For the sake of family and friends, I braved Wal-Mart the day after Thanksgiving. Not feeling that I had suffered enough, I went to the mall on Saturday. I now feel the suffering.

In our house, I do all the shopping and wrapping of gifts, and Ben earns the money for them. He does also tell me that I am awesome. I think it’s just to make sure I won’t stick him with any shopping.

I am now a bit over half-way in my shopping. I also have another good quarter ordered. Everything I have gotten so far is wrapped. The annual tackifying of the house has begun. The outside is suitably gaudy. I’m getting started on the inside. I’m not really looking forward to our electric bill, but it is fun.

I now have to build my collection of annoying christmas music for work tomorrow.