Yesterday, someone responded to my most recent blog, in which I published an abridged account of my Christmas shopping expedition, with the following comment:

Last night's blog post was the most erotic and tantalizing thing I've ever seen in my life. There's nothing sexier or more maddening than keeping vital information from people.

Little did I know that I could increase the appeal of my activities simply by leaving out crucial descriptions. If I become more inscrutable, perhaps people will find me even more attractive.

Note to self: look into this.

I also received my first Christmas gift: a replica of the One Ring from the Lord of the Rings. The ring is gold with elvish writing and comes with its own display stand, which glows a mystical red when touched. I adore it. Rob got one, too. I say "replica," but actually, I was told in confidence that it is the real Ring of Power. I had suspected this was the case when Goblin started referring to it as "my precious."

I had planned a journey to Maryland and Florida during my holiday vacation; it seems I will be making a slight detour through the evil land of Mordor (a.k.a. Tennessee) instead.