So, how shall I start this one?? Hm... Well, let me just start out by saying that there is sure to be some holes in this report as I must admit between snobby neighbors, a bad headache and a phone that wouldn't stop ringing, I hardly sat through an entire panel this weekend. For this I would like to apologize up front. I will do my utmost to fill in as many details about my weekend and hopefully add some other peeps experiences to make this report as well rounded as possible.
Well, my journey started at home where I was completely unable to sleep due to the excitement and my family being up. This was Monday night and I had just finished my last bit of packing and was waiting to get dressed...
When we headed off to the train station, I repeatedly said "Maybe I shouldn't go. What if it's not as fun as I worked myself up about?!" Though my mother just said that I shouldn't worry and that the cuties will be there, so I shouldn't have any trouble having fun.
Tuesday-
We arrived at the train station VERY early so I checked my bags and for an extra $50, my mom had me drink like a TON of water... Smokey smoke or two later and the train arrived. As I boarded the train, I again had that over-whelming feeling that this would be the start of a GRAND adventure! As I had been awake for 22 hours at that point, I was more than a little irked that the person sitting next to me for the ENTIRE 4 hour ride to Seattle was a talk, talk, talk, TALKER!! Though I didn't get to sleep on the train, I made it to Seattle in one piece and hopped on the bus that would take me to my final destination, Vancouver BC!!
I will just say this now... The border is HELL if you over pack, which I did, so it was hell! I decided to go with others advice and just tell the patrol that I was simply going to Canada for vacation and that worked fine, until I told her what was in my poster tube. She connected the Stargate posters with the common knowledge convention that was to be held at the hotel I told her I was staying at. I then played hell trying to find my hotel confirmation after she requested to see it. Apparently, I looked guilty. -rolls eyes- Ok... Moving on...
After almost getting lost on the Sky Train, I made it to the Metrotown Hilton and popped myself in a chair awaiting the arrival of my roommates. They arrived in good time and we were able to check in and throw our stuff in the room (Well, I threw mine, they neatly unpacked theirs). We then went down stairs back to the lobby to meet with the rest of our Horizons limo group. Luckily, everyone made it in time and we even picked up some extras before hopping in the limo and heading to the restaurant. I do have to say, the was probably the best part of this trip. Getting to meet everyone I had been talking to online for like 7 months was wonderful!! And the food wasn't half bad either! lol
After getting back to the hotel in a timely manner, almost losing my ID and completely interrupting my half-comatose roommates, I finally checked out for the night.
Wednesday-
As I found out early Wednesday morning that my money for the week would be very delayed, I put off previous plans to sight-see and instead slept in and then went down to the lobby. Yes, I am that boring! Moving on... I happened to run into some of the gang from the previous night and quickly got into some very interesting conversation which was then cut short by an offer to go out to lunch. By the way, ABC restaurant is KILLER!! Oh man! Their burgers are to die for! I also enjoyed the humorous cup and magnet I picked up for family!
After the lunch was over, I rushed back to the hotel (and got lost...AGAIN) to line up for pre-registration... Just so y'all know, I lined up first a whole 3 1/2 hours early and some how 9 people jumped in front at the last second (only 1 of whom was VIP)! I got through registration alright and went back down to the lobby to meet up with yet another group so we could all head over to the Gateworld dinner at Sammy J Peppers. Of course we were a bit late, but we managed to find seats and order some food. I think this tops at the second best moment of the whole experience. I was able to meet with and talk to SO many people from GW as well as mingle with some of Stargate's forgotten! Oh yes, myself and two other girls decided to work our way down a certain menu, but I think we can just leave it at that! lol -shakes head at self- I had the pleasure of meeting both Darren and David who were the big names of GW and also show David my awful camera. By the way, I volunteered right before leaving for Vanc. to take pictures at the convention for GW, so that's why I was bothering the boys with my poor little picture maker. It turned out to be a great time all together. I won a prize, got to meet Christopher Heyerdahl, and got quite hunkered... It was fun! After the dinner was over, I took my leave back to the hotel, while most of the others headed to some fan party.
Thursday-
I woke up bright and early, excited about what was planned. I headed down to find Amanda and Carsten and found them standing in line for Amanda's pre-reg. She offered to pick me up some photo/autograph tickets as they weren't selling them the day before when I was there. I took her up on the offer and left her to it. At around the same time, I ran into my roommates as they were in line that morning as well. We talked about our up coming group photo op and what we wanted to do with it. We decided to have it with David Nykl and make it a fun one... Moving right along...
While Valerie Halverson was doing her on-stage appearance, I took the time to look around the mall again, as well as taking a trip to Staples. While I was there, I had them print off a picture that I would have signed as a gift to my nephew. I must admit I missed a lot of guest panels during the weekend, but am glad to say I met some wonderful people at the convention that were willing to share some of their photos with me. Thank you all for that!
Next up was the panel of working Vancouver actors. The panel consisted of Fulvio Cecere, Kirby Morrow, Heather Doerkson, Jodi Racicot, Michael Kopsa and Patrick Currie. As Mr. Currie played Chaka on SG1, I had to take the opportunity to ask him a question. That being, what it was like in the makeup chair and if he did anything funny while in it. His answer, from what I recall, was that he slept and it took way too long. I was very much looking forward to meeting Patrick as Chaka was my nephew, Bryan's, favorite character. It was very nice being able to introduce myself and later getting into why it was so important that I meet him.
When the panel was finished, they begun to sign autographs and I took the picture I had printed off at Staples (Chaka) and went to line up for Patrick. I had purchased two autograph tickets in hopes that Creation would allow me to trade the two for one personalized by Patrick. Creation has a basic policy of no personalization. He and his handler were gracious enough to let me have my nephew's picture personalized AND have Patrick sign my poster. That was so kind of them!! By the way, my nephew LOVED the picture... until nighttime where my brother and sister-in-law had to hide it away as it gave the boy nightmares. Hm...
After the signings, I went back to the room to sit around before it was time to line up for my photo op with Patrick. It was kind of crazy down there as they were doing the panel ops one after the other but Creation staff/volunteers seemed to have everything under control and it ended up going rather smoothly. Patrick again was a total sweetheart and I thus completed my first op for the weekend. Note, this was the only op in which I had my glasses as they were stolen in the hotel bar, I believe later on that evening. It was quite a pity and still is as I don't intend to spend another $200 on a pair of glasses, but luckily this did nothing to hamper my enjoyment of the weekend.
After the op, I decided to skip the next panel and head to the bar to have a drink...or three and there I met up with Manda who looked like she was about to pass out. She told me she had decided to take the rest of the night off and go to bed as she was worn out and offered me her Star Hole ticket which I accepted. Dude! I am SOOOOO glad I did!!
I raced down to line up for the show and was sadly informed that we could not keep our same seats, which sucked and I will note that now. It sucked! On to the good part... When Gary Jones and Dean Haglund got up on stage, they did some imprompt and explained what the show was going to be about. After that, they then asked for some volunteers from the audience. This is why I couldn't care less where I was sitting. I got picked!! WOOT!! As I had a few to drink, I think my embarrassment meter was a little funky, so I didn't get all shaky and nervous like I usually do. Alcohol: The perfect Charlie Icebreaker! Me and two others (who will remain nameless unless I receive permission to post them) were given "parts" to play and lines to read. We were to be a make-shift SG1 and I was to be the gay Daniel Jackson... (So, no real change in the character! lol) All my lines were in reference to Jack and full of girly-man lust! Gary also made a point to touch my neck and read aloud the tattoo located there (Locust). I have found that at these events my personal space tends to be violated a lot, but luckily at the time I was too smashed to care. Don't bet on it next time, Gary! The show was crazy! We ran through the "gate" (which was this funny contraption Gary was sitting on throughout the show and had a difficult time opening and closing), got shot at and all ended up dying (or in my case, ascending) and left the stage laughing our collective asses off! Great times at Stargate conventions, I'll tell you what!
After the show, I went back to look for the missing glasses, and when I couldn't find them, I settled for a few more drinks before heading up stairs. No, my night didn't "end" there as I spent most nights at the con suffering from extreme insomnia so I would usually be outside smoking zoning out with my iPod.
Friday-
The girls and I woke up around the same time and shuffled to get ready before our group photo op. It was actually quite funny the three of us "fighting" over the bathroom and the mirrior. Having no sisters of my own, I kind of felt like I did for that weekend. They were true sports, though.
We somehow, by the grace of god, where able to manage completing our respective morning routines and headed down to line up for our op. In line we decided on our pose idea and planned where each of us would stand. It was decided, as they apparently couldn't stand together cause they didn't match, that they would be on either side of David, while I would kneel in front. It actually worked out great for me cause during the pose, David put his hand on my shoulder. I think the op went quite well, so I am so excited to be doing another one with my ChiCon 09 roommates!
Afterwards, I headed to the registration desk as I wanted to pick up a photo op ticket with Dan Shea (Sgt. Siler- SG1) and it turned out that as I was purchasing it, they were finishing them up downstairs. I completely booked it down there just in time and was able to nab my op with him. I mean, JUST IN TIME! I got down there and Dan, the photographer and Creation staff were walking out the door!! L-U-C-K-Y!!
I again booked it back to my seat to catch David Nykl's panel. That was worth the run! He did an imprompt with members of the auidience with the sole intent to poke fun at fan fiction and it's writers. The audience were to act out what he "wrote" (which was really just peices of romance novels! lol). It was great! He also took the time to poke fun at David Hwelett (Dr. Rodney Mckay- Atlantis) with the help of a certain Twitter-happy audience memeber! >_-
Well, my journey started at home where I was completely unable to sleep due to the excitement and my family being up. This was Monday night and I had just finished my last bit of packing and was waiting to get dressed...
When we headed off to the train station, I repeatedly said "Maybe I shouldn't go. What if it's not as fun as I worked myself up about?!" Though my mother just said that I shouldn't worry and that the cuties will be there, so I shouldn't have any trouble having fun.
Tuesday-
We arrived at the train station VERY early so I checked my bags and for an extra $50, my mom had me drink like a TON of water... Smokey smoke or two later and the train arrived. As I boarded the train, I again had that over-whelming feeling that this would be the start of a GRAND adventure! As I had been awake for 22 hours at that point, I was more than a little irked that the person sitting next to me for the ENTIRE 4 hour ride to Seattle was a talk, talk, talk, TALKER!! Though I didn't get to sleep on the train, I made it to Seattle in one piece and hopped on the bus that would take me to my final destination, Vancouver BC!!
I will just say this now... The border is HELL if you over pack, which I did, so it was hell! I decided to go with others advice and just tell the patrol that I was simply going to Canada for vacation and that worked fine, until I told her what was in my poster tube. She connected the Stargate posters with the common knowledge convention that was to be held at the hotel I told her I was staying at. I then played hell trying to find my hotel confirmation after she requested to see it. Apparently, I looked guilty. -rolls eyes- Ok... Moving on...
After almost getting lost on the Sky Train, I made it to the Metrotown Hilton and popped myself in a chair awaiting the arrival of my roommates. They arrived in good time and we were able to check in and throw our stuff in the room (Well, I threw mine, they neatly unpacked theirs). We then went down stairs back to the lobby to meet with the rest of our Horizons limo group. Luckily, everyone made it in time and we even picked up some extras before hopping in the limo and heading to the restaurant. I do have to say, the was probably the best part of this trip. Getting to meet everyone I had been talking to online for like 7 months was wonderful!! And the food wasn't half bad either! lol
After getting back to the hotel in a timely manner, almost losing my ID and completely interrupting my half-comatose roommates, I finally checked out for the night.
Wednesday-
As I found out early Wednesday morning that my money for the week would be very delayed, I put off previous plans to sight-see and instead slept in and then went down to the lobby. Yes, I am that boring! Moving on... I happened to run into some of the gang from the previous night and quickly got into some very interesting conversation which was then cut short by an offer to go out to lunch. By the way, ABC restaurant is KILLER!! Oh man! Their burgers are to die for! I also enjoyed the humorous cup and magnet I picked up for family!
After the lunch was over, I rushed back to the hotel (and got lost...AGAIN) to line up for pre-registration... Just so y'all know, I lined up first a whole 3 1/2 hours early and some how 9 people jumped in front at the last second (only 1 of whom was VIP)! I got through registration alright and went back down to the lobby to meet up with yet another group so we could all head over to the Gateworld dinner at Sammy J Peppers. Of course we were a bit late, but we managed to find seats and order some food. I think this tops at the second best moment of the whole experience. I was able to meet with and talk to SO many people from GW as well as mingle with some of Stargate's forgotten! Oh yes, myself and two other girls decided to work our way down a certain menu, but I think we can just leave it at that! lol -shakes head at self- I had the pleasure of meeting both Darren and David who were the big names of GW and also show David my awful camera. By the way, I volunteered right before leaving for Vanc. to take pictures at the convention for GW, so that's why I was bothering the boys with my poor little picture maker. It turned out to be a great time all together. I won a prize, got to meet Christopher Heyerdahl, and got quite hunkered... It was fun! After the dinner was over, I took my leave back to the hotel, while most of the others headed to some fan party.
Thursday-
I woke up bright and early, excited about what was planned. I headed down to find Amanda and Carsten and found them standing in line for Amanda's pre-reg. She offered to pick me up some photo/autograph tickets as they weren't selling them the day before when I was there. I took her up on the offer and left her to it. At around the same time, I ran into my roommates as they were in line that morning as well. We talked about our up coming group photo op and what we wanted to do with it. We decided to have it with David Nykl and make it a fun one... Moving right along...
While Valerie Halverson was doing her on-stage appearance, I took the time to look around the mall again, as well as taking a trip to Staples. While I was there, I had them print off a picture that I would have signed as a gift to my nephew. I must admit I missed a lot of guest panels during the weekend, but am glad to say I met some wonderful people at the convention that were willing to share some of their photos with me. Thank you all for that!
Next up was the panel of working Vancouver actors. The panel consisted of Fulvio Cecere, Kirby Morrow, Heather Doerkson, Jodi Racicot, Michael Kopsa and Patrick Currie. As Mr. Currie played Chaka on SG1, I had to take the opportunity to ask him a question. That being, what it was like in the makeup chair and if he did anything funny while in it. His answer, from what I recall, was that he slept and it took way too long. I was very much looking forward to meeting Patrick as Chaka was my nephew, Bryan's, favorite character. It was very nice being able to introduce myself and later getting into why it was so important that I meet him.
When the panel was finished, they begun to sign autographs and I took the picture I had printed off at Staples (Chaka) and went to line up for Patrick. I had purchased two autograph tickets in hopes that Creation would allow me to trade the two for one personalized by Patrick. Creation has a basic policy of no personalization. He and his handler were gracious enough to let me have my nephew's picture personalized AND have Patrick sign my poster. That was so kind of them!! By the way, my nephew LOVED the picture... until nighttime where my brother and sister-in-law had to hide it away as it gave the boy nightmares. Hm...
After the signings, I went back to the room to sit around before it was time to line up for my photo op with Patrick. It was kind of crazy down there as they were doing the panel ops one after the other but Creation staff/volunteers seemed to have everything under control and it ended up going rather smoothly. Patrick again was a total sweetheart and I thus completed my first op for the weekend. Note, this was the only op in which I had my glasses as they were stolen in the hotel bar, I believe later on that evening. It was quite a pity and still is as I don't intend to spend another $200 on a pair of glasses, but luckily this did nothing to hamper my enjoyment of the weekend.
After the op, I decided to skip the next panel and head to the bar to have a drink...or three and there I met up with Manda who looked like she was about to pass out. She told me she had decided to take the rest of the night off and go to bed as she was worn out and offered me her Star Hole ticket which I accepted. Dude! I am SOOOOO glad I did!!
I raced down to line up for the show and was sadly informed that we could not keep our same seats, which sucked and I will note that now. It sucked! On to the good part... When Gary Jones and Dean Haglund got up on stage, they did some imprompt and explained what the show was going to be about. After that, they then asked for some volunteers from the audience. This is why I couldn't care less where I was sitting. I got picked!! WOOT!! As I had a few to drink, I think my embarrassment meter was a little funky, so I didn't get all shaky and nervous like I usually do. Alcohol: The perfect Charlie Icebreaker! Me and two others (who will remain nameless unless I receive permission to post them) were given "parts" to play and lines to read. We were to be a make-shift SG1 and I was to be the gay Daniel Jackson... (So, no real change in the character! lol) All my lines were in reference to Jack and full of girly-man lust! Gary also made a point to touch my neck and read aloud the tattoo located there (Locust). I have found that at these events my personal space tends to be violated a lot, but luckily at the time I was too smashed to care. Don't bet on it next time, Gary! The show was crazy! We ran through the "gate" (which was this funny contraption Gary was sitting on throughout the show and had a difficult time opening and closing), got shot at and all ended up dying (or in my case, ascending) and left the stage laughing our collective asses off! Great times at Stargate conventions, I'll tell you what!
After the show, I went back to look for the missing glasses, and when I couldn't find them, I settled for a few more drinks before heading up stairs. No, my night didn't "end" there as I spent most nights at the con suffering from extreme insomnia so I would usually be outside smoking zoning out with my iPod.
Friday-
The girls and I woke up around the same time and shuffled to get ready before our group photo op. It was actually quite funny the three of us "fighting" over the bathroom and the mirrior. Having no sisters of my own, I kind of felt like I did for that weekend. They were true sports, though.
We somehow, by the grace of god, where able to manage completing our respective morning routines and headed down to line up for our op. In line we decided on our pose idea and planned where each of us would stand. It was decided, as they apparently couldn't stand together cause they didn't match, that they would be on either side of David, while I would kneel in front. It actually worked out great for me cause during the pose, David put his hand on my shoulder. I think the op went quite well, so I am so excited to be doing another one with my ChiCon 09 roommates!
Afterwards, I headed to the registration desk as I wanted to pick up a photo op ticket with Dan Shea (Sgt. Siler- SG1) and it turned out that as I was purchasing it, they were finishing them up downstairs. I completely booked it down there just in time and was able to nab my op with him. I mean, JUST IN TIME! I got down there and Dan, the photographer and Creation staff were walking out the door!! L-U-C-K-Y!!
I again booked it back to my seat to catch David Nykl's panel. That was worth the run! He did an imprompt with members of the auidience with the sole intent to poke fun at fan fiction and it's writers. The audience were to act out what he "wrote" (which was really just peices of romance novels! lol). It was great! He also took the time to poke fun at David Hwelett (Dr. Rodney Mckay- Atlantis) with the help of a certain Twitter-happy audience memeber! >_-
