On Friday we were asked to raise our hands if we planned to work between Christmas and New Year's. And only I raised my hand! Everybody was laughing, and I had to excuse myself and say I don't have any more vacation days. They said I should bring electric slippers with myself and warm clothes.

My plans for New Year's Eve: watching tv under a blanket, eating Würstchen (mit Senf) and sandwiches with pickles. Bözs said if he can't manage to gather enough people for a party at his house, he's going to drink on his own, make a mess and call the police on the neighbors.

This is the mother of my grandma, in 1929.