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Vacation Report
13 years ago
Well, it was a long 14 days. I have to say, despite the exhaustion it was worth it.
My vacation started out a day early as work already gave it off. I took advantage of it to...well, do an interview. Unfortunately, it really did not work out. I think after nearly a year here, I was starting to enjoy the perks of being a senior-ish tech. So it was on with my vacation...kind of. My favourite co worker of course had to text me asking me to cover part of her shift...again. Seeing how I was already on the road, I said "no" The next few days was spent getting ready for the trip. Due to Cruger's work, we couldn't leave until the Friday. Friday, we had a really delayed departure. It pissed me off at first seeing how I didn't know what was so important about the "go faster parts" he mentioned. After that was explained I was fine and dandy. Border crossing was interesting as I mention to a guard we were going to a fur con. The next 5 minutes was spent explaining to him what a "Fur" is without just bursting out "Ever watch CSI?" The guy was definitely trying to be a bit of an ass, but unfortunately I was a bit too weird for him to keep it up.
We made it to Grand Falls, MO that night. I had to drive a stretch because as per usual, my scratching and fidgeting kept him up. We stayed the night and headed out in the morning where he drove to Colorado. Wyoming and Montana were abnormally boring to drive though. However, I was excited I got to see my first pronghorn in the wild.
We finally rolled into Colorado. We checked out the hotel and for some odd reason, pictures of cookies were everywhere. We found out why as we get a couple free cookies upon check in. They were DELICIOUS! Warm, chewy, melty and omg! We went to the room and it was paradise, pretty good for the price. We explored the con and went back to the room to sleep. The next day was the last day of con. I woke up bright and earlier for registration. Cruger thought I was sick seeing how I was actually up at a decent time. I went down, registered and went back up to the hotel room. I was very perplexed as to why I got a bottle cap. It was a nice bottle cap...just why a bottle cap? Cruger mentioned it was a Fallout reference...but they could've turned it into a pin. We enjoyed the con. It was pretty chill so we got to meet tons of new people. In the evening, I took advantage of the pool and swam around like a dog. Afterwards, we hung out with some people. At one point, we noticed another male singing in a very wonderful voice. Most of us enjoyed the voice until one person in our group pointed out he was singing about flatulence. Needless to say, we all tuned into the words. Unfortunately, I was drinking water at the time and heard the word "Penis" pop out. We all know what happened which caused everyone to break down laughing. The night ended and off to bed.
Next destination was Pike's Peak. Climbing that altitude at that speed sucked, but it was nice to see winter again. But still...blargh
I forgot where we stopped that night. We made it to Vegas the next afternoon. With the lack of parking+the fact there was no way in hell I'm walking that heat+everything too busy, we did not stay long. Holy CRAP it was bloody hot. How the hell does anyone survive in that heat?! Everytime we open a window, it felt like you were standing in front of the heater...pity's sake! ARGH! We stopped in a small town afterwards.
The next day was off to LA where we were to pick up a friend for Power Morphicon. After we picked him up, we headed over to our first hotel. Things were lovely there and we chilled for awhile. Well, they did, they decided to take a nap while I decided to swim. It was decided by the top of my head that the pool was too small, but I'm not complaining too much. At least this hotel had beach balls and other fun toys for me to play with. Finally, I went back into the room and someone was at least up. We went around the sights of LA, which was chaotic at best. I thought Calgary drivers were bad, try LA. Cutting people off was a leisurely sport, signalling was optional, and the roads were a convoluted mess. But we at least had fun at our sights. Well, I had fun at the beach.
Next few days were Power Morphicon. Organization for registration at this event SUCKED. Due to the fact work tends to like to screw me over every now and then, I elected to buy reg at the door. Well, that denied me a whole day. Now, here's where things gets worse. The reg for the pre orders were done inside. The ones buying at the door...well, we got stuck in the California sun/heat for nearly an hour. Here's the real kicker, the reason we were stuck outside for an hour was because they delayed reg to allow those who have pre reg to buy tickets for a later event first...which was done inside. As if that wasn't enough, the selling of those tickets were supposed to open an hour AFTER registration for everyone else. by this time, I was starting to get rather light headed and dizzy. So, I tottle into the convention centre to get water only to be stopped by an attendant demanding where's my ticket. I say I don't have one and she starts insisting that I go back outside and wait in line. Finally after she yammers on I just scream "I need water...I'm standing outside there in the sun, I'm dizzy, I'm going to get water..." She grudgingly lets me pass...ok, I shove pass. Of course, 10 minutes later, I get a little light headed again. And there was a little girl standing in front of me who kept asking her dad for water. Anyone could tell she was definitely not feeling so good. So, once again, I go into the convention center and get more water. The fight this time was easier, I didn't get the same attendant. The girl perked up when I gave her a cup and she looked a lot better. Finally, we registered, told our pre reged friend who was still in bed that they started selling tickets an hour early and went to the panel. The poor guy probably had the biggest heart attack ever. We did a bit more after the panel then got together with everyone else and suited up.
I was stuck as the usual pack mule. Crap, least furries are a little nicer to their handlers, or their fans are. I mean, we walk through the door, instant cheer. Everyone's going nuts about the costumes and...well, I get shoved and cornered into a garbage can. I couldn't move because everytime I did, I would get into someone's shot resulting in a very cross "Move out of the way!" I would move another direction and would get the same response but a shove included. Geez, can I have at least a 3 ft diameter? The rangers are getting a 6ft radius here! Finally, after awhile, I went to get some water...after the douchey crowd died down. That pattern continued until day 2 where finally after being shoved one last time. I learned my elbows are wonderful weapons and I finally ditched my pleases and thank yous. In other words "MOVE" and "OUTTA MY WAY" were my words. At this point, I also ditched the handling duties to someone else. Honestly, I had enough. Advice to everyone. We handlers and pack mules keep your heroes hydrated and taken care of. The more you shove and turn into an asshat to me, the less likely I'll come back, thus leaving you with either pissed off heroes or no heroes at all.
Other than that, Morphicon was decently alright. I obviously did not care for the fans. We did meet a lot of awesome people. I got two very nice massages. My shoulder's nicely loosened up and relaxed again. The team I handled for was very appreciative, there wasn't much they could do about the insane fans. But, guys, can you get me some elbow guards with spurs at the end and a megaphone? And while some of the fans are nice, some where abnormally scary. I was talking to a dealer about why they didn't have a Putty sticker or Alpha and the nerd beside me started screaming off Alpha quotes...A LOT OF THEM! All I could do was smile and nod while Cruger paid for his stuff. We bailed and he was STILL going on!
We finished off the con by going to Dave and Buster's with our new found friends. I didn't realize how hungry I was until I finished half a large appetizer and my meal before everyone else. The games were fun and I'm reassured I'm not the only one who screams at zombies while shooting them.
Finally, it was time to leave Pasadena and the heat! We stopped at Mt Shasta for the night. Dinner was DELICIOUS. That was one of the best pork chops ever! I wish I wasn't so tired, I would've loved to steal Cruger's fries too, but I was too tired to be that hungry, but it was so good.
We finally kept going after staying the night. By then, we were both exhausted and burnt out. Finally after one more stop we made it back.
The vacation was great. RMFC showed me that a fur con can be fun and that not everyone is an asshole. Power Morphicon, I met tons of great friends and I look forward to watching the newer seasons of Power Rangers. Good timing, I'm almost done watching all the episodes of Sweet Genius.
My vacation started out a day early as work already gave it off. I took advantage of it to...well, do an interview. Unfortunately, it really did not work out. I think after nearly a year here, I was starting to enjoy the perks of being a senior-ish tech. So it was on with my vacation...kind of. My favourite co worker of course had to text me asking me to cover part of her shift...again. Seeing how I was already on the road, I said "no" The next few days was spent getting ready for the trip. Due to Cruger's work, we couldn't leave until the Friday. Friday, we had a really delayed departure. It pissed me off at first seeing how I didn't know what was so important about the "go faster parts" he mentioned. After that was explained I was fine and dandy. Border crossing was interesting as I mention to a guard we were going to a fur con. The next 5 minutes was spent explaining to him what a "Fur" is without just bursting out "Ever watch CSI?" The guy was definitely trying to be a bit of an ass, but unfortunately I was a bit too weird for him to keep it up.
We made it to Grand Falls, MO that night. I had to drive a stretch because as per usual, my scratching and fidgeting kept him up. We stayed the night and headed out in the morning where he drove to Colorado. Wyoming and Montana were abnormally boring to drive though. However, I was excited I got to see my first pronghorn in the wild.
We finally rolled into Colorado. We checked out the hotel and for some odd reason, pictures of cookies were everywhere. We found out why as we get a couple free cookies upon check in. They were DELICIOUS! Warm, chewy, melty and omg! We went to the room and it was paradise, pretty good for the price. We explored the con and went back to the room to sleep. The next day was the last day of con. I woke up bright and earlier for registration. Cruger thought I was sick seeing how I was actually up at a decent time. I went down, registered and went back up to the hotel room. I was very perplexed as to why I got a bottle cap. It was a nice bottle cap...just why a bottle cap? Cruger mentioned it was a Fallout reference...but they could've turned it into a pin. We enjoyed the con. It was pretty chill so we got to meet tons of new people. In the evening, I took advantage of the pool and swam around like a dog. Afterwards, we hung out with some people. At one point, we noticed another male singing in a very wonderful voice. Most of us enjoyed the voice until one person in our group pointed out he was singing about flatulence. Needless to say, we all tuned into the words. Unfortunately, I was drinking water at the time and heard the word "Penis" pop out. We all know what happened which caused everyone to break down laughing. The night ended and off to bed.
Next destination was Pike's Peak. Climbing that altitude at that speed sucked, but it was nice to see winter again. But still...blargh
I forgot where we stopped that night. We made it to Vegas the next afternoon. With the lack of parking+the fact there was no way in hell I'm walking that heat+everything too busy, we did not stay long. Holy CRAP it was bloody hot. How the hell does anyone survive in that heat?! Everytime we open a window, it felt like you were standing in front of the heater...pity's sake! ARGH! We stopped in a small town afterwards.
The next day was off to LA where we were to pick up a friend for Power Morphicon. After we picked him up, we headed over to our first hotel. Things were lovely there and we chilled for awhile. Well, they did, they decided to take a nap while I decided to swim. It was decided by the top of my head that the pool was too small, but I'm not complaining too much. At least this hotel had beach balls and other fun toys for me to play with. Finally, I went back into the room and someone was at least up. We went around the sights of LA, which was chaotic at best. I thought Calgary drivers were bad, try LA. Cutting people off was a leisurely sport, signalling was optional, and the roads were a convoluted mess. But we at least had fun at our sights. Well, I had fun at the beach.
Next few days were Power Morphicon. Organization for registration at this event SUCKED. Due to the fact work tends to like to screw me over every now and then, I elected to buy reg at the door. Well, that denied me a whole day. Now, here's where things gets worse. The reg for the pre orders were done inside. The ones buying at the door...well, we got stuck in the California sun/heat for nearly an hour. Here's the real kicker, the reason we were stuck outside for an hour was because they delayed reg to allow those who have pre reg to buy tickets for a later event first...which was done inside. As if that wasn't enough, the selling of those tickets were supposed to open an hour AFTER registration for everyone else. by this time, I was starting to get rather light headed and dizzy. So, I tottle into the convention centre to get water only to be stopped by an attendant demanding where's my ticket. I say I don't have one and she starts insisting that I go back outside and wait in line. Finally after she yammers on I just scream "I need water...I'm standing outside there in the sun, I'm dizzy, I'm going to get water..." She grudgingly lets me pass...ok, I shove pass. Of course, 10 minutes later, I get a little light headed again. And there was a little girl standing in front of me who kept asking her dad for water. Anyone could tell she was definitely not feeling so good. So, once again, I go into the convention center and get more water. The fight this time was easier, I didn't get the same attendant. The girl perked up when I gave her a cup and she looked a lot better. Finally, we registered, told our pre reged friend who was still in bed that they started selling tickets an hour early and went to the panel. The poor guy probably had the biggest heart attack ever. We did a bit more after the panel then got together with everyone else and suited up.
I was stuck as the usual pack mule. Crap, least furries are a little nicer to their handlers, or their fans are. I mean, we walk through the door, instant cheer. Everyone's going nuts about the costumes and...well, I get shoved and cornered into a garbage can. I couldn't move because everytime I did, I would get into someone's shot resulting in a very cross "Move out of the way!" I would move another direction and would get the same response but a shove included. Geez, can I have at least a 3 ft diameter? The rangers are getting a 6ft radius here! Finally, after awhile, I went to get some water...after the douchey crowd died down. That pattern continued until day 2 where finally after being shoved one last time. I learned my elbows are wonderful weapons and I finally ditched my pleases and thank yous. In other words "MOVE" and "OUTTA MY WAY" were my words. At this point, I also ditched the handling duties to someone else. Honestly, I had enough. Advice to everyone. We handlers and pack mules keep your heroes hydrated and taken care of. The more you shove and turn into an asshat to me, the less likely I'll come back, thus leaving you with either pissed off heroes or no heroes at all.
Other than that, Morphicon was decently alright. I obviously did not care for the fans. We did meet a lot of awesome people. I got two very nice massages. My shoulder's nicely loosened up and relaxed again. The team I handled for was very appreciative, there wasn't much they could do about the insane fans. But, guys, can you get me some elbow guards with spurs at the end and a megaphone? And while some of the fans are nice, some where abnormally scary. I was talking to a dealer about why they didn't have a Putty sticker or Alpha and the nerd beside me started screaming off Alpha quotes...A LOT OF THEM! All I could do was smile and nod while Cruger paid for his stuff. We bailed and he was STILL going on!
We finished off the con by going to Dave and Buster's with our new found friends. I didn't realize how hungry I was until I finished half a large appetizer and my meal before everyone else. The games were fun and I'm reassured I'm not the only one who screams at zombies while shooting them.
Finally, it was time to leave Pasadena and the heat! We stopped at Mt Shasta for the night. Dinner was DELICIOUS. That was one of the best pork chops ever! I wish I wasn't so tired, I would've loved to steal Cruger's fries too, but I was too tired to be that hungry, but it was so good.
We finally kept going after staying the night. By then, we were both exhausted and burnt out. Finally after one more stop we made it back.
The vacation was great. RMFC showed me that a fur con can be fun and that not everyone is an asshole. Power Morphicon, I met tons of great friends and I look forward to watching the newer seasons of Power Rangers. Good timing, I'm almost done watching all the episodes of Sweet Genius.
