Whirlwind of Activities...Errands of Love

So many things have transpired these last couple of weeks that I don't even know where to begin. It's hard getting back into something you have been absent at, or away from, for quite some time. It's difficult returning to the gym after a long absence, and in this particular juncture, it's challenging for me writing a couple of weeks' whirlwind of activities and emotions.

Well, I was able to go back to the gym after two months of absence; A different club in fact. A perk from my husband's new job is a membership at Kennedy Club Fitness. Going to the gym is a way to inject the balance I so desperately need during "whirlwind" times.

As for recounting the whirlwind of activities, I think it would be easier if I use bullet points.

• Car maintenance (oil change for Phil's Scion TC and smog for the MPV)
• Dental appointments
• Organizing galore (the OCD in me or maybe just a January thing...anyways, I'll try to take photos)
• Isabella's extra dance classes (a total of 6/week and she wants to add 1 more)
• Isabella's sleep overs (2 week-ends in a row)
• Ian's driving (behind-the-wheel driver's training; his permit expires in February)
• Extreme registration at Cuesta College for Ian's College Reading/Writing class (through his High School Enrichment Program. We were unaware he needed to take an assessment test. I was at Isabella's dance class when Ian's counselor returned my call informing me of a chance to take the test at this event at Cuesta College. We rushed from Isabella's dance class and made it just in time for him to take the last assessment test)
• Ian's counseling and a look at Home Schooling (this should be an entire exclusive post; this is where the whirlwind of emotions come in)
• Immanuel's resolution to pursue Game and Simulation Programming at Devry University
• Phil among 6 selected to be part of Cal Poly's ICEX program (International Computer Engineering Experience)

It has been a full January thus far, a whirlwind of activities and emotions indeed, but nonetheless joyful. I call them "Errands of Love".

John 10:10b Jesus said: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

OCD Kitchen Cleaning

I just finished cleaning and organizing my kitchen cabinets. It has been a long dreaded task on my list of to-do's since last year. It feels so rewarding to finally check it off my list.

The hardest part in tackling a dreaded task is taking the first step. Having said that, I consider it a great blessing getting the drive I so need in taking that difficult first step. Once you actually start the task, the rest become less challenging even therapeutic and very rewarding.

I have to admit I tend to have a tad of, or borderline, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) when it comes to organizing and cleaning. My family would argue the "tad or borderline"... according to them I have "full blown" OCD.

Well, what can I say, I'm a work in progress. I realize sometimes I can go overboard. So today when my DD, Isabella, asked me to watch her dance, I happily paused in the middle of my "kitchen cleaning OCD" and enjoyed her show.

Cleaning can be very therapeutic and reflective. I had several "epiphanies" from today's reflective "OCD kitchen cleaning" episode.

I have to pause for now...my darling daughter is asking for mommy time and mommy/baby girl time is at the top of my list.

Epiphany and my goals for 2009

January 6th is a special day for me. There are many "titles" given in commemoration of this day. It is the 12th day of Christmas, Christmastide, Twelve-tide, Three Kings day, and my favourite designation for this day, The Epiphany and my dear husband's birthday. That said, let me give you the epiphany on epiphany. Here are some definitions:

from wikipedia

• An epiphany is the sudden realization or comprehension of the (larger) essence or meaning of something


• The term is used in either a philosophical or literal sense to signify that the claimant has "found the last piece of the puzzle and now sees the whole picture,"

my thoughts

• a revelation or manifestation of the holy
• aha! moment
• moment of clarity (as in the new book by Christopher Kennedy Lawford, Moments of Clarity)
• discovery found in solitude
• seek and you shall find...and the truth will set you free...this, to me, is epiphany defined.

The beginning of my goals for 2009 that will hopefully manifest as my personal creed

• not just busyness but fruitfulness
• contentment but not passivity
• not a penny-pincher or spendthrift but a wise steward of all resources bestowed to me

Happy Birthday to my DH

Christian Cartoon

A great goal for the new year

Happy New Year to all!

We drove back to our home by the bay on New Year's Eve. The drive was a great family bonding time not to mention a chance to contemplate the new year. Normally, I dread the long drive at the thought of cleaning the other home. As I contemplate, I am enlightened to the blessings around me. A great and loving family, and homes I can truly call home. I am reminded that we have been blessed with more than one home. My reflection brought me to the realization that cleaning is my way of blessing our home. I like that.

This morning is indeed a very happy start to a new year for me. Russ, Isabella, and I, had an early start. We had breakfast at McDonald's and went grocery shopping at Wal-Mart. Then we worked efficiently as a great team, cleaning and organizing with Isabella as our Project Manager (brothers were still asleep at this point). When brothers woke up, it was time to break for lunch. We all had a great lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant. And we're all back as a team to more rewarding cleaning and organizing (certainly rewarding for Russ and I though I can't speak for the kids:)). We went to bed satisfied and grateful for the blessing of much needed energy and patience...we blessed our home. I love that.