Posts tagged JC Hutchins

Thursday morning I got stabbed on the way to the airport. Actually, there was a wedged plastic sword in Sheila’s garage and it caught my arm just enough to leave a mark. Flight to Baltimore was uneventful – I sailed through old-fashioned security while Arioch went through the super-sonic x-ray machine and will never have children and Sheila got up close and personal with a TSA agent while Evo recorded it for posterity. Picked up by Rob at the airport in Baltimore for the car ride to the not-Baltimore Balticon. Checked into my hotel-across-the-street and headed to the con.

Immediate hugs from some, not recognized right away from others. People pleased to see me. I was definitely pleased to see them. Especially Bruce and Julie, and A. Thursday evening and Friday day were SiglerFest dedicated to all that is the FD∅™ and Dark Øverlord Media. Siglerfest was cool and I won a Surly! Then we all went to dinner and then back to the hotel for drinking, where I caught up with more old (and new) friends. Donna and A and Sheila and I… never did spend enough time together.

JC Hutchins didn’t recognize me at first and neither did Tee or Mur. I didn’t think I looked that different with this shorter darker hair and new glasses but apparently I do. Also found MAinPA and many many other people I’ve known online and now IRL.

So… lots of drinking, talking, walking, panels, drinking, eating, drinking, laughing (oh the laughing) and just spending quality time with some of the people I like most in the world. Friday night was the awesome George Hrab and Triologic playing (pics and video on my Facebook) and Sunday night was DinerCon after we closed the bar. DinerCon was awesome, though Evo spent most of it over-intoxicated in Donna’s car. There were lots of people providing him with drink all night and he just couldn’t say no. Poor baby. I recorded on my phone but I haven’t had a chance to download it and see if it’s presentable.

Monday morning was full of bittersweet goodbyes and promises of future connections.

The plane ride back wasn’t bad just odd. They didn’t like my name at the curbside, and even after scanning my ticket at the gate, they called my name on the plane to make sure I was there. Then when I got home I found they’d searched my checked bag. And let’s not forget my cankles! For some reason my ankles swelled up so bad I could barely get my shoes on. They’re only this morning back to normal.

Anyhoo, I had a BLAST. My hotel – though across the street and therefore a PITA to get back and forth -  was awesome! The Con was mediocre, but I had so much fun with my friends and new acquaintances.  I can’t wait til next year!

Oh wait, I forgot to mention Phil Rossi’s band Ditched by Kate. Interesting logo, but the band was so not my kind of thing. I escaped almost immediately once they started playing.