I've been working on ideas for Thoughtful Gifts for friends (without, of course, actually buying anything--I usually do that at 4:30 pm on Christmas Eve--it's sort of a tradition of mine), keeping in mind outstanding bills & the number of presents that I'll buy for myself (thus getting the benefir of both sides of the "'tis better to give than recieve" equation.)--I had a pretty good imaginary budget worked out (involving mostly imaginary money &, in some cases, imaginary friends)

then I had to get a stupid speeding ticket on the way to work last night.

dang.