But is it all worth it?

It's a free day here at Domus Aluminus. With a day off from the pickle factory, I hit Mallville for some last-minute shopping opportunities. Awful traffic. Awful people. I did what I had to do, and then I got out. Back to the mansion to finish chipping ice from my driveway on this unexpectedly warm and sunny day.

Tonight, it's a party at the home of the brine supervisor. With a designated driver to safely convey me home, it would be very tempting to overindulge in keeping with the excess of the holiday period. But instead, I'm working the Bob Cratchit shift at the pickle plant on Saturday so I'll have to keep intake to a more moderate level. Not that I've ever been a particularly good boozer, anyway. I think it would be impossible for me to become an alcoholic because of the awful way I usually feel the next day even after moderate alcohol poisoning. So no big loss.

Tomorrow, it's likely dinner with the heiress after work, followed by the presentation and opening of extravagent gifts. It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Giving a listen to one of my all-time favorite CDs.