23 Years Of Love And All I Got Was 'The Best Weekend Ever'

I don't even really know how to begin telling the story of this past weekend.  One of the best weekends of my life.  But I suppose in order to REALLY portray how amazing and perfect this weekend turned out to be... I need to go back.  Way back.  23 years back. To when I first saw Mr Duchovny.  From the first time I saw an episode of the X-Files I was hooked.  I "knew" immediately we were gonna one day be married.  Even though I was 12 and he was 33.  Never mind that he was old enough to legally drink when I was born.  Old enough to totally be my father. (I will be your father figure, put your tiny hand in mine.... Oh wow, I just made that totally creepy.  Moving on...)  But you know... dream big.   I plastered my walls with pictures of him I cut out of magazines.  There was basically no internet back then so it was all old school obsession tactics.  Magazines and TV.   I even joined the X-files fan club.   Oh yeah... super dork.

my nerdiness knows no bounds

I still have my old school diary from when I was 13 (because, hey, who DOESN'T love revisiting those embarrassing thoughts and years) and it is RIDDLED with "I love David D's" and "Steph and David" and gushing about how "fine" he was.   Here is a nice little excerpt from the works:

Totally not embarrassing at all

I've seen almost all of his movies countless time.  Seen every episode of X=Files too many times to count.  Over the years the crush never waned.  Always there.  Always David D as number one.

Cut to maybe two years ago when I see he's announced he's doing a Con. In Pittsburg.  Which I obviously can't go to.  Too far.  Too expensive.  Too everything.  It literally hurt me when I saw all the pictures with him and others that were posted  Not that I wasn't happy for them... but the jealousy was debilitating.  Over the next year or so he did a few more cons, but again, none I could attend.  I kept my fingers crossed that somehow he would attended Dragon Con (which everyone knows is my main event for the year) but so far no luck.

And then, suddenly, my amazing con bestie Lana send me a message and it's just a picture.  Of David.  With an announcement.  New Orleans.  A completely doable drive.  David Duchovny within driving distance of me.  At a con I've attended many times and know the ropes and ins and outs of. But.... it's literally two weeks after Christmas.  I can't do that... it isn't feasible.  Money.  Bad timing.  Blah blah.  Me being Debbie Downer to myself.  Luckily both Lana AND my mother quickly talked some sense into me.  This is a near life long dream.  Could be only opportunity. It's DAVID DUCHOVNY.  You are right, ladies.  How can I NOT?

My wonderful friend Kerry was so marvelous to make the adventure with me.  I can't thank her enough for being there for my trip of a lifetime. And I can't thank her enough for how much happiness she had at seeing my happiness. I know she went on this trip just for me and I love her so much for it.

Tickets purchased.  Hotels reservations made.  Roughly a month until departure.  Cut to me being nervous and sick to my stomach. Basically as a constant.  It was very helpful in my weight loss.  Lost almost five pounds before the trip took place.  Also spent the time basically rewatching anything and everything Duchovny.  And reading his latest book (which I had previously purchased but not read). It really was a great book.  I laughed.  I cried.  A lot of crying.  Very good.

Lots and lots of stressing took place in those weeks leading up to the event.  What if he cancels? What if I get sick? What if the plot of Armageddon starts taking place and we have no real life Bruce Willis to save us? Which is actually ludicrous because we DO have a real life Bruce Willis and I'm sure he could save us.  But you get the idea.

Cut to the day we are set to leave and winter storm "Ruin My Dreams" hits Alabama. Ice everywhere.  Lord have mercy... the one hindrance I didn't think of and it's happening.  Kerry and I set out as soon as possible to try and beat the weather.   For the most part, we did pretty good.  Although there is apparently a very long stretch of road between Tuscaloosa and New Orleans were there is NOTHING. There is less than nothing.  No food.  No fuel.  No bathrooms.  Like a Meghan Trainor amount of no.  By two we are starving so stop at the first signs of life we see. Which is an Arby's.  AN Arby's that is apparently haunted by the movie Frozen because it was as if sheets are ice were being thrown down from the sky.  Even dropping the window to pay for our food was like having someone dump a cup full of ice in your lap. We got out as soon as possible.  Driving down the road eating our food, thinking how happy we are to finally have some.  Cut two half an hour later when we realized we had been poisoned by grease and lard and we both thought we were dying.  Fast food really never is a good idea. Unless you really enjoy feeling as if someone punched you in the guts from the inside.  In which case, knock yourself out.

Driving driving. Worry worry.  Going over all of the possible idiotic things I might do in front of my dream man with Kerry. Faint.  Barf.  Cry.  Fart.  Ramble.  Not speak at all.  Drool.  So many possibilities.   Next thing we know we've finally made it to our first place of sleep a sweet little Bed and Breakfast in the French Quarter.  It really was a great place in a great location and the price was sweet.  The man behind the desk was adorable and he pointed us in the direction of some great food that night.  It was a small walk... in the freezing and rain... but it was worth it.  A place called EAT.  Great food.

Of course I slept NONE that night. Just as the night before that. Too much flying through my mind.  So I officially give up trying at 5 am. 

Never could decide what to wear, but went with this

Kerry and I are ready to go!

We get ready...eat breakfast... I get a little sick from nerves... and then head to our next hotel which is directly by the convention center.  Great location! They let us check in at 830 which is shocking but amazing and we park the car and then head to register for the con.  After an easy registration we walk to get in line.  Kerry bought a general admission tickets and me the David D VIP so we were to be in different lines and enter at different times, BUT as it turns out I get a "plus one" for my VIP so we can both get in early.   SCORE!   We head in and I immediately head to exchange my picture print out for the card I need for the actual photo (not my first con so know the ropes.  Actually I THINK my 14th con but you know). 

David was set to do his first set of autographs at 10.  I didn't want to do my autograph first thing.  I needed time to prepare myself. I wanted to save that for last.  A.) because it was what I was most nervous about and b.) because it would make my time with him last longer throughout the day.  BUT I knew he would have to walk up to his booth so Kerry and I decided to stand around his booth for a bit.  You know... just to talk... whatever... cut to I'm standing facing where his booth is to my right and Kerry is to my left and I am looking at her while she types a text and I am being 100% here but out of nowhere my head snaps to the right as if I just KNEW he was there.... and there he is.  Walking up... not ten feet from me... for the first time in my life I am THISCLOSE to him... all of the last 23 years come rushing to me... and I cease to function.  I patted Kerry's arm to make her look because I couldn't speak.  I don't remember what happened next but Kerry said I turned white as a sheet and fell into her to where she thought I was gonna hit the ground.  Guys.... he was beautiful.  Seriously.  So much thinner than I expected (not that I thought he was fat.  Of course not) and just OMG hurt your eyes make you gasp hot.  Music began to play.  I saw our unborn children flash before my eyes... the world stopped spinning... the whole nine yards. Kerry walked over and snuck a pic for me because I seriously couldn't even function well enough to move my legs.

After a few years... or minutes... I am able to move my legs and breath again so we walk over to Michael Rooker's table so Kerry can meet and get a picture with him.  As we are standing in line again my head is pulled over suddenly by an unknown force of hotness and David is walking directly next to me again.  He must have sensed me staring because he looks over at me and we make eye contact and my body turns to jello.  Magic. Purely so.

My first picture with him is scheduled for 1150 am so I am able to line up at 1120.  Kerry isn't able to wait with me so I am alone with my thoughts for a good thirty minutes.  I can feel the panic setting in.  I'm ashamed to say my pulse was racing like no other. I texted with my mom the whole time. I mean I was gonna TOUCH David Duchovny. It was and still is too much to think about. Next thing I know the line is moving.  And I am fairly close to the front of it so it doesn't take long.  Suddenly I am in the room with him.  Holy crap.  He's right there.  Fox Mulder.  Hank Moody.  He's right there! And then its my turn.  I walk up to him and he does the Hank Moody-esque "Well hello there" smirk and says hello.  I think I died.  I'm pretty sure I did.  I get as close to him as possible (at least as possible as appropriate for a room full of people watching) and they take the picture.  I turn back to him and we make eye contact again and he says something else but I honestly couldn't tell you what.  I was still dead at this point. It's been over 24 hours and I think I still may be. When they hand me my picture I am beyond ecstatic.  It's a good picture! I don't look like a goob.  You can't even tell I was dead.  Amazing!

Cute as hell is what this is

I text my mom all about it while I quickly run over to see Kerry and show her.  I had a picture scheduled for almost immediately after so had to get back in line.  We fan girl out for a moment and then I head back over and get in line.  Again I was near the front.  We walk in pretty much right away and as we are about to enter where Mitch and David are the men behind me are talking about David. Talking about how he looks almost the same and he looks really good but he must dye his hair.  I had to turn to them and agree that yes he does still look amazing.  You are correct gentlemen.  When its the turn for the people in front of me Mitch stops and wipes sweat off of his head and people talk about how hot it is in there to which I hate to bite my tongue to keep from saying "that's all David with the hot". And then they take the picture and then as I walk up David turns to Mitch and says "remember that time..." and they start talking.  I wanted to hear what they were saying but all I could hear was white noise because he was so close to me.  They chat for a moment while I stand there awkwardly staring then they turn to me and I said "Hey" like "hey I'm here" and get between them and David says he's sorry and of course you should never apologize to me David unless it's saying you are sorry that we aren't making out.  Mitch ask how I am and all and then they tell me to have a good day or something close to it and I walk out. Or more like float out really. Sigh.

cuteness

After the photo it's about time to get ready for the panel so we head over to where it will be and watch the end of the Guardians of the Galaxy panel.  Since I was a David VIP I am able to sit in the first three rows (and Kerry is allowed to sit with me yay!).  We get a seat in the second row pretty close to the center.  Awesome seats.  It was a great panel! Funny and just amazing.  Loved every minute of it.  And I got some great pics.

I'm hoping someone videoed the panel so I can watch it again.  It really was a great time.

As soon as the panel is finished it was time to line up for my autograph.  I again felt like a ball of nerves.  This would be my only chance to talk to him.  I'd been wracking my brain for weeks on what I would say to him and I knew when the time came I wouldn't be able to say any of it.  I took out my book hoping I would get the courage to ask him to sign it as well as the 8x10 but knowing that I wouldn't.  (He had said once in the past that if you ever handed him his book he would always sign it... but I didn't want to seem like I was trying to get something for free).  I noticed the person in front of me only got a thanks for coming or something like that and that was it and I so didn't want my time to be like that but I still had nothing.  I walked up and he saw my name and said it out loud (which nearly killed me, let me tell you) and then he signed my 8x10 and then he looks at me and sees me holding the book  and this is how the conversation went:

David: You know I sign all books.

Me: Oh, thanks!

David: Whether you want me to or not.

Me: I really liked it.  It made me ugly cry a little bit, but I really liked it.

David: *laughs as if he has never heard this term before* Ugly cry?

Me: Yeah it was pretty bad.

David: That's funny. Thank you.

End scene. 

Sooooo.... maybe it wasn't anything spectacular but hey! I made David laugh.  And that is something I'll always have. 

And that was may most amazing day ever.  Ever. 23 years of love had led up to this.  And it was worth every single minute.  Every penny.  All of it.  It was the perfect day.  I can't believe it happened.  It meant so much to me I can never explain.  I actually cried (ugly cry) about it this morning as we drove out of new Orleans with just the magnitude of the whole "yeah that happened" of it all.  Happy tears of course.  I regret nothing (other than David and I not already seriously dating from this).  I could never really express how all of it made me feel.  I can only equate it to a dream coming true.  Maybe not a huge life changing dream that made humanity better or anything but a dream all the same.

After the autograph we head out to finally find some food.  We eat, drink, and generally be merry until time to head back for the "Rocky Horror Picture Show".  It was my first time seeing it live AND Barry Bostwick was there (Oh, Brad!) to help get the fun started.  IT WAS SO MUCH FUN! Got hit with rice and toast.  Laughed.  Sang.  Danced.  Loved every minute!!!!

We head back to the hotel... fall into an exhaustion fueled coma and end the day.

Again.... I know this a ridiculous details filled take on the day and says what all happened... but it could never really tell what this trip has meant to me.  I hope to one day meet him again.  Maybe even at Dragon Con this year (fingers crossing now), and I know every single time will make me feel like that nerdy frizzy 12 year old again.. but it will never quite have the magic that this first time did. 

Best.  Weekend.  EVER.

Dragon Con 2016: Velma and Daphne and Daredevil: Oh my!

It's that time of year again! Dragon con blog time! Its taken me longer than usual to begin my blog, but that is largely in part due to the fact that its taken me longer than usual to recover from the con.  I don't know what was different about this year, but for some reason my body decided it was a great time to cosplay as a walking dead walker.  And not a fresh just turned walker.  But more like the been trapped in an attic for 18 months living off of rats and moths walker.

So here it goes.  My 35 year old exhausted brain is going to try and remember as much as possible from the events of last week.  My favorite time of the year.  The week I spend the other 51 weeks out of the year looking forward to.

(cue law and order sound)
THURSDAY:

This year was a bit different from the rest.  This was the first year that I drove to Atlanta by myself.  I've driven in Atlanta hundreds of times, but never all alone.  I was a bit nervous, but confident I could make it.  Luckily, my con bestie Lana was to meet me there.  She and I met in line for the Matt Smith panel in NOLA a few years ago and we've been con besties ever since!

The drive to Atlanta was fairly uneventful.  Just me.  In the car.  With music and my own thoughts.  Fun to be sure.   Lana and I had planned to meet at a Target ten minutes away from the hotel to buy some food items and odds and ends.  We then drove to the hotel to drop off our luggage.  This year we decided not to park at the hotel, but to instead park off site and save SO much money.  We parked for 1/4 of the price and it really didn't take us too long to park the car and make it back to the hotel.  We dropped off our cars.  Rode the shuttle to the airport and then picked up the MARTA back to the hotel.  After checking in (we were given a room on the 39th floor.  YIKES) we walked to the Sheraton to register for the con.  The line moved SO quickly.  I feel as if they become more efficient every year.  We walk back to the hotel and change for dinner. 

One of the best parts of Dragon con is walking around and seeing everyone.  Meeting new people.  Checking out the cosplay.  It's really a wonderful experience.  We walked over to food court and grabbed a quick bite and then cruised the Marriott.

This year instead of spending a million dollars on drinks, Lana came up with some signature cocktails for us to make ourselves at the con.  Night one was what she named "The Dragon Con" and it was DELISH. 

We tried to check out the Nerdy New Year, but it was a bit of a strange vibe.  Everyone was sitting down and nothing was really happening so we didn't stay very long. Maybe it got better later, but if I wanted to sit in the dark with loud music playing... Well I don't know that I would ever want that.  We walk around for a while and then head upstairs to try and grab the last bit of sleep we will get for the next few days and prepare for day one. (And for some reason, I found myself waking up before the flipping sun every single day but who knows.  My body is a masochist.)

FRIDAY:

Day one! A day that will forever be known as the day that Daphne hugged Daredevil (I'm sure Fred will understand). A day that I KNOW I will never forget.  I can never thank Lana enough for making this happen.  But I will get to that.  You can be sure I will be describing that in great detail.

First thing in the morning was the Charlie Cox Daredevil panel.  It was scheduled to start at 10 am in the hyatt.  We knew it would be a full panel and we would need to line up early so we planned to get up at 6 am to get ready.  Needless to say, the snooze button may have been hit a few.. hundred times and we were a bit behind.   Today our cosplay plans were Daphne Velma (or Amy Pond and River Song at a costume party if you will).  Lana is Always River and therefore all of her cosplay has a River Song aspect to it.  Velma Song.  We were pretty adorable, if I do say so myself.

We head down to the Charlie panel a bit later than we expected and find that the room is already being filled.  We wait until the line goes in and then walk in and are shocked to find that we get front row seats.  The room ends up being completely full, but some how we got super lucky and are in the front row.  It was AMAZING.  I hope that someone recorded the panel and eventually uploads because I would love to listen to it again.  Twice he did this adorable laugh, where he kinda squeaked and it was 100% the cutest thing I've ever witnessed.  Lana and I were basically swooning.  And with my new camera I was able to get some awesome pictures.

That mouth though.

So pretty.

I know he looks bored, but he was actually just listening intently.

After the Charlie panel we walk through the walk of fame a bit and then wander around the Marriott taking pictures and having pictures taken of us.  At one point we run into a cosplayer with a saxophone who's playing Careless Whisper on repeat.  Good luck getting THAT out of your head. He sees us and began playing the Scooby Doo theme.  It was pretty funny.  Time passes. Fun is had, but nothing particularly noteworthy. Other than while we were walking through the walk of fame, suddenly a doctor who cosplayer looks at us and says, "I'm sorry Daphne, but Velma is cuter." To which I said, "Wow! Maybe don't say that to my face." and then he says, "Well you're cute." Um no thanks, sir.  Don't throw me a pity 'you're cute'.  I mean, rude.  But whatever.  I get it.  Velma is and was really cute :) But maybe keep it to yourself, partner. After that, it wasn't long before it was time to line up for our photo with Charlie.  

Let me preface this with how Lana and I message on the daily.  Like a thousand times a day really.  So she knows about my love for Charlie.  Thought he was adorable in Stardust but really fell for him when he was Owen or Boardwalk Empire.  I really wanted to get a 'hug' picture after seeing some pictures of others who had.  I knew I would get too shy to ask him for one and told Lana as much.  She told me don't worry, she would make sure it happened.

Okay, cut to us waiting in line for our photo.  Lana tells me she's figured out our pose for the pic.  She's going to tell Charlie to hug me and since she's Velma and has the magnifying glass she's going to 'investigate the situation'.    Even just hearing her say this causes butterflies the size of pterodactyls to erupt in my stomach.  Once we walk into the room and see him standing there my stomach begins a flip flop that I can't even describe.  When our turn comes he does his usual (and WONDERFUL.  seriously how is someone so nice? Such a good person) hand shake and asking of the names and nice to meet you's and all.  And the thing is, you can tell he really means it.  Truly such a nice person.  After the greeting Lana tells him, "She is going to hug you and I'm going to stand here." (That's complete paraphrasing because my mind had already left my body at this point and I don't know what was happening.)  I grabbed on, wrapping my arms around his waist.  He put one arm around me and stood that way for a moment with me thinking "That's not a hug! Both arms!" and he must have read my mind because then he wrapped the other arm around me.  It took a few moments for the photographer to reframe the photo so I was pressed tightly against him for a bit.  Long enough for me to have the thought, "OMG my heart is slamming in my chest so fast and hard that I KNOW he can feel that! How embarrassing!"  And honestly, he more than likely DID feel it.  There's almost no way he didn't.  It doesn't beat that hard after I run two miles.  It's probably a good thing I don't actually know him or spend time with him in life because it would be hazardous to my health! After the picture is done and Lana and I are walking away I tell her about my pulse and she feels my wrist and couldn't believe it either.  In all my celeb meetings, I've never had a reaction like that one for sure.  Before we get our picture, I just KNEW I was going to look like a giant goofball and it would be terrible.  I could not have been more wrong.  It's my favorite celeb photo to date.  I don't know that I can ever top it.  Lana is a genius.  Truly.  It's SUCH a great picture.  I could look at it forever.  And I just might. 

How cute is this!?!?!

Of course we had to. How could we not? What would Fred say?

After our glorious picture (I was giddy and high on life for probably the next two hours.  Smiling like a fool constantly.) we head to get in line for the Torchwood panel.  Which actually was a panel with only Gareth David-Lloyd.  But it was still great! We had second row seats for this panel so we were two for two on amazing panel positions. It was a great panel!

Cell phone pic from the panel

After the panel we head back to the room to freshen up and for Lana to mix a new drink for the day (the Scooby Snack. It was SO GOOD!) and then we headed to the elevator to ride down 39 floors.

Side note: I have heard many stories over my years at dragon con of people getting stuck on elevators.  It happens decently frequently due to people way over crowding.  Like ten people more than should be there.  And it gets super hot.  And sweaty.  And smelly..... so yeah, I've heard of it happening many times.  But it never happened to me... until this year.

We were stuck on the 36th floor for a good 25 minutes. In a hot, over crowded, smelly box.  Luckily everyone was pleasant.  We had an elevator party.  Elevator selfies included.  But it really was pretty terrible.  The second the elevator stopped working all of the oxygen sucked out of the space.  I had to look up towards the ceiling to feel like I was able to breath. Imagine being stuck in a sauna that is being pumped full of stale air as it passes through a locker room minutes after a double overtime game and this sauna is holding at least 15 people past capacity and is standing room only.  Standing room where someone is pressed up against you on every side. I'm glad I can check that experience off of the Dragon Con checklist, but I definitely don't want to have to do that again. Unless I can hand pick who I am stuck with.  Wouldn't mind being crammed in there with Charlie that's for sure.  The door opened once and three people were able to escape before it shut again and we were stuck for about ten more minutes.  Everyone was so afraid it would open then shut again so we all promised "No man left behind" and would try and hold the doors open if it happened.  But luckily, it finally reached the bottom and we were able to get free. I'm sure we were QUITE the sight as we all come rushing out of there screaming "don't go in" "Stay away" "certain doom".  And sadly... so many didn't listen.  Enjoy your smelly hot box, people.

Once we finally escape the elvators we grabbed a quick dinner at our favorite diner in the mall and then walked the Marriott for a few hours making friends and taking pictures.  Great day!!!

Saturday:

Already, by Saturday AM I am starting to realize I am in fact 35 years old and I started feeling every single day of those 35 years.  I am exhausted and sore and the weekend had barely begun! But the fun is worth every ache and pain.  We get dressed for the day and head out for our first activity.  Another Charlie Cox panel.  We weren't quite as close this time but we still had pretty good seats! I didn't take any pics at this panel since I had gotten so many awesome ones from the first panel.  It was a fantastic panel! Charlie was as charming and adorable as ever. And once again, such a nice guy.  When he sat down, he poured himself a cup of water and then turned and poured one for the moderator as well.  So sweet! Truly just a genuinely nice guy. If I didn't love him before this weekend then I surely would now! He truly deserves all the success in the world.  He's brilliant at what he does and he's a genuine person.  Just love him.  I mean... in case you hadn't gotten that from all of my ramblings here. *insert winky face*

After the Charlie picture we do some more wandering and then it's time for my solo picture with Charlie.  Once again, I am nervous, but I knew there was no way to top our previous picture so I decided to just go with it.  I knew I didn't want the simple side by side (especially since Charlie doesn't really usually smile very big in his pics.  It's so weird.  Before AND after the picture he will have the biggest most beautiful smile on his face and then he looks so meh when they take the picture.  Except for our pic in St Louis when I told him he could be in trouble and he smiled HUGE. And then the smirk in our daphne/velma pic.) so I decided to kind of turn in to him and make it a little more personal.  As I walked up he looked at me and exclaimed, "You look AWESOME!" and rather he meant it or not he genuinely seemed like he did! We take the photo (which is adorbs) and then he says something like have a great weekend or something BUT I DO remember he ended it with , "Darling."  HELLLLOOOOO swoon city.  I am now your mayor.  I know Charlie has a girlfriend and is about to be a father and I respect that completely.  But dude, you can't call me darling in that accent, looking like you do... and expect me to behave.  I mean OBVI I did since I didn't get escorted out but I can't explain how hard it was.  Such a sweetie.  I was really pretty sad to know our Dragon Con time together was over.  Until next time, Charlie! You are an awesome person and I'm can't wait to see what you do next!

Adorabletown (and mini daredevil got to meet Daredevil!)

After my Charlie picture we head to get in line for the Legends of Tomorrow panel.  We wait in line for about an hour and a half but it's totally worth it when we once again score front row panel seats! I can't believe it.  We've really gotten lucky with the panels! And it was a great panel! Arthur Darvill!!! Rory! So excited to see him! And he's so funny!  I'll admit I've never watched the show but I definitely now plan to! They were so awesome and told some great stories.  And watching Falk Hentschel can DANCE.  Hot.

After the panel we head out to dinner to meet up with our awesome friends we made last year.  Bob wasn't able to come with us, but it was great to see Scott and Cathy.  They are so fun! So glad we've kept up with our friends and were able to see them again!! Had a great dinner and a lot of laughs!!!
After dinner we decided to stick around the Marriott again (with another Lana drink.  This one called the Teselecta.  SO YUMMY) and then headed off to bed to try and get at least a small amount of sleep before the next day of awesomeness!

Sunday:

Big day! The day started early and was going to end late with LOTS of stuff going on in the middle, but all amazing stuff! Today was my trusty Amy Pond Kissogram cosplay.  It fit perfectly seeing as how I would be taking the Pond family photo! Just thinking about it is exciting!

The panel with Alex Kingston and Arthur Darvill wasn't until 2:30 so we decided to get our Alex Kingston autographs first.  The line was pretty long but actually didn't take too long to get to the front.  Our friend Scott needed a few autographs and that meant more time for Lana to spend with Alex so she was more than happy to help!  We would've been happy to help regardless but still a nice perk. Let me just say how GORGEOUS Alex is in person.  I mean wow.  Must be nice  And she's also a super sweet person! She was amazing!  And of course I had to ask the hair goddess what products she uses.  And she so sweetly told me.  Hopefully they are something a single income nurse from Alabama can afford ;-) 

After the autograph we head to get in line for the panel.  And while were weren't super far back in line, somehow we got pretty gross seats. They way they were sitting people down wasn't effective.  They had placed us directly behind the videographer and we could see nothing.  We were able to move closer but still not the best seats.  But it was still an amazing panel! Love River and Rory!

After the panel we head over immediately to get ready for Doctor Who Duo opp.  The Pond family reunion.  Mom, Dad, and daughter x2.  It really was an awesome experience to get to take a picture with both Rory and River!! And then Amy and another River :-) It's such a cute picture!!! And you can tell how much Alex really loved Lana's cosplay.  She went on and on about it during the autograph.  And she told me mine was amazing too and called me Mommy haha.  Which Doctor Who fans will understand. 

So much cuteness (and mini daredevil made an appearance)

After our picture we head back to the walk of fame (Lana wanted a James Marsten auto and we kept stalking his table to try and find him.  And STILL nothing.) but we did find Bob at his table and get to catch up with him! It was so nice to see him and get to chat.  Such a nice guy.  Again, so happy we were able to become friends and stay in touch with our Dragon Con peeps.

Next we head back to our favorite diner for some quick dinner then back to the hotel to get ready for the Dragon Con ball!!! One of the best parts of Dragon Con. Before the Ball started, Lana had arranged a Confluence of Rivers.  Where River cosplayers would all come together for a phot op.  And there was a good number of them too! It really was a pretty awesome event!! Hopefully they can do it again next year!  After the photo we get in line for the DWB and see some amazing cosplay while we wait.  It's so much fun to be among so many people who love what you love and love it as much as you do.  Nothing like doing the Cupid Shuffle with a few hundred people all cosplaying Doctor Who characters.  It's an amazing feeling!  And I have to give a shout out to a particular cosplayer who was "Party Ten".  This guy was having the TIME OF HIS LIFE and just watching him was making us have the time of ours.  He was like a hummingbird of speed.  He was dancing like it was his job.  Truly.  I loved it.  I want to live just once like that. So carefree and happy.  That was so nice to watch.

We head back to the hotel before it gets too late because at this point we are pretty close to dead.  I'm not as young as I used to be.  Don't have the hang time anymore. But still, I wouldn't trade it.  Still the best time you can have.  We went to bed at around 130 am and planned to get up at 6 am so we could finish packing and be ready to check out before we head to line up for the Alex panel at 830 (it started at 10 but we knew we needed to be in line early). Cut to.....

Monday:

6 am.  Snooze.  Snooze.  Snooze....... so we ended up getting up after 7.  And I'm pretty sure I actually died for a least 2 hours and some how came back to life.  I don't know that I've ever felt so drained in my life.  And I pretty much looked the part as well. 

SOMEHOW by 830 am we managed to get dressed, pack our stuff, get it checked in with the bellhop, and walk over to the Sheraton and get in line for the Alex panel.  I still don't know how we did it.  Especially seeing as how we had died.  But not only did we get in line for the Alex panel on time but we also get sweet spots in line.  Which transcended into sweet spots in the panel.  We were fourth row and could see really well.  For the most part we had excellent positions for every panel that weekend.  Definitely a dragon con first for me!  It was an amazing panel and I was able to get some great pictures!

After the panel, we head back to the Marriott for the Walk of Fame and so Lana can get her other autograph with Alex.  Due to the line not being managed well, even though we are there at the time we were told to be, we are basically at the back of a REALLY long line.  But once again, Alex was so wonderful that she made every minute of waiting more than work it! She makes eye contact and really is interested in talking to each person.  She makes them feel like it is more than just give me your money and I'll sign this.  She truly is amazing. 

After we get our autograph, we do a quick outfit change in the restroom and then begin our journey to get our cars.  First the marta (which was a bit smelly, but got us where we needed to go), then the bus back to the parking garage, then the drive back to the hotel.  After a little over an hour we were ready to depart back home.

I can honestly say I had never been more exhausted when the weekend was over.  It was a long drive back home (and I don't know HOW Lana did it.  She had over double the drive that I did and I barely made it).  But I can also honestly say I've never had more fun! It was an amazing weekend filled with events I KNOW I'll never forget.  So many amazing things happened.  (i.e. That Charlie hug).  I already look forward to next year.  I know, once again, it'll be a weekend filled with so many awesome things! I recommend going to Dragon Con for anyone who's considered it but never bit the bullet.  Do it! It's worth it!

Until then:

#bewarethefallout2

#Iwasgonnawaltz

#OEISS

Peace, Love, and Who Needs Sleep

Meet Me In St Louis: Con Life Chronicles

It's that time again.  The time when there is a collective release of held breath as everyone realizes the wait is over... Yes that's right.  The blog is here.  I know.  I know.  You've all waited so patiently for your favorite story to be available for devouring.  Well, wait no more my friends.  Here you go.  The little hand says it's time to rock and roll. Let's get this.

This story of epic adventure started as they usually do... three women obsessed with road trips, the conlife, and everything Doctor Who saw that all of these were available in one place.  St Louis.  Thank you Wizard World.  Don't mind if we do. Long story a little less long, we each sold a couple of vital organs for fundage (WW isn't known for their reasonable pricing.  A bit more known for their Rumplestilskin-esque demands of payment.  But obviously I pay it so can't say much.) and spun some straw into gold and set on our way. 

The trip up was relatively quiet.  Nothing to report there.  Tabatha and I met our con companion, Lana Always River,  (My con bestie. so glad we met in line for Matt that fateful con)  in the parking deck and the trio was reunited. 

First order of business was checking into our hotel.  Now, due to the fact that our hotel had a strict dress code, we assumed we would be staying somewhere relatively posh.  And for such a decent price too! Go me! So.... yeah.... Have you ever seen The Shining? I'm both excited and surprised to say that we did manage not to be killed while staying in this hotel... I can't say that every guest manages to get so lucky.  It was one of the creepier/stranger hotels I'd ever stayed in; and I've stayed in some doozies.  It was like every horror movie that ever took place in a hotel converged and took form long enough for me to find it and decide to book a room in it.  How can you have a dress code for the lobby when your rooms not only look like kill rooms but also haven't been updated since the 50s?  The 1850s.  Good luck trying to figure out the thermostat. Which I'm not even positive there was one.  There was a knob with numbers 1-16 (the degree of which you'd like to be murdered?) on it and then there were some windows you could open that led directly to the roof (which I'm pretty sure it was the same roof I saw Daredevil parkour across a few times in hells kitchen).   And there was a step into the bathroom.  What is that?! Thank goodness I'm not elderly or handicap.  Come one, people. And since we planned to Cosplay for the weekend and this didn't meet the dress code of this fine killing establishment, we were forced to take the back elevator which smelled like the rotting corpses it was more than likely used to transport. 

After we checked into Murder, Inc. we walked over to the convention center (which was the one thing the kill house had going for it... it was pretty close to everywhere we needed to be) and checked in for the weekend.  

Day 1: (Friday)  There really wasn't anything or anyone specific we wanted to see on Friday, so we spent the evening walking through the venders and looking around.  Lana was wearing an AMAZING River Song cosplay (as always) and was stopped many times for compliments and photos.  I found the perfect gift for baby Chelsea.  If you are ever looking for awesome gifts for the nerd in your life, I highly recommend Divastitch 12.  She does amazing work.  Look her up.

After we scour the con for a couple of hours, (and take the time for a little rule breaking)

we head out for dinner and then retire to House On Haunted Hill  for a scary (and what we were HOPING wouldn't be our last) sleep. 

Day 2: (Saturday) Doctor Day! The day that shall forever be knows as the day that I stood between Ten and Eleven.  David Tennant and Matt Smith.  Two of my favorite men on the planet.  David will ALWAYS be my Doctor, but Matt is a close second.  I love them both. 

This epic day started relatively like usual.  We all wake up ecstatic not to have succumbed to the murder hotel and begin our Cosplay preparations.   For this particular occasion, I had decided to attempt a female version of the tenth Doctor.  My mother, being as amazing as she is, HAND MADE my skirt and vest.  All I did was find the fabric.  She did an amazing job! I also bought some converse wedges to go with the ensemble.  They were super cute! But NOT super fun to walk the entire day around a con on concrete floors in.  Thank goodness for my Toms and how easily they fit in my con bag.  And might I add I had SERIOUSLY taken precautions with my poor feet.  My mom had given me some gauze and medical tape.  My feet looked like Frankenstein's  monster before the bandages were removed. Yet still, they betrayed me.  (Another side note, surprisingly basically no one understood my cosplay even though I feel like it is fairly obvious what I was going for.  "Are you Amy?" ummmm no.  "Are you Donna?" not so much.  And it is shocking how many people read the Am I Ginger button and then looked at me to access then would answer, 'yeah I'd say you are." First of all, like I don't KNOW I'm a flipping ginger, weirdo.  Secondly, do you EVEN watch the show? (and these were doctor who fans... well supposedly) But I digress.

We arrive a few hours before we have anything scheduled due to David's flight being delayed. (And luckily we had plenty of time because halfway to the venue I realized I forgotten deodorant and had to go back to the hotel and then apply.  Wasn't about some BO when standing between two of the doctors.) We decided to all three sit for a Caricature and it turned out really cute!! I have no idea why I was drawn to look like Maggie from Walking Dead when I actually tend to more favor a walker but I'll take it!

First order of business for the day was the most epic of events.  The Doctor sandwich photo.  Standing in line knowing this amazing moment was about to take place was almost too much to take! After watching Lana's epic moment with the Doctors it was my turn for amazingness.  As I walked up David noted my Cosplay and said, "Look at you!" to which I wanted to say "Look at YOU, sir." Matt said, "You look great!" as I was pulled in between them for the most awesome of moments.  And it is an AMAZING picture if I do say so myself.  It was posted on David Tennant's FB page and received over 19k likes so you know... Yeah, best moment EVER commemorated in the best photo ever.

Immediately after our photo Lana and I stood in line for salt blocks formed into disgusting pretzels and ran down to the panel room to try and secure seats for the Matt Smith panel. MeanwhileTab waited in line for her epic photo with David and Billie.  As we arrive to the panel room we find that the Daredevil panel is in progress (featuring my BF Charlie Cox whom I've loved since Stardust and Boardwalk Empire).  We asked the WW attendant at the door if the room will be cleared between panels and are shocked to find the answer is no.  So you guarantee seats for the VIPs but you are using the honesty system and just HOPING people will vacate?  Yeah.. good luck with that. 

So we walk into the room, which is completely full, and find some standing room off to the side to watch Charlie and Elden answer fan questions.  Did learn something I kinda wish I hadn't... When asked what the most annoying habit the other had when filming Elden replied "Don't stand down wind from Charlie when he's been drinking a protein shake."  No! Don't tell me that the most perfect rear in the world is smelly!! You really don't want to imagine farts and stench when looking at someone so beautiful.  But hey... it happens.  Glad to know my future husband will get along with the GENTRY'S like gangbusters.

After the daredevil panel, we get some awesome seats towards the front (thanks to Lana) and we watch the William Shatner panel.  It was actually very entertaining.  He LOVES to tell stories. 
After the Shatner panel, thanks to Lana again, we were able to get FRONT ROW seats for the Matt Smith panel and David and Billie panel.  I was able to take some amazing pictures.

That's right, Matt.  It's me.  .

Love that smile!

(And when Tabatha got up to the panel room after her photo EVEN though she was VIP they wouldn't let her in! Not for the longest time! We were so mad! I'm so glad she was able to get a good seat but I hate that she couldn't sit with us) 

Due to the David time restraint and WW overbooking David with pictures and autographs, we then run to get in line for David's autograph.  By the time we are able to get up to his table, they've made it where he isn't signing personalization's.  Which is fine, at least I was able to see him, but it would have been nice. Side note, I was carrying my converse and wearing my Toms and two separate people running David's auto line were like "We've got a pair of shoes to sign." ummmm no you don't.  These were expensive.  I'll take a free 8X10 please.

After our autographs, we immediately head out to dinner and basically shut the place down with the amount of food and water we consume.  The con life can be draining.

After dinner we head back to Murder's Incorporated to get some sleep before a busy and wonderful final day at the con.

Day 3: (Sunday) Last day.  Boo! But also, good. My body couldn't take much more con wear and tear.  First order of business for the day was to secure our Charlie autograph.  His line was crazy so we purchased the ticket but planned to get it later in the day.  So Lana and I head over to the Matt Smith autograph line and are pretty close to the front! I hit record on my voice memo and recorded my conversation with  Matt. It was much longer and friendlier than previous autographs discussions. He started with "Nice outfit.  Looking good."  You too, Mr Smith.  You too.  You can tell Matt is getting more comfortable with the cons and fans. It was a great experience.

After the autograph we meet back up with Tabatha and get a game plan for our photo ops while we drink a most delicious lemonade. 

For some reason two of the photo ops I had purchased were at the exact same time. Charlie Cox and Billie Piper.  I was getting Charlie solo but Lana and I were both getting the Billie picture so working out what to do was a mess.  Thankfully everyone in line was very accommodating and nice about all of our line jumping.  I decided to get the Charlie picture first and then run over to the Billie line and met up with Lana. Meanwhile Tabatha was lining up for the Matt Smith photo which was immediately after the two photographs.

Let me just tell you how ADORABLE/sexy hot Charlie Cox is. This was his first US (maybe ever) con and you could tell he was having the time of his life.  He seemed genuinely happy/surprised that people wanted to meet him and get pics and autographs.   It was so sweet.   I was wearing my Amy Cosplay which is the police girl one and as I walk up he asks, "Am I in trouble?" to which I replied, "you could be." (In a more seductive type pf voice.) Wait, what? What did you just say Stephanie? I basically told Charlie Cox that he could be in "trouble" if he wanted to be.  He laughed and I made an idiotic face and the photo will forever immortalize that I hit on Charlie right there in the photo room.  And he seemed decently happy about it ;-) He was over the top nice.  Shook hands.  Made sure he talked for a second to everyone.  Things generally not done in the photo room and saved for the autograph table.  I SO recommend meeting CC anytime you get a chance.

After the picture I immediately run back around to meet Lana who is at the front of the Billie line waiting on me.  We walk in and get our picture with Rose Tyler herself who says we look great when she sees our cosplay.  She was very very sweet and not to mention gorgeous.

After THAT photo we go back around and meet Tabatha at the front of the Matt line.  She so wonderfully got a place in the front of the line for Lana and I even though she had to go to the back once we got there because she didn't have a Matt VIP.  Kudos to her! Great friend :-)

I made Lana go first because I like watching my friends get their pics almost as much as I like getting mine.  I don't know what happened but I somehow turned into Yurtle the Turtle when they snapped the picture.  I don't know where my neck went.  After the photo Matt said it was great to see me again.   Sigh. 

                             

Next we head directly over to Charlie's table for autographs and are ecstatic to see he barely has a line now.  So glad we waited.  The guy directly in front of me had so many things to tell Charlie.  So so many things.  But once again I have to give Charlie credit.  He was so very nice and never seemed agitated even when the guy was saying kinda strange things. Once again I recorded my convo with Charlie which was friendly and decently lengthy.  He's such a sweetie.  Who happens to be a mega babe. He said it was good to see me again and he asked if I had seen the doctor who guys (as if I didn't know they were there lol).  SO cute.   "Wait, what? Charlie, do you mean to tell me that the doctor's are here? Shut your beautiful  mouth!"  I told him I couldn't wait to see him at dragon con and he said when is that? I told him labor day weekend and he asked"Am I going to that?" I responded "Apparently." and he started laughing and said "If you could just send me my whole schedule that would be wonderful." It was so cute.  And miraculously someone was taking a picture of Charlie and it happened to be when I was standing in front of him so I have an amazing picture of him looking right at me and smiling.  Thank you, person!

cue music to "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel ;-P

After the autograph we grab some lunch and then head to the parking deck to change and set out on the road home. It was SUCH an amazing weekend with two amazing friends! I can't wait until Dragon Con when we do it all again! (and Charlie hopefully shows up)

Until then! Peace, Love, and Over-Salty Pretzels

#bewarethefallout2
#wantsomepretzelwiththatsalt
#noreallyiknowiamginger
#conlife