...I have to laugh when I look back at last Saturday because it was quite a disaster of a day. I decided to book a room at The James Hotel - which seems to be getting a lot of positive press as one of the new interesting places to stay. And I'm one interested in trying new places. Face it, the Sofitel is $235 and while the views are nice - it's definitely one of those 'been there; done it' places. I booked the James for $199 and flew in Saturday morning at 735am on UA. Once on the plane - having almost fallen asleep driving to the airport - I checked my pocket and located my Blackberry. It was going off like a rocket - yet I hadn't heard it or been awake enough to pay attention.

Then my boss called after the door was closed. He needed me to come in to work right away - Saturday morning at 730am...which while was unusual - it wasn't out of the realm of reality for me. I explained my situation and then sulked in my seat. A work emergency was important and I'm well enough compensated to deal with these things. So, as soon as I arrived at ORD, I went to get my luggage and decided to re-book and return on the next flight - leaving in 45 minutes.

The luggage wasn't coming; so I asked the agent where it was. He checked my stub and told me it didn't make the flight - it would be arriving at 10:30am. Ok, I wasn't going home without my luggage. I headed upstairs, explained my situation to the capable P1 counter staff, was rebooked [with $100 fee] and got on the next flight home. I arrived at work at 1:45pm - and spent the next seven hours there. I was able, however, to pick up a copy of the Tribune and Sun Times so not all was wasted.

My luggage was hand delivered Sunday evening at 8:30pm at my downtown loft - and the service was actually quite good. The baggage rep called from the airport, said he'd be there in 45 minutes; and then about 45 minutes later - said he'd be outside in one minute. I went down, tipped him, signed for my luggage [properly re-tagged with Star Gold Priority!] and went back upstairs to watch the Amazing Race - my personal version finally finished for the weekend.