Furfest 2, Mutt 0 This thing keeps knockin' me out. MUCH FUNZ. It was my first time having a fursuit at con (superstud Jasper, by my honey bunny  javacostumes) and it was worn by 6 different people, all of whom had a blast. I spent less time drinkin and smokin than usual and consequently, more time high off the fuzz buzz. There were a lot of fun, friendly, talented people there and it had me feeling giddy all over. I saw many cherished friends and made some new ones. Shoutouts to everyone who contributed to an awesome weekend:

ROOMIES:

 goldenboiblaze Roommeister extraordinaire. A scholar and a gentleman possessed with generosity and saintly patience, which was tested more than once by the con, the hotel, and his rowdy roomies. Thank you thank you thank you.
 hottapwater Big burly beer buddy and fursuiting compatriot! Great seeing you in the flesh and Maple in the fur.
 wolfyama FLIGHT BUDDIES! You worked hard and played hard (and slept hard!) with quiet grace and utter unflappability. See you at FC!
 pierrezaius I hope this was the first con of many more for you. You are adorable and charming both in costume and out. From our first encounter, you were a joy to be around. Watching you draw was a treat.
 nightphaser and  jey_vulpes From the farflung corners of the globe came two awesome, enthusiastic, friendly roommates. A pleasure to meet and hang out with you both! Nik, thanks for the book! It's real classy.

JASPERS! Thanks to all of you for helping bring my favorite dog (well, after my REAL dog) to life. It was entertaining watching his shape and personality shift from wearer to wearer and I was proud of all of you, especially since you're mostly first-time fursuiters!

 phylum You my dog, dog! I think we were star-crossed, because despite 2000+ people at the con I kept running into you, and was thrilled every time. Thinks for good vibes and dry humor and Barenjager. I'm stoked for you to have a costume of your own.
 dogteeth I'm so glad to have met you! You're a peach and a pleasure to be around. I don't think you ever stopped smiling unless it was ironically. Much love.
 pierrezaius SECOND SHOUTOUT! From the second you put him on, you transformed! Or rather, the expressiveness of your face spread through your whole body. Like a duck to water:)
 ataraxia Dude. The look on your face when you took the mask off was priceless. You looked utterly transcendent. I'm glad it was such a powerful experience for you. After being on each others' radars for what feels like years, I was happy to confirm my suspicions that you're awesome. I will cop Fevrier by the bushel and hit you with feedback in the coming weeks.
 atmus23 CHAMPION! Face it dude, you were born for this. Top marks for style and stamina (4 hours?!) Walking, talking, and rocking with you in and out of costume was a privilege. Your future is full of promise. Look out, MOMA. Your past is full of pictures. SHOW US THE PICTURES.

MY PERENNIAL PALS:

 redacteur Never not awesome spending time with you. I love you a lot. Nuf said.
 thatoneguy297 CuJo! You'se a beast! Thanks for taking us in your car not once but twice:) I regret we didn't get to have That Chat. Soon though! Party on!
 ianjay The workhorse! Your grind was unstoppable! Neither rain nor sleet nor respiratory crud could stop you from delivering the goods. Thanks for a beautiful badge, for brokering RRUFFURRs, and for inspiring me with your engaging conversation. Gotta say though, you missed out on some of the best Indian food I've ever had... Just sayin:) Also, you make a cute walf:)
 media Back in my orbit after 4 years! Holy shit, dude! We gotta stay up. Great talking shop and watching you boogaloo. DEY DONT KNOW. But I do:) You did Herbie Hancock proud.

MY NEW CHUMS!

 chickenteeth DUDE! You're an awesome artist and individual. I can't believe I have not been watchin you on here. I've corrected that and I shall be a-hollerin when the next anthology starts taking shape
 spiralstaircase You're so sweet and subdued! See you in Colorado, I hope!
 ideno Dear deer! You're handsome and sweet in suit and out. I felt an instant rapport when I met you.
 ichabod You scruffy scoundrel! You exude good will and I was glad to absorb some of it.

So long, formating!
 heavyteeth  opiumrevolution  tomhoshino Formed the hot burning core of a star cluster that included several fun, fashionable and feisty gals who i wish I could spend more time with. Thanks for being so damn cool and making me feel cool, too. Next time, we're fuckin DANCING.
 joebluefox Guy smiley! Thanks for the whip appeal to the Asian Megamart! Booya! Keep them dongs chunky.

I hope I'm not forgetting anyone, but I almost certainly am. It was a wild, woolly weekend.

Lastly, special shout out to the HYATT, both the super-accommodating staff and the hotel itself, which really contributes a lot to the look and feel of the con. It would not be the same event in other environs. Also: Future con-goers, do not deprive yourselves of Maharaja. Some of the best Indian food I've ever had (and I spent 3 weeks in India).

Shit was bananas, dudes. I'm gonna go catch up on sleep.