Anaheim Comic-Con: Day 3

Last day...we finally got to sleep in. Again, H4773r didn't have to be at the Armor-Geddon booth til 1pm. We grabbed "brunch" at the Carl's Jr. by the hotel. As a note, they don't serve "grilled cheese" when you ask for it. They will however, serve a Famous Star with cheese, sans burger. Same damn thing in my opinion, but whatevs.We made it to the con and I was...confused. All the fan tables were pretty much devoid of fans. For a moment I thought maybe everyone had packed up early and went home. Turns out since a bunch of the celebrities weren't going to be there on Sunday, the fan tables were allowed to move to the celebrity tables.

I couldn't find Kryssie anywhere. I was told by the Orange County Star Wars Society that she was out on the floor networking. So while I waiting I finally did some shopping. New microns from Blick, Creepy Susie & 13 Other Tragic Tales for Troubled Children by Angus Oblong, a copy of The Maxx vol. 4 by Sam Keith, a copy of Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman, and a copy of The Devil's Panties vol. 4 by Jennie Breeden. I really wanted Nigel Sade to sign by his strip, but I just ran out of time to find him.

When I finally found Kryssie she mentioned that she was going to spend the rest of the con networking and since we no longer had a booth I just took the day off. I hung out a

round the Armor-Geddon booth serving as back up when people kept coming by to take photos of H4773r's co-worker C.J. (she was dressed as Morrigan, sans wings). I think we've decided

that for future cons we're all going to try and co-ordinate cosplay outfits.

"Lunch" was procured from the Baja Fresh (I love burritos!).

As the con wound down I was able to help Armor-Geddon break down the booth. And here's where I get annoyed. Armor-Geddon paid to have people help us load. So we start breaking down the booth and are going through it pretty fast and we have no sign of the boxes that were supposed to have been saved. I go looking for someone to ask about what's going on. There was no one around for about 10 minutes. I finally find a guy who tells me that they're delivering the boxes right now. I go back and finish help breaking everything down. We're nearly done and still haven't seen any sign of our boxes. So N.B.L. goes to talk to someone. And, of course, our boxes were thrown away. So now what? They eventually let N.B.L. drive her van into the con hall and we loaded everything ourselves. So not complete bullshit, but definitely annoying. We really could've been done about 1-2 hours earlier.

When we finally got everything loaded out H4773r and I decided to spend one last night at Downtown Disney. We had dinner at the Rainforest Cafe and saw Rio at the Disney AMC theaters.

Tomorrow we get to sleep in a bit before hitting the long road home. I had quite a bit of fun at this con and wouldn't mind coming again in the future.

Anaheim Comic-Con: Day 2

Today has been a pretty damn awesome day. Since H4773r didn't need to be at the Armor-Geddon booth until 1pm we decided to take a trip to Disneyland. It meant another early morning, but I love Disney so it was worth it. We went on our favorite main rides and met up with a friend for lunch. Somehow I missed this gem in the all the years I went to Disney. We sing this song all the time around the theatre.

Since today was the main day and the D20 Girls would be helping with the costume contest (both the children's and adults) later I dressed in the only costume I brought-C0n FaIry! I met another D20 Girl-Crumpet and someone else that Kryssie would be interviewing, GNB Cosplay. I did use today to get a few pics of the cosplayers around. After being at the booth for a bit we finally made our way upstairs to judge the cosplay. Actually we weren't even sure if we were judging the cosplay. We had so little knowledge on what we were actually supposed to do: judge? M.C.? or both? When we got upstairs there was still a bit of confusion. Wizard World wanted us to do both, as there were only 3 of us D20 Girls we trying to figure out who would M.C., who would judge and who would kid rangle. Then the Winner twins showed up. Apparently they would help with the judging as well. Cool. So Kryssie M.C.'d, Crumpet kid rangled, and I helped with judging along with the twins.

I'm going put this out right now: I had no clue who the Winner twins were. I just knew they had booth in the celebrity section and had books they were selling. I actually like it this way. Then I don't fan girl over people and can actually concentrate on what I'm supposed to be doing.

Here's video that Wizard World did of the contest.

After the children's costume contest we took a small break to re-group and get ready for the adult's contest. We knew that Jason C. Miller (yet another celebrity I knew nothing about) would be helping us and we figured that Kryssie would M.C. again and Crumpet and I would help with judging. Then as we were dicussing with Wizard World staff how we'd run the adult contest we learned that the hosts of Down the Road Show would take care of the M.C. work. Kryssie was able to join us for the judging. We had a great time with everyone and I would love to do it again.

After the costume contest ended H4773r and I booked it back to Disney to get some use out of our passes. We had a great, but exhausting day.

Anaheim Comic-Con: Day 1

Another early day for us. Breakfast at the McDonald's by Disneyland followed by setting up the Amor-Geddon booth. We only had the one booth space, which is a 10x10. But it still took the three of us (myself, H4773r, and N.B.L.) about 4 hours to get everything into place.

My biggest complaint about the setup was the lack of lighting. We're using our knives to open boxes as well as displaying items with sharp points and working in very dim lighting. They didn't actually turn on the main lights until about 30 minutes before the con hall opened.

Also, it felt like we were in forgotten land. We left the boxes out on the floor because we were told they'd be picked up. And the ones we wanted saved would also be picked up. No one ever from the union actually came around to pick anything up. One of the custodial ladies came by and asked us if the boxes were trash and took them. The save for boxes we had to take to the union people.

After set-up H4773r and I went to get lunch. We decided on Baja Fresh, which is located in the Hilton's "food court." Their food court also includes Starbucks, Just Grillin, Submarina, S'Barro, and Mix Restaurant. This is slightly better than paying for con food, where prices range from $2-$5 for snacks and $4.25 (hot dogs) - $9.50 (pizza) for actual food.

After food H4773r and I had an extended break. I decided to catch up on my internet stuff. Internet options for the Anaheim Convention Center include free wifi, exhibitor wifi ($99.95/day), and pay-for wifi. Since it's impossible to sign onto the free internet I wound up walking all the way back to the McDonald's for wifi signal. (If anyone knows of anything closer, please do tell.)

I finally had the chance to walk around the hall right as it opened. The space is actually pretty small, to me. I'd compare it to slightly larger then the Fanime vendor room at the San Jose Convention Center.

I did spend some time assisting H4773r and N.B.L. at the Armor-Geddon booth until Kryssie arrived. Since I knew she would be alone and I wanted to get to know her and more about the D20 Girls Project, I wandered over to her table and pretty much spent the rest of my evening hanging out with her.

I'll admit I felt pretty undressed in comparison to Kryssie. She was dressed as Typhoid Mary and I...well I was wearing a cute skirt, a "Kick Ass" comic shirt, and boots. I just ran out of time to pull together a decent cosplay outfit.

The hall was only open from 5p-9p on Friday, but it felt like a ridiculously long day. I also didn't see any panels because I was at the D20 booth all evening.

Before calling it a night H4773r and I grabbed dinner at the Denny's right across from Disneyland. I really like this Denny's. The customer service is fast and great.

Anaheim Comic-Con: Day 0

So we were supposed to leave at 5am this morning. Yeah, that didn't happen. Long story short: someone broke into Armor-Geddon and The Ninja Boss Lady (N.B.L.) had to take care of business before we could leave town. Since I was already awake I took the extra time I had to go running. By the time I came home, showered, ate breakfast, and checked my feeds everything was better and we could finally leave town.

I always forget how long the drive is and how sick(motion sickness) I get. I made it all the way to the Tejon hills before my body started giving out. The last few hours to Anaheim were pure torture. And we kept running into traffic due to car accidents.

By the time we made it the Anaheim convention center were pretty much out of time to unload, not to mention N.B.L. hadn't arrived yet. H4773r and I went to get our badges so we could unload the few items he had in his car but we were denied because N.B.L. still owed a balance. We managed to still get out the few items H4773r had in his car and were about to leave when we found out N.B.L. was pulling in with van. We just managed to get our badges and then had just enough time to unload the van before the hall shutdown. Actually the hall stayed open just a bit later so we could unload. So thankful.

H4773r and I decided to get dinner in Downtown Disney and then discussed whether or not we'd actually try to spend any money/time in Disneyland. Since we're working most of the time I didn't want to spend a lot of money on 2- or 3-day passes. We finally decided on a 1-day pass for Saturday since we start working later and the park will still be open after the con closes. After dinner we wandered a bit and then made our way to Irvine, which is where our hotel is.

The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Irvine is beautiful and even though it's a drive away, it's not too far. The rest of the evening was spent unwinding from the long day.

I'm super exhausted and can't wait to sleep. We have another long day ahead tomorrow.

S.G.I.S. Con V

(Image courtesy of Willow San)

So, one of the cons I "attend" is actually one we host. A quick background to about this "con." H4773r decided in 2005 that they're wasn't enough con action happening in January. In order to rectify this he suggested that we throw a con to celebrate his birthday (seriously). This is now our 5th year hosting said con/party. It varies from 15-25 of friends and friends of friends. Now, that's out of the way let's get to business.

First, here's the latest guest list:

1. The Epyon Avenger
2. LisaLisa
3. Rabbit
4. Speckley
5. F3rr3t
6. F3rr3t's gf
7. Alvin
8. Matt
9. Kristina
10. Jenyne

11. Dana

12. Dana's fiance

13. Jordan Explosion
14. Pending payment-Sexy Chris
15. Pending payment-Twilight

16. Pending payment-Mar Mar

17. Pending payment-Lil Jon

Now the question on everyone's mind: Bed Situation!

There are exactly 3 beds (this does not include loose mattresses in the loft). The beds are a queen bed and a bunk bed set in the Master bedroom. That is it, peeps. Sorry. So you can arrive as early as 9am Friday and beds are first come, first serve. We will not hold beds for you. There is enough room in the master bedroom to add an inflatable mattress. There is also some room in the loft for another inflatable mattress. Otherwise it's whatever floor space on the ground floor level you can find. We do have more couples coming this time so beware. Also, we have limited bedding supplies so do bring your own pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, etc.

Food: (This post is mainly for the newcomers)

We feed you essentially 3 main meals a day. And we provide some drinks. However, if there's a special snack you like or energy drink you want you'll need to bring your own. That also goes for alcohol. There is a full grocery store nearby the cabin that also sells alcohol, as well as everything else you'd need, but it's ridiculously over-priced. Also our theme this year is Tea Party. So we encourage everyone to bring their favorite tea to share, and possibly a few teapots as well. We would like to schedule a daily tea time if possible.

Schedule: is just as loose as before. Drinking will mostly likely commence on Friday night and continue on Saturday night. I believe most will want to go to the snow sometime on Saturday. There will be a D&D game, mostly roll a character on Friday and play Saturday and Sunday. Also we'll be celebrating H4773r's birthday Saturday night instead of Sunday because he has a WoW raid on Sunday (priorities, right?)

Last note, we have always stressed that birthday presents are not necessary. That the monies, which contribute to food and heat, and company are plenty. But, if anyone is feeling extra generous H4773r and T1nk would not mind if someone got us an actual tea pot, as brewing one cup at a time sucks.

We can't wait to see everyone! Please, please call us or email us or facebook us immediately if you have any questions.

The January List

Unfortunately the con I will be attending this month is S.G.I.S. Con. Registration is now open!

However there are some great cons coming up this month, that hopefully someday I'll get to attend.

Anime Los Angeles, January 7-9

Gina Biggs who writes "Red String" is one of my faves to look out for at this con. She is so sweet in person.

Sac-Anime, January 7-9

I spent 5 years living in Sacramento. Be sure to stop by "Old Town" and take in the tourist-y sites.

Amazing Arizona Comic Con, 8-9

This con appears to have a great guest line up, particularly "The Walking Dead" guests.. Again, I've never been and would use this con as opportunity to check out Arizona.

Albuquerque Comic Con, January 15-16

I'll be honest, I had no idea New Mexico held a comic-con event. I think I'd like to go sometime and get my comic geek on, as well as take in some sights.

Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, January 29-30

Wizard World hosts 18 comic cons throughout the year. While I've never attended a con hosted by Wizard, I can't imagine that aside from the venue/atmosphere around the venue the cons really differ much in programming/set-up. They do have a great selection of guests and have local fan clubs as well.

A quick update on San Diego Comic Con:

They did a test registration on Dec. 15th which, of course, sold out. The official statement is they are now analyzing the results of the test registration, which implies that there are more badges to be purchased in the future. One can only hope.

Be sure to get your con geek on this month!

December Cons

December is a pretty quiet month for the Con circuit. It seems that most people, aside from spending time with family and friends, are gearing up for the January cons/the 2011 con year in general.

Now, if you have the funds for it, is a good time to start planning your circuit and pre-registering. Prices are pretty low this early on for most cons starting in March.

The major cons, such as SDCC, will have pretty much sold out by now or have prices at their max, such as Anime Los Angeles.

As a quick note, as of today SDCC registration was closed due to "issues with registration." Hopefully this means there are still some tickets left for attendance and you'll have another chance to register. Also, their volunteer registration will open in January 2011.

Last note, SGIS con registration will open soon. This year's theme "Tea Party". Bring your best tea party/Wonderland outfit to the snow.