Blogging

Blogging has been hard the last two weeks.

There are many reasons the above statement is true.

Busyness.

January is just a crazy month. Not just me, but most people, too, I think.

Basketball is one factor of our busyness. Last weekend our family was once again spread out over the island. Abbi and I left Friday afternoon with the varsity basketball teams for a tournament at Taipei American School.

Carl left Saturday morning with his team for a tournament at Taipei European School.

Jacob's basketball team played their tournament on home turf.

Nick was substitute parent, as well as chief clock runner for the JVB games.

We came back together Saturday evening to discuss the wins, losses, and crazy (why is the bus driver swerving and driving so fast) bus rides home. 

Carl is back in Taipei again this weekend for another tournament. I was to be with him, but I am not-refer to the next section!

Sickness.

It's winter. 

Even when living in a place where the temperatures are relatively mild, sickness happens. Carl is successfully fighting off bronchitis. I, unfortunately, am recovering from my first ever bout of pink eye. I woke up Thursday morning coughing and sneezing accompanied by a very sore throat and watery eyes. My mid morning my right eye was red, swollen, and felt gritty. Luckily, getting to a doctor is quick and easy. I am on my way to recovery!

Education.

No, not my students, but my own. Yep, its that time again. The renewing of the teaching certificate. Unfortunately,  I was having so much fun teaching, grading, and lesson planning that I waited too long to get started. I also found out it was due earlier that I had expected. If not done on time or properly, I lose out on some really important travel reimbursements. Not a good thing when next school year  half your family will live on the opposite side of the earth.  Currently, my brain cells are fully occupied! 

Too Many Ideas.

My mind is constantly cataloging great blog ideas:

1. Spiritual Life Week. 

2. How amazing it is when an auditorium full of children sing praises to the One True God.

3. Batman visits our school. Then colors his hair blue,  topped off with the consumption of fried insects.

4.  Taiwan Snow- never thought I would see a forecast like this....

I know this doesn't even compare to Central Ohio's forecast, but the expected high on Sunday is 36 degrees Fahrenheit with a low of 28? The typical winter lows are in the 50's with maybe an occasional dip into the 40's! While this may seem trivial to my winter hardy friends, please remember- the houses are made of cement with tile flooring, no insulation, and no heat. When the cement gets cold, it stays cold. Often the houses are colder on the inside than the outside. Luckily, we brought a very nice space heater with us from our cold days in Ohio. It will be getting quite the workout this weekend. 

5. Bittersweet Moments

Loving, living, and saying goodbye to college age children. Its tough on any mother, but when you know they won't be home for this weekend, or the next, or the next.... Add to that, Abbi's last year of high school before she joins the above mentioned group. Every moment is precious. Nick leaves tomorrow morning.  How could six weeks go by so quickly, so fast? I am beginning to understand why so many missionaries return home during this period of their lives.

6.  Busiban Learning Vs. Real Learning

This one will need more explanation than I have time. Another name for a busiban is cram school.That should suffice for now.

7. God's Amazing Wonderful Love

No matter the long days, never ending planning, grading, and disciplining, I have the most amazing job. My students may drive me crazy at times, but they are precious gifts from God.

8. My Mom Celebrated Her 84th Birthday (and I wasn't there)

I love my mom! She has never complained or made me feel guilty for following the call of God, even though she lost not only me, her son-in-law, but more importantly her four youngest grandchildren. I am so glad my sister and her husband are close by to love and nurture. In the process, she has gained an adorable great granddaughter, who is cuter that a button!

I could go on and on, but I think you get the gist. My brain is always collecting ideas, but just not the time to develop coherent, understandable, entertaining thoughts.

Maybe some day.....