Aeronautic Primates and Other Delights

I went into this Escapade a little apprehensive -- I didn't have the best time last year, although there were bright spots. However, I really had nothing to worry about, as it turns out.

I had such an amazing time this year. A lot of it was just from the fact that it was my second year at the con, but there were other factors. I was staying with roommates this year (anoel, elipie, and kuwdora) who I could hang with. I knew more people. But more importantly, I saw a con that was more open and friendly, even (especially) to the first-timers around us.

( In which I talk about the con )
( In which I talk about the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me at a con and I still can't believe it actually happened )

I just want to give my thanks to the con organizers who did an amazing job. And I am so pleased that I was able to hang out with such a diverse group of folks. Just a small sampling of some of the people who made my weekend more awesome: Franzeska, Elipie, Kuwdora, Anoel, heresluck, laurashapiro, killabeez, feochadn, mlyn, melina, kerithwyn, nakedbee, renenet, amalthia, arallara, everyone who came to my birthday party (and I apologize that I can't name you individually for I was very drunk -- you were all lovely), and everyone who attended the panels I modded (even the one where I didn't show up because I was in the wrong room). There's some other folks with whom I had significant interactions, but I can't remember their names/find their journals, but you are not forgotten. Except for the name part. That I probably did forget.

I've been fighting this weird rolling illness where one or two low-level symptoms will present themselves, mess with me for a little while, and then step aside for other symptoms. I'm talking stuff like wooziness, aches and pains, sore throat, congestion, low energy, etc. Never all at once. It's super weird. It's been going on for about a week now.

I'm convincing myself that my body is doing last minute upgrades to prepare for the release of Jetpack Monkey 30 in a week and a half.

I haven't been able to respond to all the comments on my Festivids yet, but I will get to every single one. Some day.

What else? sweetestdrain has been guiding me through some of the major vids of the past 10 years that I've missed. There are some excellent vids that I've completely missed. [Edited to add: wow I really am sick]

Finally watched Scooby Road last night, for instance. I became all sniffly during Here Comes the Sun. I like how the vids start as looks at a handful of episodes or a particular character relationship, but then expand to consider larger thematic concerns within Buffy. With that said, a lot of the power of the vid album, especially in the later tracks/vids, hinges on Buffy Summers's emotional journey holding resonance for the viewer already. Buffy's character arc was not the one that hit me when I was watching the show; I was far more invested in Xander, Willow, Tara, Anya, Giles, and, to a certain extent, Dawn. So the parts where people promised me I would be a bawling wreck I... wasn't.

Revisions on the book essay have been turned in now, so my part in that is done.

Ugh. So out of it. I'm gonna go read a book with pictures.