The invitation

Mood: excited!

Wow.
I just got an invitation from the Malaysian Sociological Research Institute, to attend the launching of "On Becoming Alijah", Part1 of Dr. Alijah Gordon's memoire.
It's gonna be launched in Carcosa Seri Negara. Dr. Mahathir (Former prime minister of Malaysia, look him up) is going to be there!!
BUT
It's on a Thursday.
Should I take off work?
I am *SO* tempted. My friends say that I'd be stupid to pass up the invitation. It is the Carcosa for gawds sakes!! That's like getting invited to the Ritz Carlton or something.
I'm never gonna afford to go there on my own.. (well, actually I could, but I'm too stingy and so is my husband).
hm.. the idea of going is becoming more and more tempting.