~*July 31st- August 2nd*~
Like every other summer, I attended San Japan this year along with my dear Harkiewiczes! I always love having this time to spend with them, especially since I never see them. Once upon a time we were so close, and I don't wanna lose that. This year, as always, was fun & exciting and came with some amazing surprises!
Firstly- I COSPLAYED!! FINALLY!!! Kassie made me a Sakura cosplay and it was so cute! Ok, it was slightly incomplete, but I still loved it!! I was flipping out because I kept seeing Cardcaptor Sakura merchandise! It was the perfect year to cosplay as Sakura, haha!
And I wasn't the only one! My Harkiewiczes all cosplayed, too! Sarah and James were Harley and the Joker- they were perfect! But they kept getting stopped for photos, haha. I mean, that's great except when we're trying to get places..! (-u-;) And Sam was, of course, our resident Poison Ivy! And Kassie, who joined us for the 1st time at San Japan, was my Syaoran! Sadly, we were unable to get a photo together since she spent most of her time volunteering with the staff.
The 2nd exciting thing that happened this year: Kieran was here again! She's such a crazy cool chick, and I love her nerd rock music. If you haven't listened to her music yet, do it!
Along these lines: after 2 years away, I participated in the San Japan Idol again! Made it to the finals with my Japanese performance of "Let It Go" (Of course I sang Disney ;p). But the compliment I got from Kieran during my audition, man... She told me straight-up that I had passed, no need to wait for a deliberation. "I'm literally shaking- I got chills!" Oh my goodness!! I can't believe this fantastic woman told me that! Now, performing for 1 or 2 people- no problem! But in front of an audience??? You'd be surprised how nerve-wracking that is!! I messed up on my final note in the finals- SO BADLY- but I had a fantastic time on stage. I can't wait till the next year! I want to keep performing until I'm actually comfortable!! Practice makes perfect!!
The next amazing surprise was these fanfuckingTASTIC finds!!! As always, I spent the 1st two days walking around, trying to figure out which plushy I would buy- it would be between a Sakura plush or an Eevee one (they were everywhere!). HOWEVER, I found THIS jewel!!! A CONAN PLUSH!! Just... WHAT???? Everyone knows I fucking LOVE Detective Conan, and I have never seen a Conan plush before! And there were 2! There was one with him in a detective's costume and then this normal Conan- I NEEDED HIM!! Once he was bought, I couldn't stop hugging him..! (>w<)
The Meowstic I helped Nicky buy for me (because he's such a sweetheart) and the 4th Season of Case Closed was given to me for FREE from a friend! He won it in a game, didn't know the show and just offered it up- "Fuck ya I want it!"
Of course, I always attend the Voice Actor panels and this year San Japan had a great group! From left to right: Jessica Calvello (Hange Zoe from Shingeki no Kyojin), Brett Weaver (Gunther Schultz from Shingeki no Kyojin), Lisa Ortiz (Lina Inverse from Slayers/ Tony Tony Chopper from 4Kids' One Piece), Steve Blum (Spike Spiegel from Cowboy Bebop/ Guilmon from Digimon Tamers), Mary Elizabeth McGlynn (Motoko Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex). All wonderfully talented, sweet people with crazy fun personalities.
Now, the Voice Actor panels are always my favorite. I always get inspired just sitting there listening to their stories, taking in all their tips, and learning through observation and what-not; however, this year I met fucking Steve Blum! He's practically one of the royals of the voice over world! I've been a fan of his for yeeeaaars- since I 1st watched Cowboy Bebop! And I have always wanted to meet him & I finally did!! Talk about starstruck! Definitely a highlight of my weekend!! (>//<)
My absolute favorite surprise this year, though, was getting to take Nicky to his 1st ever convention!!! I always said I would and for his birthday this year I promised him that he would come. I was really worried that I wouldn't have the money for both of our tickets, but it all worked out and I was able to take him!! I had so much fun exploring with my little brother and it made my heart so happy just to see how excited he was (TvT). I'm so proud of this kid- I can't believe he's in high school already!! Can't wait to take him again next year!!
I've been attending Anime conventions for 10years now. Man that makes me feel old, haha. And no matter how many times I go, or where it takes place, I am still amazed by the talented and kind-hearted people I meet. I love attending conventions and will continue to do so for as long as I am able!! Conventions are an amazing place where you can bring out your weird and no one judges you. And even more-so, there's usually people more crazy than you are, haha!
Oh, but wait, there's more: JAMES PROPOSED TO SARAH!!!!!! They are so adorable and nerdy together and James is an absolute sweetheart. I'm so happy for them!! Who knows when the wedding will be, but you know I'll be there! And now I'm off to Florida! I'm gonna miss these girls so muuuuch!! Till next year, my dear Harkiewiczes!!! (\TvT/)
