Amazing Times at SDCC, and an Unbelievable Tragedy

It's nearly mid-August, so it's about time I post a recap regarding SDCC.  A week or so prior to the event, they posted the panels and activities that were going to take place.  I had a whopping 3 on my must do list; the panels for Penny Dreadful, Sleepy Hollow and Hall H on Saturday (95% of what was in there that day I wanted to see, so no, I was not a sleeping seat warmer that day).  I did hope to catch Benedict Cumberbatch at the Dreamworks panel in Hall H on Thursday, but ended up at Nerd HQ with tickets to not 1, but 2 panels (Zach Levi, along with Craig Ferguson).  The panels were all great, and I got a decent bit of swag from Ballrooms 20 and Hall H, but I think I scored the most (paid for) swag at the Exhibit hall.  I just allowed myself to buy the majority of what I wanted, from a Penny Dreadful tarot card set, to an SDCC exclusive Rocket Raccoon plush, a signed book and poster from The Oatmeal's creator, labyrinth art, and even a print of a Han Solo kitty that looks like my Lucy!

Note: I got a kitty named Lucy in late January around the time of my surgery.  She's niece to my Josie, and is a bit of a catdog.  I'm not kidding.  Most tuxedo cats are.  :)  She has this habit of tapping you to get attention that is hilarious (unless it's the wee hours of the morning, then it's not so much).

The only downside to the weekend was a  kerfuffle I heard a little bit about Friday night having to do with the new wristband system for Hall H.  I found out much more after the the con. (read here at Crazy4ComicCon)  You see, when folks, old or new to SDCC decide to bend the rules, everyone suffers.  I'm thankful that despite being way the heck back by the Marina (sleeping on tree roots, dirt and ants), my family and I managed to get (group D) wristbands for Saturday's panels, and we got in for them but only just.  We had shown up at 7ish (pm) by the tents just to see what was up and if they would allow lining up yet, as they usually don't allow the line to form until after the last panel has concluded (would've been 8:05pm).  Folks started lining up the day prior (hidden in plain sight in 3 lines closer to the docks and the Godzilla outdoor exhibit), just because they were anxious over the wristbands and the possibility they might not get one!  Are you kidding me?  Have a life, please!  I would bet quite a few wasted a day or two of their passes (swag! experiences! sleep in a hotel bed!) just to sit on the grass and save a spot that didn't exist (until Security said it did).  *sighs*  I hope next year SDCC Security is more strict with line dispersal (there were NO problems during other evenings), and I do hope SDCC is less lenient about folks who bend and break rules when they see fit to do so.  You break the rules, they take your badge.  End of story.

Note: I'm thrilled for those who got to meet Andy Serkis and Lee Pace Friday night in the ADA line and the Hall H tents.  I think I walked to and from that area only 30 minutes before to use the "non scary ladies room".  (We had a few public restrooms in the Marina and Pier area, but the toilets were filthy and the stalls had no friggin' doors!  Talk about a quick 'go'..)

NerdHQ was a new endeavor this year.  As I noted, I went to two panels on Thursday, and we ended up going back over on Sunday afternoon to check out their shirts and hats they were selling (I snagged a free shirt with purchase).  The panels themselves are pretty intimate (read: you're nearly sitting on your neighbor, and there's 300 of us in one cozy area of covered Petco Park space), and if you have a question for the panel guest(s), you need merely raise a hand and get a mike passed to you to ask.  Oh, and the majority of the panels were taped (not Colin, which I think was per CBS, so he relished being able to swear a bit).

This year's vacation met my expectations (hint: I knew I wouldn't be able to do everything, as every must do has a line and an inevitable cutoff point), but at the same time it felt a bit off.  Folks complained there were far fewer "hot panels", but I disagree.  I do think a big problem was Hall H on Saturday (it's just a massive undertaking), though I doubt SDCC's committee would be able to do anything to parse out those panels to other rooms (I think it's a security thing with teaser trailers being illegally filmed).  I'm sure in the coming years, those folks will figure out what needs to be done to ensure a fantastic time and schedule (especially with more Marvel, and Godilla, Pacific Rim and STAR WARS on the horizon), and make sure people follow the rules if the wristband method (or something else) is used to lessen the strain on crowds.

Now, for the sad part to this post.

I've no doubt anyone who pays attention to the news has heard about the unfortunate death of Robin Williams on August 11th.  Further details (aside from the autopsy) will no doubt reveal his life up to his untimely demise.  I just hope it doesn't cause his family and closest colleagues too much grief.  I know, the pain is fresh right now for any of us and everything feels...oversensitive, whether we knew him or not, but I hope we don't find out anything unseemly beyond the tragic details of how he died, which was revealed today on tv by the local police.

I see so many folks chiming in on his substance abuse and battle to remain sober, his depression and even his little talked about bipolar mood swings.  Folks are posting info about suicide hotlines, or numbers folks can talk to about their issues, asking "please don't hurt yourself".  That's all fair and good, though if you know someone, I ask you to do one thing; talk to them.  Whether you know a person is going through temporary or long term darkness, or you don't know for certain matters little.  What matters is communicating with your friends, loved ones and colleagues.  Bond with one another.  Get to know how others are doing, then if anyone does have a hard time, be around with them in whatever way you can.  Even just asking how someone is doing on a given day could make a difference, and tilt the scales in favor of a person feeling worthwhile, or feel that they're having a better day.  If you know or find out they're into substance abuse, keep talking to them. It's nigh impossible to change someone, but if they realize others give a damn about them, they may see the damage they're causing themselves and seek out treatment.

I don't know that I've ever suffered from depression, though I have family who has.  But I have had moments in recent past where I truly felt life's struggle.  Either I felt as if specific roadblocks were preventing me from going further, or I had hurdles that I didn't look forward to.  I will admit here that I considered taking my life (via sleeping pills) a few years back, but talked/cried myself out of it.  I thought about life and death again around the beginning of the year, with the very real possibility of breast cancer looming in my future. (good news - it wasn't cancer, the lumpectomy went fine though I got sick after from pain meds, and the only thing left upset from the ordeal was my wallet)

I have talked with select friends and family about my own demons (the near-suicide attempt and more recent thoughts about it - and they've been good listeners/advice givers), which I viewed as real obstacles that brought me down for unnecessary reasons, not just a fog that brought me down that I couldn't pinpoint.  That's why I'm not truly sure my situation is depression.  If it can be classified as that, okay, I accept that.  But, I've been seeing my outlook on life take this ridiculous turn for the dark, which it shouldn't.  I've started setting goals to complete by age 40, threatening myself to do them "or else", seeing the coming decades as a limitation rather than a gift.  Life shouldn't have a caveat of threats imposed upon it...which is where I need to relearn how to handle myself.  There are so many years ahead, decades of days and nights to live through and complete whatever I wish.  I just have to strategize and figure out what to do, and when.  And I bet when I turn 40 in a few years, I'll be able to do a lot of what I could do (but didn't) in my 30's.  All that's needed is will and determination.

Be Excellent to Each Other...and to Yourself

...to Each Other

Someone mentioned a scenario today that they came upon someone less fortunate, did something nice for them, the other person even attempted to repay the gesture right back (it was a monetary moment - here's some change back Sir), and I'm guessing said do-gooder felt mixed feelings about it.  Others around weren't doing the same thing, not even close.  Most of us end up in this situation though, right?  We do something nice for someone else, or for a cause we feel strongly about, and it sometimes pulls us into an awkward moment of self reflection.  We do something that makes a difference, and yet in the grand scheme of things, it feels like a very small drop in a very big pond.

The feeling tends to surface more towards this time of year than any other.  The last five weeks of the year (at least here in the US starting with Thanksgiving) focuses on so many things; hanging with others you care about, giving things to others (and receiving things), sharing in good times.  It attempts to boast a shiny, happy feeling, but oftentimes there are so many who are left out in the cold.  And sometimes those who have plenty opportunity for the shiny-happy don't take advantage of truly positive acts for themselves or others.

I think that's what scenario person at the top of this post was experiencing.  A good deed was done, a nicety paid forward to someone who probably doesn't see that very often, and that person in turn was very cool, and very thankful about it.  But scenario person saw that so many of the more fortunate aren't more thankful and should be.  That's the big point.

The point to this rambling blog for the weekend is whether it's the holidays or any other time of year, good deeds matter.  They can catch on, whatever form they take doesn't matter.  The good vibes will be heartfelt, and I'll bet they will be passed on someway, somehow.  If the mood strikes, do something nice for someone.  It'll snowball.  I promise.

Also try and say "Merry/Happy Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza".  If that doesn't fit who you are, simply say "Hello", "Thanks" or "Have a great day".  Something as simple as a greeting can brighten someone's day.

And if you are doing well, be thankful for that.  Thankful for your health, or a roof over your head, or for family and friends that care about your existence.  That in and of itself might may you happy and/or grateful enough to spread good cheer, or say hello to someone who might not've been spoken to all day.  I'd bet they would appreciate it, and you would too.

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Be Excellent...to Yourselves

If you're a decent person, don't beat yourself up.  You can always go uphill from here.  Whether that's learning more, focusing more on helping others, getting healthy/healthier, changing your career or anything else you deem a positive you need to form a plan of action.  Yes, it might take a while, but believe in yourself that you can do it and you WILL.

Also, if you're not doing so well, don't be down on yourself.  Talk to others; family, friends, a hotline or support group (online or in person).  People are out there to help you, whether they know you or not.  You can get better.

If you know someone out there who is having a rough time, be there for them.  If they don't want help, be there if they need it and keep watch for when they do.  If they do want the help and you're willing to give it, bless you for it.

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To cap off this post for the year, I will say I'm doing alright.  Moni unfortunately passed away at the end of September.  Her breast cancer unfortunately came back and I think it went for her lungs, as her breathing capabilities took a turn for the worst very quickly.  I'd headed out for a trip west to see my brother married, and came back to her behaving much less like herself.  A little over a week later, I made the decision to have her put down (right after the most recent ConGaloosh).  Damn...it never gets any easier.

I reflect on losing her as I do others, critter and people who I loved and left me with wisdom, memories to cherish, and the inevitable whole in my heart.  The pain has been easing up over time, and the flashbacks to when she was here have left me with warm fuzzies in lieu of tears as of late.

Another kind of pain has been around for a while and doesn't seem to be letting up - for 6 or so months, in fact (yes, I am a colossal dumbass for this).  I should've gotten it checked out earlier.  Besides, the culprit has been around just shy of my turning 34, and it's 2 plus years later.  I'll take care of it though.  Come the afternoon of  January 2nd, it'll be one step closer to figuring what's up.  Breast cancer?  Nah, it's not in the family history.  Sure, I could be a trailblazer for it, but I'd rather start something else.  The biopsy/excision I'll have should get rid of whatever is in there, along with the pain that's been spreading.  From there, if it's benign (non-cancer), I think next year will be devoted to experiencing more, learning more and helping more.  If it's malignant (fuck you, cancer), I'll learn more about my options, do what I can to conquer it and move forward.  Helping others in this boat, regardless of the diagnosis sounds like a good plan too.  Illness of this ilk isn't something that should be experienced solitarily.  If you can pass along your experience, what's worked and what hasn't, you never know who it could help.

I guess that's it for the year.  I hope everyone fares well and has a great holiday.  :)

A Visit to Whoville - The Grinch musical in Durham

I've only been a fan of Stefan Karl Stefansson's work since earlier this year.  I caught a glimpse of him on Lazytown one morning, backtracked to find the show a few months later ("Who was that funny guy in the striped outfit?"), which lead to a marathon watch of most of seasons 1 and 2 during a weekend marred by a lousy cold.  He made me laugh and smile, the show carried a good message and it's uniqueness drew me in.  Who knew that a few months later I'd be seeing him perform another beloved character in person?  I'm still waiting for someone to pinch me.

A few months ago, Stefan and his official Fan Club announced on Facebook that he'd be performing again as the Grinch in the musical version of the famed animated classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas".  The traveling version of the show wouldn't be playing in Florida, but it would show up in Durham, North Carolina.  That was close enough for me to consider driving.  9 hours on the road, though?  I mulled it over for a few days until the tickets went on sale.  I think it took me 3 hours from that point to decide on buying a ticket, flying in and staying for a day.

Now fast forward a few weeks.  While the initial excitement of buying the ticket was beginning to wear off, I pondered whether or not I should do anything in return for the cast.  Sure, everyone involved would be working on something fun, but it'd also be very hard work and they'd be away for a number of weeks from family and friends.  Why not show them that their participation is appreciated, especially during this time of year?  So yes, with a little help on numbers, a little creativity and elbow grease I created some very interesting gifts.  (links at the bottom of this post to the crafts themselves)

Onto the trip to Durham itself.  I made it into town from Central Florida, got to check in earlier than expected, and had lunch at the Blue Coffee Cafe.  If you want a local experience with good food and hospitable service, aim for these folks.  They make good burgers, and have carrot cake without raisins!  After eating, I headed back to my room to assemble the bag of gifts and make my way over to DPAC (the Durham Performing Arts Center).  I'd been keeping in touch with another member of the cast (Grandpa Who), and he'd filled me in on where to ask for him or drop off the gifts if he wasn't available.  Making my way to that spot quickly and quietly, I found where the cast took breaks in the sort-of-fresh-air.  And who would walk out to that area but Stefan himself!  He was talking to a few folks, so I stood there for a moment or two (didn't want to interrupt), and called out for him when he walked away to stand on his own.  He looked down, I introduced myself and passed along the gifts.  I can tell you that I'm pretty good at reading people, and his reaction was genuine, kind and thoughtful.  I kept the conversation brief, bid him "see you later at the show" and made my way to the DPAC building to get my ticket and get in from the cold.

Note: His eyes are very blue, and stood out from the Grinch makeup he was donning when I met him.  Stefan, you're adorable, even in green!  :)

I got into the building with ticket in hand, and after a pit stop for a purchase (Grinch merchandise!), a grab of a program or two and a short wait, I headed in to my spot in the theater.  I initially thought I'd be 3 rows back, and the guy at the box office told me I may have an "obstructed view" (I had to sign a waiver saying I understood that.).  But one of the ushers let me to my spot and I had to bite back a swearword or two.  I got front row!  Sure I was off to one side, but this was freaking FRONT ROW.  As you can tell, I'm still excited about that.  It was thrilling to see families with little ones make their way to the row too.  What a way to indoctrinate your little one on musicals.  (When I have my own kids, I'm doing the very same thing.)

SEMI SPOILER ALERT (AVERT YOUR EYES AND SCROLL a little)
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I'm kidding, sort of.  What I can tell you is the cast does a wonderful job bringing this story to life, and as the Grinch, Stefan really puts his heart and soul into the character, making him the meanest, slimiest, stinkiest incarnation of the green guy you've ever seen.  His face (heck, his whole body) gets a workout as he pulls it left and right, traipsing around the stage bemoaning Christmas for the mass consumerism he sees and sickly sweet attitude that turns his stomach.  But of course, the story ends on a good note, with the Grinch seeing Christmas for what it really is; an opportunity to spend time with family and friends, enjoying good times, pleasant company...and Who roast beast.

One thing I'm not sure Stefan expands on in interviews that I always got from the story was "goodwill toward men".  Treating others with kindness and paying it forward (good deeds), whether it be a gesture or a tangible item may make someone's day/week/year/life and maybe even save a life.  Cindy Lou encompassed this action towards the Grinch with her lack of fear towards him and desire to have him see the good he could have in his life, which helped pave the way for his eventual change in attitude (and heart size).

Note: Stefan's singing is amazing.  His vocal range is all over the place; high, low and snarly.

***Also, a special shout out to Grandpa Who (David) - You were awesome!!  Perfect parts Who patriarch and silliness.
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END OF SPOILERS

At the end of the night, I attempted to head back to the cast's hangout to say "Hi" and see if I could get an autograph, but with crowds passing by and security being extra watchful, I didn't make it over there.  Before turning in for the night (and grousing over some health shenanigans I'm dealing with), I lamented not getting the chance to talk more with Stefan and meet up with David as well (he helped a bit with this, and for that I'm thankful).  But, I shut those thoughts down with a "knock it off Jen and get to sleep", and was about to nod off when my phone dinged at me.  Within the next ten minutes or so, my attitude did a complete 360.  Stefan and David passed along their thanks for the surprise of gifts.  We had hoped for more time for introductions and chatting, but that moment didn't come this time around.  I think if the opportunity presents itself again, it'll happen.

And now here are a few pictures of the crafts.  The item I made en masse (around 63 or so that I placed in a holiday themed box) for the cast was something my Mom taught me to make when I was a child.  She has a knack for creativity as well, and showed me how to make her own take on candy cane reindeer.

This one has two antlers and a red nose, reminiscent of Rudolph, of course.  Growing up, I made it for class every few years for the holidays, and for teams at work when I was onsite.

I came up with a Max design (as in the Grinch's loyal canine companion) after meshing the cartoon version with pictures of what I saw of Max in the musical.  Here he is in a selfie from Durham. (Sorry for the blurry picture.  At least it isn't a photobomb.)

And, feel free to giggle at this Grinch, because I did.  I had a few folks I showed him to call him awesome.  I called him Chewbacca's grumpy green uncle.  But I was happy enough with him to send him off to a better home with Stefan.  (Take note that the orange fuzzy stuff is actually two slap bracelets.  I found those at Target over Halloween and couldn't resist getting them.  Lazytown fans - Do they remind you of anything?)

Last, but certainly not least is something I made for David, because he helped, he responded when I asked questions and I thought it was nice of him to do so.  Without further adieu, it's Grandpa Who!  (The specs should be red, but I preferred green.  The creator wins.)

Anywho, that's it for the recap on this 24 hour adventure, as well as a mini recount of the Grinch musical itself.  If folks really want to know more about the musical who may never get to see it, shoot me a message (via FB or email) and I'll fill you in.  I'd prefer to not drop huge spoilers here for those who may catch it sometime.

Again, BIG thanks and kudos to the cast of the Grinch.  You did a fantastic job bringing this story to life.  Dr Suess would be proud (and he'd say so out loud...in rhyme...all the freaking time).  Thank you Stefan and David.  You made my Christmas season experience brighter.  And Stefan, your work will never cease to lift my spirits.  I appreciate it.

Fall Roundup - SDCC and goodbye to Moni

I think it's time to catch up on SDCC and what happened this year.  As with every other year I've attended, this one was just as crowded and filled to the brim with opportunities to explore.  I pared myself down to a select handful of discussion panels I wanted to see (BBC's Sherlock, Agents of SHIELD, Once Upon a Time and True Blood).  My traveling companion (Dad) wanted to see a few panels that happened right around the same time as these, so our plans coincided pretty well.  There were a few we really wanted to see but couldn't because of timing, or because they were in other rooms we knew would be impossible to get into in a short span of time (never, ever try this with Hall H...I didn't).  Grimm, Haven and the Marvel panels were a no go due to this mindset.  But, you have to be happy with what you are able to do, and if you get some of your wants accomplished, well there you go.  :)

I caught a few panels before Sherlock on Thursday and the attendees must've been comprised of many tumblr folk (I'm just taking a wild guess.)  The Sherlock panel itself was good, headed up by  the show's creators Gatiss and Moffat as well as Executive Producer Sue Vertue.  I was a bit bummed that Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman couldn't be there (had prior engagements), but clips were provided from them saying hello, they hoped we were enjoying ourselves and that we are really in for it with series 3 of Sherlock.  The creators took some questions and we did see a clip from the new season (No, no spoilers for you.).

Thursday night we headed out after the Sherlock panel to grab dinner (shoutout to the Mariott next to the Convention center - the Marina restaurant is still awesome).  Then we headed into the Gaslamp Quarter to find ourselves a Kaiju.  Godzilla, to be specific.  I'd managed to tap into a tumblr site for the Godzilla movie coming out in early 2014, and after unearthing a series of clues I secured two invitations to a secret location for a themed event.  (They had them each day, so the odds that folks would be left out were pretty slim, unless they didn't know about it.)  Anywho, the tumblr site also alluded to an app we needed to download in order to find this event venue.  So there I was, thrilled to have had a smart phone for the 2nd year, but actually using it for one of these gatherings.  I turned the app on, and it acted like a Geiger counter that utilized my GPS coordinates to bring me closer to the venue.  When we got closer, the visual on the app went haywire and flashed red.  It was a little noisy too, and managed to snag the attention of folks as we walked by.  We finally got to the spot, and it turned out to be a building I'd seen a photo of on tumblr.  Thanks for that spoiler, random poster. :-D

Friday was Agents of SHIELD day, and we woke up very, VERY early.  I slipped into my Agent Peggy Carter uniform from Captain America (it's about as authentic looking as I'll ever get it), and we got over to the convention center between 6 and 6:30am.  We'd figured out Thursday morning that the lines were as follows: Hall H line, and everything BUT Hall H line.  So we aimed for the everything-but line which started on the side of the building (hilariously close to Hall H's line).  It ended up wrapping around the back of the building and going into the marina.  Actually I think both did, but we didn't pay much attention to that until we had made it past the calm (but extremely purposeful) dash to where we needed to be when they let us into the building around 8:30am.  We made it up to the line for Ballroom 20, and I was thrilled to see how close we were in the line relative to the very front (when you are on the top level, or even the next one down and underneath the canopies, it's a guarantee you'll make it in to the first discussion panel).  Well, we made it in, watched a few panels (a couple were what my Dad wanted to see, which was good), and then during Agents we were fortunate to see their first episode and then the cast for a very brief Q&A (including Joss Whedon, who showed up to give Clark Gregg aka Son of Coul a big Man Hug).

I nearly didn't recall what we did for Friday evening, but Aha!  Friday night was for spending the night in line, and not just the semi-comfy (really hard as a rock grassy knoll) that is the Hall H line.  Nosiree...we went for the everything but Hall H line.  I recall heading back to Old Town, changing clothes, eating dinner and grabbing our gear for our campout.  I forgot my iPhone (dumbass) but did bring my iPad, stuff to sleep on, and fixings for breakfast the next morning (my stainless steel thermos kept milk for our cereal ice cold through the night).

I don't know if I'll ever try that line again.  Maybe if I'm seated in a chair up off of the ground so folks exiting the building don't trample me I'll give it a go, but it was touch and go for an hour or so after the convention drew to a close.  It was an absolute MASS of people walking each way, trying to dodge our legs.  My Dad and I were within the first 10 folks in line, right next to the building near a door and sort of behind a barricade.  We stayed up for a few hours, talking with folks next to us.  I was next to a Swan Queen** fan (that's a person who likes the idea of Regina Mills and Emma Swan of Once Upon a Time being a couple).  That was interesting, since I'm a pretty sedate Captain Swan fan (Emma Swan and Captain Hook - I don't shout it from the rooftops...I just like the pairing and see promise in it).  Anywho, I didn't get into any sort of lengthy debate or diatribe about who was right or wrong.  She talked and I listened, and then we talked about things not relating to OUAT.  Then we all tried turning in for the night.  I felt bad for my neighbor...she didn't bring much to protect herself from the chilly night air.  I on the other hand had my bivvy sack (a sleeping bag made from the same material as an emergency blanket).  That, a yoga mat and a collapsible pillow kept me pretty cozy and warm, or as cozy and warm as one could be on concrete.

We didn't have a single person from any of the shows, OUAT, Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, True Blood, or anything in between show up to say "Hi".  That was a bust, considering Hall H often sees celebrities ducking in around midnight for pictures and autographs.  (Folks, I hope you read this and consider it next year - I even brought cookies!)

The panels for Saturday were good, and my goodness we were close!  We could've gotten first row in Ballroom 20, but opted for 2nd row right in the center for a great view of each cast.  Everyone looked gorgeous and/or handsome, and it was nice to see cast members banter and faux bicker back and forth from such a short distance away.

** The bummer moment was during OUAT.  My Swan Queen line buddy asked a question regarding her pairing, and it was pretty much shot down (my assessment, though others may have a different take).  In honesty, I don't see anything between the two characters that would suggest mutual romantic interest.  But, each person watches a show, sees a movie or reads a book with their own views in mind, I guess.  We are bound to color what we experience through fiction with our own wishes and needs and mindset.

Sunday...well shoot, I think Sunday was a day just for buying stuff.  We had a few places we wanted to visit in the Exhibit Hall, and the last day is a good day for finding things (that aren't uber popular and sold out already) at a discount.  I ended up with a few sketches and knick knacks here and there (Loki themed, I think), series 2 of BBC Sherlock, and I waited in line for a little bit at the Legendary booth for a Pacific Rim Cherno Alpha (that's the Russian Jeager) shirt.

I have something to say about the big booths by the way.  Legendary did a fantastic job manning their booth, ensuring they had enough people to keep the piece, keep lines in-line when they were doing things (like an autograph or a line for the Godzilla event).  Even when they were doing giveaways, they had people out and available to answer questions openly and honestly.  If we had to wait a bit for something, we were told so and were not given the runaround.  That is NOT how the Marvel booth was run.  It's no wonder I avoided that booth in the past (it's a crowded nightmare) and will likely do so again in the future.  We gave them one good try on Wednesday night for Previews (lots of special stuff on sale that sold out in the Hall within minutes, and an attempt at learning more about their special events - tickets were given out at times we couldn't be there for).  We spent over two hours in line, thinking we were going to get a free poster or would see relatively inexpensive, fun swag to buy.  Nope, no, sorry.  If we were to buy this huge set of blurays in this SHIELD case, we could get a signed poster.  I was so fed up once we got to the register that I didn't buy anything.  My Dad, however, bought me an Agents of SHIELD shirt.  Bless you Dad.  (And I apologized to the couple behind me.  First timers, and they too were duped into standing in line and having Marvel folks shrug at us when we asked what was going on.)

All in all, we learned more this year than we had in the past regarding lines, purchasing of items (especially limited edition stuff), and how the convention center handles this event as a whole.  I think we are pretty well primed for next year.  Unless rules are changed and lines are moved.  Then we are newbies once more.

Next up: A little piece on a gem of a kitty.  Moni, I miss you so much.  (To be continued later this week, I hope.)

SDCC 2013 - Year of the Swag

Ahaha...yeah.  This is my placeholder for recapping the latest SDCC (San Diego Comic Con).  Lots of swag be had (that sounds terrible when I read it, grammar-wise).  I'll see to that on Tuesday, as I have the day off after flying home.  (Gonna see RIPD and Pacific Rim *again* first, though.)

The Storm before the Calm

It's funny how my excitement for a vacation at SDCC peaks in the days just before it, and when I finally get there I relax and enjoy whatever happens (given that some of my plans come to fruition, though if they don't that's okay).  I started packing two nights ago.  Should've been sooner than that, considering work and other things I have to do.  But alas, I started placing things together in Big Blue (a suitcase...myeah) and realized I wanted to haul along a blowup mattress.  Just a twin size and not very heavy, but folding it up to take up less space in a second bag is going to be hilarious.  I think once you've blown these suckers up once, you're never going to get them completely emptied of air and folded back down.

Meh, I'm grousing over this because I want a bed of my own.  When you run around SDCC and downtown San Diego all day, you pretty much want a bed to yourself to pass out on and cover with you arms and legs stretched this way and that.  And this bed...my brother hated it when he tried it out here once.  Me...I think it's like sleeping on a cloud. :)

I mentioned in my last post I'd be aiming for Hall H's overnight line one night, but that won't be the case this year.  Oh no, I had to make things tougher for us.  We'll be aiming for the Ballroom 20 line and sleeping on concrete.  Well, yoga mats*, but they won't provide much comfort.  But I'm resolved to catch the Once Upon a Time panel this year and get good seats.  And, I hope to catch the Marvel panels too.  That'll only happen if timing is right.

* and bivy sacks (a sleeping bag made out of the same material used for emergency blankets), a collapsible pillow and a blanket.  We'll be sleeping better this year.

That's one thing new SDCC attendees MUST keep in mind.  You won't get to do everything you want to do.  Enjoy the experience, and if you get to do a few things from your list, consider that mission accomplished.

Fragile as Wrapping Paper (and SDCC 2012 recap)

Well, I realized back in March that I forgot to write anything about adventures or happenings from 2012.  Even made a point of saving a placeholder for a post.  And then I let three months slip by.  Whoops!

2012 was a busy year.  I said farewell to a few coworkers (and that added more to my to-do list), hit San Diego Comic Con (aka SDCC) for the third time (missed 2010...I sorely regret that), and the ConGaloosh team and I hosted our fourth gathering since the famed Disney's Adventurer's Club closed.

SDCC in 2012 was so much fun, and I think my meet-up buddy** and I did pretty well in terms of seeing the panels we wanted to see.  The heavy hitters for last year were in Hall H on Saturday, and after a wonderful dinner at the Marina restaurant at Marriott next door on Friday night, on a lark we decided to rough it and stay the night in the Hall H camp out line.

**(Dad, because he truly is the best companion for a weekend like this.)

That was easier said than done.

The first few hours (7 to midnight) were fun, as we made idle chitchat with our neighbors, listened to music or watched movies, and someone even passed along extra pizza to whomever might want some.  Then as folks were starting to wind down, Sir Ian McKellen showed up, surprising dozens of bleary eyed, bed/grass-headed folk as they got up to greet him.  I didn't have anything on me that I could've had him sign, so I stood back and watched the spectacle of it all.  Everyone gave Ian and one another space, and plenty of Thank you's and cheers were heard amongst the crowd.

After that spazz-worthy surprise, I decided to drop down next to my Dad and try to get some shuteye.  We both had jeans on, shirts and jackets/hoodies and shared a small blanket I bought at the Marriott (took turns using it, really), but despite that we were shaking during attempts at sleep for most of the overnight hours.  That surprised me because I've camped out in sub freezing temperatures and yet I was chilled to the bone in 50 something degree weather.  We figured it was due to being near the water with dampness in the air and on the ground that made us so cold.  I think the two of us slept a few hours each.  When the sun rose, I grabbed breakfast from a nearby hotel (Dad got free coffee from a neighbor), and we waited in line until around 10:30am before they let us into the building.

Note: We caught some shuteye during a few of the early panels.  I can't believe I zonked out during Silent Hill part 29, but I did.

The highlights of Hall H were Pacific Rim (del Toro's enthusiasm for his work is infectious), the test preview (??) of Godzilla, which had nearly everyone in the Hall screaming with excitement, Iron Man 3 (Robert Downey Jr's entrance, a literal dance from the back to the front of the Hall was priceless), news on what the next Marvel movies would be, and of course, The Hobbit panel.

Sure, we had fun doing other things.  Going to panels, talking to others in line, seeing the setup for the NBC series Grimm outside of the convention center (including a replica of the infamous trailer full of Wesen deterrent and killing weapons, potions and whatnot), that rounded out the long weekend rather nicely.

Now for this year's SDCC, I can tell you with certainty this time that I'm set for the overnight Hall H line, I know what panels I want to see, and who I may want to meet, if they're there.  But I'll give that another month or so, let the adventure happen and tell my tales here once again.

Onto the topic that helps give sense to the name of this post.  Health issues.  I occasionally have them.  My intracranial hypertension comes and goes, forcing me to go through more eye tests and medicine, though for now it seems to be improving.  But this isn't about me.  Oh no...this involves two individuals who in my eyes do pretty well in this area.  Or they did until recently.

Moni, my eldest cat (and a Munchkin aka short-legged kitty) who turns 17 in July has had a tumor on her tummy for a few years.  Hadn't caused any severe problems, and I figured she might not make it if I took her in to have it removed. (She may have been fixed as an adult by her first owners, which upped her chances of tummy tumors and breast cancer.)  She ended up with another tumor (literally in the past week or so) that surfaced and ulcerated (in other words, eww).  I got her in to see my other cat, Josie's vet and within a few days time she had surgery, had the tumors removed (they were cancerous, but hopefully all was removed), and she's such a tough cookie that she survived!  I was worried about her at first due to her age, but now, I feel she's tougher than I thought she was.

And the other individual in this story is...my Dad.  Yeah, I couldn't believe this either.  He's not uber healthy, but he has generally had it good in this department until recently.  He was diagnosed two or so years back with gluten intolerance (my mom's was ruled out, so I know I got my mild version from him).  His is pretty violent.  He can stand cross contamination of wheat, barley and rye, but can't have it literally in his food.  If he does, he ends up doing an imitation of Linda Blair in The Exorcist.  This past week while he was in town (thankfully for Moni's surgery and recovery), he had a day of gluten free food, but got sick shortly before we were to head out for dinner.  So I waited while he was sick, and when I knew he was going to rest I went out to get myself a meal and get him some light food (7-Up and gluten free soup).  I get back, just start to change into pajamas when I hear a knock on the door and my Dad moaning "Jen" in pain.  I open the door, and he has his hand clutched to his chest.

Aww shit, I thought to myself.  And I took action. 

Back into bed he went, and I dialed 911 to get the EMT's to my place.  I begged him to take some aspirin, but he noted he couldn't (due to some medicine he was taking that might interact).  Double damn. And he was getting pale, though thankfully not clammy nor incoherant.  I gave the person on the line my address, Dad's vitals and waited for the paramedics to arrive.  They checked him out, ran an ECG (heart monitor test) and cleared him at that moment, though they recommended because he was still in pain in the center of his chest that we get him checked out.  So that's what we did, but we went to where they recommended first (a local Care center) and they turned us away (possible heart issues should ALWAYS go to the hospital).  So, off to the hospital we went.  I think we got there at 8pm, and just shy of midnight they finally got information to us on lab tests they ran on him.  His heart was looking good, though his white cell count was still up, and his pain lessened but still going.

He ended up spending the night, having a bunch of heart and stress tests done the next day.  It turns out his blood pressure and cholesterol was great.  (He could've told the doctor's that.)  That morning my Grandmother, Mom and I exchanged phone calls, and we were all on the same wavelength.  My Dad likely had his first gallbladder attack.  The doctor overseeing my Dad's care wasn't sure that was the case, and pointed where the gallbladder was.  Now I wasn't even there and heard this later when I picked him up, but I told my Dad the doc was way off, and that gallbladder pain is often in the center of the chest, just a few inches above the bottom of the rib cage.

Since he's cleared his heart as the culprit, before our next vacation (at SDCC) he has orders to go visit his GI doctor and check out that gallbladder of his and anything else in the area.  I'm glad what happened to him wasn't a heart attack, but if it was gallbladder it's going to happen again.  He'll need to form a gameplan with his doctor to either eat the right foods to lessen the likelihood of another attack, take medicine for it (like Josie the cat), or have it removed.

Anywho, tying back to the fragility of paper, I did feel in the past week or two that a few very special individuals were just that.  I was worried that if I touched them they would rip and tear, but then they showed me how much they wanted to overcome their health issue, I supported them and they succeeded.  I'm glad they both did well.

Before the month is up, I hope to chime in on ConGaloosh, a project that has been very near and dear to me and others.  That and other goings on so far for the year.  But for now, it's back to work.