Christmas is coming!

It's been a little crazy here over the last couple of weeks as the term winds down and people get ready for Christmas. There have been numerous formal events, theater shows, musical performances, plus having to finish all the school work before Christmas.

Three of my friends are here on Rotary Scholarships and there was a formal Rotary ball last night. I ended up going with my friend F. It started with a drink reception, then moved into a dinner and was finished by a traditional scottish dance (ceilidh, pronounced K-A-L-EE). It was great fun. I got to talk with lots of very nice Scottish men who reminded me of my Grandpa, learn some interesting information about my town, and learn some crazy scottish dances (kind of like square dancing but not). It was an extremely formal affair with men in tuxes (although most were in kilts) and women in evening wear. I had a lot of fun. It was like being at a wedding except everyone stayed till the very end (about 1:00am). The Scots sure know how to throw a party.

I go back to Canada in a week for Christmas holidays and am trying to get a bunch of stuff done. My latest big project is sorting out funding for next year. Not a very fun time. I hate looking for money and trying to convince people to give it to me but I guess I'll have to get use to it since that is the life of academia. I've been a little sick all week and yesterday I lost my voice. It hasn't yet come back and it's been really hard for me. I hate not being able to join in discussions. I'm heading off to bed now and hopefully I'll get before the carol service tomorrow.