Mr. K and I had a town day today, spurred by having to take my car in to the dealer for its 90 thousand mile service appointment. As it worked out, we dropped it off twenty minutes before the first showing of the day of The Rise of Skywalker at the movie theater in the mall across the street, so off we went (our other option was having lunch and then going to see Frozen 2, but I am not at all afraid of getting spoiled for that one, so Star Wars it was.

 
People, I cried so much. I cried because I am susceptible to emotional manipulation, especially when accompanied by a John Williams score. I cried because I miss Space Mom. I cried because I no longer have so many decades ahead of me as I did when I saw the first Star Wars in 1977 (while I was at band camp in Iowa City; the trumpet player from home on whom I had an unrequited crush organized the outing). I cried because of a bit of fan service that’s probably been roundly dismissed as pandering by critics both amateur and professional. I left the theater feeling wrung out and now, hours later, my eyes still feel puffy. I’m glad we went.

*****
On this date in 2018: When All Else Fails, Scenery
2017: December Progress Report
2016: Facing the Forecast
2015: Icy
2014: Temptation at the Thrift Shop
2013: Little Karen
2012: Sock Monkey Tries Five Guys
in 2011: Sock Monkeys Redecorate
2010: Sock Monkey Goes Grocery Shopping
2009: Gadgetry
2008: Twilight, The Movie
2007: Fitter
2006: Chilly Afternoon Out
2005: Triplets
2004: Vacation Paddling
2003: Pikachu Loves Me, At Least for Now
2002: Lost Weekend