Too Many Stupid People

Mario "Question Mark" boxes thought to contain deadly items.

Nothing like living in a country inspired by fear!

But those girls rock!

Sakura-Con 2006!

It was QUITE a weekend, but I have to say, I had a really good time! I'll try and piece it together as best I can, though we all know what kind of memory I have. `^_^

Thursday:

Even with several delays, Lauren and I got to the Paramount not too late in the evening. We headed over to the convention center and picked up our badges. Saw a lot of people for it just being Thursday! I would've loved to have partied with some of them (next time, you who I met just before the escalators!), but Lauren wanted to try and get some socks for her Velma outfit, and I felt a little weird letting her go out alone. We had an interesting time trying to find a place that carried them (apparently orange knee-highs are a seasonal thing). :(

We grabbed a sandwich at Starbucks (my haven during the weekend), and then I rushed over to the staff meeting. I was really pleased with the "main" room, tons of room!

After wards, I headed over to the Crowne Plaza and helped Stef unpack. I headed up to the room with them and there was a VERY cranky neighbor (basically, Stef and co. got threatened to get kicked out; fuck the Crowne, I'm glad I didn't stay there). I then headed back to the room for some sleep. :)

Friday:

Got up without any problems. We headed over to the convention center (with a quick stop at Starbucks), then made it to opening ceremonies. It was...okay. The comedy group (the 404z?) had some funny moments, but for the most part were...yeah, not opening ceremony material. They certainly tried, though. `^_^

Lauren went off to do something, so Lexi and I hung out for a while. We decided to check out the dealer's room. Lots of dealers, good amount of room, though people still like to hang out in the middle of aisles. :(

I had to go to my Infobooth shift after that, and Lexi came along for a bit. Not too exciting, and easy as fuck since I get paid everyday to do the exact same thing I was doing there. `^_^

I hung out for a bit after that, went back to the hotel room and, being late (after changing into my tux), headed over to the Hilton for the Masquerade Ball! I immediately got roped into helping at the front table. *LOL* It went okay, Stef was a bit stressed, but there weren't any major issues. I met this really hot girl named Deb. She berated me for not playing We ♥ Katamari. <3 I danced with Dessa and Amy, so at least I didn't feel completely pathetic for not having a date. Stef and Shauna had a great selection of music, and Hector and his band were really good. Then we got an extra special treat when Piano Squall showed up and wanted to jam. Stef and I set him up in ball room and he went to town. Fuck, he's an awesome piano player.

Also got another 70's Batman Villains pic with Lauren and Slicks. I just don't look the same without dyed hair, huh? `^_^ Stef and Shauna were really freakin' cute on the dance floor. Kawaii!

Dance went well (though I didn't get to dance with Deb *sad face*). Afterwards, Michael (Piano Squall) was hungry so we offered to take him out to dinner. We walked down to the Dragonfish and I have to say, he has to be one of the coolest guys I've ever met. He's nice, very personable, and just all around great. We had some great conversation at the Dragonfish. Walked him back to his hotel room (this was his first NW con), then came back...thought the group was gonna do some drinking, but no go. :( I headed back to the hotel to find a...um...situation (won't name names in case those involved don't want me to talk). I tried my best to cheer said person up. `^_^

Saturday:

The really big day!
I woke up and...god, what did I do? Oh yeah, slacked for a good while. :) Headed, of course to Starbucks! I met Ryuu-chan! I so wanted to take her home and put her in a little cardboard box next to my bed. She's always super adorable. :) We hung out for a bit, getting coffee and just kinda chatting. Later I met Reneé and Charlie in the Starbucks line. :) Good to find a moment where she was free, she's about as bad as a Pink Puff. :)

I then went into the dealer's room to buy some stuff. I was at the Antarctic Press table when this girl came up and just starting grabbing handfuls of stuff. I was like, "Whoa, that's Katie Baer(sp?)!" So I bought her Ninja High School manga and got my picture taken with her. :) Shortly thereafter I headed to the Infobooth.

Typical Infobooth stuff, blah, blah. Darin rescued me after wards and he escorted me back to the hotel. Surprise, surprise, I got a call from Nikki saying that Piano Squall wanted me to take him out to dinner. `````^_^ After like 50 phone calls (which Darin and Lexi can attest to), I went and grabbed Michael and Hector and we headed over to Von's. I had just eaten before hand, so I just had a couple of Martinis (fuck, they make GOOD Martinis!). Again, great conversation with the guy, as well as Hector (they both being into music a bit more than I was, they talked much music talk).

After walking Michael back to the convention center where he could jam, I hung out at the convention center for a bit. Saw Lauren in her Iron Chef cosplay (KICK-ASS!). I then headed over to Gameworks for the end of a party. `^_^ Still good times, though. :) Headed back to the hotel room for a bit, waiting for Deb to get done clubbing. Instead, hung out with Nikki for a while and just talked and had some drinks. It was a lot of fun! Amara, you are the PERFECT Heather. We totally should do a Silent Hill party!

Then I headed to Club Sakura. Wow, it was INSANE! A ton of fun, though I was sad I didn't see Deb. :( But after 1am, I went out into the hallway for...shit, just insanity. Do I name names? No, probably shouldn't. For the most part, had a great time, just visiting with people! Big Chris, dude, I love Big Chris. :) HOLY SHIT, I saw Jeebes, too! And just...yeah, lots of people!

After wards, wandering, and ended up in a "place". It was interesting. Fun, but I was all dranked out (though way too sober) by that point. Headed back to the room for some sleep!

Sunday:

It was a nice morning. :) The four of us (Lexi, Darin, Lauren) watched some Lupin III, which I might have to borrow from Darin sometime. :) Got dressed and headed to the Infobooth for my final shift. Went fine, then quickly headed to Piano Squall's concert after that.

WOW. I teared up a little during the Prelude/Pray piece that he did. :) After that, just did some wandering and had planned to go to closing ceremonies. But then I was summoned for dinner. :) Had a nice walk among the normals, then got back just in time for Assault & Flattery.

I have to say, what? There were a lot of people that don't really know the meaning of constructive critcism. Some people were downright MEAN without any cause. Though, I have to applaud the lady that stood up and said, "Keep an eye out for your kids!" Man, I should've shook her hand.

Completely exhausted and feeling a bit guilty, I got Stef to drive me home. Eventually we ended up at Red Robin's, where I was barely coherent. And barely coherent for the next five days. :( Note to self: No matter what, take the day after con OFF!

Final:

I was REALLY pleased with Sakura-Con this year. Very little drama (there's drama at every con, but this year's was no where NEAR last year's). Some people (like this bigot) were a bit harsh. Yes, the Japanese don't have the social issuess that we have with the human body. You don't like it? DON'T COME. I'm all for trying to get people to come to Sakura-Con and have fun, but people like this? No! I'm disgusted by people like this.

Anyway....I'll try and have pics up soon. I'm gonna head to bed here soon. Daylight Savings Time robbed me of an hour of my life, and I WANT IT BACK!

I've never been this...well, happy after a Sakura-Con. :)