Narcoleptic Squirrel

So, CONvergence was nearly a month ago, and I am just now getting to a somewhat real post about it. I’ve been putting it off, because I feel like there isn’t much I could say to do it justice. However, I feel like I should say something, because despite there being about 3000 people there, I think there are lots of people that don’t go, that should. I feel a little silly saying this CON was life-changing…but it sorta was. I mean, I learned some things and met some people that made me look at some of the things I do, and realize I can so take them to another level. Besides that, however…it was just plain fun!
Now, of my blog readers that don’t go, I specifically think a certain couple of writers (this means you Ms. Heiber and Florida Mom) and a certain prop mistress (yes, you Ms. Proptart), and a certain woman-of-many-trades (Ms. Heather) would all not only enjoy CON, but you would get a lot out of it. So, in an attempt to highlight some things and talk you into going in ’09, I shall try to recap.
To begin, CON is normally three days. However, this year, being the tenth CON, it was extended to four fantastic days. Once again, G was a gaming subhead, in charge of the LAN gaming room. This year he finally got a budget to purchase some systems to be owned by the convention. This was good because he didn’t have to try talking so many people into loaning their systems. This was tough, because it meant he had to track down systems to purchase for a limited budget and with certain specs, and get them up and running. He was mostly successful, with only a few that had to be returned. As a bonus, this was the first year he did it in which there were volunteers to help run the room! I actually got to see him, and he actually got to see what CON is really about.
Thursday was opening day. We checked in to the hotel, noting that checking in the night before would have been better, and adding that to our notes for what to do next year. Upon getting our registration packs, we pulled out our CON guides, and our pocket Grids, and made notes of what we would have to see over the next four days. On my list were mostly panels: Costuming 101, Sophisticated Sewing, Corsetry, Doctor Who Series four, Torchwood, and Propmaking. I also made a list for some of those people I thought should attend, mainly a whole bunch on writers, writing, and living with a writer. Did I also mention there is a lit lounge where you could hold book readings and signings? That super cool writers (*couch*Mercedes Lackey*cough*) attend. That there are networking opportunities galore? Anyhow, back to the plan. We got our stuff unpacked, made our plans, and watched the opening ceremonies from the comfort of our hotel room. This was a nice addition this year, since there is limited space in the ballroom, and because we weren’t 100 percent ready to be out in public yet. Eventually, it was time to party. Every year, the cabanas around the pool are filled with parties. Each usually has a theme, such as the TARDIS Tea Society (for the Doctor Whovians), The Dreaming (which was this bad ass Egyptian themed room), Willy Wonka (candy, flavored vodka…YUM!), The House Of Toast, where you can get any imaginable toast topping (and some pretty unimaginable ones too), and lots more. Some offered beverages of the adult variety, some just offered good friends, an all offered lots of FUN. There was a dance in the ballroom with some mad DJ action, which I wasn’t able to make it to, because I am old.
Friday, I hit the gym. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the equipment. The machines were nice, and the room was well maintained…and being at a geek convention, it wasn’t crowded (I ran into two people). Then, it was shower time, and into my Pearl costume.
Here is what I was going for:
And here’s what I managed, given the short amount of time I from when I got the idea:
I spent the day attending panels and hit the dealer’s room briefly, where I purchased a pretty sweet black and red pvc bat choker. I enjoyed the two sewing panels very much, learning lots to take my sewing to a better level. I also immensely enjoyed the propmaking panel with Christian Colquhoun, which was pretty amazing. Seeing people with that level of passion for their work is inspiring. I saw Peter Mayhew, and was disappointed I didn’t have my camera to get a shot of the two of us. I had to separate from G, as he was in the best of Masquerade show with our dear friend the Seamster, and thus headed to Torchwood solo. I was disappointed in this panel. I felt like most of the panelists were just bashing the show, despite them saying repeatedly how much they loved it. There was one panelist I felt had constructive things to say, and I sort of wished it would have been just her chatting. Not one to point out a problem without coming up with a solution, I promptly signed up for next year’s panel. We hit all the parties once more, and had yet another delightful evening, discovering in the hotel room that HGTV makes for an excellent drinking game.
Saturday, I gymmed once again. Then, it was into the amazing boots I scored at Goodwill that look as though a Blood Elf must have donated them (they are dark red leather, over the knee…hot!), a cute flippy skirt, my /dance tee, and some blood elf ears. There were more panels, hanging out with friends, and general awesomeness. My sister was a volunteering fool, hoping to get to the level of flashy mug goodness. G and I popped into the dealers room. We went to look at a monocle, and drool over some other leather goods. However, we managed to find a gorgeous binder. I thought it would be perfect for a wedding album. Our wedding album. Yeah, I’ve kinda been putting that one off….
My youngest nephew was a party animal…he hit all the parties until roughly four or five in the morning, and wasn’t awake until the afternoon to do it all over again. My niece just liked changing costumes, and seemed to get a lot of photographic attention while hitting all the panels and rooms. Eventually day switched to night, so I got changed into party clothes. I didn’t want to undo the pain that it was getting into my ears, so I decided to wear them with my dancing clothes. I also got to wear my new choker.

We first headed to G’s Vilification Tennis show. He did all right, considering he didn’t realize right away that it was a free-for-all. Then, he changed into dancing clothes, and we hit the parties, this time with his new leather batman flask full of Tattoo, and a glass in my hand. I ran into some peeps I was surprised to see, and chatted with even more peeps. We got drinks wherever we could…erm, I got drinks wherever I could, including a Klingon hooking me up with some Wild Turkey. By the time we hit the dance, I was a tipsy girl. I danced with my niece, then was taken by someone I thought was spinning poi. I wanted to try, so I went over, to discover he was twirling a homemade baton. I got into twirling with him, then lets just say wacky highjinks ensued. Apparently, if someone would have had a video camera, I would have been great fodder for youtube.
Sunday I wound up primarily lounging. We were glad we made the choice to keep the hotel that night, as we didn’t have to deal with trying to get out in the middle of the day, when just about everyone else was trying to get out. I helped unload some of the LAN room, and we circled to see the last of CON. We caught the closing ceremonies, once again from the comfort of our room. Monday, was home, and some sadness that another CON was over. It goes super fast!
I know I didn’t do justice to the event, and if you can’t figure out why I think you should pony up and go next year, email me, and I will try to better explain myself!