FWA2012 recap p1: Thu/Fri
I haven't finished my Furry Fiesta recap, but I wanted to start on my FWA recap. I had a wonderful time, had some great adventures, and some especially touching moments. Here's Thursday and Friday:
Thu 15 Mar
After late night packing and maybe 4 hours sleep, Croc dropped me at SFO for my 8 am flight. When I got to the counter, wolfwithdances was there too, and groggyfox and mooglepower had already foursquare checked-in. Once Dax and I arrived at the gate, kyellgold and Kit Silver were there as well. Once on board, I managed to trade for the middle seat between Kyell and Kit, taking the aisle as Kit napped while Kyell banged out like 5000 words on the flight. Dax, Groggy & Bucker sat in the row behind us, working on talent show plans and a remix for Bucker's set.
We got to Atlanta and they headed their separate ways. I hung with Kit & Kyell for a late lunch, complete with a visit from donryu who was picking up someone else. We took MARTA to the Peachtree Center, and thankfully Kyell knew which way to the hotel, as I was getting ZERO reception. Seems cell reception was a problem, at least for those on AT&T.
I met up with Barker Jr, my host/roomie for the weekend and unpacked. I came down to the con, watched the random fursuiters (including Comet the wolf and Kobalt husky), picked up my sponsor badge and went to opening ceremonies. I met with Kooky and Kiwaku. Kooky got to talk to Kyell after the ceremony, catching up after having known him years ago. (AT&T reception at main stage was effectively zero.)
I had dinner with Kyell, Kit, Brer, Kenket, and met artist Laura Garabedian, at Fandangles, the hotel bar. I sampled a couple local beers: Invocation Belgian-style golden ale from Wild Heaven, and 420 Extra Pale Ale from Sweetwater, along with an upscale take on Chicken & Dumplings. It was good catching up with folks.
After dinner I suited up to wander the con a bit, ended up at a room party in suit. I ran into Ford Shepherd, who thanked me -- it was three years ago at FWA I introduced him to his fiance' Baja.
I was getting kinda warm in the room party, and went next door to chill with Skroy, Frisbee and Slayer Lynx for a bit. As I was starting to doze off, I headed back to the room. Bedtime at 3am.
Fri 16 Mar
Woke a bit after 10am and pondered food. Ended up hooking up with Bucker, Groggy, and company for food court lunch. Groggy and I tried some Cajun place staffed entirely by Asians (Cajian?) and we convened at a big table. Kobalt joined us and Kiyo dropped by.
I had some issues with the food (tho Groggy seemed fine), but by 3pm my tummy was better, so I took Pachinko out in her new can-can dress.
She was out for a while, trying to get photos with Furshoot. The line was long but at least they are taking names for a queue so one didn't have to wait around for a while. I ran into Kodi who was also waiting, and asked if he knew about a 3:30 "Furusit 101 panel" - I dropped in briefly at that panel, and there was sort of a round table discussion among fursuiters offering and trading tips with the audience. I typically don't talk in suit so I didn't chime in. I went back to the Furshoot, found Kodi still waiting. They suggested I come back in the morning; almost nobody shows up when they open.
There was a 5pm Fursuit Construction panel I was asked to help with, but between Kodi and Lacy, neither had really been confirmed. About quarter to five I dashed back to the room for a quick shower and sprinted to the panel room. Luckily Lacy (and friend - Paws wolfdog I think?) also came by. Lacy's an experienced builder so I kept deferring to her. She had to leave early to get to the God-level dinner, but ended up staying through the end. Thanks Lacy!
Just after the panel, I met this guy (badge said ZootWolf) who sat in the front row listening intently. He met me at his first con, FWA 2009, and was so glad I stopped so he could get a photo of Twilight, and how he was inspired to get into fursuiting, to lose weight and get fit, and to drive the 100+ mile round trip DAILY from Macon just to come to FWA! He said he'd read my tweets about particular foods, and presented me with a box of Canadian Stroopwafels. Thanks so much! It's awesome and moving to hear how I've inspired people.
I joined up with Bucker and company at Trader Vic's at the Hilton a couple blocks away. There was one seat at the end, with DogBomb and TeH. (Bucker, Groggy, Dax, Kaysho, Vivaldi, Jace (arctic wolf), Forneus...notes run out). I had arrived just as they were getting ready to order; I got the broccoli beef, and a Mai Tai. We had a fun discussion among the various folks. I have wanted to spend some time with DogBomb and Teh, who I'd seen around cons but not gotten to know. While waiting for dinner to arrive, I drew a quick sketch of Teh's G.Shep DeSoto and my G.Shep Baron. I remember when Teh first got the suit over two years ago, he was so excited. He still loves it very much.
When dessert time arrived, I got another Mai Tai. As we were leaving, Groggy said something that triggered my memory - I'd left my Stroopwafels back at the restaurant! I ran back to get that and the steel bottle with so many dings in the bottom it doesn't stand up straight, and I'd almost left it in Germany.
I dropped in on Fandangles at the hotel, with Domino, Syber, and Kodi, who bought me a couple beers as an early birthday present. More Sweetwater, I think. Was nice spending some personal time with them, as we're typically just meeting in passing at cons.
I suited up as Twilight and visited a private party. Other details are hazy, but I did remember hanging out with KP. He noticed I'd seemed a bit subdued. KP is a longstanding friend, but also someone who is very honest with me. He said, "I wish you could see how much you've inspired fursuiters in this fandom. You're not just a good performer, but you're a good person." I never really saw myself as a leader of people, just doing something I love and hope people enjoy it. He said I was a leader by example. I felt pretty moved, almost in a corny "It's A Wonderful Life" kinda way. I have a lot of awesome friends and people who listen to what I have to say.
As the clock ticked midnight, I said quietly to him, "Happy birthday to me.." I don't really like making a fuss over my birthday. I don't want to be the demanding guy expecting lavish attention for what's basically another day for just another guy.
Things wound down, I suited back up and I left party probably 2:30ish, running into Electropaw in the hallway.
Down in the open social space, Twilight ran into folks playing poker. Exile announced it was my birthday, and the whole table sang for me. It's always a combination of embarrassing and touching when people sing for me, I'm that shy school kid again, collapsing into an "aww shucks" kind of state. This wouldn't be the only time this weekend!
I ran into Mystery Otter at the headless lounge, he gave me a button and followed me as I tried to get to another room party, but no answer. I also ran into my FWA roomies BarkerJr, Kofu and ScribbleDragon (who had borrowed Kofu's fox)
Ended up hanging with Pip, Frisbee & Skroy. Pip gave me some espresso-filled coffee chocolates, but I wouldn't have any that night. On the way back to the room I ran into my FWA roomies again, and Kofu was going BACK out in suit. Guys, it's 6am. *zonk!*
to be continued!
posted 31 March 2012
Thu 15 Mar
After late night packing and maybe 4 hours sleep, Croc dropped me at SFO for my 8 am flight. When I got to the counter, wolfwithdances was there too, and groggyfox and mooglepower had already foursquare checked-in. Once Dax and I arrived at the gate, kyellgold and Kit Silver were there as well. Once on board, I managed to trade for the middle seat between Kyell and Kit, taking the aisle as Kit napped while Kyell banged out like 5000 words on the flight. Dax, Groggy & Bucker sat in the row behind us, working on talent show plans and a remix for Bucker's set.
We got to Atlanta and they headed their separate ways. I hung with Kit & Kyell for a late lunch, complete with a visit from donryu who was picking up someone else. We took MARTA to the Peachtree Center, and thankfully Kyell knew which way to the hotel, as I was getting ZERO reception. Seems cell reception was a problem, at least for those on AT&T.
I met up with Barker Jr, my host/roomie for the weekend and unpacked. I came down to the con, watched the random fursuiters (including Comet the wolf and Kobalt husky), picked up my sponsor badge and went to opening ceremonies. I met with Kooky and Kiwaku. Kooky got to talk to Kyell after the ceremony, catching up after having known him years ago. (AT&T reception at main stage was effectively zero.)
I had dinner with Kyell, Kit, Brer, Kenket, and met artist Laura Garabedian, at Fandangles, the hotel bar. I sampled a couple local beers: Invocation Belgian-style golden ale from Wild Heaven, and 420 Extra Pale Ale from Sweetwater, along with an upscale take on Chicken & Dumplings. It was good catching up with folks.
After dinner I suited up to wander the con a bit, ended up at a room party in suit. I ran into Ford Shepherd, who thanked me -- it was three years ago at FWA I introduced him to his fiance' Baja.
I was getting kinda warm in the room party, and went next door to chill with Skroy, Frisbee and Slayer Lynx for a bit. As I was starting to doze off, I headed back to the room. Bedtime at 3am.
Fri 16 Mar
Woke a bit after 10am and pondered food. Ended up hooking up with Bucker, Groggy, and company for food court lunch. Groggy and I tried some Cajun place staffed entirely by Asians (Cajian?) and we convened at a big table. Kobalt joined us and Kiyo dropped by.
I had some issues with the food (tho Groggy seemed fine), but by 3pm my tummy was better, so I took Pachinko out in her new can-can dress.
She was out for a while, trying to get photos with Furshoot. The line was long but at least they are taking names for a queue so one didn't have to wait around for a while. I ran into Kodi who was also waiting, and asked if he knew about a 3:30 "Furusit 101 panel" - I dropped in briefly at that panel, and there was sort of a round table discussion among fursuiters offering and trading tips with the audience. I typically don't talk in suit so I didn't chime in. I went back to the Furshoot, found Kodi still waiting. They suggested I come back in the morning; almost nobody shows up when they open.
There was a 5pm Fursuit Construction panel I was asked to help with, but between Kodi and Lacy, neither had really been confirmed. About quarter to five I dashed back to the room for a quick shower and sprinted to the panel room. Luckily Lacy (and friend - Paws wolfdog I think?) also came by. Lacy's an experienced builder so I kept deferring to her. She had to leave early to get to the God-level dinner, but ended up staying through the end. Thanks Lacy!
Just after the panel, I met this guy (badge said ZootWolf) who sat in the front row listening intently. He met me at his first con, FWA 2009, and was so glad I stopped so he could get a photo of Twilight, and how he was inspired to get into fursuiting, to lose weight and get fit, and to drive the 100+ mile round trip DAILY from Macon just to come to FWA! He said he'd read my tweets about particular foods, and presented me with a box of Canadian Stroopwafels. Thanks so much! It's awesome and moving to hear how I've inspired people.
I joined up with Bucker and company at Trader Vic's at the Hilton a couple blocks away. There was one seat at the end, with DogBomb and TeH. (Bucker, Groggy, Dax, Kaysho, Vivaldi, Jace (arctic wolf), Forneus...notes run out). I had arrived just as they were getting ready to order; I got the broccoli beef, and a Mai Tai. We had a fun discussion among the various folks. I have wanted to spend some time with DogBomb and Teh, who I'd seen around cons but not gotten to know. While waiting for dinner to arrive, I drew a quick sketch of Teh's G.Shep DeSoto and my G.Shep Baron. I remember when Teh first got the suit over two years ago, he was so excited. He still loves it very much.
When dessert time arrived, I got another Mai Tai. As we were leaving, Groggy said something that triggered my memory - I'd left my Stroopwafels back at the restaurant! I ran back to get that and the steel bottle with so many dings in the bottom it doesn't stand up straight, and I'd almost left it in Germany.
I dropped in on Fandangles at the hotel, with Domino, Syber, and Kodi, who bought me a couple beers as an early birthday present. More Sweetwater, I think. Was nice spending some personal time with them, as we're typically just meeting in passing at cons.
I suited up as Twilight and visited a private party. Other details are hazy, but I did remember hanging out with KP. He noticed I'd seemed a bit subdued. KP is a longstanding friend, but also someone who is very honest with me. He said, "I wish you could see how much you've inspired fursuiters in this fandom. You're not just a good performer, but you're a good person." I never really saw myself as a leader of people, just doing something I love and hope people enjoy it. He said I was a leader by example. I felt pretty moved, almost in a corny "It's A Wonderful Life" kinda way. I have a lot of awesome friends and people who listen to what I have to say.
As the clock ticked midnight, I said quietly to him, "Happy birthday to me.." I don't really like making a fuss over my birthday. I don't want to be the demanding guy expecting lavish attention for what's basically another day for just another guy.
Things wound down, I suited back up and I left party probably 2:30ish, running into Electropaw in the hallway.
Down in the open social space, Twilight ran into folks playing poker. Exile announced it was my birthday, and the whole table sang for me. It's always a combination of embarrassing and touching when people sing for me, I'm that shy school kid again, collapsing into an "aww shucks" kind of state. This wouldn't be the only time this weekend!
I ran into Mystery Otter at the headless lounge, he gave me a button and followed me as I tried to get to another room party, but no answer. I also ran into my FWA roomies BarkerJr, Kofu and ScribbleDragon (who had borrowed Kofu's fox)
Ended up hanging with Pip, Frisbee & Skroy. Pip gave me some espresso-filled coffee chocolates, but I wouldn't have any that night. On the way back to the room I ran into my FWA roomies again, and Kofu was going BACK out in suit. Guys, it's 6am. *zonk!*
to be continued!
posted 31 March 2012