Well, I finally just got back from my first night of work after vacation. Thank god it wasn't too hectic. Vacation was fun and much needed. I was looking forward to this and heck, after the stressful few months at work and the stressful coming month, I need something.

Wednesday...Well because of a "recommended" (*Cough cough*mandatory*Cough cough*) CE lecture, it looks like I got stuck an extra day at home. Not too bad as I found out that Grael's bitch aunt and retarded little cousin was hanging out for the afternoon/evening at his place. I was quite disappointed that they weren't staying the night. Come on, revenge is a dish best served cold. After that one time they kept us up then the retarded cousin woke me up early the next morning, I was quite ready to give them a taste of their own medicine. Imagine "Another One Bites the Dust" in a voice that can make even the most tone deaf person cringe. Heck yeah.
The CE itself was good. I surprised my boss by going at she didn't notice my name on the list. After the CE it was off to the halfway point to pick up Cruger's head.
Well, I was hoping it'd be a quick detour. Go to the guy's place, get the head, toss it in the boot, continue on...Nope. I walk in, got told it would be a few minutes. Something about teeth needing to be cured...then cooled...then insert another 45 min wait. By this time I was getting quite cross as I had planned hoped to get some sleep. Turns out the guy was putting more stuffing into the head which needed a bit of time. Great...finally he comes back up, we toss the darn thing into the boot and I get going.
By this time, I'm noticing I'm rather tired. After belting out a few songs on my iPod, nothing seemed to be keeping me up. My boss texted me as I was leaving the halfway town. For once, I was glad she texted me. At least that kept me up...until she stopped and went to bed. By then, I was getting desperate so, I reached over and grabbed some American Excedrin. Took that, gulped down the remainder of my iced tea and grimaced. No sleep for me tonight, and I was 45 min away from my destination.
I arrive at Grael's place, unceremoniously toss the head in the box and attempted to sleep...which obviously didn't work.
All too soon, it was time to get up. Sadly, caffeine has a bit of a short stimulant effect before it gives you a kick in the ass. Apparently, one minute I was hyper and talking, the next, I was out like a light.

I guess this classifies as Thursday...the airport was a painful affair when you're sleep deprived. We got breakfast at the airport and went on to board the plane. Luckily, I fell asleep shortly after take off. We made it to Denver and had lunch...or everyone else did. I ordered a chicken quesadilla, had it served to me, looked at it, took a nibble and felt quite ill. The meal itself was fine, but I felt sick as a dog. We continued on where I fell asleep promptly...until I woke up with a massive headache, the sound of a loud engine and the yakking of some loudmouth chatterboxes behind me. Fortunately, Grael secured a couple of pairs of earplugs before I made it onto national news after murdering two passengers on a random flight to Atlanta. We touched down in Atlanta, got our luggage, got the rental car and went to the hotel.
Grael and I hit registration, the tail end of opening ceremonies and grabbed Shen and Nisu and went to dinner. Dinner was ok, all I really wanted was a steak to chew on. We went to wal mart after to grab some supplies. Then bed time. First, I went to the Artist Alley. Ordered myself a badge and continued on my way.

Friday...World of Coca Cola. This was actually kinda cool. While Shen kept expecting oompa loompas, I kept expecting one of the boys to get lost and find out that the secret formula for coke was indeed alien piss. The Taste it room at the end of everything was awesome. If I ever find the need to vomit something quickly, I'll remember to drink a swig of Beverly. One sip of that disgusting brew made me instantly vomit. After Shen and I drank that, we both looked at each other thinking "What the hell?! GROSS"
I explored the Artist Alley and Dealers Den as well. After a bit more shopping, dragging Grael to see the Tabletop Creatures, we were happy. I put on the suit, only lasted a few minutes in that since it was so hot and went onto dinner. Durango's Steakhouse had crappy service but good food. I give, I'd rather that than good service and crappy food. After a snarky remark to the waiter, we at least got dessert promptly. Mmm Fried Ice Cream. Once we got back, I suited up a bit more and we headed back up.

Saturday...Ok, maybe staying up til 2am was not a good idea. Sorry Shen! We missed the boat for the Furshoot but made it for the parade. Fortunately, they decided to have the pictures first. Unfortunately, they really...REALLY sucked at organizing that. Ok, seriously, you pack a large number of suiters like sardine cans, we're not gonna be happy. Well, that was the least of my worries as I just said screw it and took my head off. Well, I did not expect how offended people would be when I did that. Yeah, I know, not a pretty face under that head. And yes, I know I'm "ruining the magic"...What magic?! Fortunately, after I took my head off, a few people started following suit. After enough time of waiting, the parade went on...and on...and on...and on. By the time it got to my time, I was fed up and just wanted to get the thing over with so I would cool down. Ok...two people in front of me, step out of the way if you're gonna be slow and wave at the cameras, some people want to lop the head off.
After that affair was done with, I forgot what happened. I think we went out to get Chick Fil A to satisfy my craving. Yes, I know there was controversy with the thing. That's why I wanted to eat there. Not surprisingly, we did get chewed out by a furry for being in line there.
We returned to the con and looked around the Dealers Den more. Here, we got a couple's badge. I finally got someone to print the decal for Caina...kinda. He needed to take the project home because it was apparently too complicated...poor guy nearly cried.

Sunday...Up and at' em early for the Furshoot. We finished that, I cleaned myself up a bit and finally met an old friend of mine. I do have to say, it's hard to believe that a simple child's game has gotten this far. I mean, 6-7 years of talking and playing with this guy online and finally, we meet face to face at last. Scarier still, he wasn't the first of our little group for me to meet. Yup, it was a surreal experience, just thinking about this encounter and the previous one a year and a half ago, still blows my mind. We chatted for an hour before he had to leave.
Then breakfast...yeah, that soup that went with the biscuits...it wasn't actually an abnormally heavy soup...Oh god, my poor stomach.
The Aquarium was the next stop. OMG! The Stingrays were SO CUTE! I wanna take one home and keep it and cuddle it and squish it forever! And no, I had never touched a stingray before...the ones in Calgary all kicked the bucket before we had the chance. And the hammerhead was cute too but not as adorable as the stingray! Ok, we checked out the rest of the aquarium. I'm gonna have to say...it beats Vancouver's hands down. The Oceans exhibit was amazing and I could've spent hours in there. The frogs were cool, but I could not stand the screaming kids.
Afterwards, it was time to grab a hot dog and relax. While we were grabbing our drinks I couldn't help but remark at the Canada Dry ginger ale hiding in an inconspicuous spot. Then I got hushed by the vendor reminding me I was right by coke central.
Closing ceremonies was ok. Then it was time to relax then head to the Hard Rock Cafe. Good times, good music, good scenery. Out of curiosity, Grael and I discovered the 72nd floor of the hotel, the look out point. It was breath taking. I still loved that darn coke bottle that filled and emptied.

Monday...Natural History Museum. It was so cool getting to look at all the specimens, the taxiderm arts. Some of those exhibits were just so well done!
Then the flight home. That was a mess. First flight, they seemed quite intent on taking Nisu's "large" carry on. Eventually, we just gave in...bleh. First the flight itself was late, then a few other delays, that was a mess. Seriously, her thing was smaller than my backpack! The next flight was better. Good in flight movie. Mmm Life of Pi.

Only complaint about the flights other than the loud engine noise...you guys could've at least given us some complimentary airplane peanuts or snack mixes with those drinks here!