I'm Back, I think

If you haven't noticed, the posts have been sparse the last two weeks. Well, there is a very good explanation for this. Last week was the final week of the first quarter at school, so I was busy trying to get caught up with work (both my and students' work). Well, this week, grades were due on Wednesday, so obviously, I spent my few spare minutes at work doing grades, rather than posting to this blog. Well, grades are in, all of last quarter's work is done, so now I may have more time to blog.

Just a few random thoughts

Last Friday, my wife and I went to the opera at the Alberta Bair Theatre. The opera, La Traviata, was quite fascinating. We sat in the front row. My favorite part was examining things like the set, the costumes, the orchestra, etc. I also enjoyed trying to figure out what the heck was being sung. I was able to figure out a few of those Italian words, but not enough. The nice thing about the Rimrock Opera Theatre is that for those newbies they have a basic translation projected above the stage. Granted, it was difficult for my wife and I to see the projection at times, but it was very useful.

Well, our x-mas shopping is almost complete. We have just a few small gifts to get for some family members and then we will be done. Boy does it feel nice to be almost done. On the other hand, I have just started shopping for my wife's presents. My only problem is trying to find hiding spots for them so she won't find them. Presently, the best hiding spot is at school.

Lastly, I am just giddy with anticipation about the upcoming 4th novel of A Song of Ice and Fire, A Feast for Crows. Hopefully, my copy will arrive shortly after next Tuesday. I'm almost done listening to the audio book version. I've been listening to it because it has been 5 years since the last book came out. I've heard many good things about the book. Problem is, I frequent a few posting boards, and well, all the topics have spoilers about the book. Those darn brits (and those Americans that couldn't wait for the U.S. version)! They got the book first, and they are just tempting me to read the spoilers to ruin my enjoyment when I do get my hands on the book. Hopefully, I will remain busy enough that I won't have time to view those spoiler topics. Hopefully.