Well, as I sit here and type, I revel in the fact that I am down to my final two days of classes. I can't believe it's already December, yet as I look back at the beginning of the semester, it seems so long ago. The Christmas season is definitely here, as Ball State got it's first real snow of the season a few nights ago. I've included a picture of Sursa Hall under a few inches of snow below. Another indicator of the season is the music. Everywhere you go, holiday music is playing, and I couldn't be happier. This is definitely my favorite season despite the cold. Whenever that first snow gets here, I'm in the best of moods. Along with the holiday music, holiday performances really pick up. I've already performed at two holiday gigs with the Cardinal 5, the a cappella group in which I sing, with 5 more on the schedule in the next week and a half. A few nights ago we sang in the Alumni Center atrium for a student affairs gathering, then last night the group was in downtown Muncie at White River Landing Restaurant to sing for a gathering of the Optimist Club. I had never been to (let alone heard of) the restaurant, and all I can say is that I was very impressed. The food was great as was the atmosphere. Today is a busy day for us as well, as we are singing for a chili dinner downtown, then have a recording session with the University Singers, and directly following that another performance downtown at the Horizon Center. I'm excited for this performance because they are putting us in olden-time caroler costumes, so I can't wait to see what we turn out to be! Tomorrow is a performance for a President's dinner at the Alumni Center once again, which is similar to the gig we had in Carmel a while ago.

Next week, a few performances here and there will close out our semester, and Christmas break will be here. Other than these performances, finals week isn't looking too shabby. A final on Monday, a speech on Wednesday, and two finals Friday morning. My difficult one (music history, of course) is on Friday, so I couldn't be happier that I have all week to study for it. Outside of finals, I'm hoping the week will run smoothly. As for Christmas break, some family time, a possible trip to Chicago, and just some R&R are (haha, say that a few times fast) in store.

In closing, as promised, here is a picture of Ball State's first snow. Hope you enjoy the season as much as I do!