Donny says the NICEST things,huh?
My schedule includes three club dates each week (where the requests POUR in)and the rest of the time I'm on one-nite-stands. Many times, TWO at a time on Saturdays and Sundays, so the regularity of the "lounge thing" is broken up every few days or so. I guess that's why I'm still sane. (subjective term?)
"Sittin' In" is a great way to learn the ropes, and I encourage it as much as possible from working (or future) musicians, but I don't get excited when the motivation is fueled by drinking.
It's a nasty part of the biz that we just have to endure ... still beats lots of other jobs I can think of !