Well I'm back in Jersey after flying back last night from Devcon08. While my visit to Chicago was short, in a large part due to 5.5 hr delays in Newark Sunday night, I managed to have a great trip. I was able to meet up with old friends and contacts and make some new ones. Sorry Ina that I didn't have time to meet up live, hopefully next year.
Unfortunately the trip didn't end on a good note. Upon entering the airport I discovered my Samsung i-760 mobile PDA was not in my pocket. After scrambling to cancel accounts and using a lame wifi connection at the airport I discovered once again that I was delayed by continental. It started with the usual O'Hare delays then Continental fessed up and told us the fuel gauge was busted on the plane. But hey you should be happy because we are giving out FOOD VOUCHERS. The stampede ensued to the counter including lots of arguments and griping. After 45 minutes I strolled over even though I wasn't hungry since I had woofed down a McDonalds extra value meal. In order to stick it to Continental I decided to use the $12 meal voucher on some barley and hops. I headed over to Chilli's and ordered a Sam Adams and handed the tender my coupon. "Sorry sir its not valid on Alcohol...." Damn continental screwing me again i thought. All of sudden the chap sitting next to me is like I'll buy his beer, thanks Christopher Pyle from Ascent Media. He turns to me and is like "I'll do anything to stick it to the airlines", I was like ok thanks. Handed him my voucher to apply to his meal and we were both happy with the trade.
As I'm strolling back to the gate I hear my name on the intercom. Hmm did I just win the lottery and get upgraded???? "Matt Williams please report to e92 immediately your plane is leaving". Friggin continental again, told me to be back at 9:00 and I was 15 minutes early and they were ready to ditch me. Got on as the door closed, lots of angry stares from the entire plane, and a really pissed off woman who was sitting in my seat and thought it was hers cause I was a no show. HA! She wasn't pleased about sitting in the middle seat and kept squirming the entire flight encroaching on my space, killing any chance at a nap. Arrived back at lovely Newark at 12:30 am and home by 1:30 am. What a lousy end to a couple of fun, intense days.