Sunday.

Catholic: At Mass this morning we heard the Gospel of Mark 1:29-39 . In it, Jesus went to the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Simon's mother in law was sick with a fever and Jesus took her by the hand, out of bed, and the fever left her. Then all evening people of the area who were ill or afflicted with demons were brought to Jesus to be healed. He called the demons out of people, but the Gospel says he did not let them speak, for the demons knew who he was. The next day, Jesus went for a walk alone in the desert to pray and Simon and his companions came and told him everybody was searching for him. At that point Jesus said that he came to spead the Word to the people of Gallilee, so they should go do it. Then Jesus went throughout Gallilee speading the message and healing people.
I think the most interesting part of this Gospel for me was when it spoke of Jesus casting out the demons but not letting them speak, for they knew who he was. We discussed this after Mass this morning and I agree with what Mrs. Kuester said; the demons knew that Jesus was God, because Satan knew God, and perhaps it was not in Jesus' plan yet to let the people know he was God, so he didn't let the demons speak because he didn't want them to call attention to that fact.
I like how it speaks of Jesus going alone to the desert to pray. It is a good reminder for us that we need to have time alone with God- even Jesus did!- and that it's good to find a quiet place where we can have peace and quiet with the Lord.

Politics: "I am entitled to my entitlement." http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/02/04/dingwall-compensation-060204.html
The story I read today is from the CBC, regarding David Dingwall's severance package. I don't have much to say about this...well, actually, I have a LOT to say but it would mostly be raving about how ridiculous this is. Dingwall was FIRED because of his abuse of spending, so they gave him a bunch MORE money? Does that makes sense to you? Personally, I think his "entitlement" money should be everything he sucked out of the government with his lavish expense account. Oh well.. another arrogant Liberal out. You were "entitled to you entitlement", Mr Dingwall? You sound like a spoiled child. Well, you got it. You're lucky, you got while the gettin' was good, because I bet Stephen Harper won't put up with that kind of crap. It's federal accountability time, tory-style.

Art: Just a short blurb on art today, and not such much artists thems but actually creating art. Here is a link to a great resource site for watercolour painters. http://www.watercolorpainting.com/. I paint watercolour and have found this to be useful. Nice tips on brush control, technique, etc.

Music: I am giddy about the (still slight) possibility of going to Ruisrock this summer. Seeing HIM live in Finland would be so amazing. That is nearly the musical equivilant of going to the Vatican and meeting the Pope. NEARLY. Apparently 69Eyes are playing this year as well. http://www.ruisrock.fi/index_en.php I would recommend checking out their music.

Books: Being the bookworm that I am, and trying to be well-rounded in my learning, I currently have on the go: reading the Bible from start to finish for my Bible study, reading a book on the Billings Method (natural birth control) for my own education, reading Canadian History for Dummies to brush up on my key people and dates. Before I start school I also want to read Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office and start brushing up on my Japanese in my spare time. Of course once classes start I'll mainly be reading textbooks and doing Bible study and won't have quite as much time for other reading until Christmas break.

School/Work: I thought we were going to fall down a cliff yesterday! I'm doing some renovation work with my husband and dad up on Glenn Mountain in Abbotsford, in a house that is built on stilts, hanging over the cliff. Here I am tiling the sunroom and looking out at the tremendous storm we are having (so rainy and windy that Al was having the piece of plywood blow up in his face while he was trying to cut it) and hearing things rattle around outside. I don't think it's a great idea to build a house on the edge of a cliff- I'll take nice solid rock and NOT tempt fate.
Last night I had my first Stampin' Up! downline meeting where I learned some great new techniques and had the opportunity to meet most of the other girls in my line. It was fun. I am really excited and selling Stampin' Up! and hosting some workshops and classes.

Life: I have been pretty sick the last few days- my asthma has really been bothering me. I took a bit of extra ventilin though and have been carrying Halls with me everywhere. Unfortunately because of my asthma when I get these dry hacking coughs and tickles in my throat I can't take any type of cough syrup or medicine as they can mask the signs of an asthma attack and that is a big health risk. Lots of tea and lozenges for me! On Friday night I coughed so hard that I brome blood vessels around my eyes. It's starting to heal now though (and makeup does a good job of hiding it.) I am noticing a huge improvement today.
Al's parents are coming over for coffee tonight so I should go get my butt moving and vaccum my house!