than 3200NT$. But it could have been double that amount.
Finally, I headed to Costco. Yes, it was a mad house in there. I tried not to get a cart. So, I had bags that I had to lug around. Imagine 4 milk cartons, 4 plastic containers of candy canes, two bags of fish sticks... okay, you got the idea. Two bags on my shoulders were very very heavy. I got a cart at the check out line as I had to get everything to the RT Mart parking lot. Yes, I parked over there. Having to go to three stores meant that after each store, I had to load everything into the car before going to the next store. RT Mart parking lot was right in the middle.
Now, at Costco... I couldn't believe it. They again ran out of pumpkin puree, so I couldn't order a pumpkin pie. I couldn't order an apple pie either. But I did get to order a turkey! The order was to be 10 days in advanced, and I only had 7 days as I need the turkey by next Wednesday. But they were super nice to me. They said OK!
I came home and unpacked everything. Let's just say that presently my living room looks like a warehouse.
Vanessa came over in the afternoon and we packed three boxes of items to ship to the Philippines. The elders had a meeting at our house this evening and they helped to tape it up. It was a big task as someone had to sit on it to make sure the boxes closed properly!
Alan, the kids and I spent the rest of the evening packaging the stationery goods for the seniors. The 511 additional sets came this afternoon. We have to do a total of 615 sets. Tonight we finished 540. We have 75 more to do tomorrow. Everything will be out of my living room by Friday! YEAH! The boxes will be picked up. The stationery goods given out.
I still have to order food for the thanksgiving dinner and go out toDanhsui to replace the living room light fixture. I also have been searching for fun gifts for my kids. Still looking...
Yes, November is turning out to be an extremely busy month!
Seek Him First!
First, I went to buy a light fixture at B & Q. That was actually quite fun as I haven't been in a giant hardware store for quite a while. So, it took a bit of time to look and see which living room fixture I liked the best and for the best price. I was able to find one for 788NT$. 50% off!
Then I went to RT Mart as they had drink packets for sale -- the things I bring back for my mom and sister. No milk tea packets, but soy bean milk and almond milk -- buy one, get one free. I walked out spending more than 3200NT$. But it could have been double that amount.
Finally, I headed to Costco. Yes, it was a mad house in there. I tried not to get a cart. So, I had bags that I had to lug around. Imagine 4 milk cartons, 4 plastic containers of candy canes, two bags of fish sticks... okay, you got the idea. Two bags on my shoulders were very very heavy. I got a cart at the check out line as I had to get everything to the RT Mart parking lot. Yes, I parked over there. Having to go to three stores meant that after each store, I had to load everything into the car before going to the next store. RT Mart parking lot was right in the middle.
Now, at Costco... I couldn't believe it. They again ran out of pumpkin puree, so I couldn't order a pumpkin pie. I couldn't order an apple pie either. But I did get to order a turkey! The order was to be 10 days in advanced, and I only had 7 days as I need the turkey by next Wednesday. But they were super nice to me. They said OK!
I came home and unpacked everything. Let's just say that presently my living room looks like a warehouse.
Vanessa came over in the afternoon and we packed three boxes of items to ship to the Philippines. The elders had a meeting at our house this evening and they helped to tape it up. It was a big task as someone had to sit on it to make sure the boxes closed properly!
Alan, the kids and I spent the rest of the evening packaging the stationery goods for the seniors. The 511 additional sets came this afternoon. We have to do a total of 615 sets. Tonight we finished 540. We have 75 more to do tomorrow. Everything will be out of my living room by Friday! YEAH! The boxes will be picked up. The stationery goods given out.
I still have to order food for the thanksgiving dinner and go out toDanhsui to replace the living room light fixture. I also have been searching for fun gifts for my kids. Still looking...
Yes, November is turning out to be an extremely busy month!
Seek Him First!
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Out to Danhsui & Scooter Fixed
I did not ride a bike out to Danhsui. Instead I had another brainstorm -- use Alan's scooter. So, I went with him to school and since he had classes all day today, I took off on his scooter. It was such a nice ride to Danhsui -- very little traffic, nice weather! I had to go out there for two things -- the lights in the living room of our small rental unit out in Danhsui needed fixing; a sister asked me to go and pray for her new apartment.
The light fixture is not fixed but I did find people to help with that. Tomorrow, I'll go to B&Q and look for a light fixture and then ask the electrician to meet me on Friday to get it done.
It was great to go over to this sister's apartment and help her clean it up a bit. I couldn't stay that long, but in 40 minutes we got a lot done. And we took time to pray for the apartment.
I headed back and went to the Christian Bookstore and bought stickers and cards with verses. When I got back, the stuff had arrived. Each packet looked so colorful! And with the added sticker and card... YEAH GOD.
I then went home and dropped off everything and that's when I heard the message -- my scooter is fixed. It needed a new battery (which cost 1,100NT$). So, I headed off to drop off Alan's scooter back at his school, run back and pick up my scooter and then pick up Abby.
What a day!
Seek Him First!
The light fixture is not fixed but I did find people to help with that. Tomorrow, I'll go to B&Q and look for a light fixture and then ask the electrician to meet me on Friday to get it done.
It was great to go over to this sister's apartment and help her clean it up a bit. I couldn't stay that long, but in 40 minutes we got a lot done. And we took time to pray for the apartment.
I headed back and went to the Christian Bookstore and bought stickers and cards with verses. When I got back, the stuff had arrived. Each packet looked so colorful! And with the added sticker and card... YEAH GOD.
I then went home and dropped off everything and that's when I heard the message -- my scooter is fixed. It needed a new battery (which cost 1,100NT$). So, I headed off to drop off Alan's scooter back at his school, run back and pick up my scooter and then pick up Abby.
What a day!
Seek Him First!
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