Shameless plug first, to check out my cosplay photos from this past weekend's Nekocon, go here:

http://jpop52.deviantart.com/gallery

This past weekend went by so fast!! Not only there was Nekocon, but also Zenkaikon this past weekend as well! But being part of the Neko staff, I trekked down to Hampton, VA, via Route 13, over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, down to the Hampton Roads Convention Center for another Neko, with this year's theme being a Wild West one. As in The Good, The Bad, & The Neko. Even the Cosplay-AMS dressed up to the 9's in Western gear!

I stayed at the Red Roof Inn on Thursday night after I got my Staff badge since I had the room at the Embassy for Friday & Saturday nights, and stayed at the Roof again on Sunday night after the post-con staff dinner (more about this later).

Friday rolled around and after breakfast at IHOP, I headed down to the Embassy to check if I could check in. They did have a room for me by around 1:30 that afternoon, and my AMS shift started at 2. During that waiting time, I decided to do a bit of shopping in the Dealers Room before it even opened. I bought a few anime figures, a couple of Hello Kitty plushies for my neighbor, and over $50 worth of J-Snacks from Wizzywig's booth (and was given a 4-pack of Petit Melon Breads as a bonus), which included Pocky, Ramune, and even Melon Bread (I bought one and Sunday gave it to Mia, the lady at the Front Desk of the Embassy for getting me to my room sooner).

After my shift, I decided to check out the Suicide Ali concert. The band put on a very awesome show! I brought my Peavey Rockmaster elctric guitar hoping the band would autograph. I asked one of the managers from Tainted Reality that if I bought a CD from their booth, they will also autograph the guitar, and she said there should be no problem. I ran to my room to get the 6-stringer just in time to catch the opening bars of the first song.

After the concert, I got in line for Suicide Ali's autograph session. While waiting, I met a female attendee who brought all of the band's CD's with her and asked one of her roommates to run and get the CD's. By the time we reached the merchandise booth, the roomie brought the CD's and all is well in the world! I purchased the band's 3-song CD and got my guitar ready to autograph. When I got to the band and placed both the CD and guitar on the table, I was told they will only sign their own licensed merchandise. I'm like, "What the fuck????? Shades of last year's GPK/ISM concert. Deja vu all over again!! And I thought I cleared it and got the go-ahead". I was PRETTY LIVID, to say the least, but I didn't want to make a spectacle in front of the band or the attendees so I calmly asked why the change of heart, and I was told the one higher-up from Tainted Reality made the decision to sign only band merchandise. Even the long-flame-colored-hair rep even said if it was up to him, he would let me have the guitar autographed. So no hate to the rep, or the band (they even shook my hand when I got the CD autographed), or to the members of Tainted Reality who were there. Just a big and loud "YOU SUCK!!!!" to the higher-up who 86'ed my autographing of the guitar.

I met up with my roommates who stayed with me at the Embassy; Joshua from Pre-Registration, Nick and Ashley from AMS, and 2 friends of a staffer. After each paid their share of the room, the brought the cash over to the Front Desk as payment toward the room. I had a total of 6 people in the room. I would have had 8 people, but Brandon and his girlfriend, Maya, decided to back out because she didn't have the money to pony up for the room, and they figured they didn't want to be looked at as freeloaders. I appreciated their honesty (the told me the next day since I was asleep the night before and they didn't want to wake me) and they are cool with me.

Saturday rolled around the I walked around the Dealers Room and took some cosplay photos before my shift. Of course, I took advantage of the free breakfast buffet at the hotel (yes, were talking omelettes, belgium waffles, special made pancakes...a real breakfast!). I was the only one who could go for the breakfast since my name was the only one on the room. Later that afternoon, I attended the Nekocon cosplay, which was very well made. There was some very good skits, and some well made costumes! Saturday night, Suicide Ali performed another concert, followed by the Saturday Night Rave, "Cat Scratch Fever", DJ'ed by veteran cosplayer Rob Lantz (famous for cosplaying as Capt. Jack Sparrow and Lupin III).

Greg Ayres made a tremendous comeback after suffering a heart attack this year. This voice actor/nightclub DJ/con favorite/all around nice guy didn't miss a beat (no pun intended) when he provided the jams for the Friday Night rave.

Sunday provided a fantastic surprise for the Neko attendees. Originally, 2 members of the band echostream, keyboardist/programmer Tony and guitarist Tomo, would only run a panel about echostream's new tunes, but the entire band put on a live performance Sunday, much to the delight of their fans and the Neko attendees!! They played the 2 new tunes plus a couple of past favorites. It's great to see echostream again (they performed at last year's Neko) and I hope they return again.

Nekocon was a big weekend for Full Metal Alchemist and Bleach fans, because the voice actors who provided the voices for the characters of both animes were present; Colleen Clickenbeard (FMA's Rose), Caitlin Glass (FMA's Winry), Kyle Hebert (Bleach's Aizen), Richard Epcar (Bleach's Zangetsu), and Ellyn Stern (Bleach's Kurosaki Masaki).

By 3:30, Nekocon officially came to a close. After packing up in preparation for next year, the staff held their post-con staff dinner at Olive Garden. As always, it was a very good affair. After dinner, I headed to the Red Roof to get needed sleep for the trip home.

Come Monday, after breakfast at IHOP, I headed down to Newport News to the record store called American Oldies Records to see if they would buy some of my CD's I had lying around in my closet and sat in the trunk of my car. The owner took a look, and took $16 CD's @ $1 each, but gave me $20. Better than nothing, right?

Oh, one more thing, I did get some $$ back from the Embassy since I paid cash for the room. I was given a total of $260, and the bill came to $248 (since I got the staff rate), so I got $12 and change back. This never happened before, so it was a pleasant surprise, and a little extra $$ back. I even had some traveler's checks left over. So, I'll just put them in the bank until the next con.

Today, I reserved my room for Tekkoshocon. I'm still debating whether to get a room at the Gaylord or maybe better off getting a room closer to the Gaylord (the Hampton Inn is a posisbility, since you get a free breakfast).

Tags: caitlin glass, colleen clickenbeard, echostream, greg ayres, kyle hebert, nekocon, suicide ali, tekkoshocon
Current Location: At my desk
Current Mood: rejuvenated
Current Music: "Bad Romance" - Lady GaGa

In one hour, I will heading down to Hampton, VA for Nekocon! I'll be back Monday with many cosplay photos!

Tags: cosplay, nekocon
Current Location: At my desk
Current Mood: excited
Current Music: "Sweet Dreams" - Beyonce

Well, today I turned 49. Even though I was a bit under the weather, I manage to have a very nice lunch at Caffe Gelato in Newark, DE. A week ago, I received a post card from the restaurant mentioning that I can get a free meal on my birthday. I took advantage and tried a pasta dish with bits of salmon and tuna with white wine sauce over fettuccini. Talk about TASTY!! It was very good and enjoyed it greatly! I attempted to go for a berry tart with Vanilla Bean gelato for dessert, but they ran out of the tarts but I had a Plan B, the Peanut Butter Cup, which consisted of a scoop of Chocolate/Peanut Butter gelato and a scoop of Vanilla Bean/Hazelnut gelato with cinnamon and roasted peanuts. They ran out or whipped cream so they gave a small scoops of Vanilla Bean gelato. It didn't disappoint, and I enjoyed it greatly! Not bad for a freebie!

Afterwards, I went next door to Rainbow Records and picked up a couple used anime DVD's with my $200+ store credit; "Outlanders" and volume 6 of "Burst Angel". Does anybody here remember the anime Outlanders? I still have the VHS copy of it, when it was released Dubbed from Dark Image Entertainment (distributed by US Renditions).

For my birthday,I also got a $25 Dunkin Donuts gift card, so I can get myself an iced coffee or a egg white/turkey sausage flatbread when I want.

While I was out, Anita stopped by the house and talked with my mother while Bino and Foxxi enjoyed their playtime. Foxxi only made Bino squeal once this time. Sometimes Foxxi gets a little bit rough when she & Bino play.

Nekocon only a few weeks away and I'm excited!! I got the Staff Room rate for my hotel room, which is $30 cheaper than the normal con rate. You got to save money when you can!

Tags: anime, bino, birthday, burst angel, caffe gelato, dunkin donuts, dvd, foxxi, nekocon, outlanders
Current Location: At my desk
Current Mood: tired
Current Music: "We Are Golden" - Mika

I got a notice in my Nekocon Staff forum, stating that my room has been transferred to the Staff rate, which is cheaper than the con rate!!

Yesterday, I took Foxxi with me to get gas and play with Bino for a bit. I decided to head to Bruster's for ice cream. Foxxi even got a free "doggie sundae", which was actually a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Needless to say, Foxxi really dug into the treat!

Last Friday Foxxi and I went with Bino and his owner, Anita, to the dog park she frequents. It was nice for Foxxi to mingle and meet other dogs, majority of them were big. Among them included 2 boxers, a dalmatian, many mixed breeds, and a gray lab. Afterwards, we got Sicilian pizza at Tony's Cafe and took it home to eat with my parents while Foxxi and Bino played.

Found out Tekkoshocon 2010 will have 4 days of programming, starting April 8.

29 more days to Nekocon, 5 more days 'til I'm 49.

Tags: bino, foxxi, nekocon, tekkoshocon, tony's cafe
Current Location: At my desk
Current Mood: surprised
Current Music: "Breakeven" - The Script

Today, I picked up a specially made 8x10 made up into a magazine cover. The people at the Walgreens/Happy Harry's took a photo of Foxxi and turned her photo into the cover of DogFancy magazine with the header "Perfect Pooch". I'll admit, it was a gorgeous photo of Foxxi. She is always a welcomed guest at the Walgreens, one of the managers even gives her treats.

Yesterday, I took Foxxi to PetSmart to pick up a new harness because vet's orders she cannot wear a collar since it puts too much strain on the trachea. I chosen a red harness and it looks good on her. She even got to meet a few of the dogs that were in the store; a black lab, a lab/shepard mix, a beagle, and a service dog.

Friday was the last day of aqua therapy for back pain. I endured 5 weeks of water and physical therapy which was helpful since I have no pain in my lower back, now only in the middle area.

Foxxi still gets to play with her "boyfriend", Bino, who's a maltese/yorkie mix. Bino's owner is like a 2nd mother to Foxxi, and gets on her when Foxxi plays too ruff (um..rough) with Bino.

And last month, I did reserve my room for Otakon 2010. I originally reserved a room at the Holiday Inn, but seeing that the Days Inn has rooms for Thursday-Sunday, I immediately reserved a room there. I still have the room at the Holiday Inn. I'm debating whether to cancel the Holiday Inn reservation or see if anybody wants it and I can turn it over to that individual.

Nekocon less than 2 months away!!!

Tags: aqua therapy, bino, days inn, foxxi, nekocon, otakon, petsmart
Current Location: At my desk
Current Mood: calm
Current Music: "Party In The USA" - Miley Cyrus

Well, let me explain the reason for the title. Last week, I decided to break down and purchase a new cell phone since my old one, a Nokia, was obsolete. I purchased an LG flip-phone for $49, plus a $50 accessory kit for $30, not to mention a $50 rebate.

This past Friday, I decided to clean out my closet and take my many CD's I had sitting in there for like 10 years at the most. I took them to Rainbow Records in Newark, and in 20-35 minutes, they took over 120 CD's and offered me $275 in store credit, which I graciously accepted (it was either that or $125 cash, so I feel you get more with store credit). With the credit, I purchased 2 DVDS; "Fast & Furious" and the Director's Cut of "Watchmen", which was a 2-Disc digital copy special edition.

Foxxi is having so much fun with her playmate, Bino. They enjoy chasing each other. While I at work today, Bino paid Foxxi a visit. She came flying down the stairs and playtime began!

Oh, my Otakon photos are up on my DeviantArt gallery:

http://jpop52.deviantart.com/gallery

Tags: cell phone, dvd, foxxi, otakon
Current Location: At my desk
Current Mood: relieved
Current Music: "Sexy Bitch" - David Guetta ft. Akon

OK, now that I'm pretty much recuperated, I want to share my experiences from this past weekend's Otakon. But, for this post, I want to do something different. I am going to list the high parts and the low parts of Otakon weekend. I will start off with the low parts so I can end it on a happy and upbeat note.

The Lows:

1. Friday morning, which I'll dub "fucked up Friday", as I arrived to the BCC, my camera stopped working. I stopped to take a photo, and I just stopped working. The zoom lens got stuck and wouldn't work. I thought, NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! NOT NOW, DAMMIT!! Fortunately, there was a Best Buy 4 blocks away, and found a Nikon Coolpix digital camera. It set me back $119 plus $35 for a 2-year warranty (it came pretty handy, will explain as story unfolds), and a photo card came to a total of $171. I ran back to the BCC in time to catch Kikuko Inoue's panel. It was a nice panel. After the panel I took my new camera out to take a photo of a Sailor Jupiter cosplayer. I noticed a small brown smudge on the back of the camera, and when I turned it on, the screen was messed up. I was freaking out, and scurried back to Best Buy, sweating profusely. I explained to customer service what happened and showed them the mark. I told them I didn't drop it and the rep noticed the battery inside where I kept the camera, and figured it got scratched by the battery. Since it was on warranty, I thought they could replace it, but it didn't get into the main office system yet, and would take 2-3 weeks to fix it. AAAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH! I told them I don't have that time and I am on Otakon. So the main customer service rep pulled some strings and helped a brother out. I wanted over a 1/2 hour, and then one of the Geek Squad members said he had good news and bad news for me. I said tell me, I can take it. He said the bad news is that you have to walk all the way back to the photo department and pick another camera. I'm like, not bad news to me, I basically chose the same Nikon Coolpix, and THIS TIME I invested $10 for a clear cover for the rear lens so that bullshit won't happen a 2nd time. I had to pay for another $35 2-year warranty because I used the first warranty on the damaged camera.

2. I never got Kikuko Inoue's autograph!!!! SOB, SOB! Because of the line being long, they cut the remainer of the line short due to time constraint. I wanted to give her my gifts (2 Beanie Babies), so one the Otakon's Security staff took them to her and I waited by the entrance to make sure Kikuko knew they were from me. It's a small consolation, but others got shut out, so I shouldn't feel too disappointed. Kikuko loved the gifts (she thanked me from a distance) and the staffer said Kikuko was very happy.

3. I missed Kanon Wakeshima's Saturday afternoon concert!! I went back to the hotel room for a small nap and then head to her concert. But by the time I woke up, it was 4:45 and missed most of the concert!

4. The Friday night How To Draw Yuri panel was full and couldn't get in! DAMN! So I settled for the Friday Night fan parodies.

5. Found out from my fellow Delaware Anime Society members that Creepy Chris was also staying in the Days Inn, and they were hiding from him. Thankfully, I did not run into him.

And now the highs:

1. I did manage to get 2 autographs that Friday; 2 of the musical guests, Kanon Wakeshima and Becca. I got Becca's first as she autographed my black Peavey Rockmaster guitar. I gave here 2 small stuffed bears and even got a photo of her, the gifts, and the guitar (you will find it in my DeviantArt gallery). I got Kanon to autograph my guitar as well and I presented her with 2 Beanie Babies.

2. Mell's concert. It was very energetic. Backed up by a talented 5-piece band, Mell started off in a Lolita-like long dress and changed into a sleeve-less dress 3 songs later. There was a minor wardrobe malfunction when one the snaps at the rear of her top popped off, and ran off but appeared a minute later in a kimono. 4 of the band members were dressed in black while their talented and gregarious keyboardist wore a white shirt suitable for the renaissance faire (but changed to a black shirt for the last song and the encore). When Mell performed the last song, people were already lining up to the merchandising both to buy her items (i.e. - T-shirts, CD's, even shot glasses), and some called for an encore, which Mell was happy to oblige. I told one of the Security staffers I wanted Mell's autograph but didn't want to be trampled by overzealous fankids. Before the concert was over, the staffer saved me a place near the merchandise table, and I was the FIRST IN LINE for her autograph!! I also found out that they would have to buy something from the table as proof that did purchase from there, otherwise Mell wouldn't autograph anything else (even an Otakon program) other than her merchandise. The only largest size they had for the t-shirts was XL (what, no 2XL??? And $20 for a shirt??), so I ponied up $30 and purchased her CD. She was happy to autograph both the CD & the guitar. As a presented her my gifts (2 Beanie Babies), she started to autograph them, so I explained they were for her. She was surprised but very happy.

2. I got a chance to check out the Dealers Room before Naomi Tamura's autograph session. I picked up a stuffed Mokona for her (she did the opening songs for Magic Knight Rayearth, very appropriate) and presented it to her, and she signed my guitar. Now, I have the autographs of all 4 musical guests!

3. The cosplay! One of Otakon's Security staffer took me inside and I got to sit in the Special Needs/Handicap section, which was the 3rd row. I got a really nice seat for the cosplay, and was treated to 40+ entries and some nice hall cosplay costumes!! I attended the Otakon Game Show afterwards, and when I saw Creepy Chris' user name on the screen as one of the texters (HockeyKamen), I hi-tailed out of there when midnight rolled and caught a few more of the Saturday Night Fan Parodies.

4. The Sunday concerts by Becca (at 12 noon) and Naomi Tamura (at 1:30). Becca put on a very good performance. Her stage persona had the innocence of Mandy Moore, the angst of Avril Lavigne, and the raw emotion of Michele Branch. Naomi's concert was a treat to all Magic Knight Rayearth fans as she sang the opening songs ("All You Need Is Love" from the OVA, "Yuzurenai Negai" from the TV series). With her guitarist, she even performed an acoustic version of the Jackson 5's "I'll Be There", as a tribute to the late Michael Jackson. Her cover was touching and tugged many heartstrings.

5. I had a group of very good roommates this year. Jefferson from the PA branch, Michael from the LJ, Jose also from the LJ (he was my traveling partner since he lived in Bear), and Sarah, a friend of another LJ. We ordered a rollaway bed for her. At least we weren't charged for it. And what's also nice I didn't get charged for parking since I was handicapped, and they let me park in the Handicap spot in front of the hotel.

Despite the messed up Friday beginning, I managed to put that behind me and enjoy Otakon. I did buy a few anime figures from the Dealers Room (Eri Sawachika of School Rumble; Sakura Matou {in a bikini!!} and Caren from Fate/Hollow Ataraxia). I even have $80 in Traveler's Checks left over (talk about budgeting!).

I will still continue to attend and support Otakon.

I even took some great cosplay photos of Otakon. You can check them out at:

http://jpop52.deviantart.com/gallery

Tags: becca, camera, cosplay, days inn, kanon wakeshima, kikuko inoue, naomi tamura, otakon
Current Location: At my desk
Current Mood: relaxed
Current Music: "She Wolf" - Shakira

LOL!! I went to Happy Harry's Friday to pick up milk and took Foxxi with me. While I was at the Cashier's booth paying for the milk, I noticed Foxxi ripping open a Chunky bar!! By the time I looked down, she had already opened it and started nibbling away on it! So, I paid for the Chunky bar Foxxi being a sneaky fox. Yes, Foxxi, enjoy the 89 cent piece of chocolate, peanuts, and raisins! Well, as long it wasn't dark chocolate, she should be fine. The next day, she was so worn out. I guess anything with sugar tires her out.

She will be going on a trip down VA/NC with my parents at the end of this month, so this will be her first test at vacation.

I made it through another 4th of July at work, but it wasn't as crazy busy this year. It was because the temperature was in the low 80's, which made it quite comfortable. If it was hazy, hot, humid and in the mid to upper 90's, THAT would have been a different story.

I attended the DAS annual picnic last Sunday but only stayed for a little bit. One of the guests had a big dog with her and the dog barked at me and when I came to pet him/her, he/she jumped on me. Standing, that doggy is the same height as me!!

Otakon is less than 2 weeks away! So far, Jose & Jefferson will be staying with me at the Days Inn, plus 2 others from the LJ. I chose the Days Inn because of costs (being it was the cheapest room rate!!).

Tags: das, foxxi, otakon, work
Current Location: At my desk
Current Mood: giggly
Current Music: "Give You Everything" - Erika Jayne

Last Thursday, I went to my appointment to my gastrologist (after waiting almost an hour after my scheduled appointment), I found out I lost another 4 lbs, and now weighing 239 lbs. (a far cry from 258!). The day before, at Rita's it was 99 cent cone day, so I decided to treat Foxxi to one, I had a small tangerine while Foxxi ate her soft serve custard from a plastic dish. She did enjoy it. I must have really calmed her down, because when my parents came home from the Italian Festival, Foxxi greeted them walking like a limp dishrag.

Today, while the painter was doing work in the living room, I took Foxxi for a small walk (she gets sooooooo excited when she sees me with the leash), and then drove over to the Linden Hill Happy Harry's so the employees can say hi to the "baby". After getting gas, I stopped at Dunkin' Donuts for an iced coffee and a plain bagel for Foxxi. She really chowed down on the bagel, and sat down while eating it. Normally, she's standing on the passenger seat and trying to get on my lap while I'm driving.

Otakon only a month away!!

Tags: dunkin donuts, foxxi, otakon, rita's
Current Location: At my desk
Current Mood: bouncy
Current Music: "Until You Loved Me" - The Moffatts

Our dog, Foxxi, is still quite the handful! When I went downstairs to take an empty box to the dumpster, Foxxi started whining in her crate, so I decided to get her leash and take her for a small walk. She did pee twice during her walk. When she rides in the car, I have to make sure she don't jump on my lap and I leave the windows up and the A/C on.

And yes, I did get another electric guitar, a Peavey Rockmaster with an amp, picks, strap, stand, and DVD on how to play. I got it on eBay for $51 ($75 total counting shipping). More likely, I will get THAT autographed by JPop and JRock acts when I go to Otakon and other cons I attend. I still have my autographed Peavey Raptor, that has been autographed by MarBell, Daizy Stripper, The Underneath, YMCK, Aural Vampire, and echostream.

And yes, got new anime; Magical Witch Punie-Chan, Fancy Lala Vol. 6, and Bludgeoning Angel Dokuro-Chan (the jury is still out on this one. If you take Excel Saga, Puni Puni Poemi, and Fist Of The North Star, mix all 3 in a blender, and you get quite the anime trainwreck).

And got my $250 from SS. It was deposited into my checking account.

Otakon only 6 weeks away!

Tags: anime, bludgeoning angel dokuro-chan, fancy lala, foxxi, guitar, magical witch punie-chan, otakon
Current Location: At my desk
Current Mood: calm
Current Music: "Boardwalk" - Sugar Ray