Across the Stars

I am hella proud of myself. Yesterday I cleaned out my closet and a dresser. I still have some random 'lacy bits' bins to go through and another dresser. However the lacy bits was sorted recently and the 2nd dresser is the one I use every day so that's pretty much already done.

By the time I was finished I had a huge vacuum box (I bought a new one just before I was let go from the Club >_<) full of clothes and another giant Office Depot box packed to the brim. I didn't realize I was such a clothes horse! Sadly I know this is only the tip of the iceberg. I have two enormous duffel bags in storage fill with clothes and I should also clean out my old costumes. The bags will be easy since I clearly don't need any of them (1 year rule). As for the costumes...well that's always hard. ^_^

I also cleaned up part of my computer desk. There's still a long way to go as I'm lacking storage, but hopefully I can get something worked out shortly.

Next up will be under the bed. O_O

Banzai was a first-year con up in Columbia this past weekend. Originally I was only going to go up for Saturday, but after some cajoling from friends and a free pass thanks to Nashicon I went the whole weekend.

Friday I worked until 4pm, then bopped on up with Owen. We got there about 7 due to some CRAZY traffic. Three accidents on the interstate all within a mile of each other. Feh. Anyway, after a quick unload we headed to the room only to find our roomies were out at dinner. >_< Thankfully some sweetie friends let us stash our stuff until later. I claimed my badge, regged for the costume contest, then hung out with the fantastical Shirley, tohma2004, Ally, empress_tigress, and my beloved Owen at The Whig. It's a cool dive bar that in an old underground bank. We somehow scored seats in the Vault. It took me a second to realize it was an old vault, but the door was a dead giveaway. XD The food was good, Shirley kept me in booze (apparently I'm quite entertaining when drunk), and I had an amazing time with my friends.

Saturday dawned awkwardly (surprise guy in underwear O_O), but I ponied up and put on Pinkie for the Ask-A-Pony panel. I took with me a giant bowl of candy and yelled 'Trick or Treat!' every time I saw someone. It worked really well till someone took the entire bowl. *le sigh* I got most of it back, but after that I wasn't too keen on continuing. Moving on. I had lunch with Ally, Kat, and Tohma in the hotel bar/grill. It was funny because we were sitting in front of the glass wall that opens to the con floor, and since we were all in costume it felt like we were on display. lol! During lunch Ally and I traded stickers from the ooold Sailor Moon pull packs we both bought in the Dealer's Room. They even had these long bookmark-ish ones that I'd never seen before. It was a bit of a shame to open them, but we're both the kind of collectors who buy for own enjoyment. ^_^ I also snagged a NRFB SMR Jupiter from the Bandai Asia line for $35. Squee!!


(Taken during the Walk On)

(Skipping the pre-judging shenanigans) The contest started promptly at 7. I was hella nervous. It's been a looooong time since I'd been on this side of things, however I knew going in that I had a snowball's chance at winning anything. I was seated with the Beginners. I entered in that category, but I also told the judges they can bump me up if needed. The stage walk-on was very easy. They kept us to 30 seconds and three poses, which worked out well. Then came time for the awards. I knew I only qualified for a few so when those passed and I wasn't called out I started to calm down a bit. Again, I really didn't think I was going to get anything, but goodness knows we all get that little adrenaline push when the time comes. :) So next was the Advanced winners. John (wearing a GORGEOUS Sailor Cosmos fuku with staff) won Runner Up. I remember thinking this odd, but didn't have a chance to ponder it further because the judges were announcing the winner of Advanced. It took me a second to realize that they were possibly talking about me, but my brain kept going 'nopenopenope'. There's no way! I was completely and totally wrong.


(forgive the horrible phone picture)

To say I was shocked would be an understatement. It took me FOREVER to get to the stage because I was too surprised to move quickly and it's kind of hard to see where you're going when you're crying lol. I do remember Matt saying 'I think we broke her' to the audience, lots of cheering and hugging the judges. On my way back to my seat there were even more hugs, fistbumps, and so many of my friends congratulating me. It took me a good 20 minutes to stop sniffling. :)

After a quick change I headed out with the Girls (and Owen) to the Ramen House a few blocks from the hotel. Much deliciousness was obtained. Then it was back to the hotel bar for BOOZE. Shirley kept me quite lubricated. Hehe! We played Cards Against Humanity until about 1am. Then it was bedtime for me because I was 100% wiped out.

Sunday was mellow. More hugs, nummy crepes (thanks Shirley!!), and good-byes. We were home by 3 and napping by 4. :D

Overall it was a good con with good friends. TBH the con was really just an excuse to see my besties. I can't remember the last time I had this much fun at a con! Almost no stress and unlimited hangout time with my friends. Can't be beat! Although I did have a WTF moment involving Vic Mangina. We were waiting for an elevator right after the contest. He happened to be coming down/out. We didn't even move to get in (because hey we all know elevator etiquette damnit) but his PA threw out her elbows and started saying loudly "Let us through!" as if we were mobbing the man. *rolls eyes* Yes we were totally throwing ourselves at him. *facepalm* Oh! Bonus! Sunday morning Owen was waiting for me outside the restrooms. Apparently Vic was in there as well because his PA asked Owen if he wanted an autograph. I guess she assumed Owen was stalking Vic. O_o Talk about ego!

The End. <3

I headed to the great and mighty ATL on Thursday morning with Owen. The ride was fairly uneventful until about 3 hours out my Check Engine light popped on. I wasn't too worried because I take care of my baby. We got to the hotel around 1, then sat around for a bit waiting for people. I headed to the airport around 3 to pick up my Sailor Moon ladies. We packed 4 people and their luggage (plus myself) into my tiny little Nissan. I should have taken a picture because I'm still in shock that we pulled it off. The rest of the day was spent unpacking, catching up with my girls, and wandering around.

Friday was fairly low-key. Since my role in this year's show was supporting I had more free time then I was used to. I met up with friends for lunch, hit a few photo shoots, and had fun.

Saturday was crunch time. I am eternally grateful to Steph, Fitz, and Crissy for helping me practice during our downtime. I honestly think they made the difference in how well I preformed on stage that night. This was the most confident I've ever been and I couldn't have done it without them.

I think the show went fantastically well. This year was a 'Mini-Myu', or essentially the closest we'll ever get to a full on Myu show. It was very well scripted (the Three Lights segment had people rolling) and the songs fit well with the plot. I played Sakura-chan, emcee for the Juban 10th Street District Festival Talent Show and I was AWESOME. Well it doesn't hurt that I emcee several events a year. Huzzah for being witty and quick thinking. ;D

Truthfully I think this was the best we've ever done. All of my ladies worked so hard and really put on a fantastic show. It seriously makes me rethink about retiring from the group. How can I leave such great people?! I guess we'll just have to see what happens next. I'll post the video as soon as we get it.

Sunday was PACK AND GTFO. I was so ready for my own bed by noon on Sunday. I hit the dealer's room for a few things (mostly for Owen and the roommate), then hauled Owen away from the con. Oddly we didn't get home till 7 because of freaky traffic in ATL. Ah well.

All in all it was great and I was so happy to see so many of my friends. ^_^

While I was finishing up my AWA prep this weekend I had a stoke of intelligence that still amazes me.

I was curling my Jeannie wig (Arda) for a costume. I need side curls and short poofy bangs. Normally I would do the low hair dryer method, but Arda sells only Hyperlon (heat resistant) wigs, so I would have been there for HOURS with that method. Well, no not really, but I would have gotten muscle fatigue at lease. So anyway, I figured 'Well they market them at styling tool safe, might as well try it'.

So I did.

After some spot tests I found that my curling irons did indeed work HOWEVER the key isn't heating up the fiber, it's letting them cool in the shape you want. The side tendrils were easy. I let the fibers heat, slid them straight down off the iron, then let it cool in my hand. Took me all of five minutes. Huzzah! The bangs were another story. I needed them to be precise, and with their short length and quick cool time I was fumbling until I Had Genius! I used my 1/2" mini barrel to heat it, then my cool 1 1/2" barrel to set them with. SO SMART!! Essentially I'd hold the hot mini in my left hand, unravel it just enough to wiggle the cool iron in and curl it immediately after. Hold for 30 seconds and BAM! I had a curl.

Thing is I'm pretty sure someone already thought of this since it's kind of obvious, but there aren't too many videos about it. Maybe I should do one.

I still have a little touching up to do. I had to trim the bangs and no matter what I do there's always long strands left behind. There are also a few spots that need just a little more oomph. Oh, and forgive the horrible photo. My sewing table has odd lighting so a lot of detail is missing. Plus I took this on my phone. >_< Still, it took less than a hour including my mistakes and do-overs. All told I'm pretty happy with it. In the old days it would have taken ages just to let everything heat and cool, nevermind that it almost never comes out right the first time.

So apparently there a super sexy Loki figure coming out soon. He's a painful $220, but still DAMN hot. Although honestly all I'd want is a 1:1 sculpt of Tom Hiddleston's head.



Yeah that. *head explodes* Although I'm afraid I'd start talking to it like it was real. The next thing you know I'm feeding him dinner and asking what he wants for his birthday. O_o Also, did anyone else notice that the figure comes with handcuffs and a muzzle? *head explodes again*

I've always had a thing for the dark and dangerous (Wolverine/Snape/Batman/etc) so this lady boner is no surprise. *sigh* It's a tough life.

I have to say I'm truly touched and surprised at how many people were supportive of my move and also sad that I was leaving the East Coast. I had warm fuzzies and slightly sad thoughts all day yesterday.

I've given my move more thought, and here's what I'm hoping will happen.

1) General departure date is mid-September 2015. I'll be done with school, my lease on the apartment will be over, cooler weather makes moving easier, and I'll be able to attend Dragoncon (lol). For a few minutes I thought about July but screw that heat!

2) Ideally I'll be coming back to the East twice a year. Once for Dragoncon and then again for Nashicon. My reasons? Nearly everyone I know goes to either one of those, and since Nashi in less than 2 hours from my parents I can make a long weekend of it and spend time with them. Plus with the Seattle con scene being so freaking local I can transfer my con travel/hotel money to going home.

3) I WILL have a place with a guest room (eventually), and I will happily have anyone who ventures my way stay as long as they like. This is now your perfect excuse to come to Seattle.

I want you to know this wasn't an easy decision. I've played with the idea of moving to Columbia or Charlotte, but it doesn't have the same feel. In my heart I know that Seattle is right for me even though I've never been there. Crazy.

I'm very serious about this.

My chance meeting with Ellen really struck a chord with me. She said something that I thought about a lot since then. "My husband and I only had enough money to either go on vacation to Seattle or move there. So we moved." It's such a simple thing. They just moved and now they're both working at Valve as VA artists, touring the country, and living a good life.

Going to Seattle has been a dream of mine for years, but I put it away when the ex and I were still together. He'd never leave his family so I chose him over my dream. Not any more, and thankfully Owen is 100% supportive of my (well now OUR) decision.

I have a small but important 3-year plan.
1) Get my accounting associates with a Video Game Design certificate (est 7 semesters)
2) Bring my monthly debt payout under $500
3) Have $10k in savings

The hardest one will be putting $10k into savings, but that's why I'm giving myself 3 years instead of leaving right after I'm done with school. Since I can't get a 3rd job while I'm learning, it will have to wait until after I get my Associates.

It will take a lot of hard work, but if I really put my mind to it I'll be celebrating my 35th birthday in the mountains of Washington. Wish me luck!

So apparently tenshihitomi, elfgirlmchan, fluffydragon, and tohma2004 all make it into Felicia Day's Flog (in various forms). The horrible thing is I know exactly where I would have been if Bender's head wasn't so big. SO *$&%(#@^ CLOSE!!!

I'm officially in countdown for Dragoncon. My lists are made, I've already started packing, and plans are being solidified.

Blah blah blah stuff you won't care about below...

I did make a few minor changes. I won't be taking Gotham City Imposter because it takes up a lot of space for such a mellow costume and really it's best for small 'kickin' it' types of cons, not D*C. I'm also swapping out my oatmeal jam breakfast bars for muffins. Easier to make and less messy.

As soon as I'm off work today I'll be in full Con Freakout. Poor Owen. He's seen me in Con Freakout and it's not pretty. It starts with going to Walmart for my supply run, then diving into the pits of costuming hell. The good news is that I *should* be done by Saturday night if I keep my nose to the grindstone. Telma requires only a few fixes (mostly the apron), and Present!Pinkie just needs her wig poofed and shirt altered/cutie-marked. If I do it right I should be able to get it all packed into one storage tub too, which would be great since I always run out of room in my suitcase. I am a bit of an over-packer though when it comes to clothes. At D*C (and only D*C) I probably go through two full sets a day. Sheesh!

If I'm lucky I might have time to finish up a few silly projects I've wanted to do, like the SquidHAT! and a new case for my phone. It would be nice to roll up to D*C with some new gear. ^_^

Wesley Crusher as Sailor Moon? I think I found a new fandom!