Off to Chicago this weekend. Have I told you that yet?

Tonight we watched Top Chef, which, along with America's Next Top Model, is the default television show for our Wednesday night get-together, now that Project Runway is off the air.

I usually spend most of America's Next Top Model drinking and compiling proof that Tyra is a racist, which she is. Except for Markie, everyone was off doing stuff tonight, or something, so the get-together was very old school. But Markie is a fellow lush, so it all worked out.

It's nice to have this night waiting for me right in the middle of the week.

When the decibel level in the room reaches a certain point, I find it hard to care about Top Chef: suggestions for an alternate show are welcome. Jenna has entered that realm that my dad lives in, the one without any free time at all, and says she won't get caught up on Lost before February, so that's out.

(Still: A "Lost Returns" party on February 7th, our place? I imagine — nay, I promise — tasty tropical drinks and island decorations.)

I'll have to check the listings.

One thing is clear though: as I said to Jenna tonight, "We need to drink more."

The frequency of booze-related posts notwithstanding, drinking is not an especially important part of my life. Still, I certainly find my life far too devoid of drinking games and fun drinking outings (the easiest and often only kind of outing available once you reach a certain age, kids).

Partially, it's because I usually put off work and end up at my computer until 9 or 10; partially, it's lack of funds. Whatever the reason, there's a lack. Thank goodness I'll be seeing the Strategist, my old grad school drinking buddy, in a matter of days.