I remembered seeing MiDFur years ago when I first became aware of furries. Back then it seemed like a small get together, touring the city, going to the zoo and such. This year I've gotten more into the furry thing and really thought about going. It'd be nice to actually meet some furries and find out if I actually, well, am one. Unfortunately, I'm not a big fan of striking up conversations with strangers. I tend to make a better impression when in larger groups when I can just chime in with a good line and ease my way in.

I ended up going to the Wednesday night pre-con party, but got so nervous and sweaty on the walk there that I stayed for a pint and then bailed. Pretty hard to ignore your brain when it tells you to just get out of there. I rationalised that I'd check out the Thursday night after work and in particular, the First Furry Convention panel to give me a bit of direction.

Ultimately, on Thursday I went out drinking with a few work mates and had a terrific night. I still rocked my husky hat, seeing as I'd brought it with me, so I still had a bit of a furry night. I also had one of the deepest heart-to-heart talks I can remember. We kept going until we got kicked out, then went to McDonald's and chatted with a bunch of teenagers, letting them try on my marvellous husky hat for photos and hailing taxis together. In bed at quarter to four. That's a massive Thursday night if ever I've had one.

I was busy the rest of the weekend, so I never took the opportunity to go to my first furcon, but what I took out of the weekend was that my friends are pretty great. They don't seem to mind my extravagance when it comes to wearing strange items or acting bizarrely. I'm nearly at the point where I'll buy a fursuit, wear it when I'm around them and let them know I'm this strange creature they might have heard of, the noble furry. It's an unusual subculture, but an interesting and quirky one, and from the kick I get out of galavanting around town, proudly showing my allegiance to our animal bretheren, I'm pretty sure I fit the description.

I still wish I had made it to the con and met some furries, but there's always other meets, or next year. In the meantime, I'd still like to get myself a fursuit, record some songs to contribute to the furry community and maybe just stumble upon a few furry folks who don't mind a chat or a nice cold beverage.