For my first journal, I thought it would be fitting to discuss my thoughts on Anthrocon 2012. It was my second furry con, FWA being my first back in March, but the first one where I really had an idea of what I was getting myself into. I went with  jc-Fox, my husband, and  rykerkitsune. Ryker I met at FWA and since then we have built an amazing friendship. This con would not have been so amazing without them!

I was also able to hangout with  arkgullwing,  centradragon,  sabotage.cat and  firefeathers as well as several other people. All I have to say is Cards Against Humanity, Apple Pie, and CD Juice... You all were so much fun to hangout with and I hope we will be able to do it all over again sometime soon. You're all amazing!

Now that I have that out of the way, here are my real thoughts on the Con and everything furry... Furry, for me, used to be something that I didn't understand and never really wanted to know about. For many reasons, I neglected that part of my husband's life and tried to force him to push it out completely. FWA changed all that for me. FWA was a spontaneous adventure that, to be quite honest, saved our marriage. I went in without any expectations, which is crazy for me because I plan everything, but in doing so, I was able to completely let go and let the furry fandom swallow me whole... and boy did they!
At FWA, we met Ryker, Ark, and Tyr as well as numerous other people, but it was those three that really changed everything for me. They are by far some of the most amazing people I have ever met. They took us under their wing (Ark literally) and showed us what being furry was all about. It wasn't about sex, although it can be, but about sharing a bond with others. It's about people sharing the same interest, having a lot of fun, and being there for each other. I am proud to say that I have kept and built upon these relationships since FWA.

Between FWA and AC, Lep (JC) and I commissioned our characters and really fleshed them out, which made me feel even more connected to the furry fandom. It's been so fun and much easier than I ever expected. Thank you Centra for the amazing ref and badges! =)

As for AC, that solidified my connection with the fandom and I am proud to call myself a furry. I am, by far, not your typical fur and I did notice a few people look at me as well as Security subtly checking my badge to make sure I should be there, but I still felt like I belonged. Truthfully, I have never felt so passionate, excited, and happy about anything in my life. I witnessed so many wonderful things during AC from how much money furs raised for charity to the excitement of children as they watched the fursuiters. The furry fandom has some of the most talented, generous, and amazing people. I honestly feel sad for those who have not experienced what the furry fandom has to offer or those who make fun of it because they are truly missing out on a wondrous experience.

Basically, what this whole journal is all about is that I am proud to call myself a furry and I am overly passionate about showing the world that it isn't something to be feared or hated. It is something to be embraced with an open mind and an open heart because you have no idea what awesomeness could come of it.