Merry Christmas Ladles and Gentlespoons, 

I hope you have all had a fantastic day. For me, I spent the day alone. Which was somewhat my own choice, but also not. In all honesty, it’s been fine, I’ve been playing with Linux on android with emulation. I’m running into some bugs trying to get things running, so, I need to root the phone. But that is a task for tomorrow. 

This is the first Christmas update from me, but I wanted to spend a little time thanking everyone. First of all everyone who has folded in the last year, to those who help run the events and obviously those who donate prizes. You are very much appreciated. I would also like to give thanks to those who have become friends, and especially the ones who have supported me over the last year. 

November ended up being a record-setting month for TeamLTT. Thanks to Folding Month VII motivating so many to join we have a new record month of 101,482,497,135 points. But, I feel with the inevitable launch of RTX 5000, it won’t remain the record for long! So far this year we have produced 590,868,556,964 points from 2,112,426 Work Units. A massive contribution to the vital science that we are facilitating. 

This year, for the first time we had four Folding events, and you all did spectaculary. With the usual names showing up again and again for events this year. Justaphf has continued to dominate the team overall, being the first, and so far only TeamLTT folder to pass 80 billion points. Despite being the top of the ranks, he hasn’t slowed down, so it seems, he is likely to be the first person to pass 100 billion points for the team. Not long ago Gorgon passed 60 billion points, and Mxyzptlk is likely to pass that mark before years end. Dutchy_|(Folding name, forum name unknown) is the lowest ranked active person to qualify for a diamond badge, all the way down in 128th place. Almost 400 people have passed the billion point mark under TeamLTT, which is proof of the comunity’s dedication to helping others, potentially even people who have not been born yet. 

Although it is *only* Christmas, it’s unlikely I’ll be doing another blog here before the next event. So I would like to talk about my year. Going back to a year ago, Christmas 2023, I was incredibly hollow, filled with anxiety, and worry, and deep sadness. I weighed 127.9KG, I was unmotivated and honestly, I wasn’t even living. But most of that has changed, I’m actually quite happy for the most part. I’ve lost 33.2KG and I’m under 95 for the first time in many years. I’m more active, even if it is limited, I get out of the house. I even went to meet new people yesterday. 

It’s amazing what a little medication can do when you find the right one. But, I’m also aware it is not only medication. It has taken a tremendous amount of effort on my part to get to where I am. Usually I wouldn’t bring it up. But, I don’t want to give people the false impression that all of their problems can be fixed with a pill. I’ve invested a great amount of time into self-reflection, into healing, and into growing. I have attended AA meetings regularly and worked the program. I’ve taken on learning new skills, I’ve pushed myself, most days. Because, at some point, one has to realise that the biggest barrier is oneself. 

Medication for mental health, ADHD and other similar conditions give you the tools you need to cope. Without them, I would have not been able to push myself, but at the end of the day. Once you are a adult, you are only truly responsible to yourself. How you choose to live, if you’re own choice. And, for the longest time, I chose to do very little. In part due to my mental and physical health. But also, I grew comfortable to the safety of my home. In two weeks I’m going to enroll into college, going back into education after almost a decade away. 

For me, this past year, was the year of healing. It was a time for contemplation, a time to make amends to those I have wronged. And to forgive those who have wronged me. I’m a better person for it. And next year, well that is yet to be known. But I would like it to be my year of growth. Think back over the last year, think of the things that have made you happy. The things that fill you with pride, think of the people in your life, those who make you smile. The people you like to make smile. In a week the year starts anew, so, for me, it’s time to start living, and for you all? I hope you all have a fantastic year, and I will see you to celebrate my birthday in a few weeks. 

Please ignore any spelling or gramatical issues, I decided, if I don't need to go anywhere, why not sped the day stoned(A legally prescribed product from a licensed doctor) and have, at least, a pain free Chrostmas. 

Happy folding, 

Spec