Ok, we watched a bit more of the third movie of The Lord of the Rings, and so far, here’s what’s happening. The story really feels like it’s reaching a turning point, where everything that’s been building over the last two movies is finally coming together. There’s a heaviness to it now, the journey feels more difficult, the choices feel more costly, and you can sense how close everyone is to the end of what they started. Watching it unfold, I’m noticing how much the tone has shifted from adventure to survival, and how each character seems changed by what they’ve already been through.
Things definitely feel like they’ve taken on that power of friendship vibe, the sense that individual strength isn’t enough on its own.
Frodo, Sam, and Gollum (The Ring Story)
* Frodo and Sam are deep in Mordor, trying to reach Mount Doom.
* Gollum pretends to help them. However, he is secretly planning to reclaim the Ring.
* He deliberately guides them to Shelob, a giant spider, in hopes she will kill Frodo.
* Shelob attacks Frodo, and Sam thinks Frodo is dead.
* Sam takes the Ring to finish the mission, but Frodo is actually alive.
* Sam rescues Frodo
Gondor and the War (The Human Story)
* Gandalf and Pippin go to Minas Tirith, the capital of Gondor.
* Denethor, the steward, is unstable and despairing.
* Sauron’s army attacks Minas Tirith in a massive battle.
* Rohan arrives to help, led by King Théoden.
* Théoden is killed, but Rohan turns the tide.
* Aragorn arrives with the Army of the Dead, which overwhelms Sauron’s forces.
I’m finishing up baking the rest of the chocolate chip cookies today. I still had some extra cookie dough hanging out in the fridge, so I figured I might as well use it up. Once that’s done, I need to run up to the store to grab a few things for carnitas tonight. It made me laugh because the kids just had Taco Bell, and then I told them we’re having tacos for dinner. Somehow, they’re still completely on board with more tacos, which honestly feels very on-brand for them.
Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve, and I’ll be spending most of the day over at a friend’s house, so I’m not sure if I’ll get around to writing at all. Still, if I happen to find a quiet moment to myself, I might try to put together a small post. Karissa thought about asking if she could come along, but ultimately decided not to. She wanted to stay home and keep an eye on the animals, worried that the fireworks might scare them.
I just got back from the store and picked up everything we need for dinner tonight and for another night.
This year felt full in a quiet, steady way. I spent a lot of time focused on my family, everyday routines, and getting through busy seasons one step at a time. Therapy played an important role in helping me understand myself better and connect the past to how I react in the present. There were moments of overwhelm, but also comfort in small things. As the year comes to a close, I feel more grounded than I did at the start, even if I’m still figuring things out.
Travels
1. In June, we took a trip to California to see my mom.
2. In August, we left a week before our cruise to visit London and France.
3. On our cruise, we visited Scotland, Liverpool, Ireland, and Northern Ireland.
4. In October, Tommy and I took a trip to Los Alamos to take some photography of the caldera.
Favorites
1. Favorite anime this year has to be Dan da Dan. It sucks that their third season won’t be up until 2027.
2. I don’t listen to music much. I plan to listen to more next year. I listened to lo-fi songs and gaming music while I study, and my favorite this year is Final Fantasy XI The Grand Duchy of Jeuno. I finally got the orchestrian roll in Final Fantasy XIV to play in my character’s house.
3. Favorite movie has to be what I’m watching right now, Lord of the Rings.
4. Since I like stationery, I will list a few favorites.
* Pen this year goes to Kaweco Classic Sport Fountain Pen – Green – Fine Nib.
* Fountain pen ink is Endless Alchemy Mystic Forest Ink. I haven’t been able to use it yet, though it’s my favorite color.
* Planner is the Hobonichi Weeks. I have been using Hobonichi for about four years now.
5. New Kindle Paperwhite. I wonder if I can hit my goal of reading 26 books next year.
6. Sony noise-canceling headphones. I’ve had these for years. Always travel with it.
7. Best scent was the Lattafa Eclaire for Women perfume.
8. Best drink was the Bahama Mama that I had on the cruise ship. But Coke Zero is still my favorite.
9. Upgraded my backpack to the Baggallini Soho Backpack. Got a really good deal at Costco.
10. Favorite hair product is Ouai Leave-In Conditioner. I’ve been through a few bottles this year.
11. Favorite book this year was The Third Gilmore Girl.
I think this wraps up the year.
