There's something about Jan 2

On this day last year, I took husband for a medical appointment, had three play sessions on my current game, and was reading Mansfield Park.

Today, I suggested to husband that we look into getting someone to come to the house to do his blood test. I had a call from the rheumatology nurse to say his latest one was overdue, but he's just been so ill for the last couple of weeks. So, I made the offer, rather than demanding we go to the hospital. But... he said he'd go to the hospital! So, off we went. It was a cold morning but bright. We got to the hospital and joined the ENORMOUS group of people waiting for blood tests. Normally, we're only waiting for 10-20 minutes but today it was over an hour. One of the other people said they were going to complain, but I'm not sure what the hospital can do. If that many people turn up, how can the hospital do anything about it? There were only 4 phlebotomists but 6 chairs, so drag a couple more people in...? Anyway, this year's First Lesson Learned is, beware the Christmas backlog :D

I had three play sessions on DAV, today. Mostly side stuff, including delving even further into Solas' memories. I'm particularly enjoying poking into all the nooks and crannies in all the areas. And eavesdropping on conversations between my companions :D

And I'm also reading Mansfield Park! Which means I haven't left a very long gap in between my JA re-reads. It's been a while since I read the Narniad (I think...), and DEFINITELY a while since I read through the Anne books. Maybe Anne should be next. I'm also reading a CS Lewis apologetic - Miracles. Like The Problem of Pain, it assumes you can 'prove' God, that you can argue God's existence through logic - which just doesn't make sense. As someone who believes in God, I find it logical to see God in all things and all people, but I don't think you can come at it from the other direction. Richard Rohr would argue that all things and all people are in God, since God IS all of existence, and Lewis says something about miracles being part of existence, rather than outside it...? I think...? But again, you need to be looking at the world from that perspective. But I think Rohr's point is that we're all part of existence, whether or not we recognise God, and we all need to work together for the good of everyone - which I think is something more people can get behind.

My new character (tentatively named Nova, from the Latin for 'nine' - but the Greek ennea is prettier) has also been making herself felt. I'm pretty sure she's a seer and has been raised by the 'temple' (not sure what the exact religious structures are for her culture, at the moment), who are best placed to help her develop her gift. Her society is definitely matriarchal, and worship some form of earth mother goddess - possibly a goddess of death as well as life, but recognising death as a natural part of life rather than something to be feared. Her great aunt (grandmother's eldest sister) is the head of the family, but not of the community. Not sure if they're nomadic.

Anyway, final prayers and then back to poor little Fanny Price, who is about to be asked to join in with some amateur theatrics!