With Texas Furry Fiesta 2016 on the horizon, I thought it was time to dust off the meme from last year and fill in some new info.

CON STUFF
Q: Where are you staying?
A: The main con hotel, which hopefully has retained its oddly appealing blend of modern and straight-up 70's decor.

Q: When will you be arriving and leaving?
A: My transports are scheduled to pass through the mass relays on Thursday and Monday. Need to get back to the Citadel for a council meeting.

Q: Who will you be rooming with?
A: The perpetually squeaky

Q: Where will you be most of the time during the day/s?
A: My camera needs frequent walks so I will be taking it about looking to photograph anyone I can find :)

Q: What/where will you be eating?
A: EVERYWHERE!

Q: Will you be having a room party?
A: Sorry, we're not open for business.

Q: Will you be drinking and/or getting drunk?
A: Pour that iced tea, son!

PERSONAL STUFF
Q: What is your gender?
A: Male vanguard

Q: How tall are you?
A: Just over 6'

Q: If I approach you, will you chat with me?
A: I'm always more than happy to meet new folks!

Q: If I see you, how should I get your attention?
A: After the last year, a calm "hello!" is probably best.

Q: How many furry conventions have you attended?
A: A lot...

Q: Do you own a fursuit?
A: <ANSWER REDACTED ON AUTHORITY OF SPECTRE OPS>

PERMISSIONS
Q: Can I hug or snuggle with you?
A: This would be unwise... hugs can be okay, though

Q: How can I find you?
A: It's not a huge space so I'm pretty easy to find :)

Q: Can I buy you drinks?
A: Once again, I take my iced tea unsweetened... WITH lemon!

Q: Can I look in your sketchbook?
A: If I remember to bring the darn thing :)

Q: Can I take your picture?
A: That would violate the regs, sorry.

MISCELLANEOUS STUFF
Q: Do you do do free art, trades, commissions, badges?
A: I will be offering EXCLUSIVE hand turkeys at this TFF. Claim yours soon before they run out... or I run out of interest in doing them!

Q: Do you have a table in the Artist Alley / Dealer's Den or a panel in the Art Show? If so, what are you selling?
A: Nope, but I will be more than happy to patronize and appreciate what is there!

Q: Do you plan to volunteer?
A: I volunteer to let the air out of certain pooltoy mice to keep them from getting into too much mischief.

Q: What's your goal for the con this year?
A: To continue a two-year trend of having TFF be one of my favorite cons to attend!

As the subject line says today is an auspicious day! The day after the Hallmark card holiday brings massive markdowns on festive chocolate! So go out and enjoy on this National Discount Chocolate Day!

Well after enjoying a live show performed by Eddie Izzard last night it's time to head to Chicago! Hope to see a lot of you at MFF!

Well, it's that time of year again, so let the meme I yoinked from commence!

Where are you staying?
The Hyatt

What day are you getting there?
I am arriving Thursday via local system mass relay.

Who will you be rooming with?
I'm in charge of keeping an eye on and

Who will you hang out with during the convention?
There is never a shortage of great folks to see at MFF :)

How can I find you?
I tend to phase out of your continuum.

Are there any panels you might be attending?
Not this year!

Are you attending any stage or public performances?
I'm contractually obligated to attend the Variety Show.

Will you be suiting?
Sorry, the universal translator went offline there for a second...

Which suit(s) are you bringing?
Hugo Boss.

Do you draw?
I draw the most epic hand turkeys!

Are you taking commissions or trades?
Quid pro quo, Clarice. Quid pro quo.

How old are you?
34

How tall are you?
6'1" normally. But give me a second... Inuk-chuk!

Can I talk to you?
Sure! Unless you're a telepath, in which case why waste time?

Can I touch you?
Sorry, my biotics tend to react suddenly if I'm touched.

Can I visit your room?
It's a two-drink minimum.

Can I buy you drinks?
Hmm...

Can I give you stuff?
Is this like a human organ harvesting thing?

Can I hug or snuggle with you?
See previous comment regarding biotics.

What’s your goal for the con this year?
Have a good and relaxing time!

Are you nice?
YOU'RE @$%!ING RIGHT I'M NICE!

How long are you going?
My transport departs Monday.

If I see you, how should I get your attention?
I always appreciate a "hello".

Where will you be most of the time during the days?
My camera is hungry, so I'll be busy feeding her.

What/where will you be eating?
It's Chicago, where WON'T I eat?

Can I take your picture?
You can... if you have the winning bid in the art show! I'll have several photos for sale.

Well next Saturday, the 24th will be the annual Furloween dinner dance! This is a really outstanding and fun time that I highly recommend. Come in costume and have a great time! Hope to see you there!

http://www.furhold.org/furloween/

Well it seems the change in weather has brought a certain lion back to Florida. Yes, the ever heavy... I mean, ever fantastic will be staying with and myself for the weekend. Will there be any survivors? Stay tuned, true believers!

Each summer, as the heat and storms both gather in the Sunshine Swamp of Florida, a brief respite exists for one weekend: Megaplex. A smaller, more intimate con than you might find with AnthroCon or Midwest Fur Fest, this con provides a more laid back, socially-focused experience for furs. The days leading up to the con were filled with the usual drudgery of the daily grind. Work, bills, and the standard chit chat we have to engage in to help keep ourselves going. And as the vacation at long last began, I thought to myself of the wonderful treats that were in store for me this weekend.

Little did I realize the unexpected loss I'd have to go through first.

And then it all went silent
I had the good fortune of hosting the always excellent before the con began. I began planning what I would cook for him, how to keep him entertained, and most importantly when his flight arrived. As I drove a course I've taken a hundred times before, a typical Florida deluge began to rain down on the road. Carefully maneuvering my way toward the airport, a smile came over my face as the exit approached. Slowing down for the ramp, I started up the exit and began to turn into the curve. Unfortunately, the rear end of my car continued to turn. Realizing that the car was out of my control, fish tailing, I tried to engage in emergency course correction. But unfortunately it was too late, my front end struck the guard wall, and then it all went silent. At least for a moment, before the airbag deployed in my face, my car horn blaring, and smoke filling the main cab. With my glasses thrown from my face, I managed to steer into the emergency lane, shift into park, and exit the vehicle. Checking to make sure I was in one piece still, a good Samaritan stopped to make sure I was in no immediate danger. My arm was bleeding from the burns I sustained from the airbag deploying and I was sore from the physical strain of the impact. Fortunately I have always chosen safe cars, and I was able to walk away. Keeping me company as I telephoned AAA and my insurance provider, I was then left alone with my wrecked car, the car that I loved and had paid off, for nearly 3 hours before the tow truck arrived.

Fortunately, as I waited, my phone repeatedly lit up with texts and calls from many a furry friend. I had told one or two people of my accident, as I needed someone to pick up Nbowa so as not to leave him stranded at Orlando International (a fate no one deserves), and from there word seemed to spread. And the amount of support, offers of rides and of help in general were very much overwhelming. In talking with a few friends, I mentioned that in light of the wreck, I was considering not attending Megaplex. And the response was unanimous, "You need to go". Arriving home that night, still in shock, I was paid a visit by a group of furry friends, including a pair of overseas visitors, each bringing hugs, support, and genuine care to make sure that I was okay (in particular thanks to a certain Scottish musician fox and the goggled wonder I have called my best friend for 15 years). Going to bed that evening, my mind struggling not to continue rerunning the scenario from earlier. What could I have done, how I could have saved my car. All the useless, self-defeating thoughts that plague you after a loss of any sort. After managing a few hours, mostly thanks to some painkillers I had on hand, I awoke, took note of the burns, bruises, and stiffness, and decided to do the only thing I could do: move forward.

Obtaining a 狗操的 rental car (yes, I started swearing in Chinese at this horrible car), I arrived at home to find a 'lion' waiting for me, complete with plenty of hugs, and encouragement to relax in the upcoming weekend. Trying my best to smile past the aches, pains, and depression, I loaded the jungle cat into the rental car and carefully drove to the hotel. If nothing else, perhaps time in the giant pool would help.

What awaited me from the moment I walked in until the last glance back at the hotel Monday when I departed was a truly overwhelming level of support, care, and concern. From people coming up to give 'gentle hugs', and encouragement to unwind and try to relax, that more than one time I had to take a break, jump out of the timestream and emotionally recover from the warm feelings. Just being at the con, surrounded by so many friends, so many smiling faces, and so many warm hugs were helping me to realize that not only was I still alive, but I was still here, still able to move forward, and that I was still needed.

The weekend became a blur of hanging out with local friends, reconnecting with those who had traveled here, and even meeting a few new ones along the way (big shout out to a particular otter I met!). Dining at the hotel's bar, swimming in the massive pool as often as I could, swagging out with airhorns, dancing late into the night amidst a storm of professional lasers, multiple fursuit parades, and the therapeutic encounter with a baby tiger ( an actual baby tiger, not someone in a diaper...) all played a part in my recovery. Not to mention overhearing such gems as, "And then I was breastfed", "I'm going to go touch this guy, he's famous", "This isn't the first ass I've grabbed at this con and it won't be the last", "Oh daddy, bounce me on your knee!", "It unzips for easier access but you don't need it because it's already big enough to enter", "You know you want to feel my juices", "She totally filled my holes", and a last minute entry with "My breasts are impenetrable!".

As the closing ceremonies commenced, with the announcement of a new hotel for next year (which looks awesome and has been 100% booked by Megaplex), I found myself once again pulled out of the timestream in contemplation. I had told my friends at the start of 2015 that this was going to be a 'year of endings', and so far that seemed to be coming true. An end to a con's time at a hotel, and end to the time spent with a car, and who knows what other endings were yet to come. Phasing back into reality, looking to spend one last evening with friends, I was able to fully forget about the residual tension and burns that were already fading. One more time, before the night would end.

Packing my car and heading out, the hotel (with its sexy elevator voice) becoming smaller and smaller in my rear view mirror, I felt confidence in me to take on the same highway that had nearly claimed me last week. With me in that car were the thoughts, feelings, and love of so many from that weekend, each telling me to keep going, to keep moving forward, and to keep running toward the future. Though endings may take on many forms and cause unforeseen damage and shock, the healing power of Furry came through this weekend to help put me back together.

Well, it's that time of year again, so let's get the meme going!

Where are you staying?
The Orlando Marriott Airport Hotel!

How are you traveling?
Well it's within the local system, so I'll forgo Mass Relays this time. So, we'll just rely on good, old fashioned biotics.

What day are you getting there?
Thursday and leaving Monday.

Who are you rooming with?
The always awesome and

Who will you be with?
Well that's a rather personal question :o

Where will you be? How is the best way to find you?
I refer to this as "Pool Con"... So take a wild guess where I will be spending most time.

Are there any panels you might be attending?
Can't go wrong with a dance or two.

What do you look like?
Well Cthulu told me to put a bag over my head... Anyway my face is usually obscured by a camera.

What is your gender?
Lumen Sage

How old are you?
34

Are you mated/in a relationship?
BWUAAHAHAAHAA!

How tall are you?
I stand over 6' tall.

Can I talk to you?
Sure! But 'may' you? That's another story!

Can I hug and/or snuggle you?
Best not to surprise me with hugs. Again. Biotics.

Are you nice?
Indubitably :)

Are you cliquey?
Absolutely not. At least that's what my sycophants tell me.

Are you fursuiting?
Which suit(s) will you be bringing?
Can I try on your suit?
No one told me this was a formal affair :o
But, if you happen to see an orange blur around...

If I see you, how should I get your attention?
I find a good, old-fashioned "Hi!" the best way to greet anyone :)

Can I ask ya to dance with me during the dances?
Bring it on.

Can I buy you drinks?
Tea, unsweet, iced.

Do you attend parties?
Ain't no party like a Communist party.

Can I take your picture?
I don't show up on camera. It's some dark energy, bro.

What/where will you be eating?
There are MANY great places to eat. So talk to me if you want some advice. Intolerable foodie here!

What's your goal(s) for the con this year?
Try to relax, spend some time with friends, and make other people's weekends better :)

So who will I see there?

Can Orlando handle TWO mice at the same time? Looks like we're about to find out as is spending the weekend with me here in the Sunshine State! What trouble can a puff-focused wolf and a deflation-crazed mouse get into? Tune in and see, true believers!

As difficult as it is for me to believe, that time of year has come around again and I find myself arriving at another birthday. During the last year, I feel like a great deal of time was spent in neutral, not really moving forward or backwards. In fact, sometimes I have to remind myself of just how much time has passed. Perhaps it's the curse of age. Or maybe it's just life telling me to finish some things up so I can move onto the next chapter.

Regardless of the reason, I continue to push forward, aiming to do my best to finish my projects, and find the next leg of the trail to keep running down. Fortunately I move forward surrounded by good hearts that have, for some reason unknown to me, chosen keep me close. And though the reasons why escape me, I remain grateful to and humbled by these people.

But for now it's my birthday, I have cake, and every party needs balloons. Now to just find some good ones!

Last night I got to cross something off of my 'bucket list'. On a warm, breezy night in Orlando, several thousand people did gather in Downtown Disney to attend a concert at the House of Blues. And chief among them was one wolf eager to live out a metal dream. Around half a decade ago, on a random video search, I came across a peculiar band, doing a cover of 'Phantom of the Opera.' The band was Nightwish, and I was immediately hooked. I discovered that I was, in fact, a huge fan of symphonic metal! Numerous album purchases and several years later, I learned that Nightwish was once again touring and would be stopping in my town!

Grabbing my friends , , and and two other non-fuzzies, we headed down into mouse-country. After enjoying a lackluster meal, we started toward the concert hall... by way of the half-mile long line that had amassed! Clearly I had underestimated the draw of this group! Still, while waiting we managed to find quite a few cool people to interact with, which came in handy with the hour-and-a-half we wound up waiting in line. I jokingly remarked that the delay was caused by Nightwish changing lead singers again... and for those who know the band know that that is no idle threat.

Fortunately we managed the long trek and entered the House of Blues as Delain had taken stage. Finding a second floor perch, my party and I began to enjoy the show. I was quite impressed with how Delain had changed and grown since I last heard them, definitely finding a stronger voice in the past years. After them was Sabaton, a group I was not familiar with. Music with more of a war/military edge, but still a lot of fun. Though the moment that stole their set was when they spotted a 7-year old with his parents in the front row and pulled him up on the stage to join them. As the lead singer said, "Metal is for everyone" and "you have the coolest parents" as the crowd cheered the little one's name. I look forward to seeing him fronting his own band in 20 years, as he has now been embraced by the spirit.

And then, after two hours of warm up, Nightwish took the stage. I've been a fan of theirs since back when Tarja was fronting, enjoyed what they did with Anette (as she did bring a new quality to the music), and had enjoyed the newest album they put out with their newest singer Floor. And when she took the stage, the Queen did reign over her subjects! Holy hell, not only is this woman hot, she has a set of pipes! Over the next two hours, they played a blistering set of their latest album and even delving back into older catalog numbers like 'Ghost Love Score' (one of my absolute favorites!). So as the concert drew to a close and I lead my party back to my car, my voice freshly screamed out from the show, and drove us all home. If you get the chance, this band puts on an amazing show, well worth the small price for the tickets.

Because remember, in the end, metal is for everyone.

Several years ago, I undertook a culinary challenge. It was the "2012 Cookie Challenge". During that crazy year I crazily baked a different crazy cook for each of the 52 crazy weeks of that year. It was a very daunting task, but one that stretched my abilities as a cook/baker and I'm glad that I did it.

And then was even more glad to have it done with!

Fast forward two years later and I've felt the urge to undertake ANOTHER culinary challenge. While this won't be quite as ambitious or psychotic as one new dish every week, it will still help me to further hone what skills I have. And given my like of a particular type of dish, I have decided to make it the focus. Thus I (albeit a few months late) am proud to announce the 2015 Soup Challenge! Each month I will make a soup I have never made before. I will post the finished results and recipe on my page for you all to see and (hopefully) enjoy!

And this is where you come in!

I would love to hear from you all out there in the internet tubes about what soups YOU love! Your own recipes, family classics, or even restaurant creations that you enjoy. Let me know what you like in a soup and I'll see about making it here. So here's to the 2015 challenge and lots of soup for all!

Begins everyday and should not be wasted. Let's all move onto better days and better times. Who's with me?

Back in 2012, I was not in a good place. I was recovering from one of the worst depressions I have gone through in my life and was slowly trying to piece myself back together. It was to the point where I had even questioned leaving the fandom and stopping any future con attendance. While at AC, on my birthday no less, I tried my best to get in the spirit and have a good time. And at a dinner thrown by some friends, one in particular had a most unexpected present. It was a fursuit. Given to me by a longtime and dear friend , I was presented with . Given to me out of love, to help me find enjoyment once again, and to encourage a spirit of adventurousness. Overwhelmed by emotions, I accepted and did my best to use what I had learned from watching/photographing fursuiters over the years to bring Fwoomp to life. And over the last several years I have brought him out to bring joy to people and to try to explore a new side of myself.

Upon returning home, presented with the suit and an FA page, I decided it would be fun to surprise people, my friends, by not revealing myself immediately to them. That way, I could surprise them when I would take off the mask/head. And throughout these last few years, I have done this time and time again, to laughs, shock, and amusement. This decision was made to provide me with the opportunity to deal out surprises to many friends, both old and new, and bring a lot of smiles.

However, sometimes the choices we make cause ripples we cannot foresee.

So let me say that I love , not just for the gift of the suit, but for believing in me. For nearly half my life he has been my friend and without his kindness, I would not have the chance to explore this other side of myself. And it is in hope that I move forward, hoping that my friend will continue to be the positive force in my life that he has been, for I know that he has oft provided light during some of the darker parts of the last 14 years.

Caution, the wonderings of a wolf lie below.

Despite Mother Nature's best efforts with ice and rain, TFF was a smashing success. A full and proper journal will follow soon, however this weekend was something special, something unique. Having traveled to cons for the better part of a decade, TFF is one that my mind keeps returning to and eagerly awaiting. Maybe it's the amazing food, the friendly folks and hockey (boo Red Wings), and maybe it's how it can help someone realize that perhaps the new chapter of life that's been eagerly anticipated may have arrived, and maybe he's not as broken as he'd feared. Or perhaps people just look beyond the cracks.

However those sorts of thoughts will take more time to fully manifest. For now I have arrived at the dreaded moment in each con weekend. That moment that you realize that the people you hold so dear are far away now, that you're sitting all alone in an airport restaurant, and all the guacamole in the world won't fill that void.

But it'll damn well try.

Borrowed from

CON STUFF
Q: Where are you staying?
A: At the timewarp hotel (disco lounge, anyone?)

Q: When will you be arriving and leaving?
A: My transport lands Thursday and departs Monday

Q: Who will you be rooming with?
A: The always deflatable

Q: Where will you be most of the time during the day/s?
A: I love meandering about, seeing and meeting folks, taking copious amounts of photos, and finding great places to eat :)

Q: What/where will you be eating?
A: Fortunately with quite a few Dallas-locals as friends, I happily leave those decisions up to them :)

Q: Will you be having a room party?
A: I don't foresee this in the future...

Q: Will you be drinking and/or getting drunk?
A: I'm more of an enabler, really :D

PERSONAL STUFF
Q: What is your gender?
A: Male wuff

Q: How tall are you?
A: Just over 6'

Q: If I approach you, will you chat with me?
A: If you can see through my cloaking device, sure!

Q: If I see you, how should I get your attention?
A: Oh, don't worry, I'll see you...

Q: How many furry conventions have you attended?
A: 25 to date, I believe!

Q: Do you own a fursuit?
A: <ANSWER REDACTED>... wow, even here, NSA?

PERMISSIONS
Q: Can I hug or snuggle with you?
A: Sorry, my kinetic barrier will make physical contact difficult to say the least

Q: How can I find you?
A: Have Alpha-5 contact me if Rita sends down the Putties

Q: Can I buy you drinks?
A: Buy me a drink? How expensive is water in Texas o_O ?

Q: Can I look in your sketchbook?
A: Sure! It contains many practice hand turkeys!

Q: Can I take your picture?
A: Well I don't know if I'll have any pictures to give...

MISCELLANEOUS STUFF
Q: Do you do do free art, trades, commissions, badges?
A: I draw the FINEST, most coveted hand turkeys in all the fandom!

Q: Do you have a table in the Artist Alley / Dealer's Den or a panel in the Art Show? If so, what are you selling?
A: Nope, here to take photos :)

Q: Do you plan to volunteer?
A: I volunteer to let the air out of certain pooltoy mice to keep them from getting into too much mischief

Q: What's your goal for the con this year?
A: To see friends, enjoy food, have a great time, and make folks smile :)

Greetings from the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. We have been here since the Hyatt was evacuated at approximately 1am. And the con's not over yet folks. What can befall our heroes next? Stay tuned, true believers!

As we're only a few scant weeks away from the wonderful madness that will be Midwest Fur Fest 2014, I decided to yoink this meme from my friend

Where are you staying?
The Hyatt, aka main hotel.

What day are you getting there?
Thursday afternoon.

How are you traveling?
FTL via the system's mass relay.

Who will you be rooming with?
My partner in crime

What is the best way to find you?


Are there any panels you might be attending?
Panels are not usually a priority for me. HOWEVER, I will have several pieces in the Art Show, and that is always something I recommend that people check out.

What do you look like?
Carbon-based life form.

Will you be suiting?
I will be PHOTOGRAPHING many suits!

Do you do free art?
Step right up! Get your hand turkeys here!

Do you do trades?
I will accept cash and fabulous prizes in exchange for my hand turkeys.

Do you do badges?
That just sounds painful.

What is your gender?
Male.

How tall are you?
6'0"

Can I talk to you?
Please feel free to do so!

Can I touch you?
Sorry, I dodge at the last minute, sending me into witch time.

How can I find you?
Look for the person wearing the dullest, stodgiest clothing at the con and that'll probably be me.

Can I visit your room?
Let's say no here.

Can I buy you drinks?
Perhaps!

Can I give you stuff?
Is this like a drug-mule thing?

Can I hug or snuggle with you?
Once again, let's just say no here.

Are you nice?
I try to be :)

Do you have an artist table?
Nope.

Will you be going to parties?
Oh yes, indeed.

Will you be performing?
We're all wearing masks.

If I see you, how should I get your attention?
Calling out for biotic support always works.

Where will you be most of the time during the day/s?
Just meandering about... totally not getting into trouble >.>

What/where will you be eating?
I like to experiment with eateries and Chicago has some of the best around, so lots of places!

Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?
If you're about when I decide to go, sure :)

Can I look in your sketchbook?
Sure, if I bring the thing.

Can I draw in your sketchbook?
That would be great!

Can I take your picture?
Sorry, an advantage of witch time is I move too fast for cameras to capture.

What's your goal(s) for the con this year?
To catch up with some old friends I've not seen in some time, meet new friends, and try to unwind for one weekend.

Seems a will be here for the whole weekend. Don't worry, me and will be sure to take good care of the poor, malnourished lion. Stay tuned, true believers...

Heading to the San Francisco Bay area for a family member's wedding for the weekend. You all behave while I'm gone! Stay puffy!

Twas that time of year, when furs from all over the globe converge on the city of Orlando and seek refuge from the nearby sun in a hotel with a killer pool for a whole weekend. This time, we had to present golden tickets to gain entrance to the chocolate-laden wonderland that was the Candy Factory of Megaplex 2014. And though I had been to this convention several times already, I always find myself looking forward to it. Perhaps it's me pretending I'm having a summer vacation despite not really leaving home. Maybe it's how I have been able to watch the con grow by leaps and bounds over the years I have attended. And just maybe it's the killer pool. In retrospect, I think perhaps what keeps me coming to Megaplex is its ability to balance relaxation with activity... though it's hard to ignore the draw of that pool.

Sugar Rush
To the con's credit, this year the theme was very present, visible, and celebrated. From the larger-than-life candy decorations, sweet badges, and the mind-blowing amount of sugar distributed over the weekend, no one could mistake what was the central theme of the weekend. This was the first year I attended the fursuit-friendly bowl-o-rama and was rather impressed with how many people managed to fit into one bowling alley! The photos that were taken, the air hockey that was played, and the beer that was spilled all added up to quite the evening, one that I intend to see more of next year!

Assume the Position on the Otter
Fortunately there were many friends both old and new to share the sugar rush with. Chief among them was the squeakiest mouse there is . Of course, all I had to do was show him pictures of the ginormous pool and whisper the promise of cheese and he was already sold. My good friends and helped to share the room and the good times all around. And beyond even these luminaries I had the good fortune of seeing the noble lion , the utterly adorable , the puffy fops , frosty , ever-plush , inflation-crazed fox , and the flattenable rounding out the we had to actually travel to get here crew. However, one other gang was present, one of the squeaky variety. This included , , , , , and (all of whom helped create the title for this section of the journal). Other local luminaries gathered in the hotel, including , , , , , , , and the Floridian . One thing that I really enjoy about cons is the ability to take my camera and stealth my way though the hotel halls and see my friends enjoying themselves and being happy. I think it's something that happens all too infrequently in our modern lives, what with all of the stress and the small roadblocks that keep piling up atop each other. Seeing people laughing, hugging, or even just sharing a quiet, supportive moment makes the travels and expenses worth it in the end.

Good Day, Sir
Ultimately what makes Megaplex worth attending for me is the small moments I get to have. Taking a friend out to a new restaurant I've just discovered, being told a joke that makes me laugh so hard I cry, MULTIPLE POOL TRIPS IN THE SAME DAY. I could talk about the programming that was available, the fursuits that made their debut or return appearances, or of the money that was raised to support a worthy cause , but those are only facts and figures. What makes a con worth attending are the smaller moments, the inside jokes that no one else might understand, and the friends that surrounded you for the journey. Couple that with copious amounts of chocolate and sugar and you had a weekend that could not be forgotten. And though the weekend left me asking some questions, overall it was a worthwhile experience. Some things remain up in the air, long shots that may or may not pan out. However, those can wait for another day. Here's to next year and the good times that will come.

Hope to see lots of people there! My camera and I will be there throughout the weekend :)

Swiped this meme from

Arrival and Departure:
Arriving Thursday afternoon and departing Monday morning

Staying at:
Con Hotel (Marriott)

How are you getting there?
Local system relay

Room Share:
I'll be sharing my room with the ever-squeaky , the ever-changeable , and the ever-laughs-at-my-terrible-jokes .

Major Plans at the Con:
Plenty of pool-time, photo-time, and hanging out with some great folks.

Who Will I be with?
There are too many people I want to see to name here :)

Where are you most likely to be found?
Out by the pool, finding good restaurants, and in the main thoroughfare

Fursuiting?:
There are many a fursuiter I mean to photograph...

Best way to find me:
Calling for biotic support usually works.

Stage Performance:
I attend those, I do not participate in.

Drink:
Tea, Early Grey, hot.

Smoke:
The only thing smoking is .

Hugs:
Sorry, my kinetic barriers prevent physical contact.

Art:
Well I'll be happy to show you my photos :)

Do you do trades?
So I take care of someone for you and you'll do the same for me?

Can I buy you lots of drinks?
ALL THE ICED TEA!

Can I give you lots of money?
Is this for the aforementioned trades you proposed?

Can I hug or snuggle with you?
Close physical contact causes my kinetic barrier to strengthen.

How tall are you?
6'

Are you nice?
I try to be :)

Are you cliquey?
Yes, if you are rude, you do not belong near me.

If I see you, how should i get your attention?
Oh, don't worry, you won't see me, but I'll see you...

Do you do free art?
Photos are always free... at first ;)

Will you take commissions?
Is this moving into boudoir photography?

May I ask you for a Dance?
...next

What is your age?
Getting older each day.

What is your gender?
Male

Can I share or make conversations with you?
I would hope so!

Are you taken? Are you looking for a 'mate'?
BWAHAHAHAHHHAAHAAHAAA!

What other cons are you going to?
MFF.

Can I take pictures with you?
I'd prefer to be the one taking pictures :)

Can I do naughty things to you?
Sorry, there's no connection... there's mace.

Completing another revolution around our star, I find myself a year older, a year wiser, and a year more focused on what I need and want to do. Throughout this year, I know that I have spent a great deal of it burned out from what had come before. Challenges at work, moving myself into the final phase of my formal education, and trying to have some semblance of a life have definitely taken a toll on me. New challenges, new opportunities, and new stars above to guide me. And yet overall I feel as if I have been stuck in neutral for most of the year, feeling burned out. I haven't made as much progress on my dissertation in the last year as I had wanted, given the family health situations and the challenge of rebuilding my department. So with this I choose to make a decision to shift out of neutral in the next year. Finish the dissertation and move on with life. And that will happen.

For now though, it's birthday time! And as Katy Perry sings, "it's time to bring out the big balloons"... any volunteers?

Settling back in my seat as the transport left the docking bay, I looked up from my book to cast one last glance out the window. Soon the familiar surge of energy would be felt throughout the cabin as we passed through the local mass relay and then, after a few subsequent jumps, we would be in the Republic of Texas. I had visited this curious country several years ago and have found my mind wandering back to it quite often ever since. Perhaps it was the landscape, or maybe it was the food, or perhaps it was the way certain people there could make me feel at ease and able to lower my shields. And now here I was, accepting an invitation to attend Texas Furry Fiesta 2014. And for the first time, my schedule was conducive for such a trip. What struck me as most interesting was the theme of the con this year, Heroes and Villains. Throughout the years, I have often seen myself as more one than the other. The question now was, which one would emerge this weekend? Passing several cape-clad furs as I entered the hotel, it was indeed time to find out.

The League

It would be most unjust of me not to begin by thanking for being the most hospitable roommate a wolf could ask for. From picking me up at the airport, to knowing all the most amazing places to eat, to just being all around awesome and considerate friend (heck, he put up with me for a whole weekend!), I could not have asked for more. And I did try my best to help the good mouse expand his horizons and PSI capacity. In addition, the always squeaky and suiter extraordinaire continued to demonstrate their great warmth and welcoming nature. Further rounding out (badum-tish) the squeaky group attending TFF this year were , , and (who also served as excellent dining companions). And one of the most memorable moments of the con came from watching and his phenomenal Google Glass-inspired rage-fests (“Okay Glass… do something!...@#^$@%!”) or having interesting conversations with (tentacles, right?). I got to witness firsthand the toony madness of (LENS CAP!).

The color orange was well-represented thanks to and (note to self, this pair is never to be trusted… foxes, right?). My arch-nemesis, I mean my good friend seemed to have a great time when she gnawed through the chain of her dealer’s table. What’s more, I had the good fortune to meet the always awesome and watch him TF from otter to coyote. Completing a long-overdue delivery, I was finally able to give peanut butter cookies and share several wonderful conversations with this wise canine compadre. demonstrated great generosity (and fortitude!) by sharing his drinks at the con’s final dinner and for providing a memorable, late-night conversation. The cunning made quite the memorable first impression by stealing my shoe and then absconding with my camera (coyotes, right?). And even Orlando was represented well thanks to , , and . All in all, there was never a shortage of good people around to share a meal, a laugh, or to be there when you needed help getting up.

Daze of Future Past

As I wandered through the halls of the rather 70’s Inter-Continental Hotel, utilizing my own superpower of invisibility as best I could, I was rather impressed by how at-home the entire con felt. Despite having approximately 1800 people in attendance, the con never felt stifling or uninviting. Though there were many events and panels to attend, the majority of people I saw were making use of the event as a hang out con. The time portal that lead to the con suite (an old bar straight from the disco era, complete with mirror-laden walls and spinning disco ball) helped to set the mood of escapism the weekend promised. Crossing the threshold from the outside of the hotel, where lived the real world, the traffic, and the noise, the con space became a different world altogether.

I would also be remiss if I did not mention the amazing food options provided by this con, most of them within a short walk from the hotel. An advantage of rooming with a native was I had the inside scoop on where to nom. From the outstanding barbecue of Hard 8 (brisket = heaven), to the outstanding fried chicken and chicken fried steak of Babe’s, the uncannily good Mexican food of Mi Cocina (make sure you try the carne asada), and the unending parade of meat that was Fogo de Chao, dinners were always a treat. Couple that with two outstanding breakfast places: Benedict’s (get the chorizo green chile omelet!) and the humongous flapjacks served at The Original Pancake House and you have some fantastic meals ahead of you! It became clear once again that Texans know how to eat and they are more than happy to share their grub. Fortunately there was plenty of walking involved in this con, lest I would have lived up to my furry name!

Throughout the weekend, the many con events (the fursuit parade, shopping in the dealer’s den, concerts and dances, and a ballroom masquerade of less-than-ideal enjoyment) kept us all quite busy and entertained. But, like all good conventions, it was the smaller, more personal moments that made the weekend what it was. From having long conversations with friends amidst a furry flurry of thievin’ coyotes, to the culinary adventures involving 20+ people, to the room parties filled with pooltoys and even room-filling pooltoys, it was in these moments where the heart of this con was found. I did not even mind that the room Dario and I shared was on the fifth floor, the officially designated party floor; unexpected, unplanned, and altogether a memorable experience. From this weekend I’ll remember these moments, watching disturbing cartoons late into the night, sharing in conversations out on balconies, Jesus showing up to bless a party, the most doggone determined Girl Scout cookie-seller I have ever met, and the scariest use of Waiting for Godot that has ever occurred. Every now and again I would find a place to stop, stand aside, and take in the moment. Finding a stillpoint for a moment, I tried my best to take in what was all around me. Laughter from the bad jokes someone had just told, hugs from old friends meeting for the first time, the wide-eyes of a first time con-goer hugging a fursuiter, the endless trolling of a few individuals in good spirits (or having imbibed good spirits), and someone being reminded that yes, you belong. Phasing back into the timestream, I realized that TFF worked for this reason, it made you feel as though you belonged there.

Until Next Time, True Believers

As the weekend wound down to its inevitable conclusion, bags were packed, cabs were hailed, and friends shared final moments before their transports departed. The cool desert air blew into the hotel through the main doors, bringing with it the real world, life, and the many concerns we had kept out of our minds for one weekend. A new group was moving in on where we had been, business folk busily typing away on their phones, not daring to look up from their coffees or glowing screens to see what madness had been there just the night before. The staff of con hotels (especially for first-time hotels) always seems both relieved and saddened to see furry cons go away. On one paw, we’re quite the… eccentric group. On the other… we’re the fun kind of eccentric. The kind that make for the interesting stories told at company Christmas parties, the unbelievable photos they post to Twitter, and the stories told by the barkeeps of how each night their supplies were nearly fully depleted. Giving my squeaky roommate a final hug good-bye, I boarded the transport departing the Texan system. Watching the land below vanish as we hit FTL, I could only sit back, close my eyes, and think back on what I had experienced. Thinking back on the many kind folks who had spent their time with me and receiving the sense that this mean old wolf may have been wanted there as well.

Ultimately, old words came to my mind and they seemed quite true of TFF. ‘Everything’s bigger in Texas’ goes the old slogan. And maybe they were right. From the food to music to the kindness found in its people, everything did seem… bigger. Perhaps it doesn’t end there, though. Maybe this effect embiggens all those who visit this strange country, as well. For my first TFF the con completely won me over and I plan to make it a point to be in attendance next year. If you have been on the fence about heading down to the Lone Star State for this event, take my advice: do it.