Pre-Con Panic? Check. Work Week From Hell Ending In Twelve Hours? Check. Act Together? Well...

[teddy_radiator]

Sorry I've been such a lurker and have contributed nothing whatsoever lately. I'm having what's known as a good, old-fashioned, pre-travel panic attack. Picking up my ball gown today, and that's the last piece of the costume. Found the mask I bought, jeez, must've been nine months ago - it will look pretty dark good with my gown, I think.

I haven't flown in over five years, and that was an international flight. Now, I have to fret over the size of my luggage, which sits right at the limit Delta is willing to call normal. I don't even know what it's going to weigh; I've taken Droxy's advice and put my gorgeous cloak as carry-on; it's really heavy. The rest is, well, heavy enough. It galls me that you have to pay to check your bags; I think that's obscene.

Talk is still not quite there. The script is in decent shape; PP Presentation is all over the place. I need to get this packing thing sorted out this week; I can't seem to concentrate on my talk otherwise. For someone who started getting her act together almost a year ago, I'm woefully unprepared.

The MISTI schedule is amazing - so many different talks and events I want to attend, not to mention the crafts and goodies. And the sheer amount of people I'll finally get to meet - I have literally dreamed of those moments for months. That is going to be the true magic; seeing all these people in person. Hugging sempraseverus, who started me on the fanfiction road; shaking kellychambliss' hand, a writer I so admire. And, of course, squeeing with my awesome roomies, droxy, who brought me to LJ, and irishredlass, the best friend I've never met, sabrebabe, the Talented, and silverdoe, the Gorgeous. logospilgrim, who has shown me so many ways to believe in magic, and alabastard and Draco, who are the living embodiments of the point of my talk - Muses and soulmates. Not to mention countless others who have welcomed, inspired and befriended me. If I've left anyone out, please know it's because of lack of caffeine, not lack of regard. Just knowing I'll be meeting you is so thrilling to me.

And there is that part of me that's still in second grade, hoping that all the cool kids will like me.

I'm sorry that several folks' plans, and a couple in particular, got scuppered and they won't be attending. You will be missed, and I'm sad you won't get to come.

Work certainly hasn't helped. Every damn day we're dragging ourselves in after 6pm, so tired all I want to do is do my paperwork, eat and crawl into bed. Not exactly conducive to Con prep. I feel cheated. Sure, the money's needed, and I am grateful to have a job, but jeez, this is supposed to be a part time job - I'm logging in almost 45 hours this week.

I'll stop bitching - many would love to have my job, and I wouldn't want to go back to a regimented schedule ever again. I'm just feeling sorry for myself that my play time is being usurped. All in all, compared to many, it's not exactly something worthy of even mentioning.

So, this weekend: find a suitcase that isn't going to get me in trouble with Delta, get this talk done and dusted, and hang in there one more work week. After that, someone is taking over two stores, which will mean a considerable lightening of the load. Just in time to head out for con.

Hugs and kisses to all who need 'em. I've been creeping around the shadows, watching what you're all up to, and it looks fun. I hope to be back into the swing of things after Con - I will return exhausted, happy and broke - but recharged, and ready to get things done.

Comments

[droxy.livejournal.com]

hugs!

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Right back atcha!

[drinkingcocoa.livejournal.com]

For someone who started getting her act together almost a year ago, I'm woefully unprepared.

Ha ha -- I feel you! I'm still on Prisoner of Azkaban for my re-reads. One wonders when I expect to start writing my Snape/Malfoys and Unspeakable talks, if I haven't even finished re-reading the series yet.

But OMG yay, meeting you!!!! and everyone!!!!!!!!!!

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

I know! There are so many great talks to attend, but what I'm really looking forward to is just meeting and gazing in admiration at all my awesome friends.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

My bag was bought back in the heady days when there were no size or weight restrictions, so no one cared how huge or heavy it was!

I saw a nice-sized one, but I hate to spend more dosh on yet another suitcase. Might see if anyone around has one I can borrow. I checked with my mother, but mom's is larger than mine!

I'm thrilled to be going and meeting all these people whom I consider heroes; I mean - I'm gonna be rooming with the LJ equivalent of the Avengers! ;)

[alabastard.livejournal.com]

The Malfoys already like you, you're set .. and really looking forward to meeting you and actually talking face to face, in character and out, so much fun just ahead.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Thank you - that is a sentiment that warmed me more than I can say.

I am looking forward to the same - it will be such a joy to meet and have a chat and just soak in the experience. I hope that Draco is feeling well. He's been on my mind a lot today.

[akatnamedeaster.livejournal.com]

Don't fret too much about being prepared, just go and have a wonderful time, that's what cons are all about.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

I will - but I will see all those folks that should be there, and weren't able to attend, and you will all be in my thoughts as well.

[mimimanderly.livejournal.com]

Of course the cool kids will like you. You ARE one of the cool kids, silly!

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

You know? For the first time in my life, I actually feel kinda cool. This lovely group of people have a way of doing that to a person.

I hope to be able to polish up my talk a little more, though. I want to represent!

[ex-logospil.livejournal.com]

~what's known as a good, old-fashioned, pre-travel panic attack~

*very tender robed embrace*

All will go well, my dearest one! I shall be so very happy to see you with my own eyes soon!

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

I feel the same - getting to know you these past few months has been such a joy, and such an enrichment in my life, and I can't wait to return a tender robed embrace of my own.

[ex-logospil.livejournal.com]

You are so kind ♥

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Bartender, I'll have a pint of what she's having and keep hers topped up while you're at it! ;)

[irishredlass.livejournal.com]

This is seriously the least prepared I have ever felt it all seems to be rushing in. I think partly because part of my prep will be done at Droxy Manor

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

I'm sure y'all will be totally together. If I can just find a decent case, I'll be happy. I just don't want to buy another one - we have suitcases out the wazoo already. But I have two hats, a huge costume, three dresses, two pairs of jeans and several tops, undies and pjs to cram into this thing, not to mention makeup and a very heavy cloak (which I'm taking Droxy's advice and packing it in my carry on). I bought my suitcase scale today, so hopefully that will help me get an idea of just what I can and can't fit in.

Oh, by the way, there will be an iron and ironing board there, won't there?

[irishredlass.livejournal.com]

Yes, hotel has the iron and board covered

[hbart.livejournal.com]

I think panic can be good for you and perhaps can motivate you to get it all done on time. We all know deadlines are great for that sort of thing. Because it will all come together one way or another; it always does.

I hope you have a wonderful time. Who am I kidding, you are guaranteed to have a wonderful time. Then I hope you return inspired to write your little heart out. :) Enjoy!

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

That's very true - it will come together, and I feel confident that it will sound pretty coherent! ;)

Thank you - I'm just thrilled, and ready for it. I haven't had a vacation in absolutely forever, so this is going to be my playtime. The hubs has just signed on to do a play for the end of May, so he'll get to play some as well, which is just icing on the cake.

[kittylefish.livejournal.com]

everything will work itself out and you will have an amazing time. good luck with the rest of your preparations.

[tychesong.livejournal.com]

So glad you are going to finally get to meet all the people who have supported and inspired you! I wanted to sign up, but it's just too far for me (west coast). Say hello to people for me!!