Anthrocon 2010 - Con Report! :D

[tigeronstarfire]

Where to start?

Geez. Suffice to say, I had a wonderful year this year.

Made some new friends, became closer to the people I already knew, and although I didn't really attend many panels (I only made it to one), I completely didn't care. I floated and did what I wanted to do, and enjoyed just about every minute of my time in Pittsburgh. It feels really surreal to me actually... Like, what standard do I compare this to? I'm used to having a small circle of pals, close ones at that, and I just kicked that door wide open this year. Ohmigosh. I'm still reeling and trying to process it all. XD

As such, rather than do my usual play by play, I'll just go person by person and hope I get everyone in.

Myrmidon Cougar - To you, man, thanks again for hosting the room and making it as pleasant as possible. It's always a pleasure rooming with you, and I hope you didn't wear yourself out too much this year. XD
Cirrus Kitfox - Dude. I FINALLY GOT TO HANG OUT WITH YOU. XD OMGOSH. It was a lot more laid back than I expected, and I know we were pretty much hanging off of each other on Friday night, but I'm so glad I've gotten to know you better. You're a real inspiration to me, and look forward to fostering our friendship. :3
SilverMoonWolf - Henshin a go go, baby. XD You're the main reason I brought the Gekiviolet outfit, and I was glad I could be there for you at AC when you wanted an ear. I totally love how much energy and passion you have and that you put into whatever you do. Who knows, maybe next year, when I have my own partial, we could plan for something for the Masquerade? :3
Vince Suzukawa - It's sad to see ISO go (since it's been more or less a staple for me coming to your table for the past several cons) but I'm still flattered that I got to hang with you as much as I did on Saturday night. And yes, passive tiggies totally exist. ;3P We're like big kitties, but we still have plenty of energy to pounce when we need to. ...we just tend to be a lot more laid back than most. XD Or, that's my take on the whole thing, anyway. :3
PRGuitarman - You can rub my tummy anytime you want, man. XD That, and I really wanna play more stuff on the DS against/with ya. :) Shame it never came around until later in the con. Your iPhone photomods were really sweet too. XD In fact, I was thinking it'd be cute if you did one when I finish the colored version of that drawing I'm doing for you and...
Bauske - I've been wanting to be pals with you for a while man, and you're a really great guy. Just never felt courageous enough to start a conversation. And much like my thing with Vince, I was way too shy to come up and say hey. Especially since you tend to be pretty busy. XD Guess we'll see where things go from here. :) Glad you liked the pic I did for you and PR, too.
Skitzo and Zippner - You two are like my anchors at furry cons lately. I really like hanging out with the two of you, and I feel bad I didn't hang out with you two more this year. (Especially on the last night) But you two are wonderful pals, and I always love seeing you both whenever I go. :) Sorry you were in that wheelchair for most of the con though, Zip, but I'm glad you're up and about (or at least, as of the last day, anyway).
Mapdark - Don't be sad, man! XD I hope what time I hung out with you at AC, I hope I cheered you up enough to help you get through the day. Sad to hear if you don't want to attend another AC, but you do have to do what makes you happy, man. Don't be afraid to float about and do what you enjoy.
Crono Liganthah - I have to mention you man - you're still one of the coolest (and most approachable) guys I know from AC. Always love seeing you around year to year, even if we maybe only saw each other for a short while each time.
Mook - Never thought I'd end up flying back to New Orleans with you, man, but I'm glad I got to know you better. I love the flash animations you do on FA, and seriously, one of these days, I want to start working on some myself. Hope to see you again soon around here, and I'm sure you're always welcome whenever we have parties at Black's.
Regi - Dude, it was so sad to hear that you had forgotten your art supplies at home, but it was good seeing you again at the con. :) I know I didn't see you much either, but I hope the weekend went relatively well for you, all considered.
Raz Raccoon - Yes, I completely was serious when I said I love the stuff you've got up, and it was nice talking to and meeting the guy I've been seeing (and partially journal stalking) online. XD Glad you liked my SPC impressions, and there's tons more where that came from. ^_^
Kaelis - We didn't see each other much during the con, and as usual, I didn't go to your room (again). XD Hopefully Kal can come to the con again next year - I really miss that mousie.
Zshamm and Hali - It's so weird. Hali's such a big name in the furry fandom nowadays, so it's interesting that I know him semi-personally. I really do wish Ronin and Darius could've come this year, but I understand why they both couldn't. I really miss all of you deeply, and I think I'd love to see you guys again on a less hectic pace.
Flare - The other Starfire. XD I know I didn't spend much time (at all) with you and Myrm, but it was nice getting to know you a bit better, all the way back from the WTF we had in AC 2002. (Wait, we have the same last furry name? WTF?)
Nauta - Another person I like running into each year. :) *hugs* Read your journals, and sorry to hear about how some of this year went for you.
Neon - I know I didn't have much of a chance to hang out with you this year (barring Sunday) because of how occupied I was at the main con space. It's nothing against you, really, and I am sorry that you had to go through some con crud funk for part of the weekend. But thank you for the meal on Friday! It really was good seeing you in person again. :3 (Just, like I said, I couldn't make any promises..)
Gelus and Nemo - Just wanted to sneak you two in here - Gelus, it's always wonderful to see you at AC too. Nemo - not much to say besides I like your chubby otter character, and you have the honor of the only trade I did all con. XD
Exatron - Just wanted to show I didn't forget you. XD It's nice hanging with you, man. Not necessarily because of anything in particular, but it just 'is'. ...if that makes sense. XD And yeah, just hearing what you can lift with your legs is damn scary. o_O Not in a bad way, though. Just..wow.
Clup and Poop - I'm sure you'll never read this, but a shout anyway - I love the work both of you do! *egostroke* Nice meeting both of you!

I think that pretty much covers it for the people I know that I saw there. If i didn't add you, my apologies - it's not intentional! *whimper*

Oh, and if you're reading this, Dragoneer, I was itching ALL CON to come up, hug you, and tell you thank you for everything you do for FA. That, and whoever wears that Fender suit is one of the coolest people on Earth. SRSLY.

Beyond that, it really was a blast to wear my Gekiviolet outfit on Saturday, and I really do regret that I wasn't able to get a combo photo with the White Ranger that was walking around. Although, I could only imagine what people in Pittsburgh must've been wondering to see a guy in violet spandex walking around with a tail. XD The sad thing is that unfortunately, the helmet is a bit scuffed up from the return flights and will need some mild repairs. <= / Still, my partial fursuit will be ready for next year, and I may just wear that instead.

All in all, it was really great to meet and get closer to the people I met this year and in years prior. It really is a bit overwhelming, and definitely scary, since I'm not used to being very social beyond my main group of friends. And surreal, I mean, it's like, the people I've always wanted to get to know better, I am, and...just... I feel so inferior! XD *bows to those with much greater artistic talent than himself* But all told, I'm very humbled and grateful for whatever's offered to me. I don't ever want or hope people feel like I'm a social burden or bother, and genuinely hope my company is enjoyed. Granted, I may be blowing it way too much out of proportion, but that's what worries me the most.

Anywho, I may get some rest soon and enjoy the last day of my vacation. XD Just wanted to get that all out before I did, though, while it's still relatively fresh.

And if I don't post before then, I hope you all have a great 4th of July weekend! :D

Comments

[mapdark.livejournal.com]

Was nice to see ya there ^^

Might go back next year , just need to find people before hand.

I mean , I got to meet a lot more people , but that was towards the end of the con and they were already in tired-mode by the time.

:P

[tigeronstarfire.livejournal.com]

*nods* Sounds like a plan, man. :) Glad you were able to run into more people too, so it didn't end up being too bad con for you.

And I definitely love running into you each year. ^_^ *gives you more hugs* :)

[spikedpunch.livejournal.com]

Was to see you again. We need to do it again in another 7 years.

[tigeronstarfire.livejournal.com]

*laughs and hugs* Indeed! Though hopefully it won't be so long before I see you again next time. XD

[roninotter.livejournal.com]

Sounds like you had a terrific time! :D Glad to hear it! And I definitely share your sentiment on wanting to see friends in a less hectic environment. ;) It's part of why the cons are so bitter-sweet to me, because unlike a lot of folks, I don't do well with seeing friends for a tiny short period, and then not seeing them again for *ages*.

So often at a con, I'll see a long-absent friend from online or RL, but only for a matter of minutes before one or both of us needs to run off to do something else. I prefer seeing friends in a way that allows us to genuinely catch up and spend time together. It's hard to do that when you're trying to pack in seeing dozens of people all at once. ;) Lots of people are good at doing that at cons, but I struggle with it a lot.

That being said, I still missed seeing people at AC, even briefly. Glad you got to see Hali and Zschamm! Have a great weekend. :)

[tigeronstarfire.livejournal.com]

Pretty much, yeah. I mean, believe me, it was so great to run into and make better friends with all of these people. I think what helped was me being in the zoo a lot anyway, so I guess some of it was inevitable. XD Truth be told, I think due to that, I was relatively satisfied with the time I got with all of these guys. Or most, at least. :3P

But yeah, I'm so gonna give you a big ol' hug when I see you next year, cuz' I misses ya. :3 I mean, part of me wants to hit up the Boston area again, but I think my biggest concern is hoping it wouldn't be too 'awkward'. But then, it's been almost five years - maybe that wouldn't be as much of a concern. :3P

That, and Dar's mom and grandparents, Dragoon, Backwoods, Jim and Bre (even though I recall Bre being gone by now) but... So many happy memories.. *sigh* I miss all of you so much!

[raz-raccoon.livejournal.com]

Dude, it was awesome meeting you for the first time! Not very often anymore I say to myself, "Woah! I recognize this dude from YEARS ago!" ^____^

Would be cool to catch up with ya through AIM or whatever sometime! I am glad you had an excellent con! Heh-heh, sorry I was either 1) tired or 2) tipsy when I talked to you, but I guess that's how it goes, eh? (:

*hugs!*

[tigeronstarfire.livejournal.com]

*laughs* No kidding, it was great meeting you in person for the first time too. :) And yeah, I just added you on AIM and LJ. ;) I'm just more flattered that the memory was mutual and you remembered my stuff! *blushsmile*

And no worries about the whole meeting thing, just was, and if it helped grease the wheels, then all the better, eh? *chuckles and hugs*

[silvermoonwolf.livejournal.com]

Without you I definitely wouldn't have had as good a time. I'm lucky to know you *HUG*

[silvermoonwolf.livejournal.com]

Oh, and the masquerade? It's ON. We'll do something someday.

[tigeronstarfire.livejournal.com]

Sweetness. :3 Now, I will admit, I have no formal dance practice or training, but I'd be happy to do whatever I can with ya. XD

Got a year to think about it though. *chuckle*

[tigeronstarfire.livejournal.com]

My pleasure, man. :) As I'm sure you're aware, it's so wonderful to know I have a fellow super sentai fan in the fandom, and you're just an all-around awesome person to boot. :)

Seriously though, if ever you need an ear or whatever, just drop me a line on AIM or Yahoo. We gotta talk more often than cons and journal posts, srsly. *laughs*

[kylet.livejournal.com]

Well, at least without the comic next year I'll be able to actually, you know, be around at times besides evenings! I'm glad I got to hang with you too...IIRC I first knew you were going to be at AC two years ago, but I only saw you like once outside the table. Then last year, I...I...don't remember much of last year @.@ It's excellent that you're diving more into the social side of cons...I miss it myself!

:::scritches::: Passive tiggies are nicer to hug, that's for sure ;-)

[tigeronstarfire.livejournal.com]

*chuckles* Totally, yeah. XD But like I said, it's still so weird since it's you...but behind the 'name', you're still an ordinary guy like the rest of us. That, and the whole "I'm not worthy!" feeling. XD But you are a really cool guy, Vince, and I'm glad we got to hang out on Saturday. :) It's still pretty amazing to me how you just churn out drawings like you do.

But yeah, I think it's more because I was rooming with Regi two years ago versus last year, so I kinda people I knew from the ISO community all around me. XD That, and there was the panel you did too, IIRC. But last year's a blur for me as well, but I think I set a good foundation of friends for me to run into this year, and I just built on that. Got some really cool guys around here. :)

*snugs and scritches back* And totally - one of the things I love doing is helping put people at ease, especially through hugs and such. Life's way too stressful as it is, so why fight when you don't have to? :) I'll just save it for corgies who try to best me with THEIR hugs. *snicker* ;)

It really was a pleasure this weekend with ya, Vince. :) And you're always welcome for hugs if you want 'em. ^_^