For the first time in recorded history, I brought my family with me to a convention.  To cut down on costs, we drove and stayed at a hotel near Universal Studios.  We thought that would be no big deal, just 10 miles away.  In Utah, 10 miles equals 10 minutes.  In California closer to 45.  First lesson learned this weekend.  Stay at the convention hotel!

 

We spent the day at Universal Studios, met Shrek, Spongebob, and Van Helsing (sexy accent); headed over to the Westin for early registration where I met up with Denise, and PennKathy.  I got my “Diva” sticker, and a tiara, and a bag full of diva goodies.  Felt special already.  Also met up with Sample, Disneyhaunt, Jewel, Peachy, and Queen Vic herself.  Checked out the layout for our activities over the weekend (this hotel was a big giant rat maze) and went back over to our hotel for some of the only sleep I was to get all weekend.

 

Friday, I got to sleep in.  Till 7 AM.  Then it was time to get pretty and head back over the 45 minute/10 mile journey to meet up with TallGirl, Sample, SecretObsession, (thank you for the absolutely stunning BE diva bracelet) SockLover, and I even met Queen Vic’s mom and daughter.  I handed out my pretty feather boa’s that morning.  “Clare wore hers all weekend, including photo ops…it was so cool. 

 

The commentary on “Unleashed” with Jenny Mollen and Camden Toy was just hilarious.  It made us want more commentaries all weekend.  We learned a lot about David Boreanaz, Joss Whedon’s take on the objectivity of women (women being objectified).  And a lot about Jenny’s “special” sense of humor.  Plus even though Camden was not in the episode, his little comments were priceless.

 

This was fulled by the ever-funny James Leary, who did a little improv called “House Party”.  Members of the audience were selected on a volunteer basis to assist.  Bill, who played “Barbara Streisand” in particular did a bang up job.  By the way, Bill our chance meetings all weekend really weren’t coincidence, I was stalking you.  J You are awesome.

 

Then we went to the dance.  Sample, TallGirl, Disneyhaunt, Kath, Leiden, and many many more.   Mikey was very excited, he got a picture with Andy in his suit.  Which turned out very nice.  Mikey got it signed on Sunday, thanks to my ever slaving husband who went and found a Walgreens nearby to get it developed.  (In California, “nearby” means across three rows of construction half a block away.  About a 20 minute journey.)

 

I partied till early in the wee early hours with my friends from Houston; Katseye, Da Pope, Leiden, David, Miss Kitty…, and of course Froggy.  James Leary decided that I am “F**ing Amazing” because I actually know who Steve Perry/Journey is.  Then I went home.  (45 minutes).

 

Bright and Early I had to get gussied up for 8 AM photo ops.  Which by the way, I got to kiss Christian Kane twice (on the cheek) and two more times for the retakes.  Heaven!

Our Mercedes Benz pics turned out awesome, kudos to you Froggy!  You did great!

 

Next was the AFD luncheon.  Originally Alexis Dennisof was going to host this, but as we all know personal problems prevented that, so Adam Baldwin kindly stepped in.  (He remembered me from ComicCon, though he slightly confused my name.  Monica sounds pretty too though.)  A crowning moment for Jewel and I was when Camden chose to sit with me and Jewel.  We really felt special.  In fact, the whole weekend was so awesome, because instead of just feeling like a convention go-er, I felt like many of the stars considered me a friend, and of course there was my BE family as well.

 

After lunch we enjoyed several Q/A’s.  Christian Kane, Stephanie Romanov, surprise guest Adam Baldwin, Steve Carlson (who referred to me as “hot” during autographs….made my whole year.), Clare Kramer, Mercedes McNab, and our ever lovely Julie Benz.  They were thoroughly enjoyable.  (Will anyone ever forget “one pin, or five hole?”)

 

After the Q&A’s I was hanging out in the lobby and had the uniquely pleasurable experience of meeting Dennis Christopher (Cyrus Veil), he is so funny and has so many great movie stories at the tip of his tongue.  He told us about the part he played on Stephen King’s “IT” and how it was his idea to sum up the boys life by admitting he was a 40 year old virgin(the boy on the movie, not Dennis, in case you all were wondering) I enjoyed his presence and stories all weekend.  My husband and other 2 boys (Mikey my oldest is always with me) came over to the dealers room and the autograph room so I could introduce them to my con family.  Scott Swartz scared em and then gave em a couple of his spiderman pics(he is a thoroughly enjoyable person as well) Clare picked up my 6 yr old 70 pound chunk of a son for their pics(impressive gams sweetie) It was fun to introduce my whole family to the many stars and convention friends I have met over the past couple of years.

       

Then up to Sample’s room, (thanks Sample) to get dressed up for the banquet.  Sample’s husband spoiled her and bought her a gorgeous Dolche black dress.  Which Julie Benz was very envious of.  She suggested that she would not mind receiving a convention present like that.  I waited for two hours in line just so I could get a seat at Alexis’ table.  When Alexis came in he brought a surprise guest, the creator, Joss Whedon himself.  During the evening I got to hear many of Alexis’ stories, discuss Serenity with Joss, and had some great intimate time with Julie Benz at her table, culminating in a funny story about her time on Roswell, as Topelski.  For any who do not know…(shame on you) Roswell was a supernatural show based on a band of alien teenagers in Roswell.  Julie played a FBI agent who befriends the teens, and is then killed.  In her final scene, the other FBI agents (stunt guys) drag her to the car, and she warned them before hand that to make the scene look better she was really going to fight back…  But they underestimated her and she got away.  So she ran down the street yelling “Yes! Topolski lives!, Topolski lives.”  On the second take, the guys were better prepared.

 

  

I just wanted to mention, everyone in attendance at the banquet were dressed extravagantly.  Nobody looked out of place.  Everyone looked stunning.  Even the attendees in pants and shirts looked great.  (Lecoyle, I really liked your dress.)

 

Then off to the concert!  Disneyhaunt was kind enough to drive us, so we didn’t have to squish onto the bus.  Common Rotation was amazing.  I had only heard one song in Oakland, but now I am a fan for life.  Amber Benson was there.  She winked and waved to me.  It’s cool she remembered me from Houston and ComicCon.  Then Kane took the stage.  I was in the very front, and it was a very cool show.  Then we got to go to the meet-and-greet.  When Christian got to our table, he wanted some gum, and I was the only one able to provide…so I got a long lingering hug.  (Note to self, always carry extra gum).  Disneyhaunt gave us a ride back to the hotel, and crashed in Sample’s room, so I didn’t have to wake up my husband at 3 am to come get me.

 

Sunday morning, bright and early was our bush tour with our hosts, Camden and James.  7:30 AM (who thought of that).  We were able to see Sunnydale High, Wolfram and Hart, the Shrine…(what episode was that on again?)  Buffy’s house.  The Angelus Cemetary.  (Actual name of the cemetery); and lots and lots of witty anecdotes from our two lovely hosts, who were kind enough to get up so early.  (they must really love the fans).  Thank you Denise’s husband for all the trouble you went through planning this.

   

Then back to the hotel for a much-needed nap.(Thanks Becky You rock! Any time you need a nap in my hotel room you are welcome) Becky and I enjoyed many wonderful events together, the special luncheon(she won a auction ticket too) the meet and greet, Katzeyes parties, gossiping in your room You know I love you Beck, I am so happy you could come.  Upon wakening, and going downstairs, I found that Sample had won a special luncheon ticket for me, much to my astonishment.  Thank you so much Sampy.  Smooches to you!

 

We went to the special luncheon, and got to sit by James Leary, Mercedes McNab, and Stephanie Romonav, and her sister.  It was really cool.  We had plenty of one on one alone time, with each star.  Discussed many normal things you wouldn’t expect to be talking with a star about.  Thank you Denise and Vicki for planning this event.

 

 

Then time for autographs!  Really really cool.  I had made posters with my favorite pictures and quotes for many of the actors, and each of them appreciated the gesture, but Christian was so pleased, he sent me with the poster to get Julie to sign the picture of his kiss with her. She laughingly complied amidst an uproar of giggling from all the close by fans.  Then we get to Steve, who happens to mention that I am “Hot”.  (Did I already mention that? J).  Next came the highlight of my whole weekend.  I get to Andy.  He remembers me from Houston and the little ceramic green monster (Lorne) that we had made for him.  He loved his poster, and leaned across and gave me a kiss.  He had my son take our picture, and held up the line for about 5 minutes talking to me.  (Sorry SockLover.  You know I love you.)  This was the moment when I felt like I was more than just some star struck groupie.  This was when I felt like I was the actors friend. 

Next in line was Dayne.(make-up artist)  He and Mikey got along marvelously. 

Then on to Stephanie and her beautiful sister.  (I am sorry.  She has a lovely name, but it is very unique, and I cannot remember it.)  I got her and Stephanie to autograph my picture, and that was really cool too.

 

Picture retakes were next, it was very funny, Christian tells me we are gonna do it in 2 takes 1 I lean in to kiss him and then go up for air and then lean in for a second kiss on the cheek and Froggy tells me to put my arms around him, I am laughing so hard I realize my hand is on his butt( now those of you who know me know that was my biggest fear all of the conventions with James Marsters because it happens to him all the time, so I was so careful with him as it turns out nope should have been careful with Christian) So I realize where my hand is on the second shot so I say, ”Sorry Chris, I’ll just uhhhh move that higher” and he chuckles and says, ”That’s alright honey” and it was a priceless moment indeed.

 

After that we were in for an extra special treat of Andy Hallett and Mark Lutz improv, for two hours we got to see and hear many things that I am sure all of us in the audience will never forget as long as we live.  The highlights Mark telling us what was going on in Andy’s mind as he dug through his suitcase for his costume and then Andy throwing his clothes at Mark from behind the screen as he changed. Not to mention Andy’s voice mail messages(Yes he keeps them recorded on his computer so he can play them back at will for some laughs) and Mark playing with the Lorne puppet. It was so freaking funny I still have a stomachache from laughing so hard. 

 

I need to mention how personable and lovely Jenny Mollen is, she came up to Mikey, Sample and I many times just to shoot the breeze, she remembered everyone names all weekend long , and of course Camden and Clare are always in such great form we have visited with them in many conventions so they really are like old friends.  Camden even took our picture with his camera he takes snapshots of his favorite people with(first time we made it in there) Jonathan Woodward is always such a hoot I love his orange kilt, he and Mikey always hang together.  KMJ is a great writer, I got her book in Houston and we discussed it and hung out together in LA too she is a really sweet and funny lady. And we cannot forget Drew Goddard, he is so tall, and very intelligent and thoughtful person, also pretty dang funny. I got to meet Robia la Morte (Jenni Calender) that was a sweet surprise. And there were some other demons and a certain slayerette I just did not have time to meet and greet so I hope there will be another chance.

 

 

 My sweet friends(you all know who you are) Love you thanks for all of the great times I cannot wait til the next one!