I clearly remember last year's announcement that YearlyKos '07 was going to be right here in beautiful Chicago, the only hometown I've had for 40 years.

I was so excited!

I registered a couple of months ago. $300 was a bit steep, but I could swing it this year. I mean, talk about a layup: McCormick place is about 20 minutes from my house. I had it all planned out: I'd live there. I'd delurk. I'd meet everyone.

And then a bunch of funny things happened on the way to the convention...