“It Is Over--FINISHED!”

(Author's Note: This is an extremely long post. It was typed over a couple of hours at LAX. You read this, your eyes may glaze over. You are warned.)

Or is it?

I’m typing this from LAX: it’s Sunday, 4:28PM. Now, normally I would be posting this, but the free Wi-Fi here won’t let you do a slagging thing on the net, which makes it pointless as hell. Irritating, but not unexpected; this seems to happen at every airport Prime and I have visited.

Yesterday morning, DA got up and headed out earlier than Prime and myself; I was so slagging tired that I was really surprised that I could get my sorry skidplate out of bed. But I managed to pull myself free from the nice, cozy blankets, get dressed and head out to the Convention center.

By the time I got there, the line for general admission was insanely long and they weren’t letting anyone inside. I walked down the length of the line until I spotted DA, drinking a Starbucks green tea and looking chill as always. Hopped in line with him and we yakked a little bit; Prime wasn’t with me and would catch up with us later.

There was no separate autograph line; according to DA it was one huge line and that was it. They would let us in at 9:30 and we’d go our different ways. So when the doors opened, DA and I headed to the autograph line near Ballrooms F and G; a group of others went to the Panel room and a slagload of people dashed into the Dealer room, looking for deals.

The line for autographs didn’t look terribly long, so I figured that it would be a quick session. The first autograph I nabbed was that of Arlene Banas; she was the voice of Carly, Spike’s girlfriend and later wife in the original 80s series. She’s a very sweet lady and happens to be from Chicago; we talked about just how badly spring has been in that part of the country. Poor Ms. Banas’s garden is suffering because of our lack of good weather! (I honestly hope that things are getting better now.) After I had gotten her signature on our Convention comic/program, I stepped out of her line and was about to step into Michael McConnohie’s line, but it was extremely long and snaked out of the room. I really thought that I might have been screwed out of getting his autograph but the BotCon volunteer told me to hang out for a bit and she’d help. So I got a place in line, along with a few other fans and the line was capped. I got mine after a time, happy as hell that I had done so. Michael’s a royally sweet guy.

Once I was done with the autographs, I caught up with Prime. He was in the Panel room, listening in on the making of Transformers: Prime. My timing was slightly unfortunate as I had to be subjected to, quite possibly, one of the stupidest damned questions I have ever heard. No, people, Knock Out is not gay. We’ve been over this with Tracks, you asshats. He is simply very refined and a bit of a snob. Please stop confusing snootiness with sexuality. It’s slagging annoying. Besides, he’s a mech for pit’s sake! They don’t exactly have “relations” like us squishies can and do…DeviantArt notwithstanding, I suppose.

After I chatted with Prime for a bit, I headed into the Dealer room. I wasn’t looking to buy anything, really. I just wanted to snap a few pictures and wander around. Prime gave me some cash in case I wanted anything and I did use a little of it. I grabbed a pair of necklaces, both of them Autobot sigils. Now, they are unlicensed, but that’s fine by me. I want to wear one of these to work and if something happens to a $5 unlicensed Chinese necklace, I won’t be too broken up about it.

Maybe I’d better see about having their compositions checked, though. Or at least avoid chewing on them. American Girl bracelets, anybody?

Eventually, Prime joined me in the Dealer room and we wandered around a bit. We ended up at Azusa-san’s table and looked about. He had Bumblebee goodies. Oh, boy howdy, did he have Bumblebee goodies. I grabbed a four-pack of Animated cellphone straps with Bumblebee inside, a Kewpie movie Bumblebee, and a Legends-class Animated Bumblebee. As I grabbed a single cellphone strap, again featuring Bumblebee, I heard Azusa say, “Bumblebee girl.” I could feel the blood rush to my cheeks. As I’ve said, I do have a bit of a reputation. But as I reached for my wallet to pay for the last cellphone strap, Azusa waved his hand at it and me, saying, “That’s okay,” indicating that I could have it for free. Again, more blushing and a very sincere, bottom of the heart “Thank you” for his generosity. (Heck, I’m blushing a bit now as I type this!)

Prime and I did a bit more wheelin’ and dealin’ and I was able to grab yet another Legends-class ‘Bee from a different dealer; it was from Hydra, who runs BlackGears, if I recall correctly. After nabbing more deals, I got a few more pics of the movie vehicles, ran into Karl Hartman and hugged him (as every year), got a photo done at the BotCon Photo studio (I posed with Bumblebee, natch) and nabbed a freebie t-shirt from the Jagex booth, who will be putting out the forthcoming browser-based Transformers: Universe MMORPG. But at 3 PM, I found Prime and we waited for the yearly drawing for a chance to win a trip to next year’s ‘Con.

Yeah, Prime and I didn’t win, as always. Slag. Maybe next year.

Once that was done, we had a few more minutes in the Dealer room. Prime tracked down Alex Bickmore and did a little deal with him; he has a part--the tailfin to G1 Deluxe Targetmaster Needlenose--at home that Prime has needed for a very long time, so that is one thing off his want list. I’m pretty pleased about it. I don’t know that Prime is necessarily thirty bucks pleased about it, but at least the damn thing will be complete and he’ll, as he’s now sworn, never buy another loose and incomplete Transformer again. Eight years to find a part…you can probably understand that pain, whether or not you’ve dealt with anything similar. Yeah, royal bitch, but at least he’s done with it.

Soon enough, the staff started kicking everybody out of the Dealer room, which promptly turned my mood from bright to gloomy. The ‘Con was drawing to a close; it’s an event that always depresses me. In fact, Prime has said there is one thing about BotCon he doesn’t like: the fact that it ends, because I get so broken up over it. But before leaving the Dealer room for the last and final time, I managed to say goodbye to all of the movie vehicles that had visited. Optimus, Ironhide, Ratchet and Sideswipe all got heartfelt farewells, but Bumblebee…

I saved my final goodbye for him, thanking him for stopping by and swearing that we’d see each other again. Afterwards, as I walked away, I blew him a kiss.

That was a long, painful walk. Saying my goodbyes to ‘Bee was pretty rough, but I was very grateful and extremely glad that I had the chance to see him. To Paramount, Hasbro and Fun Publications: Thank you all. I’ve been waiting for that chance for nearly four years and to finally be in the same room with my favorite Autobot/guardian angel…it’s worth the heartbreak, trust me.

Once Prime and I were in the hallway, we ran into our friend Shawn, chatted with him, then wandered off to find DA. It took quite a bit of effort on my part not to start crying. The end of the ‘Con is rough. But when we spotted DA, my mood began to change and this time, for the better.

The three of us were headed to Santa Monica and the Aero theatre, which was showing Transformers: the Movie at 7:30PM. Yes, this was the original 1986 animated film and to sweeten the deal, they were, afterwards, going to hold a roundtable discussion with a few of the voice actors who had been in the film. Among the guests were G1 voice director Wally Burr, Gregg Berger (Grimlock), Neil Ross (Springer), Paul Eiding (Perceptor), David Mendenhall (Daniel Witwicky) and last but most certainly not least, Dan Gilvezan, the voice of the greatest Autobot ever, Bumblebee. At first, we were all going to head over there using public transportation but someone was running a shuttle service from the Convention center that would get us to the theatre. Our method of transportation? A Toyota van that looked exactly like G1 Ratchet. The frown turned upside down when I stepped foot into that van.

The ride was awesome. We had a group of kids yelling at “Ratchet” to transform and a guy in one of the crosswalks did a double take and started smiling when he saw the Autobot sigil on the van’s hood. Some drivers at the stoplights took shots of Ratchet with their camera phones. Fans near the Convention center cheered and waved. As we cruised along the streets of LA and beyond, I felt like a little kid. For a moment, I actually believed that we were on the run from the Decepticons and Ratchet was protecting us. I couldn’t stop smiling. (So, apparently, I GRIN at danger!)

As we made our way to Santa Monica, we got a bit of a movie tour, so to speak. We passed by the church that Sam Witwicky biked past in the 2007 film, saw the Burger King at which Mikaela sat as Sam cartwheeled up and over the handlebars of his mom’s bike onto the sidewalk--but best of all, we got to stop at the place that stood as Bobby Bolivia’s Used Car Lot. That was where Sam and his father purchased Bumblebee.

I was giddy as a schoolgirl and nearly wore out poor Shutterbug taking pictures. Prime got a shot of me standing in the exact spot where Bumblebee pulled up next to the VW Beetle in the lot. It was all I could do not to jump up and down and start screaming in delight. I was standing where Bumblebee had been! This was sacred ground to me and I was over the moon to actually be there. Never in a thousand years did I ever think I would be lucky enough to be in that very spot. Primus blessed me and I am very grateful.

Once we got to the theatre, Prime, DA and I, along with the other pair of passengers, hopped out of Ratchet and wandered around. The three of us hit an Italian Ice shop and Prime and I got our first taste of gelato. Prime and DA had pistachio while I treated myself to chocolate. If you’ve never had gelato and get the chance to sample it, for the love of Primus, do it. That stuff is decadent. It ranks up there with and then past Culver’s frozen custard. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. After we finished our treat, we headed up to the theatre proper, went in, grabbed snacks and seats and took in the awesome.

DA had to leave about 45 minutes into the movie; he couldn’t miss his flight back home. It was disappointing not having him there for the whole thing, but I was glad that he was able to stay with us even for the little while he could. It was great to have you there, DA. I hope we can do something like that again at a future ‘Con. And you don’t have to thank us; your presence is thanks enough.

Watching the movie was a blast. We all felt like kids again; we laughed, cried and cheered together. It was the most fun I’ve had in a number of months. I cheered when I first saw Bumblebee and Spike at the start of the movie, wept bitterly at Optimus Prime’s death and got chills when I heard Unicron speak for the first time. It was like I was 11 all over again.

At the end of the film, our moderator Grant came up and chatted a bit, then let Wally come up to the front and introduce everyone. I clapped for everybody but when Dan was announced, I started cheering. At one point I called out to Dan, “We love you!” and he replied “I love you, too.” Major blushing occurred.

The roundtable was very interesting and I learned a bit about the movie and the recording sessions that I didn’t know prior. It seems that quite a few of the other VAs were paired off during their recording sessions, but Dan did his alone. I believe it was Wally who said that nobody wanted to work with him and Dan pretended to pout in response. I couldn’t help but call out, “Oh, that’s not true!” Who wouldn’t want to work with Dan Gilvezan? He’s a wonderful guy.

SHAMELESS PLUG TIME: Dan’s got a novel out right now. It was released on the very day we were in the theatre. It’s on Amazon.com. Go buy it. Right now. This very second. In multiples. You are so ordered. (Hint, hint, Prime…)

When the panel was done, I headed to the stage to talk to Dan. Before I did, Prime handed me the Sharpie he had been carrying in case I wanted an autograph. I took it but I was a bit hesitant; I didn’t have anything on me to get autographed! But as I grabbed the strap to my fanny pack, I realized that I did.

I said hello to Dan and said that he may not have remembered me, but I could never forget him. He smiled and said that he did, in fact, remember me. Since he had just gotten published, I asked what I had to do to break into the writing business. He told me it would be difficult, but to keep sending my work to publishers and agents, to refine it and to keep trying.

With those words, my soul caught fire. I will not let anything get me down. I’m going to keep working at this and I won’t quit until someone takes the chance on me. I don’t care how much it takes, I will not get discouraged now. That voice speaking those words…that was what I needed to hear.

I also told Dan that I have Prime trained now. He is not allowed to speak while Dan is speaking. Dan said he was impressed. XD

After our chat, I got Dan’s autograph. On my trusty, well-worn navy blue Autobot cap. It is now officially retired. I have worn that cap to every BotCon I have attended since 2000. You read that right--it is eleven years old. I bought that cap in Fort Wayne, Indiana at BotCon 2000 and have worn it to every Convention since. When I met Dan for the very first time I was wearing that cap. But now, I will never wear it again. I have known for some time that I would have to retire it; it is starting to show some wear and the navy blue was starting to fade. But now it has earned a place of honor in my collection, for it has been signed by Dan Gilvezan, the man who voiced my childhood idol.

At that, I thanked him and Prime and I began to head to the lobby. As we did, I spotted Dan’s wife, Joselle, who was wearing a “Mrs. Bumblebee” t-shirt. When I saw her shirt, I said, “There’s the luckiest woman on the face of the Earth.” She saw me, smiled and said hello.

She remembered me. It would seem that I made their first appearance at BotCon rather memorable. She said to me, “You’re a star!”

If you’ve ever been to a BotCon and had the chance to sit in on a voice actor panel, you’ll hear one of them saying how hearing a fan’s appreciation is humbling. It’s true. Hearing Joselle saying that I made BotCon special for both her and Dan was incredibly humbling. To know that Dan appreciated my enthusiasm…it brings a lump to the throat, really, along with a huge smile.

We milled about and took more pictures; the lucky fellow who owns a Bumblebee-themed Camaro (and does events just as Ratchet's owner does) came by and Dan signed the engine cover. But, after much geeking out, we had to head back to our respective hotels. So Prime and I, along with the others in our group, hopped in Ratchet and headed back.

On our way back to LA, we were able to stop by the Witwicky house and drove through the tunnel where Bumblebee upgraded his vehicular form from 70s beater Camaro to 2009/Concept Camaro. Talk about off the hook awesome. When I see the scenes in the movie showing Sam’s house, or see Sam and Mikaela get kicked out of Bumblebee in that tunnel, I can now say, “Hey, I’ve actually been there!”

By the time Prime and I got back to the hotel, we were both exhausted, but I was on cloud nine. You could best describe me as elated. I was grinning happily from the time I got into our room to when I finally retired for the night. Quite a change from earlier in the day, when I was so close to tears. Hopefully, next year we can have something else similar to this right after the Convention; it’s a pick-me-up that I so desperately needed.

It’s been a blast. It really has. I’ve enjoyed every second of this. As I sit here at the airport, typing this insanely long post I’m not depressed at all. I’m content. Happy. Serene. And extremely tired but that always happens right after BotCon. You don’t really have time to sleep at a convention. Nor eat for that matter but I digress. But this has been one of the best ‘Cons I’ve had the honor to attend. Every year, it seems to get better and better.

To me, it’s not about the toys anymore (if they indeed ever were), although they are nice. It’s not about the boxed set of figures, the comic, or any of that. It’s about my friends. It’s about seeing all those who I now consider part of my family and simply hanging out with them, having a blast. To me, this isn’t a convention anymore. This is a family reunion and I am damned lucky to have the chance to attend. As I have said, Primus has granted me the luck to make it to this gathering year after year and I am forever grateful.

To all my friends: Have a safe trip home and best wishes until next time. I’ll be ready for our next meeting because as Simon Furman would say--“It never ends!”

See you next year.

--Weasel, "Hey, yeah, where IS it gonna be in 2012?"

Back Home

So we're home, Prime and I. I'll make a nice juicy pair of posts later today; one is already written. Right now, sleep.

Update

Today is the travel day, so this is the only post you will see. Expect the final chapter posted either Tuesday or Wednesday. Prime and I are on a red-eye; we will be slagging exhausted.

--Weasel

Cockblocked

Today, the general public was allowed to attend our festivities. We had quite a few people show up and it got pretty crowded in the Convention center. But that didn't matter to me; I was having way too much fun.

Prime and I got up and dressed at around 7:30 this morning. After we were ready, we, along with DA headed out to the bus stop and hit the road. When we got to the festivities, we split up; Prime hit the Dealer Room while I scoped out the autograph line.

There were already people lining up for Peter Cullen, even though he wasn't going to start signing until 2PM. Yes, he is quite loved by the fandom. Trust me when I say this.

However, the lining up was all for naught; no one would be allowed to line up until 1PM. So, I headed into the panel room and took in the last little bit of the TF comic panel. Since I wouldn't be able to get in line anytime soon, I stuck around for a couple of panels.

The first I sat through was the Hasbro toy panel. Lots of good reveals and lots of screaming from my wallet. I will be so broke this summer it isn't even funny. And it won't let up through the fall and winter--in December we get our first TF: Prime toys.

After that panel was done, I slipped out the room and got a call from Prime. Everyone was lining up for the live script reading, so I jumped in as well. That was a panel that I was glad I didn't miss.

We had a bunch of the cast from TF: Prime, including all three of the kids, Steve Blum, Peter Cullen, and Ernie Hudson. They were reading an episode that had already aired, but it was fun to watch.

The cast kept it really lighthearted; there were several Ghostbusters references made that had Ernie Hudson cracking up laughing. We, the audience ate them up as well. Honestly, I don't think I've laughed that hard in a long while. Once the reading was done, there were a few questions from the audience and something amazing happened.

Josh Keaton mentioned that he wanted to hit the Dealer room and grab a G1 Optimus Prime. Seems he's a Transfan as well. So, out of the blue, a few of the fans gave Josh a Japanese G1 Optimus Prime re-issue... which Peter Cullen signed right then and there. A really heartwarming moment. I'm still smiling just thinking about it.

Once the audience questions were done, they showed an ep of TF: Prime but I slipped out and hit the autograph line. I was hoping to get a signature from all the cast members but it didn't really turn out that way. But I can't really complain about that. Here's why.

The first line was for Steve Blum. The line was incredibly long and there were quite a few fangirls hanging out in it. Seems Steve's a hit with the fangirls. But I can see why. When I got to the front of the line and got my BC11 comic autographed, I noticed the tee shirt Steve was wearing. It was a grey shirt that said, "Chicks dig giant robots." When I read that, "Oh man, I love your shirt! That show was awesome!" To which Steve replied, "You remember it?!" I said yes, I did and I got all the jokes in it. It was one of my favorite shows.

Here's where it gets awesome. Steve Blum got out of his seat and hugged me. I got hugged by Steve Blum! Somewhere, some poor fangirl is screaming in rage because of this. XD

Once I had gotten Steve's autograph, I tried to hit one of the other lines. Most of the others were already capped, but I got very lucky and was able to get in line for Andy Pessoa, the voice of Raf. Raf's my favorite kid from the show, so I had to get his autograph. I'm glad I did. I don't think he was getting a lot of love from the fans and that's not fair. Raf is freaking awesome.

Afterward, I caught up with Prime and DA in the panel room and took in a couple of panels. These were the Club Roundtable and the G1 voice actors' panel. I enjoyed both, but took a lot of what the VAs were saying about breaking into voice acting to heart. I'm not trying for that field, but I am trying to get a book published, so a lot of what they said stayed with me. I just have to remember it.

Once the VA panel was done, the show was over for the day, so we headed back to the hotel to get ready for the Hall of Fame presentation. Once ready, we went back to the Auditorium to take in the awesome.

We got to see a nice long sneak peak of Transformers: Dark of the Moon; it looks freaking amazing. I just hope there's enough comedy to take the edge off; at a couple of points I felt a bit like screaming.

One of the human inductees made it to the event and it was Michael Bay. I gotta respect the guy now; he mentioned that Bumblebee was one of the most sympathetic characters in the movies. Mr. Bay, you are the man.

We watched the various videos for the Transformer inductees and we were treated to videos of the fan choice 'bots. There were cheers for everyone else, but not many for Erector.(Gee, I wonder why... *coughcoughDICKJOKEcoughwheezeSTUPIDASHELL*) Then the winner was announced.

WASPINATOR!

The "Erector set" got fucking cockblocked and I for one am damn glad. (Aaron Archer himself said he hoped they wouldn't have to put together another video like the one for Erector. Hint, hint, you morons: the joke wasn't fucking funny so don't fucking do it again. Get it?) After the ceremony and the rejoicing, we headed back to the hotel.

Sunday's the last day. It's going to be hard, but I'm going to enjoy it as best as I can. But really, I don't want to come down form this. It's been far too great.

--Weasel

You've gotta know when to hold 'em...

Know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away
Know when to run
You never count your money
When you're sittin' at the table
There'll be time enough for countin'
When the dealin's done.

Click the title for musical accompaniment, if you'd like.

So today (technically yesterday) was the first real day of the Con. Prime and I got up, got ready and headed out to the 'Con. We got out and about a bit after noon, which was fine by me because the first autographs didn't start until 2. We ran into DA, chatted a bit and I got in line for the first autograph session. The guys decided to take in the live script reading that was happening at around 1PM.

Today Jack Angel was supposed to sign at 2, but he wasn't feeling well and couldn't make it. So in his place, Abby Collins was signing autographs. Who is Abby Collins? She's the daughter of a rather well-known but deceased voice actor. Seems she's trying to break into the voice acting biz and read the part of Minerva.

Oh yeah, when that came out, A LOT of fans were having minor strokes and coronaries. Her father is quite well loved by the fandom, even though many of us never had the chance to meet him. So there were a lot of excited and happy fans. Oh yes, I got Ms. Collins autograph and I truly hope she makes it in voice acting; she truly is a sweet person.

After that, I waited around for the second autograph session, ran into DA and we hung around in line and shot the shit. DA had a mild freakout when he saw the giant Grimlock costume; I got a kick out of the kid who was dressed as Wheelie. He even had a slingshot and nailed someone who was dressed as Devastator a couple of times. (Little bot's got some ball bearings, I tell ya.)

After I got my autographs, I headed into the Dealer Room, called Prime and met up with him. He was near a gigantic Transformers: Prime Optimus Prime statue. I got a couple of shots of that, spun the big wheel that was on display there and won a Transformers: Prime poster. Then, I took to wandering.

Stopped by the Kre-O booth and entered for a chance to win a Kre-O Bumblebee. I also got a Kre-O Optimus Prime figure and told the guy at the booth that if they ever needed to get rid of the big Bumblebee figure they had on display, I'd take him. He would be worshiped, of course. The guy laughed and said, "Oh, I bet you would." I think my reputation is starting to proceed me.

Before we were kicked out at 5, I got to take a few shots of the Autobot vehicles from the movie, caught up with Prime and got a pair of lanyards from the Transformers Universe video game booth. But at five, we all had to leave. Before I headed out, I ran back to the Bumblebee Camaro and said my good-byes and promised him that I would see him the next day.

After a brief stopover at our hotel, we got ready for Casino Night and went back to the Convention center. Prime went into the actual game room to earn some creds for the auction while I played bingo.

I tried, but I didn't win. I was hoping to win the 2008 Shattered Glass Rodimus for Prime but it didn't pan out. I really would have loved to get that figure; I've put Prime through enough hell and he deserves something for his time and trouble. Oh well, maybe next time.

Prime had amassed $800 in casino money, but it did us no good. We couldn't win a slagging thing at the auction. Again, maybe next year.

Once that was over, we ran into Shawn, hung out with him for a bit then headed back to our hotel. It's getting late and my stupid ass really should be in bed (gotta get up early) but you know me. I have to blog.

I'm happy. Dear Primus, I am happy. I feel so much better. I really wish this wouldn't end. But honestly, having this only once a year makes it extremely precious to me. Once a year I get to recharge my batteries and escape the slag that is reality. To have something like this to look forward to is a great help.

Two more days. I intend to enjoy the hell out of them. Until next time.

--Weasel

Another Day, Another Bit Of Awesome

Prime and I will be heading out to the Convention center to take in all things robotic and incredibly awesome. Expect a report later tonight.

--Weasel, OUT!

Gettin' Schooled

I'm back at the hotel, watching TV and blogging. I'm slagging exhausted but I'm happy. Oh dear Primus, am I happy.

Got up around 7:30. Prime grabbed a shower, I got dressed and ready and we headed out to the Con center. Prime and I were both in the Customization Class, which was being held in the Convention hotel. We got there just in time, got our kits and started.

The figure we were building was Minerva. She's a cutie, trust me.

Prime worked on ours, while I acted as the go-fer and helped out in anyway possible. But after a bit, I had to get up and stretch my legs, so I wandered around a bit and snapped a few pics.

After grabbing some pictures, I went back and helped Prime a bit more; things went really smoothly and we were done pretty quick. Once we had finished, we helped Shawn clean up and hung out with him for a bit. Afterward, we headed down to the Convention center and got in line for the Club store. Man oh man, the line was freaking loooooooooooooong. But it happened to be a combination of people picking up their pre-reg packages and others like me and Prime who were buying from the Club store.

After a bit, the line was split and Prime and I hit the store. But before we headed into the Convention center, I spotted a pair of vehicles across the street. One was a white and red Toyota van sporting an Autobot sigil. The other was a Camaro, in bright yellow. Sporting black racing stripes.

He might have belonged to a fan, but another Bumblebee made an appearance. When Prime nabbed his place in line, I asked if I could go and snap a few shots of the two Autobots outside the Con center. Prime said yes, so I zipped outside and fairly wore out my camera taking pics.

Yeah, I'll post a few here, probably as a Friday Photoblog. But when I got back to the Club store, I was grinning like a fool. My inner child was jumping up and down screaming in delight.

It took a while for Prime and I to get our stuff, the line was a bit slow moving. But once we got our order done and paid for everything, we headed back to the hotel. I did a quick food run to Taco Bell and we've been relaxing ever since.

I am tired, due to lack of sleep and a bit of jet lag but I'm fine. I'm happy. I haven't felt this good for a very long time. I feel as if a really large weight has been lifted from me. I don't want that feeling to end and I don't want this, this convention, this escape from the drudgery of life in general to end either.

There are three more days left. I want to make them count.

--Weasel, trying to squeeze every last bit of fun out of this bit of awesome...

California Dreamin'

As I write this, I have "Unforgettable" stuck in my head. Heard it on the cab ride back to the hotel. Trust me, with everything that happened today, it's already been an unforgettable trip.

We didn't get off to such a great start; there was a slagload of road construction on our route and we hit it and hit it bad. At one point, we were at a slagging standstill with no one moving. By the time we got to the airport, we were pretty slagging late.

We parked, hopped a shuttle, printed our boarding passes and headed to security. Prime went through the body scanner; I did the pat down. It wasn't horrible and only took a few extra minutes, but when I got done, they were calling final boarding on our flight. Needless to say, we tore through the concourse and raced to our gate just in slagging time.

The flight itself was uneventful and we landed with no further problems. Once we got to LA, we hopped on the Super Shuttle and headed to our hotel. After a few hours of rest, I headed out and grabbed dinner for Prime and myself, then after dinner (and some PC time for Prime) we headed out to the Convention center and got in line to pick up our stuff.

We got to the Convention center and walked around a bit; I nearly freaked when I saw the huge banners proclaiming the Hall of Fame induction that would happen on Saturday night. Took a few pics, since they had last year's inductees and guess who was at the very top of the banner? You guessed it: 'twas Bumblebee. My baby got the top spot. Proud? You better believe it.

But it gets better. Oh boy, does it ever get better.

As we headed to the Convention center, we managed to get a peep inside. Prime and I could see vehicles inside. They were Optimus Prime and Ratchet. Seeing those two brought a smile to my face, but when we walked a little further and got a better look inside, my heart went straight into my throat.

Inside was a black GMC Topkick, a silver concept Corvette Stingray, and a yellow Camaro. A Camaro with black racing stripes on its roof. And a spoiler on the back.

Bumblebee. The real movie Bumblebee. In the Convention center.

Bumblebee is here. At the Convention. At BotCon. How many years has it been with me desperate to see him, to finally get the chance to actually be in the same room with him. And now I have that chance.

Bumblebee and I have... a history, if you will. When my life completely tanks and I want nothing more than to throw my head back and scream, Bumblebee shows up in some capacity. I've often said he's my guardian angel.

Considering everything that has happened over the past six or so months, how bad my life has been, how most days I've wanted to simply lay in bed and cry, the timing on this is perfect. My guardian angel comes through for me yet again.

Tomorrow, Prime and I will be in the Customization Class, where we'll be building our own Transformer figure. After that, I honestly don't know what we'll do. And I don't care. I'm at BotCon. Nothing else really matters now. I'm at the Convention.

I needed this. I really do.

--Weasel

EDIT: DA is now here. The festivities can begin in earnest.

I'm Leavin' On a Jet Plane...

...and heading to BotCon. My next post will be from Cali and I can hardly wait. (You're gettin' hugged, DA!)

--Weasel, too giddy to sleep. Almost.

Friday Monday Photoblog: "I Know It's Late" Edition

Weird Al, performing Dare To Be Stupid. From August 2010.
Would have done this sooner, but food poisoning kinda had other plans...)

(Insert Scream Here)

(Current earworm: Iridescent by Linkin Park. Love this song; it is going to be in Dark of the Moon, after all.)

The last few days have not been good, to say the very least.

Thursday, I came down with what I suspect was food poisoning: I was fine until I ate lunch but an hour or so later I began to feel like hammered slag.

Didn't work on Friday and it wasn't by choice. I had to call in. There was no way I could sit upright for more than a few seconds, so you could forget about me standing. It was a good thing I did. I spent most of the day sleeping and ridding my body of whatever toxin had invaded. It was painful as hell and I hope I never have to deal with that sort of bullshit ever again.

The only thing I could keep down was Jell-O (which I can't friggin' stand) and Poweraide. Solid food? The very thought of the stuff made me want to gag.

I am just now feeling really normal. For the last few days I've still felt a bit off, dealing with cramps and feeling like someone slammed me straight in the gut with Mjöllnir. Yeah, not pleasant don't even begin to cover this. I haven't even been doing my usual Golett rescues on GTS. Didn't EV train at all, either. I just felt too bad to even mess around with my DS.

But wait! It gets better!

Yesterday, I was doing a bit of editing, listen to some music, and perusing the web as always when Alexa-1, my darling laptop started to behave strangely. Everything seemed fine, then at around 4:50, she powered herself down. I thought at first I had inadvertently yanked a cord or something, but everything was still connected.

I shook my head, hit the power button and Alexa seemed to power up, then she shut down again. Now I was getting worried. So I tried switching her on again. She made it to the "Start Windows" screen and shut down again.

Now, I was completely panicked. Something was wrong and I had no clue as to what. I did the one thing I always do when shit happens and I'm clueless as to what may have occurred.

I called Prime.

I was all but screaming in hysteria when I told him what had happened, that something was wrong with Lexi and I couldn't get her to power back up. He told me he would be home soon and he'd take a look at her.

He fixed her. Seems she got a bit overheated, so she shut herself down. She's fine now, or else you wouldn't be reading this.

Yeah, it's been an interesting few days. I could use a few that are nothing like this, I tell you. If I go through this sort of crap again, I may end up bald before BotCon.

--Weasel, "And I thought my damn job was the biggest source of stupid on the planet. Silly me."

Sympathy for the Devil

So last Friday, Prime and I hit the local theatre and caught a 3D showing of Thor. Now, I was kinda hoping to cut my "3D viewing teeth" on a showing of Transformers: Dark of the Moon but this was a good start. Before you ask: Yes, I enjoyed Thor but I didn't walk out of the theatre grinning like a fool. Instead, I rather half-stumbled out, feeling heavy-hearted.

I had wept for Loki. My heart completely broke for him.

I'm not the sort of person who has any real sympathy for the villain. Usually, I can't stand them and will laugh as they plunge towards oblivion. They deserve it. But with Loki, it was another story entirely.

Loki was a troublemaker, someone who tried to stir up trouble and make mischief. I myself, don't take a lot of things seriously. Most people see me as a bit of a flake. Everything is a joke to me. But we both act this way to mask the pain, the pain we both feel and don't quite understand. We both know that we're different, that something isn't quite right in our little worlds but rather than face that, we bury it. It's easier to deny the agony than face it.

Until fate brings it to the surface.

Loki wasn't Odin's son by birth. Instead, he was an abandoned Frost Giant infant, found by Odin and taken to Asgard to be raised as Thor's brother. Many years would pass before Odin would finally confess this truth to his adopted son and the anger that Loki felt, the blind rage in his eyes, brought me to tears. Loki screamed at his "father" demanding to know why. Why had this happened? Why had he not been told the truth? But the most troubling questions were the ones Loki never spoke.

Who am I? What am I? Where do I belong?

As Loki raged against Odin, I sobbed. He screamed what I could not but we both felt the exact same sting of a betrayal that would drive most others mad.

In Loki's case, it did drive him mad.

Loki tried to take over Asgard and destroy the Frost Giants. He did it, as he said in the very end, for his father. But Odin shook his head and disagreed. The truth is, what Loki did was a desperate plea for attention. He wanted nothing more than to be accepted, be seen as a hero, as "one of them".

He didn't want to be treated differently. He just wanted acceptance, which was something that was never truly given. Instead, Thor is accepted and regains favor with his father.

All hail the status quo and long may it reign.

There's no place for those who have been wronged and are "ungrateful" for the lies of loving their parents. Loki and I are outcasts. Society doesn't need us. We're too self-absorbed because we're hurt and pissed and miserable that we were lied to by those we were supposed to trust the most.

A child cannot lie to a parent unpunished. But a parent can lie to a child and there is no consequence. If the child does become angry and rebels, then that child is acting immaturely or foolishly. Doesn't matter how deeply the child has been hurt, that child is an ungrateful wretch who should be cast out, never to return.

The child who discovers his life is a lie rebels and is abandoned again. The robot that fears for its safety and kills its abusive master is defective and a danger and must be destroyed; the fact that it has been abused does not entire the equation. The sapient machines who have been treated as slaves by their human masters turn against them and are seen as evil. (Don't believe me? Watch The Matrix, then watch both parts of The Second Renaissance from The Animatrix. Your sympathy for humanity will quite likely drop to zero and you might hope that the machines win.) For those of us who were wronged, who were hurt, who ache and scream because our lives were based on lies, there is no true recourse. We're not really wanted by anyone or anything. It is enough to destroy the strongest of spirits.

But unlike Loki, I am fortunate. I have Prime. When I have been at my worst, lashing out as Loki did to try and make others feel miserable, Prime stayed by me. When I asked the worst questions of my life, questions that no one should ask a stranger, let alone themselves, Prime listened. When I cried, Prime held me. Loki didn't have that sort of support. If he did, things may have been different.

In the end, Loki fell. As he did, I wept openly knowing the sort of agony he was suffering. But he didn't die. Instead, he is the outcast and his brother is the favored one. On the outside, looking in: that is the best description of our situations. However, I can pick myself up and keep going, as I have those that care about me. Loki isn't so lucky. He will always remain the outcast.

And a part of me will always mourn for him. Call it sympathy for the devil, if you will. No one else seems to have any sympathy for him.

About Last Night...

Went to a Brewers game. I'll have to post more tomorrow; I'm too tired to put anything of substance here right now. Expect the full report a bit later.

--the exhausted Weasel

Friday Photoblog: "Lookin' Good" Edition

The Bumblebee Camaro, up close and personal. From BotCon 2010.
(Oh, yeah. Wanted to take him home...)

Random Thoughts

Just because I need to put something of freaking substance here, we'll do another quick installment of:

Random Thoughts

* I've earned my eighth badge in Pokemon Black and could challenge the Elite 4 at any given time... but I haven't. Or rather, I really don't want to yet. Once I whip the Elite 4, that pretty much ends the blasted story. If that's not depressing enough, I'll actually start running into some of the previous 493 in Unova and I love the new guys too much!

* We haven't had a decent spring around here. Period. It's either too damn cold, raining, or freaking snowing. Bob Uecker put it best: Summertime in Wisconsin. It'll get here eventually.

* The Brewers are in a slump. I could cry. Or scream. Or rage. Or all of the above. But it's only May; there's more than enough time to turn this around.

* Prime and I will be heading to see Thor tomorrow. I expect much in the way of awesomeness.

* Speaking of awesomeness, I have seen the trailer to Transformers: Dark of the Moon and. It. Was. AWESOME! Now all I have to do is wait until July... and we all know how much I just love waiting.

* And even more awesome: We have Transformers themed Baby Bottle Pops at my store. And they feature Bumblebee. Seeing as how I had a horrible couple of days earlier in the week, the timing is... well, I keep saying the little bastard's my guardian angel. And he just keeps proving it.

And that about wraps it up. Tune in next time when we clear out even more of the dust between the wrinkles of my brain. Until then this has been

--Weasel, signing off.

Exhaustion

Last month was not awesome. I don't want to go into details, but it wasn't awesome.

But things will get better. We've got around a month until BotCon. I think I can make it until then.

One can hope.

--Weasel, sick of it all.

Friday Photoblog: "Talkin' Baseball II" Edition

Another of the cards from the Topps Million Card Giveaway.
(This one has a gold stamp commemorating the inaugural year of the Colorado Rockies franchise. A similar release does the same for the Florida Marlins. Though they're from the time he was actively collecting, Prime isn't certain of ever hearing of these.)

Friday Photoblog: "Aww, Come ON!" Edition

A shot of one of our trees, snow-covered (like everything else) from the late thundersnowstorm on 19 April. Pretty...
(...much gone now; yays. ARE WE DONE WITH THE SLAGGING SNOW NOW?!)

Winding Down

We're up to the raffle right now. After that, a few more last minute deals will be made then it will be on to the annual "Dairycon Eating of the Geeks" at whatever unlucky restaurant has to deal with us. I can hardly wait. XD

--Weasel, "Man, I hope it's a pizza joint..."

SOP

Aaaaaand I just failed at the Jumpstarter race. But then again, that happens every freaking year.

--Weasel, "At least it transformed and stayed on the table..."

And We're Live!

It's time again for Dairycon and things are up and running (relatively) smoothly. Except for some crap in Oshkosh (seems they're running some kind of race down there and have shut down a bunch of the friggin' roads) and the usual stuff, things are going off without a hitch.

...and quick note to self: next year, bring own money. Just because.

--Weasel, "Can't wait to crash and burn during the Jumpstarter rally..."

Friday Photoblog: "Talkin' Baseball I" Edition

One of several cards I got from the Topps Million Card Giveaway--they arrived today!
(Probably going to run through them all, ending on THE AWESOMEST acquisition. Hey--it's not BotCon, it's not Bumblebee, so we'll have some va-ri-e-ty!)

Friday Photoblog: "I Have, like, Six of These" Edition

The most AWESOME display case at BotCon 2010.
(Well...okay, three in this color, three in a metallic gold. And only two of each are ALL mine. So, um. Four. Sort of.)

FINALLY!

Brewers got their first win of the season--1 to nothing over the Braves. Yes, I am one happy little Weasel right now. Just wish I could have been there...

--Weasel, "There's always next time."

And Today in Utter Fail...

So Prime had taken the day off today and was hitting the net this morning when he found cheaper-than-standard tickets to the Brewers home opener on StubHub.com. (Cheaper than what a lot of the nutbars posting tickets to the site had been asking since they went on sale. $15 apiece for tickets that would have been $20, I think, directly from Brewers.com--whoa, yeah, jump on that!) So he nabbed a pair, got me out of bed and after a few errands (print 'em out, hit an ATM, get an oil change--all as quickly as possible), we were on our way.

Things don't always work out as you plan. Sometimes, human stupidity can really fuck you over.

Prime and I were driving through the Oshkosh area, which has some massive-ass road (de)construction in the area. This is an area of 41 that has been under reconstruction since the beginning of time. The sun will fucking implode and there will still be some dumb jackass out there filling in fucking scrapes because the state of frickin' Wisconsin can't be sussed to pay to get this shit done right the first goddamn time. As we were winding down the road, we hit a pothole. And I mean we HIT a fucking pothole.

I was hoping that all we got out of it was a jolt and nothing else. I was wrong. I was very wrong.

Hitting the pothole fucked up the rim to our front driver's side tire. We now had a flat with about an hour to the first pitch.

Prime got the spare on as quickly as he could and we restarted towards Fond du Lac, but there was no damned point, we realized as we hit North Fond du Lac. By the time we would get to Miller Park, it would easily be the middle of the sixth inning or the top of the seventh.

We had to turn around and go back home. Pissed does not even begin to describe how I felt. Prime and I were heading though Fond du Lac, me crying my eyes out, Prime trying his hardest to pretend not to be miffed at having to eat $40 for my sake. I wanted to be there, for my guys. And now I couldn't, all because the state of damned Wisconsin (or county of Winnebago, or whothefuckever it is that's responsible for the stretches of US 41 that are perpetually under construction) cannot get off its fucking ass and take care of the damned roads. Seriously, if you dumb shits actually paid to have the shit taken care of rather than half-assin' quarter-assin' this slag, we wouldn't have to deal with fucking reconstruction every goddamn year. You guys are quickly becoming a second Chicago; barrels of goddamn fun every fucking summer, year after year. Why the hell do I pay frickin' taxes if you can't be moved to actually use the money to take care of this bullshit. Honestly, stop picking your asses, stop raiding funds and take care of it, rather than pulling this dogshit. /rant

The day wasn't a total loss. Prime and I hit the Oshkosh Target and grabbed a box of Topps Opening Day cards, grabbed a late lunch at the local Sonic (mmmm...limeade) and we hit a nice little sport card shop called Big League Cards. Prime nabbed a few classic Brewers cards he didn't have and I grabbed myself a 5000-count storage box (which I desperately needed, trying to complete this set) and a card of a young(er) Prince Fielder. (Damn, he was a cutie back then. Not that he ain't bad lookin' now...rowr...)

EDIT (1601 CDT): And the Crew lost, 2-1 to Atlanta...SHIT!! :frustrated headdesk: Talk about insult to goddamn injury...but I guess I'd rather the Crew hit the speed bumps now rather than later. (Still hoping for the Series, it's early, don't let it get to you, blah frickin' blah...)

--Weasel, "Maybe we should send the bill to the fricking state of Wisconsin; it's a thought."

Friday Photoblog: "No Foolin'" Edition

Behold Bumbleduck. Yeah, this exists. Color and Halloween versions, too.
(Kind of surprised Disney HASN'T made this line available in the US.)

COMMUNICATIONS INTERRUPT: STUPIDITY IN LEGAL MOTION

I can't often say that I've seen legal documents that have made me want to take a baseball bat to somebody's head--mostly because I haven't often read legal documents, period.

First time for everything, I guess.

This, so far as anyone has been able to determine, and triple-digit-count errors notwithstanding, is not a joke, at least not in the 'never gonna happen' sense. It's either one of the more epic (and by epic, of course I mean retarded) trolls ever to come out of (and piss off) Transfandom, or there really is some empty-skulled narcissistic dumbfuck out there who thinks this motion stands a chance of being heard in court, let alone played out at length to a conclusion in favor of the plaintiff. Honestly, having had experience in other fandoms, I don't think the sort of toy collector butthurt that this pathetic wreck displays is seen anywhere but with Transformers fans.

The real kicker? This flyspeck might well find a judge who doesn't see the differences between these three toys and these other three toys as grounds for dismissal with prejudice and mocking laughter. It might then become...not quite the biggest waste of time ever recorded in the annals of the United States justice system, but damned if it wouldn't have a cozy spot in a list of the top ten.--

EDIT: March 32nd moronic antics are NOT supposed to begin in mid-to-late-March. Sweet effing Primus, I hate this day. Like there isn't enough incidental stupidity to go around, a day must be set aside for DELIBERATE stupidity.--

+++PRIME OUT+++I NEED A BEER+++

Friday Photoblog: "Well, That's (not) Just Prime" Edition

The Hasbro Studios Panel at BotCon 2010.
(You know how you used to have Discovery Kids on your cable lineup?

You don't anymore, and these guys are a small part of 'why'.)

(Watch The Hub!)

You're Supposed to be DONE!

Isn't it supposed to be spring? Yes? Okay then--WHY THE HELL IS THERE SIX INCHES OF SNOW IN MY DAMN YARD?! It's supposed to be over--finished!

I guess the hell not. Fucking winter.


Pic from here.

Dear Victoria Jackson,

Please, shut the fuck up.

I am serious, SHUT THE FUCK UP. You sicken me. Go drink from the fire hose or go look at Mr. Frying Pan.

Dammit, this casts a horrible pall on UHF, which is one of my favorite movies. Now whenever I see it, I'm going to start shouting at Weird Al, "You're better off without that stupid twit!"

And people wonder why I'm praying for the Robot Apocalypse.

--Weasel, "I don't think that the robots will be as fucked up in the head as humans are..."

COMMUNICATIONS INTERRUPT: WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY

Shockingly enough, I got sick of seeing that three-word phrase over the course of the past four or five months. Don't get me wrong--I LIKE winter. Favorite season of the four. I LIKE it cold. It's more a case of being hype-sick...like the whole idiotic situation with Drift, except that in the case of the winter weather, the derision is deserved. Derision, here, is directed toward the ones blathering endlessly and needlessly about it. Granted, this is Wisconsin--blizzards in May are NOT an impossibility, not at all. But it lately seems that the overly made-up newsreaders and two-finger typing reporters are taking it to an extreme one would nominally expect in, shall we say, more southern states. (/unsubtle yet playful jab) Residents in those regions can be somewhat forgiven for a 'flake freakout, raiding grocery stores for every last gallon of milk and driving in a couple centimeters of slush like crazed carjackers--they don't know any better, as snow is such a relative rarity. Up here, there's no bloody excuse, yet the same seems to be happening--with frightening frequency, no less. (Certainly, they tend to drive like dumbasses during more temperate times, but in years past, people had responded to news of six-to-eight inches impending with an apathetic 'eh'.)

...

(Going back and reading the previous paragraph...sweet Primus, I think I've got to STOP reading Stan Lee's tweets. Maybe I got hit upside the head by a No-Prize or something. Tiptoeing its way into my typing, the alliteration is absolutely aggrav... ... ...AAGGHHK WHAT THE SLAG STOP IT NOW) o.O

...whatever, I'm not changing it. The point at which I was trying to arrive before derailing myself was that the overhype reaaaalllly needs stoppin'. As a rule, we Wisconsinites know to have our damn bags of salt, our shovels and snowblowers at hand, ready for use, so it'd be well appreciated to tone it the hell down when reporting the impending snowstorms. I'd like 'em to quit taking up so much newstime on 'em, or I'm gonna change the channel and watch an episode of the latest Power Rangers series or somethin', just to screw up their Nielsens...and I don't particularly care for Power Rangers.

Hm. Speaking of 'ready for use', I wonder if I'd better go buy a gallon-plus of that $3.499 gasoline for the ol' blower...then again, what's been falling is the kind of stuff that could choke damn near any unit. Looks like one of those Snoopy Sno-Cone Machines threw up all over the, uh, everywhere--

+++PRIME OUT+++

Adrenaline Rush!

BotCon pre-reg is up and a go!

Prime and I are already done, by the way...

--Weasel, trying to come down off the high

Just What the Professor Ordered

On March 7th, I was able to get my grubby hands on Pokémon Black.

Let me just say this: this has been a welcome distraction. I've needed this.

For the past several weeks, I've had the damnedest time trying to write. I'm serious: I know what I want to say, I know how I want to say it, but the words cannot come from my pen. I've only been able to get out a page and a half at most. For me, that's a huge fucking drought.

A few days ago, I started writing another piece, but before I did, I messed around with my copy of Black. After putting that away, I decided to write two pages, front to back. I only had forty-five minutes before I clocked in for the day. That was doable.

I wrote four. I couldn't stop. And I've been quickly filling in a sixth. You have no idea how good that feels.

In case you're wondering, this is easily the best Pokémon game to date. The newest additions to the franchise are incredible and I'm using Pokémon that I never thought I would ever have in my party. (A Rock type? A pure Fighting type? Never used them before, but I am totally in love with my Roggenrola and my Sawk. These guys kick more ass than should be allowed by law.) Never gotten into the series? Now's a really good time to start. But don't mind me; I'm just plugging the game, is all. :)

--Weasel, off to kick another Gym leader's ass and catch another awesome 'mon...

Ugh...

I'll put something more substantial up here later; right now I feel like slag.

--Weasel, "Gonna go collapse now."

Friday Photoblog: "DAAAAAMMMMMMMIIIITTTT!!" Edition

Inside Bumblebee's Hall of Fame display case at BotCon 2010. Very self-explanatory.

(I probably won't have to fight a LEGION if this ever shows up on eBay,

but there's aaaalllways someone with a bigger slagging pocketbook, you know...)

Friday Photoblog: "Abandon all Hope...All of It, Right Now" Edition

A quick shot of the welcome (or warning) sign at the entrance to the Autobot Alliance Academy area at BotCon 2010.
(I graduated.)

Friday Photoblog: "Micro Machines" Edition

A female cosplayer, dressed as Blurr, in the Dolphin's lobby at BotCon 2010.
(...Blurr is...um...kinda hot... o.O )

COMMUNICATIONS INTERRUPT: 2.5" x 3.5"

Waterlog (yeah, a new name every time!) has certainly thrown herself full-throttle into baseball fandom.

We just ordered delivery of the baseball cards she garnered by entering Million Card Giveaway codes from Topps (mostly from the 2010 Update series, which consists of players traded or rookies who made their Major League debut during the course of the season; they cover the All-Star Game, too, which is something they didn't do back when I was initially collecting and it was simply called the Traded set). Participants could actually trade the cards they acquired with other participants to get cards they would find more desirable than what they had, which is pretty damn cool. Waterlog had a series of trades maintained right up to the end of the MCG promo, offering several cards (one or two of which were more valuable than what she wanted) in exchange for one of Bob Uecker's cards from the 1960s. She really wanted his Braves card, but would've taken a Cardinals or Phillies. Nobody bit at those, unfortunately, but somebody did take a 5-for-1 she offered in order to get Trevor Hoffman's rookie card--sure, it's a card I already have by way of owning the entire 1993 Topps Baseball set, but she wanted one of her own, and now it's coming. 'Inordinately happy' would be a good way of describing her state of mind immediately after finding out the result, yes.

(I think I've a single of it around, too, but good luck finding it...)

The MCG promo ends tomorrow, but that's not the end of this sort of thing for Waterlog--Topps is celebrating its Diamond Anniversary with--well, pretty much the same thing, but with diamond rings 'n stuff. She's around 50 cards from completing 2011 Series One, and has some cards lined up for her on the new promo site (nobody mega-special, and trading won't be available for awhile yet)...man, I dunno how far it'll go. Collectible cards of ANY stripe began getting kind of expensive when I was originally collecting, which was a big portion of the reason why I stopped for the most part in 1995; it has not gotten any better in the years since, obviously.

(I blame and name Stadium Club; a specialty card series, then, that became the forerunner of what we get as a matter of course today. Maybe I'm showing my age--blah blah blah 40¢ for a pack of 14, they were only a little glossy on one side blah blah holy cow and postage stamps went up to a quarter OH NOES...wait, I'm not allowed to do this sort of thing until I'm sixty? Dammit.)

IN ANY CASE, true then and now, it's naturally far cheaper to buy the complete base set when it's released and chase down any wanted insert cards (something ELSE that didn't really exist until the early 1990s; now where're my trifocals?!) on their own as they are made available (eBay, for the most part)...but she's having fun doing it exactly the way I used to do it--pack by pack. I'd be remiss if I didn't point that fact out, but I'd be a real dick to take that fun away from her.

Guess I'll just stick to jokingly grousing after having dinner at a nice restaurant. "$43.65? Well, that was a Leader-class Transformer. Or three Deluxes and a Scout..."--

+++PRIME OUT+++

Friday Photoblog: "I Dared" Edition

"Weird Al" in the Dealer Room at BotCon 2009.
(Yes, yes, I know, how can you tell from the back? Just trust me.)

Wreck and Rule!

Watching the Daytona 500. Before you plotz, I'm just doing this for the Wreckers.

......

Holy shit! New DOTM trailer! 'Bee looks badass!

Hrrm. Topspin spun out of the race early, Roadbuster got busted up near the end, and Leadfoot took 6th. Some 20-year-old goober won. Feh.

--Weasel, waiting for Earth to go dark...

Friday Photoblog: "Buzz Off" Edition

A snoozing honeybee, spotted before the Universal Studios tour at BotCon 2009.
(Poor little guy seemed pretty out of it; it was a nippy morning.)

The Oprah Thing...

...yes, it's the reason I'm not blogging as much. Just when you think you're starting to move forward...*BLAM!* Twelve steps back.

Friday Photoblog: "Crowd Control" Edition

The crowds at the 'Con. From BotCon 2009.
(I love organized chaos...)

...it's twenty plus days too damn long, is what...

As you may (or may not) know, two new Pokemon games will be hitting the shelves in March.

It goes without saying that I am chomping at the bit to lay hands on a copy of Black. I am absolutely going crazy here with this wait.

Now, with every generation of Pokemon, I've played favorites. There's always been at least one that has caught my eye and made me, for whatever reason, fall in love with it. It may be because it's cute, or I think it looks really cool or whatever. In any case, I know I have to have this little twerp on my team, no matter what.

In Generation one it was Eevee and Mew. In the Second gen, I went more for power and fell in love with Lugia. In the Third gen I fell hard for Latias and Latios. Fourth gen brought me the awesome known as Palkia. Fifth gen has shown that it is no exception. The games haven't even dropped yet and I'm already in love with a couple of new Pokemon. Only this time, I'm not going crazy for a some random Legendary.

Sure, I adore Reshiram, but it's these guys who have captured my attention. What Pokemon have me frothing at the mouth, waiting eagerly for this game's arrival? They are Gobitto and Goruugu.

Gobitto is just freaking adorable; I mean, all I want to do is cuddle the little bugger and coo over how cute it is. But Goruugu, oh man, Goruugu... can we say "giant honkin' robot"? Yes, we can! And we all know just how much I love me some giant honkin' robots. Seeing this kind of awesome only makes the wait so much worse.

I've got until March the freaking sixth. Honestly, I don't think I can wait that long. I'm going nuts already.

--Weasel, needing her Pokecrack like three months ago...

...and somewhere, Brett Favre is taking an angry dump in his Depends...

As everyone knows, the Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl last night. But here's an interesting bit of trivia that was brought up during the postgame show: Aaron Rodgers not only won the damn game, but got the MVP award.

Brett Favre won the Super Bowl but never got an MVP. And for some reason, that just makes me smile.

Yes, I'm evil. I fully admit it now.

--Weasel, hoping the drama queen from Mississippi will finally go the hell away!

Friday Photoblog: "All Star" Edition

Prince Fielder, looking awesome.
(Miller Park, a warm summer night, cheese fries in a helmet with Secret Stadium Sauce... Heaven...)

Free Snow

Anybody want any? We've got a slag-ton. Help yourself.

--Weasel, glad she's not in Chicago.

"Put Me In, Coach"

I am ready to play.

I'm currently watching MLB Network and wishing today was Sunday and not Monday. Brewers On Deck was a blast.

Prime and I got a bit of a late start heading down to Milwaukee; we finally arrived at quarter to eleven. We headed in, I got a couple of lotto tickets for autographs (Yovanni Gallardo and Ryan Braun). Then Prime and I hit the main attraction.

I headed over to Randy Wolf's line, paid my $10 and pulled out one of my baseball cards. Thankfully I was able to get Mr. Wolf's autograph right away; I was one of the last in line. After him was Craig Counsell. Got in that line, but I was near the back. Prime popped over while I was waiting and snagged a few of my cards for a few other autographs. While he was there, the winning lotto numbers were posted. I didn't get a chance at Ryan Braun but made it for Yovanni Gallardo. Awesome.

After getting Mr. Counsell's sig (he's a majorly awesome guy) I got in line for Yovanni Gallardo. Here's where memories of BotCon started to surface: jumping in one autograph line to the next. But it was fun.

I got Mr. Gallardo's sig and managed to catch up with Prime, who, after standing in line for an interminable interval to purchase a couple of grab bags, had managed to get autographs from Casey McGehee, LaTroy Hawkins, and Manny Parra. By now it was nearly 2 PM and we were planning on where to go and what to do next. As we were chatting, we saw a large line and asked someone near the end for whom they were waiting.

It was a line for John Axford. I immediately hopped in because there was no slagging way I was going to miss the Axman's sig. He is too awesome to miss.

Yeah, I waited in that line for damn near an hour and a half before we were allowed into the main queue. Prime ran and grabbed us some food, then disappeared into the team store for a bit...after he checked my shirt size.

When he came back, he was holding a reusable Brewers bag. According to Prime, he bought it for slags and giggles; there was nothing in it. I believed him...at first. Then he set the bag down and I heard a 'clink'.

Prime had to admit that he simply didn't buy a bag. He got a little something for my birthday and since I had sussed that out, he gave it to me a few months early.

Prime bought me a game used baseball. As in, it was used, hit and thrown during an actual game. It's dirty, covered in the clay of Miller Park but it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life.

I nearly cried. I'm not kidding you. I held that acrylic case with its precious cargo and had to fight back tears. Best. Gift. Ever.

True story: As we're still standing in Axford's line, Corey Hart walks by. We all yelled and waved. He smiled and waved back. In case you wonder: Corey Hart is really cute in person. Seriously, he is incredibly cute.

After the longest wait of my life, I got John Axford's autograph. Oh my Primus, it was so worth it! He is beyond awesome! XD

By now it was nearly 4 and things were winding down. So Prime and I decided to go ahead and make an early start on the return trip. After we got a few more pics, of course, and I managed to sneak in and get Wil Nieves's autograph on a photocard in the midst of that. I was exhausted but elated when we got to the car.

The trip back was uneventful and all too brief. I was glad to be home, but more than a little sad the day was over. It was a lot of fun, getting autographs and chatting with people. Prime, you gave me a great anniversary present last month. You have no idea how much I appreciate this. Love ya, big guy.

Now begins the excruciating wait for Spring Training and Opening Day. As of right now, I really don't want to see any more snow at all. My brain is stuck in spring, thank you very much.

--Weasel, "April to October, baby. Ain't nothin' like it."

Road Trip!

By the time everyone is up and reading this, I will be in Milwaukee, attending Brewers On Deck. Expect pics and a half-assed report later.

--Weasel, "Let's go Brewers!"

Back To (Semi) Normal

The last few weeks have been a bit trying, to put it gently. Things have gotten crazy at work and adjusting to this "new normal" hasn't been all that easy.

On the work front, there have been massive changes and even more massive rumors swirling about. Our door greeters have now been reduced to working from 10am to 10pm. If you're a cashier that's on the GM self-checks, ten to one you'll be watching the GM doors. Yeah, like you don't have enough to do watching four slagging lanes. Whatever. But that's not the worst of it. The rumor is that we'll be getting rid of the door greeters altogether. Meaning, cashiers will have to keep an eye on things. Even worse, the rumors are swirling about that we'll also see the cartpushers go the way to the dinosaur. Who will go out and take care of the lots? You guessed it: Cashiers and ICS associates.

Yeah, I'm not running around pushing carts in below zero weather. Or blazing heat, for that matter. It ain't happening.

So I keep editing my work, hoping for the best. I'm at the midpoint of a fourth notebook, which is one of the things that's keeping me sane. But at this point, I don't know how long this will last.

--Weasel, "I love my job. I love my job. I love my--oh who the fuck am I kidding?!"

Friday Photoblog: "Sweet Georgia Brown" Edition

The Harlem Globetrotters' star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. From BotCon 2009.
(I'll put something a bit more substantial up here on Saturday... I hope.)

Friday Photoblog: "Room With a View" Edition

The view from the Dolphin at Walt Disney World. From BotCon 2010.
(Temps are waaaaaaaaaaaay below freezing today. I could use some heat and humidity!)

Friday Photoblog: "This Cold is Kickin' My Ass" Edition

Aaron Archer, holding a shot of pure cuteness. From the Hasbro tour, 2007.
(Got a freaking head cold right now. It's really hard to keep my eyes open...)

"Have no fear! Once again I will save the day!"

Not anymore. (sigh) Somewhere out there, a squad of Autobots is missing its Lieutenant Commander.

Aron Kincaid, the voice behind Generation One's mighty and sophisticated Sky Lynx, has passed away. My heart and the heart of every oldschool TransFan goes out to his family and friends. The man played probably the most magnificent bastard of a Cybertronian ever, a character who did everything big and with grand showmanship--and had no problem making sure that you knew it.

Prime picked up an Encore-series reissue of the Sky Lynx toy ('reissue' being a bit of a misnomer to Japan collectors, who didn't get the toy back in the 80s) at some past convention. It was well within sight when Prime told me the news last night. I think I hugged that toy for a good hour, trying not to cry.

Some days, I think I ought to just say 'screw it' and see about moving to the L.A. area, else I'm never going to meet very many more of the people who helped, in ways large or small, to shape my childhood. (I have to face it, as great as BotCon is, the people behind it have a time of it in trying to get new guests. Seems like even holding it in Pasadena only imparts a bit more leeway.)

Wonder what Prime would say about such a move. Probably, the phrase 'I don't think so', in his best Rhinox voice, would be used...

--Weasel, "We miss you, Commander Modesty." (/sad grin)

Friday Photoblog: "Wish You Were Here!" Edition

A view of the surrounding city, as seen from Universal Studios Hollywood. From BotCon 2009.
(Headin' back to Cali this year. Can't wait.)

Five Degrees of Pissed Off

As of this very moment, it is taking every bit of restraint in my body not to throw my stupid mouse across the room.

I was doing a few rewrites and edits to my work and thought I had saved. Or rather, I was attempting to save when the fucking mouse pulled the "What the fuck, you don't need this shit open anymore" bullshit that it's been pulling for the past few weeks. So my file was closed out. Before I could save.

When I reopened the file, I could see the word count was off.

There went a thousand words and a shit-ton of tweaking on my part. I'm surprised I'm not mute right now, I howled so loudly. (Oh, and I have a chest cold. That'll do wonders for my slagging voice.)

Prime's pretty much under orders: New mouse. Now.
No, I have zero desire to use the damned touchpad; that's the little fucker who "helped" reformat my work several weeks ago without me asking. That was damn near a week of cursing I'd rather forget.

Here's hoping Prime can do something with Auto Recover. If not, I'm fucked. And doing this shit again tomorrow. :grumble:

--Weasel, "Me, the old mouse and a sledgehammer. That's all the hell I'm asking for..."

Out With the Old

Okay 2010, get out of here already! We're tired of you!

--Weasel, "Bring on 2011!"

Friday Photoblog: "Make-Up, Please!" Edition

An unpainted Robot Heroes Bumblebee prototype, spotted in the Hasbro case at BotCon 2007.
(Hey, Hasbro? I hope you gave him a good home. If you don't want him, I'll take him. Hint, hint...)

And So It Goes...

Currently listening to: Who's Theme*

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. Usually by this time, I'm in full-on Nostalgia mode, not wanting the year to end as it always seems to go too fast.

That's not the case this time.

tsuretette
anata no basho e
kaze ni natte
iki wo hisomete
tsuretette
anata wa doko e
toki wo koe
kokoro hodoite

I want this year to end and I want it to end now. The last few months haven't been great, so I'd rather get through this slag and start looking forward to the future than get mired in the past.

yureru hi damari
shiroku tooku
ate mo shiranai
kioku hodoku
kaoru himawari imada ni chiranai
kinaga ni

Now, not everything about this year blew. I saw Trevor Hoffman's 600th save. I went to BotCon and hung out with my friends. I've all but completed a manuscript. And I spent another year with Prime. But the last two months haven't been so wonderful and I'd love nothing more than to leave that behind. And 2011 has a lot to look forward to, trust me.

oshiete yo subete wo shitteshimau fuan
nanoni naze shiritakunaru yuragu omoi wo

haru natsu aki fuyu kanadete
asu wo yuku tabi tsumikasanete
kidzukeba anata to
yume no hate made

In February, we'll have the start of Spring Training. March 6th brings us Pokemon Black and White and on the 31st is Opening Day. In April is DairyCon. June brings BotCon and July we'll see the release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Like I said, there's a lot to look forward to next year.

tsuretette
anata no basho e
kaze ni natte
iki wo hisomete
tsurete tte
anata wa doko e
toki wo koe
kokoro hodoite

Usually during this time of year, I 'm pretty much stuck in the past. I don't like looking forward and I'm not all that fond of change. But after November, a part of me changed.

mimi wo sumasete
tasogareru made
kakureta mama de
mukae matte
kimagurena kaze kikkake
mekurete omoide

ano koro nanigenaku kikoeteita kotoba
itsukara ka kokoro no naka
ookiku shimeru

The idea of looking back doesn't appeal to me as much. I think I'd rather look ahead at what's coming rather than sigh and weep for what's gone. I can't go back and change things. The past is over and done. It's best for me to simply keep walking, keep going to whatever destiny I may meet.

ano koro nanigenaku kikoeteita kotoba
itsukara ka kokoro no naka
ookiku shimeru

In other words, "No regrets." I can't change anything. Just accept it all and move on. If not, I will miss out on everything.

haru natsu aki fuyu kanadete
asu wo yuku tabi tsumikasanete
kidzukeba anata to
yume no hate made

Now, that doesn't mean I don't get nostalgic; I still do. Hell, I've been giggling my ass off thinking about Cincy lately! But I don't have this overwhelming urge to say, "If I had a frakking time machine, I'd go back and change (insert whatever incident here)."

Even if the damned machine existed, I wouldn't use it. There's no point. Just enjoy whatever life may bring, make new memories and be happy with what I've got. That's my motto now.

tsuretette
anata no basho e
kaze ni natte
iki wo hisomete
tsurete tte
anata wa doko e
toki wo koe
kokoro hodoite

Have a happy 2011, wherever you may be.




* Who's Theme was the ending song for the twelth episode of Samurai Champloo and one of my favorite songs. It has a dreamy quality about it and simply sounds like an ending. For those reasons, it seemed to fit for an end of the year type post. Hope you enjoy it.

Friday Photoblog: "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" Edition

A shot of beautiful Miller Park. From 2008.
(We might be in the sinus-bleeds--not quite the Uecker seats, but pretty high up--but I don't care. It's Miller Park. Therefore, it's awesome.)

*snerk*

So Prime's out doing the snowblowing thing... and he's wearing a mask. As in "cover the whole face" type mask.

He looks like a ninja. And every time I looked at him before he walked outside, I giggled. I think it drove him a little nuts. But hey, at least he's a warm ninja!

--Weasel, "Ninja, make snow vanish!"

Sometimes You Just Need to Scream

Saturday night was another "Nerd's Night Out", so to speak. Our friend Shawn dropped by so we ran around town and screwed around, which was a needed distraction in my case. I wish it had lasted a bit longer, honestly.

When Prime and I got home, we sat in the car and talked a bit. Then it all came out.

Yeah, I had a pretty good cry while sitting in the car. You have no slagging idea how much that helped. It felt as though six tons had been lifted from my shoulders. I felt so much better. No joke.

The next day I actually walked into my store with a small smile on my face. I actually started joking with people instead of giving the usual "polite" and standard greetings. I felt so much better than I have in weeks.

I'm not at 100% yet. I'd say I'm at around 75 to 83%, personally. But I'm a lot better. I think I'm actually "climbing out of the hole".

The only way out is up. I just have to keep going.

Once: Parte Dos

(Yes, the title is in Spanish. I only hope I didn't screw it up.)

So on Thursday, Prime and I headed out to our local Mexican restaurant to have a small, low key anniversary celebration. First off, I did imbibe. I'm thinking next time I might order a damn pitcher of margaritas and split it with one of my friends. (Hey, DA! If you ever head up this way, feel free. It'll be a party!) Second off, my guy is quite possibly the most romantic guy on the planet. Seriously.

The card he picked was perfect. Very sweet and perfect. And the gift? It was perfect. Diamonds are a girl's best friend, you know.

I'm talking baseball diamonds, of course. I'm going to Brewers On Deck! Best. Gift. EVAH!

Third of all: never drink a margarita and have anything spicy. Alcohol + pepper high = instant drunk. But hey, it was a party!

Eleven years and now heading into our twelfth. I have no words except: I love you, Prime. Always.

--Weasel, "Stop gagging. I'll turn the sarcasm back on later."

October Special in the Making?

It's been all over the news now: the Brewers now have Zack Greinke. I have to admit, I'm not all that thrilled with what we lost in the deal; we gave up Escobar and Lorenzo Cain to get Greinke and I really enjoyed watching Cain play. He was passionate and that always makes it fun. But I can't lie here: I have high hopes for Greinke as he wants nothing more than to get to the postseason.

I've got four words for you: Let's get him there.

2008 was a taste of "what could have been"--the Brewers could have gotten to the Series for the first time in 26 years. You have no idea how badly I want that. I want the Crew in the Series. And I want them to win. Ever since Prime got me hooked on this sport, I've wanted nothing more than to see the Crew winning the Series. I keep saying at the end of every season, "Next year."

Let's make this happen. I want 2011 to end with fireworks and not a whimper.

--Weasel, "Let's go Brewers! To the Series!"

Friday Photoblog: "It's Evolution, Baby!" Edition

Various body studies of movie Bumblebee. From the Hasbro tour, BotCon 2007.
(It's rather interesting to see the earlier forms and compare them to what we got in the finished product, isn't it?)

Brat'ja

Wednesday, as I rang up yet another order and stared blankly at the piles of groceries and Christmas presents that were stacked in fron of me, the questions started to swirl about in my head yet again.

Why did she keep me? What makes me so damned special? Why didn't she keep him instead? Why the hell did I get to stay with my actual family and not my brother? Why?!

My throat began to close and my vision blurred. I had to silence my thoughts or I would have burst into tears while standing at my register. Worse still, a song began to run through my head, namely Brat'ja from Full Metal Alchemist. It's completely in Russian and the lyrics can be found here. You're warned: it's not a happy song. But then again, Full Metal Alchemist isn't exactly sweetness and light.

Normally, I can only stand the original version of a song but as of late, the English version has really resonated with me. The lyrics strike a cord and I catch myself singing them softly under my breath.

I'll be honest--when I heard the last verse of the English version, I nearly cried. It was like a slap to the face.

I'm living through survivor's guilt. And it's eating me alive. I keep asking why in the name of Primus I was the chosen one and I don't have any answers. I just keep hearing Edward Elric's voice telling me to get up and walk, that I've got two good legs and should use them.

And he's right. But it's so hard to keep walking sometimes.

So where do we go from here?
And how to forget and forgive?
What's gone is forever lost.
Now all we can do is live.

Eleven

You're already tired of seeing me type here, I know. You'll live--you've no choice. Nyah.

So Wingnut--I mean Weasel--no, I meant Wingnut, I hate Weasel, Wingnut at least sounds like something with which a Cybertronian would get tagged, and if I can't use her real Autobot alias, I'm gonna use something that doesn't sound overly generic and wasn't a target in one of Weird Al's songs--and I are celebrating our eleventh anniversary today. Yeah, eleven, not first. We were finally married back in September of last year, true. I don't give a lot of weight to that date, in all honesty. Somewhat asininely, I put only a silver trophy on the day we first met at BotCon '99. Gold star goes to the day she replied to my initial e-mail to her--and I still can't say exactly why I inquired as to the status of her ActionMaster Bumblebee, aside from perhaps general wonkiness. Nope, the unobtanium quantum singularity goes to the day I flew in a southeasterly direction and met her just off the disembarcation gangway. Thus began our life together.

Yeah, I said 'thus'. Weld it shut.

I'll be taking her to what has apparently become her favorite restaurant tonight, where she'll doubtlessly snarf a trio of enchiladas that have been drowned in molé (ugh, that stuff is a travesty, really--capsaicin burn and pepper high or GTFO). She might actually partake of a frozen margarita of her own rather than guzzle half o' mine. Hopefully Ensign Lightweight there won't fall asleep from such a pithy amount of José freakin' Cuervo before I hand her a REDACTED BECAUSE I KNOW YOU'RE READING THIS WHILE I'M AT WORK WINGNUT HA HA, which upon seeing she'll likely break out into tears. Or a ridiculous grin. Or song--y'know, I'm never quite sure with her.

Which is all part of the fun for eleven years.

Happy Anniversary, Bunny Convoy.

+++PRIME OUT+++

Heard Around The House

Time: a few weeks ago
Place: upstairs near the bedroom.

Me: (irritated after Prime playfully smacks my arm) Knock it off, you lousy piece of ass!
Prime: Woman, last night you said I was a choice piece of ass. Make up your damn mind, bitch!
Me: (doubled over laughing)

COMMUNICATIONS INTERRUPT: Most Wonderful Time of the Year, My Skidplate

So the first major snowfall of the year for Wisconsin has come and gone, thankfully. That was some fairly bitter scrapmetal, there, that made me wish I had had a snowblower canopy. Or a ski mask. Or a winter cap. (Well, Weasel took care of the latter pair last night. Think I'm on my own for the former.)

Damned wind could not seem to choose a direction and stick with it. North, south, east or west, it seemed whichever direction I pushed that ol' John Deere winter warhorse was against the wind, and the blown snow invariably wound up in my face and down my jacket. (Thankfully, Weasel was not in much position to lay optics upon my beardage displaying more white than usual; she would've tried to get a snapshot and I would've had to hit her in the face with the shovel I didn't want to use yet or something equally absurdly hilarious.)

Add to that the city's inexplicably quarter-assed (they're not getting credit enough for a pronouncement of half-assed from me) job of plowing the streets and I had a dammit-I-am-already-tired-of-this-slag series of moments in clearing the driveway and sidewalks. (How the city plows managed to leave several centimeters on the roads and yet create a 60cm wall in our driveway, I can't fathom.)

The city did finally make another pass-through this morning, it seems--there was a smaller wall in the driveway waiting for us to leave for work. Far easier to get Scamper up-and-over that.

I shouldn't complain too much, I suppose. This is my home state, I chose to live here, it could be said I dragged Weasel here...I may be a moron.

Just waiting for the next damned snowfall--

+++PRIME OUT+++

Friday Photoblog: "BOOM! Headshot" Edition

Various headshots of Bumblebee from the early stages of the 2007 Transformers Movie. BotCon 2007.
(Is it just me, or does he really, really soulful eyes? Maybe it's just me...)

Friday Photoblog: "Down to Business" Edition

A Hasbro employee explains some of the different processes that go into toy manufacturing. From BotCon 2007.
(I believe this was dealing with paint apps.)

Friday Photoblog: "Peek-A-Boo!" Edition

The Club store, with the Bumblebee display in the background. From BotCon 2010.
(Just moments before I took this shot, I had a very small freakout.)

Friday Photoblog: "Denim Blues" Edition

Bumblebee sign in the Boy's Dept at my local Wal-Mart.
(Guess who wasn't allowed to keep the damn sign?!)