chicago recap.

#1 - Lost.
If you haven't read the ew.com recap yet, you really need to. The past few episodes have been particularly confusing, with all the time travel and "when are they now" type questions. The Doc did a good job this week of explaining the episode and all of the important time changes. He also has some particularly good insights into the characters. (Which reminds me - wtf is going on with Sun?! I love her, but who is she crossing/doublecrossing?! Where the hell is Ji Yeon? Why did she show Kate a pic of baby Ji Yeon, when she really should be about as old as Aaron??) (Also, if you haven't read The Little Prince, you really should. Not only because it shares a title with the most recent Lost episode and has many similar ideas and themes, but it is just a fantastic little book.)

#2 - What Recession?
Word to the wise - if you have the means to keep shopping during these lametastic economic times, get in your deals now while they are running rampant! M and I stayed at a fancy fancy downtown hotel in Chicago this weekend, and not only did they fall all over us to be nice and accommodating, they gave us money up the wazoo in spa, food and parking credit. At Nordstroms - same thing. At Banana Republic - same thing (ended up getting 25% off EVERYTHING I bought in one day of NEW stuff). N wanted a new down coat. She went to Macy's and found one that was already half off, marked down from like $250. Then, it was some American Heart Association day, and since she happened to be wearing red, she got another 10% off. Check out what deals are to be had, because they are out there, my friends.

#3 - Airport Weirdness.
I must have traveled on odd days this week, where the gods of travel were all napping (or out shopping). On Wednesday on my way to Chicago, I got through security in about 3 seconds. Literally. It was like the TSA agents came out that day to solely get me through security. There was NO one else there. Also, my plane got in 35 minutes early. When does that ever hapen?!
Today on the way to LGA, I was getting coffee at O'Hare and also on the phone with M. When I got the coffee, I walked over to the bar to sugar it up -

Me: Hang on a sec, Ma, I need to put the phone down to put sugar in my coffee.
Dude at Starbucks bar next to me: (Chuckle)
Me: Oh, that's ok. My mom is at a Starbucks drive through right now, so she understands.
Dude: Yea, I have that conversation with my dad just about every day. "Dad, stop talking! I need to fix my coffee!"

So, apparently we are not the only people who are so insane about coffee/Starbucks. Good news.

#4 - Lost, again.
As I've been writing this, E, goddess of Lost, has posted her The Little Price recap. I haven't read it yet, but I'm sure it's delightful and insightful. Let me know what you think.

#5 - Le Office.
One important thing about last week's episode that I doubt anyone noticed aside from me. When Andy is trying to get advice about how to woo the hot new client lady, he turns to Creed. (Big mistake, as far as I can tell. I doubt I'd rely on Creed for anything, much less relationship advice.) Creed suggests just trying to go in for a kiss, as a way to get the girl. He mentions that this is what he did to woo Squeaky Fromme. For all those who are not obsessed with cults (i.e. everyone besides me), Squeaky Fromme was one of the main chicks in the Manson Family (!!!). While she was never charged for any of the Manson murders, she was later charged and convicted of an assassintaion attempt on President Ford. She is currently serving a life sentence for this crime. Whatever conclusions you want to draw regarding Creed potentially being involved with the Manson Family (or at least its outer circle), go for it.