w00t w00t booyah

We always approach this time of year with some trepidation, and I'd have to say it's well-earned. Since Xander's arrival, attending and participating in this local anime convention requires logistics and no small amount of money. The first year, it was over a grand in child care costs alone and I ended up in the doctor's office the next morning coughing up blood - for the chance of taking a nap in an unmade bed in peace. That's about it.

Karaoke kicked me off to Cosplay the next year.

Who sat me in the dark, alone at an info booth table nobody really needed - but the con required. Next to the peace-bonding station. Which, if you think about me and my history with security at cons, is amusing. Sort of sideways.

This year, I got a spot in the Cosplay office - and really got a better look at how they work this type of event. I've actually competed in a Masquerade once - about 1979 or so - but haven't been back inside to see how things have improved since then, and man. It's a pretty slick operation nowadays.

For just being on hand to do data entry (really really) - this was a really nice gig. I actually had my lead check my work Sunday morning (this is what I did - is that all you wanted to have done?) - stressful? Really?

I actually could set up the laptop, beat the moths out of it and get my Sims 2 game running smoothly again.

Day one, someone came in claiming that Justin Bieber had shown up, unannounced, and con security had locked the place down while he was shown around the place. Riight. I told anyone who cared to listen that if he'd shown up, fine. If his mother was with him, SHE was the one I wanted to talk to. People looked at me funny, then the light bulbs went off over their heads. Mommy wants to talk to da Mommy - seriously. If I ever get a chance, mind you.

What had actually happened? Some bright penny had left their stuff unattended in the food court. And that whole 'I don't KNOW what that is - it's going to be DEADLY has to be' mentality took over and suddenly it was a goth lollie BOMB. And cleared the hall.

That's the vibe you have working here. You're being shooed out of part of the convention center, it's because Justin Bieber wants your space. Only reason. I am much amused.

The rest of the con ran much as it had been expected to. Food? There are gourmet catering trucks outside (the GOOD ones, mind) and I went home at night. I tried to bring back breakfast food each morning, and kept the cuisine both topical and tasty. Krispy Kreme Day One, Japanese pan Day Two and Hawaiian breads Day Three. Day Four, leftovers.

It's all office supplies, doncha know.

I have to remember that switching mental gears like this is both necessary and fun. Sunday, I'm noticing that I haven't worn the awesome green satin jacket I've had hanging in the closet. It's got embroidered roses and dragons all over the back and is wicked cool - and I haven't worn it at all. For a long time. It's good to put clothes like that on again. And dance on your toes until 2:00 AM.

I really loved the Masquerade this year, though. Knowing that much more about the back office gave me more to work with out in the green room getting people ready - and knowing which group was what - and just being more ready and grounded. It also wasn't as large a show as last year, which could be taken both to the good as well as the bad - less acts meant more time to spend with the ones left, but a shorter show.

The happy ending story was one gal who had her group drop out on her - and she entered by herself anyway, lacking a group or skit or music at all. And really, looking at the other groups - got more than a little scared. But by herself? Costume was gorgeous. Props were fantastic. Put together like whoa. Very young - novice class, for sure.

"Hon, this whole thing started out as a fashion show and don't you forget it. Go out there, hit your mark, show 'em your shit - smile, wave and get out of there. You'll be fine. REALLY."

I talked her, the MC talked to her, the stage manager talked to her - we all had a bit of hand holding (the good kind) to do. But she did it, rethinking it up to the very last minute.

The crowd absolutely loved her. And she won. TWICE.

This is me, backstage fist-pumping with both hands, running in place. Sometimes, the good guys win.

And of course, to balance that out - we had one entry who was so sure she was going to win? (Because you know these things are fixed.) Not to be racist, but I've retagged them Imelda and Ferdinand. The behavior after the contest was horrible. Security was on hand. People were dragged out of bed in the middle of the night.

Last I heard, they were rewarded by a sound banning. Fixed, you betcha. We can certainly fix THAT for you.

The downside is that Jim got Xander the entire weekend without a break - and I didn't see anyone who didn't march into the office.

Friday, fetching lunch for Jim, I somehow dropped my wallet on either the desk or the floor - and it had gotten kicked under the desk. When it came time to go home, I couldn't find it.

And retracing my steps didn't locate it. Went home thinking my wallet had been picked off - and was gone. Cancelled all the credit cards, reported them stolen and wondered just how the hell I was going to get to work on Tuesday. Let alone get home after Masquerade Sunday night.

Saturday morning, I dived under the desk looking for a badge and found it. But I am without a debit card or any of my other credit cards. Well, that's one way to make your budget if you can't spend anything I guess.

I just have my driver's license back and without my passport handy, that's the only valid ID I have. Will have to fix that at next paycheck. In two weeks.

And I think I'm going to make myself a backup copy of my ID cards. Funny, even Starbucks will reissue cards if you have them registered and move the balances over to new cards if they're lost.

I really don't want to have that experience again, mind you.

Kid had a blast playing with the peeps - who I was thrilled to see, but barely had time to hug them before they ran off and I ran the other way.

And of course, having a reason to be home and in bed every night before nine can REALLY put a kink into your kink. As in, forget about it.

Well. There's the next one.

This was a good one. I'll take it.

We always approach this time of year with some trepidation, and I'd have to say it's well-earned. Since Xander's arrival, attending and participating in this local anime convention requires logistics and no small amount of money. The first year, it was over a grand in child care costs alone and I ended up in the doctor's office the next morning coughing up blood - for the chance of taking a nap in an unmade bed in peace. That's about it.

Karaoke kicked me off to Cosplay the next year.

Who sat me in the dark, alone at an info booth table nobody really needed - but the con required. Next to the peace-bonding station. Which, if you think about me and my history with security at cons, is amusing. Sort of sideways.

This year, I got a spot in the Cosplay office - and really got a better look at how they work this type of event. I've actually competed in a Masquerade once - about 1979 or so - but haven't been back inside to see how things have improved since then, and man. It's a pretty slick operation nowadays.

For just being on hand to do data entry (really really) - this was a really nice gig. I actually had my lead check my work Sunday morning (this is what I did - is that all you wanted to have done?) - stressful? Really?

I actually could set up the laptop, beat the moths out of it and get my Sims 2 game running smoothly again.

Day one, someone came in claiming that Justin Bieber had shown up, unannounced, and con security had locked the place down while he was shown around the place. Riight. I told anyone who cared to listen that if he'd shown up, fine. If his mother was with him, SHE was the one I wanted to talk to. People looked at me funny, then the light bulbs went off over their heads. Mommy wants to talk to da Mommy - seriously. If I ever get a chance, mind you.

What had actually happened? Some bright penny had left their stuff unattended in the food court. And that whole 'I don't KNOW what that is - it's going to be DEADLY has to be' mentality took over and suddenly it was a goth lollie BOMB. And cleared the hall.

That's the vibe you have working here. You're being shooed out of part of the convention center, it's because Justin Bieber wants your space. Only reason. I am much amused.

The rest of the con ran much as it had been expected to. Food? There are gourmet catering trucks outside (the GOOD ones, mind) and I went home at night. I tried to bring back breakfast food each morning, and kept the cuisine both topical and tasty. Krispy Kreme Day One, Japanese pan Day Two and Hawaiian breads Day Three. Day Four, leftovers.

It's all office supplies, doncha know.

I have to remember that switching mental gears like this is both necessary and fun. Sunday, I'm noticing that I haven't worn the awesome green satin jacket I've had hanging in the closet. It's got embroidered roses and dragons all over the back and is wicked cool - and I haven't worn it at all. For a long time. It's good to put clothes like that on again. And dance on your toes until 2:00 AM.

I really loved the Masquerade this year, though. Knowing that much more about the back office gave me more to work with out in the green room getting people ready - and knowing which group was what - and just being more ready and grounded. It also wasn't as large a show as last year, which could be taken both to the good as well as the bad - less acts meant more time to spend with the ones left, but a shorter show.

The happy ending story was one gal who had her group drop out on her - and she entered by herself anyway, lacking a group or skit or music at all. And really, looking at the other groups - got more than a little scared. But by herself? Costume was gorgeous. Props were fantastic. Put together like whoa. Very young - novice class, for sure.

"Hon, this whole thing started out as a fashion show and don't you forget it. Go out there, hit your mark, show 'em your shit - smile, wave and get out of there. You'll be fine. REALLY."

I talked her, the MC talked to her, the stage manager talked to her - we all had a bit of hand holding (the good kind) to do. But she did it, rethinking it up to the very last minute.

The crowd absolutely loved her. And she won. TWICE.

This is me, backstage fist-pumping with both hands, running in place. Sometimes, the good guys win.

And of course, to balance that out - we had one entry who was so sure she was going to win? (Because you know these things are fixed.) Not to be racist, but I've retagged them Imelda and Ferdinand. The behavior after the contest was horrible. Security was on hand. People were dragged out of bed in the middle of the night.

Last I heard, they were rewarded by a sound banning. Fixed, you betcha. We can certainly fix THAT for you.

The downside is that Jim got Xander the entire weekend without a break - and I didn't see anyone who didn't march into the office.

Friday, fetching lunch for Jim, I somehow dropped my wallet on either the desk or the floor - and it had gotten kicked under the desk. When it came time to go home, I couldn't find it.

And retracing my steps didn't locate it. Went home thinking my wallet had been picked off - and was gone. Cancelled all the credit cards, reported them stolen and wondered just how the hell I was going to get to work on Tuesday. Let alone get home after Masquerade Sunday night.

Saturday morning, I dived under the desk looking for a badge and found it. But I am without a debit card or any of my other credit cards. Well, that's one way to make your budget if you can't spend anything I guess.

I just have my driver's license back and without my passport handy, that's the only valid ID I have. Will have to fix that at next paycheck. In two weeks.

And I think I'm going to make myself a backup copy of my ID cards. Funny, even Starbucks will reissue cards if you have them registered and move the balances over to new cards if they're lost.

I really don't want to have that experience again, mind you.

Kid had a blast playing with the peeps - who I was thrilled to see, but barely had time to hug them before they ran off and I ran the other way.

And of course, having a reason to be home and in bed every night before nine can REALLY put a kink into your kink. As in, forget about it.

Well. There's the next one.

This was a good one. I'll take it.

I sure hope Jim can find a way to get videos and pictures off his phone. He got some awesome over the last two days.

From Friday, when he took the two of them to the Columbia Memorial Space Science Learning Center in Downey - there's some choice footage of kiddo shooting off bottle rockets and other very kid-friendly exhibit action. This is the center that was built once Kaiser Foundation built their new hospital in Downey on top of the old aerospace properties that built Apollo, back in the day.

New hospital, new space cadet meeting place. Total win. It's also affordable enough to do weekly, so expect more from Jim on that soon.

Today? Today the Aquarium of the Pacific hosted an Autumn Festival...an Asian Autumn festival with lion dances, taiko, juggling, exhibits and other really nifty touchstones. On top of the wonderful that this aquarium already was. We saw 'giant fishies!' We saw sea lions. Sharks. Fast fish. Slow fish. Orange fish. Birdies. Rays.

And ate at the cafe - which had *perfect* french fries. I mean it - absolutely the best, melt in your mouth, fried just right french fries. And the rest of the meal wasn't shabby either.

Outside the manta ray tidepools, had to go into action with a three year old who spilled on the rough surface - and had punched a good chunk out of his knee. Catch my attention once, okay. Catch it twice, not so good. Catch it three times with 'yikes, that's a lot of blood' and I'm all over it. Classic 'don't touch it!' injury - poor little guy. But one parent in absentia, and I don't think I had Mom - probably auntie or Grandma - in attendance with only a carp drawing doesn't mean much was coming together. When I saw the iPhone come out, that's when I stepped in.

I have everything from 1 x 1 adhesives on down in my go bag. I was hoping for something like Spiderman or Spongebob (which I don't have and will add tomorrow), but then I saw the injury was glad to have the larger pad. Jim did magic, I found a toy (here kid, hold this) and wrangled my kid - and it all worked out. Hope he gets a bit more attention to it tonight -

Tomorrow is Sunday, which is a really fixed schedule. I have some Christmas presents to wrap tonight (yes, already) that have to be ready by tomorrow. (Yes, already.) I *think* they may have a bounce house at church again tomorrow. *crosses fingers*

I'll try to get over to PMX - if the kid allows. If only to deliver something alcoholic.

High Tea for 15 Cents.

Pasadena, on Wednesday at 2:00 PM. I *might* be able to swing it, but you?

High tea. And yes, they are doing it in period costume. Want.

High Tea for 15 Cents.

Pasadena, on Wednesday at 2:00 PM. I *might* be able to swing it, but you?

High tea. And yes, they are doing it in period costume. Want.

The dates have been set for the next Festival of Books.

But the schedules aren't up yet - we're all to check back mid-March for that.

*lights the good stuff*

AltonBrownAltonBrownAltonBrown......

I got email from Food Network this morning.

Over 25 ways to make macaroni and cheese. *GRINS BIG*

Only one thing to do. Print a buttload and share the love:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/rc_comfort_food/article/0,3151,FOOD_29016_5696157,00.html

Let me know if you can't see anything you want.

I got email from Food Network this morning.

Over 25 ways to make macaroni and cheese. *GRINS BIG*

Only one thing to do. Print a buttload and share the love:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/rc_comfort_food/article/0,3151,FOOD_29016_5696157,00.html

Let me know if you can't see anything you want.

Cross Food TV with Blogger.

Get Group Recipes. Yeah, I'm already there.

Blame julesong. Browncoat. Cook. Post-bariatric surgery, no less.

*looks* There's a Fireflox plugin?

I'm going looking for WW over there - if there isn't a group, there will be. Real soon.

My bad.

It's lunch at Goofy's. Booked until 12:10.

Guess it's going to be IHOP or something. Oh, the humanity. *laughs*