I’m Going To California! (But Not With An Aching In My Heart)
I’m really, super, extra, majorly excited, everyone, because on Wednesday, I’m leaving for California! Why I am I so amped up to go to California, you might be asking? Well, for one, I’m going to see my mom! Yay! And for another, I am attending my very first “Supernatural” convention in San Francisco next weekend! That’s right, I’m finally making my way to a convention. And to make it even better, my mom is coming with me. It will be her first convention, too, and I’m really pleased that we get to share the experience together.
If anyone else is attending the convention and wants to chat, feel free to find me! I’ll be the big, loud brunette hanging out with the loud redhead (Alice!) and the not-quite-as-loud but also awesome dark blonde Jenniffer. That’s right, our site admins and I will be taking this convention by storm…or something. So expect some convention articles to start making their way to the WFB when we get back and find time to write them.
Anyway, here’s the real reason I’m writing this up. I need some advice, so those of you who have attended a convention before can help me, please. What should I make sure my mom does and sees and doesn’t miss? She isn’t keen on the whole autograph or photo thing, so we just got regular old general admission passes. But other than that, I’m sure there are things we’ll just have to do, right? I know Alice is a con veteran, so she’ll be able to help guide us through, but I’m interested to hear what you all have to say, too.
But if we show up and the parking lot looks like this, I’m leaving. A $50 Sizzler card is not worth all that rampaging ghost hassle.
Oh, hail thee, convention Newbie!
Flamey, you will have such fun, I am sure of it, and I am so happy for you that you’ll be there with your mom. I don’t know what to tell you that you don’t already know, so I’ll go for some practical advice.
This comes from my experience in L.A., so it might not always apply for San Francisco… (ah, sigh.. I left my heart in San Francisco… okay, okay, Jas, stop singing)
On Friday, when the crowd it not yet big, it can get cold in the air-conditioned rooms, so I’d like to recommend taking a cardigan or so you can put on if necessary (I was freezing in my dress that day).
Only wear heels if you feel comfortable with them, as you might do a lot of walking and standing.
Since I didn’t want to miss any panels etc. I got hungry, as there was no time really to sneak out to eat something, so a power bar might help. I also had a little toothbrush and mints in my purse, just in case (and in came very handy at times). A bottle of water might also be helpful.
Attend the Karaoke Party. In L.A. Richard Spreight Jr stayed till about 1 a m with us and took one picture after another with the fans. There might be some of the guests in SF also there. And – it’s plain fun, really. (Should a black woman named Val be the lady in charge, please say hello to her for me. I met her in L.A. and she was the most gracious and nice lady, and she’s not afraid to make use of the English language and keep the ‘loonies’ in place. Great gal. She has a stunning daughter, by the way, who loves to sing at the Karaoke thing).
That’s all I can think of at the moment, dear. Should something else come to mind – I’ll get back to you.
But, most of all: have fun! Should you get nervous for whatever reason, remember – they’re just people. But you know that. I’m sure you’ll do great. You have very fine tuned instincts. It’s gonna be a fantastic ride for you! Please make sure to hug Alice and Jenna for me.
So, I’m sending you off with as much love I can possibly send via the www. Enjoy. Laugh. Be happy.
😀 Jas
Sorry, Ardeospina, I’ve never been to a convention so I’m of absolutely zero use to you. (Probably shouldn’t be posting here then, Tim, should you? Shut up, brain.)
However….I have been to hundreds of matches and concerts (and the concept is pretty much the same, right? Loads of people standing, waiting in anticipation to see/hear something awesome?) Therefore, my advice, (if you could relate it to your convention) would be:
Never eat their burgers. Ever. There’s nothing worse than being stuck in a line of traffic or a room full of people with you there willing to sell your soul for just one trip to the bathroom.
Wear light layers. You’ll be right up to date in terms of fashion and it’s the best way to regulate your body temperature in a crowded room.
Drink plenty of water. Dehydration makes people cranky and headachy and after going all that way you’re going to want to be in a happy/healthy frame of mind for the duration.
Under no circumstances take your clothes off and run onto the pitch, not even for charity. I’m serious about this one. While the players may appreciate it, the guards never do.
Above all, drive safe, arrive alive and have fun.
Don’t forget to bring us back a Winchester!
Pretty much what Jas’n’Tim said …
Comfy shoes/pockets full of museli bars and water/don’t wear huge coats or snog anyone too unsuitable and really, REALLY don’t spend hours getting senselessly pissed in the free bar with your chums then go on stage and try and unroll film posters for a charity auction as you will fall off the edge, everyone will laugh and afore mentioned so-called-mates will still be taunting you with the memory decades later …
Have a fantastic time, we want all the gory details!
Oooo .. (waves hand) I’ll take a Winchester too or an Angel (maybe just a trench coat?)!!
hahahaha
Never been to one myself but gratz and have fun with your mother, take lots of pic’s and give us the scoop when you get back!!
“If you’re going to San Francisco
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair
If you’re going to San Francisco
You’re gonna meet some gentle people there….”
Wait a second. A rewrite seems to be in order. (sorry Scott)
“If you’re going to San Francisco
Be sure to lay some salt down at your door.
If you’re going to San Francisco
You’re gonna meet some awesome actors there…”
Have a blast Arde!! So happy for you!
“If you’re going to San Francisco
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair
If you’re going to San Francisco
You’re gonna meet some gentle people there….”
Wait a second. A rewrite seems to be in order. (sorry Scott)
“If you’re going to San Francisco
Be sure to lay some salt down at your door.
If you’re going to San Francisco
You’re gonna meet some awesome actors there…”
Have a blast Arde!! So happy for you!
Whoops! Sorry bout the double post. Demons maybe?
Hi Arde,
so grade that you can go to a con and with your mom no doubt.
When I was in Barcelona I too had only a general admission. And my experience was that I was just so stunned that first day that I didn’t talk that much. Don’t do that. Get over it as fast as you can and then just start talking to the people around you. It is so much fun to actually talk to live people about our obsession.
Since you don’t have autograpfs or photos you most definatly need to experience the moment at the mic. That’s just something unforgettable. And a way of sneeking in a personal moment for you with the guest on stage. Don’t be surprised that I came up with it being a personal moment in such a huge room. But when you ask your question and when they answer they look at you and that way it feels like you are the one talked too – so it is personal.
I will try to follow the con on twitter. Don’t think that there will be a livestream though – sigh. And hey in case you have a spare moment why not sent a message to the cbox?
I wish you and your mom lots of fun. – Wait that was useless. I know you will have lots of fun.
Hope to hear from you soon after that.
I will attend my first SN-Con in May so I´m glad you asked Ardeospina!
Congrats, Ardeospina!!!
I hope you’ll have a lot of fun there, both at the Con and with your mom!
I really don`t have any advises to give you because I have never been in a SPN Con, sadly, since I’m from Venezuela
So I can only wish you, Good Luck!!!
Hi Ardeospina
I’ve never been to a con so I can’t give you any advise.
All I can do is wish for you and your mother to have a wonderful and memorable time.
And in the mighty words of ‘Tim the Enchanter’
“Don’t forget to bring us back a Winchester!†😉