Another Very Long Day... with No Time To Run!

Yes, it was another packed day of running errands...

I got on to get a couple of ebooks from the San Diego Library. That took longer than I had planned.

After calling my mom, I was off to pick up the scooter. I had the front breaks replaced. Now that scooter is all ready...

I met with a friend who is here from the States for lunch and we sat and chatted for quite a long time.

I had to go to the post office and the bank...

Once back at home, I was busy making phone calls... checking cram school options for Abby, talking to a mom who wanted me to tutor her children, asking about Isaiah's TOEIC registration (he did not register properly, so he will have to re-do it and hopefully, there will be openings for the test on 3/26).

By the time I finished all the phone calls, I was off again to tutor.

From there, I headed off to listen to a speech about university selection based on the Joint College Entrance Exam score (which will be released tomorrow!).

I dashed off after the seminar straight to pick up Abby and her math tutor was there. So, we chatted about this whole university selection process...

As soon as I finish this post, I'm headed off to bed. It's going to be another early morning!

Seek Him First!

One More Picture Post of Australia!

My brother emailed me all these great pictures from the bridge climb, so I had to do one more post from our trip to Australia!

By our smiling faces, you know we had a great time...

As for my day... still no time for a run at the park!

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Still No Time To RUN!

I always have lots of running around to do but I still have not had time to go for a run at the River Park.

I dropped off the scooter to get the breaks changed, then proceeded to walk around to get my errands done.

That included finding a shop that does custom framing (I did find it!) and going to the library to return and check out more Time Magazines... and I had a small box of things to mail to my brother as a Thank You gift for their wonderful hospitality in hosting us while we were in Australia. I hope to mail them boxes on a regular basis! I also hope to mail a box of things to Ashley!

I got home and took Alan's scooter for a ride as he wanted to make sure it's running. (I did get to talk to Alan! That was so nice! I sure do miss him!)

Then it was off to tutoring. The kids were so excited to see me. Patricia served me two pieces of delicious cheesecake and gave me a gift from Japan. I gave the kids pencil cases from Australia!

When I got home, Isaiah was already home. Abby came back later as she had her fellowship tonight! And the good news was the teacher did NOT collect all her winter vacation homework (as she didn't finish!).  She still has a few days to finish up everything!

So... maybe tomorrow... although I already have quite a long to do list that's here next to me of all things I need to get done tomorrow!

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School Is Starting Tomorrow!

How sad, but true... my kids will be going back to school tomorrow! Winter vacation is over!

I had a wonderful day... I think that to be true when I start every day with Jesus!

Abby went to audit the Science class at her cram school. She has not yet decided if she wants to sign up. We have one more cram school to audit...

Isaiah was home and we had a basketball shooting contest -- with our trash can and used tissue. He won!

I did spend the morning cleaning the house -- tidying up the back balcony and giving both bathrooms a thorough scrubbing!

Church in the afternoon... I had baked this amazing dessert -- bottom layer of sugar cookie, then I put all kinds of chocolate candies and nuts on top of the sugar cookie dough. For the top layer, I poured a dark chocolate brownie mixture. Baked for 50 minutes... wow... it was very very sweet!

Isaiah went to play basketball with his buddies at the River Park, while Abby and I came home, after dropping off the love feast dinner trays.

We will all go to bed early tonight!

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Jack Reacher!

Yes, it's true... I now have watched both of Jack Reacher's movies!

I can't believe it myself.

I'm not into Tom Cruise.

I'm not into these kinds of action movies.

But someone recommended them... was it my brother in law, KR? Was it my brother, Eddie? Well... someone did...

So, yesterday I watched the first one... which was on Netflix... FREE!

And today, I actually went to a DVD store and rented the sequel, Never Go Back, on blue ray!

The kids and I sat in our living room with a blanket (as it was very cold) and watched it. 

In my opinion, the first one was better... more mystery and suspense... the second one was 'okay'. Was it worth 5US$ to rent?  Was it worth 2 hours of my time?

My thoughts -- it was worth the 5US$, but not worth the 2 hours!

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The Task!

The main thing on my to-do list was to get the scooter transferred into Isaiah's name. Our dear friend gave me all the needed document from him. I had gathered all of Isaiah's document. I called the DMV to double check what I needed. I had already gone to get the insurance in Isaiah's name. (Upon arrival, I found out how much paperwork I avoided by getting this done! Insurance for a year: 20US$)) I also had dropped the scooter off for a full tune up. Well... as you recall, Isaiah and I worked up a sweat pushing the scooter to the nearest scooter shop on the main street.

I picked it up today and they changed the back tire, the back break pads, the battery and gave it a thorough tune up, including changing the oil, etc. (Total cost: 140US$) Now, this is a 150cc and to me, it's BIG. I can barely touch the ground when I'm sitting on it.

I had to ride it to the DMV as they have to check it before the transfer can be completed.

I arrived at the DMV and found out where to go for the scooter check up. Well... the inspector asked me to pull the scooter up on the stand. I couldn't do it. It was too heavy. Then he asked me to turn on the headlights. I didn't know how. I have never turned on the headlights. I didn't know which button to push. And this continued through the entire process... When he was finished, he asked me to push the scooter off to the side. I couldn't get the scooter off the stand. The guy behind me in line came over and helped me out. The scooter passed inspection. The person handling the scooter failed!

I proceeded to go upstairs. There were 9 people ahead of me, but my number was called in less than 3 minutes! Amazing. I handed over all the document plus 25US$... and in less than 10 minutes, I was walking out! It was all done!

Now, I had to ride back to Neihu... I made one wrong turn and I almost ended up on the super highway on my scooter! I had to carefully push my scooter back down the ramp! YIKES!

Well... I did get back safely, although I had no idea how that happened... I was really quite lost!

Isaiah needs to get his license as he has his own scooter!

I do need to go get the front break pads changed (Cost: 70US$)... that's on my to-do list for this coming week!

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The Food!!!!!!!!!!!

The final picture was the miracle surprise meal that was served on the plane...

But as you can see, we ate well... and it was all so delicious. I must say... the food in Australia was fabulous... I love fish and chips... but I really love the fish and chips in Australia. The only sad thing was... mayonnaise cost extra. Otherwise, I would have eaten so much more... as I love chips with mayonnaise and extra salt!

The strangest thing was... Isaiah, Abby and I all lost weight while we were in Australia. The only reason we can come up with was because we were so active every day... all the walking and swimming...

This truly was a fantastic unforgettable trip...

Seek Him First!