Saturday, April 5, 2014

VegasCon 2014: Day 3

Sunday was a very bittersweet day. We were still reeling from our amazing day with the J's. Once again I barely got any sleep because the realization of how much my moment with Jared meant to me hit me and I broke down and cried. Tears of joy and just being overwhelmed with how much he went out of his way to be so kind to me and make that moment special for me.

Getting ready was also a little sad that day because we knew it was the last time. I hadn't planned a specific outfit for that day and I just kind of put it together, but it actually ended up being my favorite one (Jim Michaels liked my scarf!)!
We went downstairs to get our wristbands once again. Then we went back to Starbucks for breakfast. Chad Linburg was actually sitting at a table in the corner and I wanted to go talk to him and tell him how much I enjoyed his but he was of course surrounded by fans. We had a nice, relaxing breakfast though. Reflecting on yesterday's events and sharing our excitement for the day ahead. 

We had one last welcome from Rich and EWB. It was amazing how much energy they still had on Day 4. I can't say enough great things about those guys. They were the heart of the con, they kept the energy up and made the whole experience even more enjoyable, I LOVE THEM! 

The first panel of the day was Guy Norman Bee. (Guy Norman A, and C wee so disappointed Sweet Johnny didn't choose them.) He is one of my favorite directors on the show, so it was really cool to sit in on. He gave great insight to the behind the scenes and was a super nice guy. I had a chance to talk to him afterwards and get his autograph, I told him I loved his episodes and he said "that means a lot, because we tend to do this in a bubble and don't always get to hear that." This is just another amazing example of how everyone within in the Supernatural family makes you feel like family.

Then was the ever adorable Felicia Day. A fan had made a compilation video of other fans thanking her and highlighting her work. It was a beautiful video, and Felicia got teary eyed when she came out. This made me cry too.

Felecia was super sweet and funny. She was also, like everybody very inspiring. My favorite thing she said was in regard to a question about being a "fake geek girl" meaning that if you were new to something you couldn't possibly love it as much as someone who had been invested for years. She said "I think that's bullshit." She explained that the "geek community" or and subculture was a place for outsiders and that we should be accepting of everybody. I've had experiences with other "communities" and not feeling welcome in them, feeling like I wasn't "good enough". Supernatural is one place that is not like that at all. Felecia was delightful and so sweet to all her fans. You could tell she was so thankful to be there.

After Felicia's panel we had a break. So we decided to go back to the vendors room. My mom wanted to get a picture of Jensen and she needed my help picking one out. She got a gorgeous picture that she'll get him to sign later. :) 

Then it was time for Misha's second panel. I honestly feel like I know Misha at this point. I saw him so many times over the weekend and he just has a way about him that makes you feel at ease. I wasn't planning on taking a lot of pictures because I had taken them the day before and I wanted to save some battery for Mark and Mark. But when he said "I have a special guest, you may know him from his work on the small screen..." I knew immediately I had to capture it. West came out on stage and everybody awwwwed. We started screaming "We love you West!" Misha said "What is going on? They know your name. That's kinda weird huh?"

West was completely adorable and of course ended up stealing the show. Misha also pointed out that Victoria "was NOT sitting in the front row wearing a pink tank top!" They also had friends visiting and it was really sweet that they were both there to support Misha.

The next big event was Mark Sheppard and Mark Pellegrino. These guys were so much fun. They have amazing chemistry together, even though they were never on the show together.
Both of them are also absolutely charming in person. Mark S. walked around in the audience, and even found Osric in the front row and sat on his lap proclaiming "I found Kevin!"

The audience agreed that they would love to see Crowley and Lucifer fight against each other for reign over hell (where else do you have discussions like this besides a Supernatural convention? haha, I love it.) And Mark P. said "I'd kick his ass."

Once again, these guys were great. Like everyone, that had a way of making you feel comfortable. They were very candid and funny. 

After Mark2 was the grand finale, the most wild, random and crazy panel of the whole weekend. I have just one word for you...Sebastian!

I don't think he answered a single question. He would start to but then get so far off topic, he would then go back to the person who asked and say "I'm sorry, what was your question darling?" There was Matthew McConnuhey impression "alright alright alright!" And a lovely song entitled "I Like My Girls" accompanied by dancing and running through the aisles of course. There was also song inspired by a flower crown a fan had that Sebastian then put on. "My Flower Crown" was basically a slowed down version of "I Like My Girls".

He also went on about his theory that he could be Jesus come back to earth. "What if it was me? What if it was me and you didn't know it?!" It ended with a shirt being ripped off and a guitar "solo" with some help from Sweet Johnny. Haha, Sebastian I love you. 

After Sebastian's panel we had a farewell from Rich. It felt like the end of summer camp or something. I was so sad I wasn't going to be able to hang out with these guys the next day. Before we finally said goodbye, Misha came back on stage and spoke for everyone we he said to Rob "we are all so fucking happy to have you here." Rob went on to explain that he was so happy to be back and could "feel the love from every single one of you." Misha then started the cheering of "Rob Rob Rob Rob!" Again, watch the video. It was a beautiful moment that I'm so happy I could be a part of.



The absolute perfect ending to my VegasCon was getting Misha's autograph. I was getting it for my friend Brantlee who asked me if she bought the ticket if I would get it for her and of course I said yes!

 We had a while to wait because Misha still had to do photo ops, and of course there were A LOT people in the photo op line. At this point it felt surreal that the con was over. Everyone waiting sat around in the panel room which really felt like home. I sat on the floor while charging my phone and reflecting on the truly awesome and amazing weekend I'd just had. I was exhausted by this point but still excited for Misha. 

They finally told us to start lining up and even though I'd seen him several times in the past two days I got a little shaky when I got in line. Misha came out and sat down at the table. I know he was exhausted but he took time to talk to every single person. When I got up there I said "Hi." He said "Hi." I told him I was so excited to finally meet him cause I'd seen so much the past two days and I did this little dance saying "I get to meet Misha!" just...why. But he smiled. He held out his hand and we shook hands. He asked how the weekend had been. I told him it was awesome and that it was my first time. He asked if I would do it again and I said "definitely!" I told him "Thank you." and he winked. He was so approachable and adorable. 

Then as we were walking down the hallway on the way to dinner we ran into Jim Michaels. I had to stop him and asked him for a high five because he was so awesome. He said "sure, I think you guys are awesome!"  He complimented my scarf and then my mom reminded him that I had an idea for a Season 9 DVD extra for a tour of The Bunker that he replied to. And he said he thought they did it, so we'll see! 

I can not tell you enough how nice every single person I met at VegasCon from cast, to crew, to fans was. If you have never been to one, you have to go. It was a life changing experience for me. I feel like I am part of something now. And something so special. Family was the theme of the weekend. And I truly feel like I am a part of the Supernatural family now. All of us that were there are bonded and will always have the memories of this amazing weekend. It may have been my first con, but it will not be my last. Cons are a part of my life now as much as Supernatural is a part of my life. SPN FAMILY FOREVER!


VegasCon 2014: Day 2: Part 3

After our photo ops we were still in disbelief. We caught up with Angie again and shared our experiences. When retelling my Jared story this time I found myself being a giddy. We squeed and had a little fangirl moment before we made our way back to the panel room for the J2 panel.

If of the panel room seats were ever empty, this was the one time it was packed. We all sat with anticipation. There truly was magic (or hair product ;), right Rich?) in the air. I was really excited about seeing Jensen because I hadn't yet. And while seeing Jared in person was the most amazing thing ever, there is something about seeing them together.

We were once again welcomed by the awesome Elastic Waste Band. "Tango" (aka Rob) said "alright we've still got a few more minutes but here's one to get you in the mood. He and the guys began playing "The Boys Are Back In Town". Everybody started cheering, and amidst our clapping and wooing the gate on the stage that all the guests came out if began to open. Jensen emerged, jumpy and excited, hitting a cowbell with a drumstick. Everyone kept cheering and Jensen continued to dance around on stage. But Jared still hadn't taken the stage yet. I turned to my mom and we both said "where's Jared???". 

EWB kept playing but changed the lyrics in the chorus to "the BOY is back in town..." and we were STILL waiting on Jared. Then FINALLY Jared made his entrance. Beating on a tambourine, he emerged from the gate, slapping his butt with the tambourine and making us all laugh. They both hugged Rob and the rest of the band and looked so happy to see them. They were all smiles and fun.


(Note, this is not my photo. I somehow didn't catch a photo of this moment. Thanks to Karen Cooke Photography.)

Everyone was cheering like crazy and the boys went for a big finish on the song, jumping up and landing on the final note. Then Rich came back on stage and said "Tambourine and Cowbell, everyone." I love the rapport the entire cast has with each other. They all get along so well, and it's a beautiful thing to see. I had watched so many panels on YouTube and I couldn't believe I was actually at one. I had dreamed about actually sitting there and looking at them with my own eyes. I'd imagined how beautiful they'd be in person. And all of my expectations were exceeded. As Jared said in the panel actually "I hate when people answer a what's it like question with "I can't describe it you just have to experience it."", but you do. The excitement, the energy, the feeling that this is surreal but at the same time you know it is reality. And the unbelievable beauty of the two of them together in person. I can not even begin to describe how much more beautiful they are in person. TV does not do them justice, truly.

Jared was walking around waving at the crowd. He put his hand over his eyes to look out at us. It's the sweet little things like this that they do that make you feel like they care about you just as much as you care about them, and they do. 

Jared welcomed us all with his signature "Hi guys." He went on to say it was so good to see us all tonight and that he didn't get to say that too often. He said "I feel like a rockstar." Jensen said to this "well you're in the presence of rockstars!" gesturing to the band. And he continued "Laaaas Vegasss...we love Las Vegas!"

Jared asked if they could turn the house lights up "just a little bit, just to make it sexy." They did and Jensen said "oh it's sexy." Jared asked who's first time it was. I along with my mom and several others raised their hands and cheered. Jared officially welcomed us to "the crazy Supernatural family" and said we were stuck now "there's no getting out." This was a beautiful, heartwarming moment. I truly felt like a became a part of the SPN family this weekend and in that moment.


Then they started taking questions. I noticed that when pondering questions, Jared becomes very introverted, thinking inside himself while Jensen seems to think outward. It was an interesting observation and almost a reversal of their personalities. I won't go through all the questions, because you'll get more out of it if you watch it than by me describing it. And I honestly didn't remember them all until I watched it again on YouTube, I was so mesmerized by the boys that I missed some of them. 


One of the cutest moments I caught was when Jensen was talking about the rift between the brothers and gestured to Jared saying "and I mean what a jerk." To this Jared took off one of his shoes and made a pouty face. Everyone awwwwed and clapped. Jensen just had this look on his face like "really?" but he couldn't help but smile and laugh a little too.

One of the most inspiring tidbits I took away from this panel was Jared's answer to a question about Sam feeling like a black sheep, which is one of the biggest reasons I relate to Sam. Asking if he always felt like that and if he still felt like that He explained that at some point in their lives everyone feels like an outsider but that it was his job to make sure Sam felt comfortable in his own skin. No matter what situation, and that the right people will understand you. Have I mentioned that I love Jared? Because I do. So very much.

One of the funnier moments was when a fan asked "If you, Jared and Jensen were gods" Jared got this smirk on his face and said "well". Everybody laughed. "Continue" Jensen said. "What would we have to do to get you to come?" J&J along with the crowd lost it. Jensen got up and started posing. "Bonjour, I have arrived." I really love seeing Jensen get silly. Jared acted disgusted and said "I'll tell you what wouldn't make me arrive, is that!" Haha I love these guys.

There were so many great moments, too many to list. Seriously watch the panel posted by someone who broke the "Rules and Regulations". But one of the most amazing moments was when the boys started rapping "Ice Ice Baby" referenced by Jared earlier, EWB started playing it and the boys looked at each I the and started laughing. Jensen picked up his microphone and said "come on" to Jared. Jared said "I'm not gonna do it!" But eventually they both started rapping, Jared made it up to the first chorus and then started banging on the cowbell with Rich.

(Note, not my photo. If this is yours let me know and I'll give you credit.)

It was an awesome, amazing, and inspiring panel. If these were not already my favorite boys in the world, they certainly are now. I fell ten times more in love with them after being in the same room with them. I will never forget the magic of seeing them in person for the first time. I wish I could relive the hour I spent with them over and over again. 


VegasCon 2014: Day 2: Part 2

After Osric's panel it was nothing but a waiting game. We wanted to go check our makeup in the restroom before we went back to wait for our photos. We ran into our friend Angie who was at the Gold Lunch and said they looked wonderful (of course!) When we came back we had Jim Michael's panel and again I'm so sorry, but I didn't get any pictures because I was so nervous. It was a really delightful panel though, and he reassured me on a lot if things. He said about Sam and Dean fighting "the best part of fighting is making up." And that when ever the show does end "you guys will never let us end this!" that "they won't be on opposite sides." That was really all I needed to hear, thank you Jim.

When Jim's panel was over that was it. It was time. We still had a while to wait, but didn't want to go anywhere. We just shared our nervousness with the girls sitting next to us. They started with the Jared and Jensen Duo ops. It felt like an eternity and that it was rushing by at the same time. Then it was time for Jensen ops. My mom was #180 and when they called numbers 150-200, I have her a hug, told her I loved her and she was in her way. I was super emotional and nervous for her as well as myself while she was gone. I can feel that same nervousness right now. I kept checking the door to see her come back. She finally did and I stood up asking her "SO???" She said "he's the most beautiful man I've ever seen." I asked her how it went and she told me she couldn't speak. He told her "you're okay, just hug me and smile." and then leaned his head on her's and said "ya good?" She nodded and he said "thank you." The thing is she was way more confident than I was, so I knew I was screwed for Jared. 

They FINALLY started calling Jared photo ops. It didn't seem real. I could barely think, my nerves were taking over my body. But I tried to focus on the numbers on the screen. 1-100, 150-200, 200-250, and then finally 250-300. I stood up shakily and began walking out into the hallway. I got in line and I could barely feel my legs moving. The line moved so quickly and literally right when I stepped inside the room, I saw him. All I could say was "Oh my God." My heart was pounding and I got tears in my eyes. I started fanning my face so I would stop crying, and the amazingly sweet girl in front of me asked me "is it your first time?" I told her yes. She took my hand and said "you'll be fine, he is the nicest person in the world and when he sees how excited you are to meet him, he'll be even more excited." She held my hand until I felt more calmed down. I kept my eyes on Jared the whole time. He was so adorable posing with everybody, and thanking them afterwards. I passed Cliff and the girl in front of me chatted with him. Then it got real. I got closer and closer to Jared. The girl in front of me went up for her photo. The volunteer took my ticket ripped it off and handed it back to me. The girl in front of me was talking to Jared as she walked away and he was facing her. I stared at the beauty of his stature: his broad shoulders and his beautiful hair (OMG it was so beautiful) for half a second and then he turned around to face me. I honestly don't know how I didn't burst into tears. But I just said "Hi." He said "Hi." I told him "I'm shaking so bad." we were still a couple of inches apart when I said this, but then he said as if it was all one word "oh no don't." "I'll hold you tight!" Then he lunged down to get to my height, his front leg was bent down to my hip level, and his back leg was extended out behind me. He squeezed me in as close to him as he possibly could and wrapped his arms around me all in one motion. Somehow I got my arms around him, but I don't remember it happening. Chris took the picture and I had no idea what my face looked like, except that I was the happiest I'd ever been in my life. After the picture was taken Jared didn't let go of me, it was like he knew I had something to say to him. He stood up to his full height and we both still had our arms wrapped around each other. I looked up at him, directly into his beautiful eyes and was lost in them for a second. I said "I love you so much." He looked in my eyes the whole time he said "I love you back" with this adorable little head tilt "you're a doll." I didn't want it to end, but it had to. I just told him "thank you so much." Our eyes still locked, he took my hands and said "thank you." It was literally the most perfect moment, I could not have planned it better. He is the sweetest and most genuine person I have ever met. He made me feel like we were the only two people who were in the room. He will never know how much that moment meant to me. 

My photo op:

I'm so happy with how it came out! Perfect Jared with his arms wrapped around me. And my huge smile because I was the happiest I could ever be!

And I forgot to mention in my initial summary (I don't know what's wrong with me!) and people have asked but he smelled AMAZING! I can't pinpoint an exact smell...cologney and amazing, that's all I can describe it as. And height (I think he's taller than 6'4", 6'5" at least) and hair, and scruff, and rock hard chest and huge arms and hands around me, and entrancing green eyes, and ooh. And although I was so thrilled and amazed to be there in his embrace, he made me feel so comfortable. I could and WOULD live in those arms. I feel like I'll never be able to describe just how truly amazing it  was. 

I walked out of the room on a Jared high. I touched my heart in disbelief of what had just happened. My mom told me she was going to be in the vendors room, so I made my way down there to find her. I spotted her in the hall. I walked up to her quickly and I started crying. She said "could you not speak?" I said "no." And I had to take a moment to collect myself to tell her what had happened. I told her and she just hugged me and I started crying some more. I told her thank you, and that she was the best mom ever for giving me that moment. 

We had about an hour before J2 panel so we decided to go up to our room and charge our phones and grab a drink before the big event. 

Get ready for J2 panel and a LOT of pictures!

VegasCon 2014: Day 2: J DAY

I already know this is going to be a multi- parter, because I have A LOT to say about this day. It started off really early. I couldn't get to sleep the night before in anticipation of the epic events that we're going to take place the next day. I woke up at 6 am because I was so excited. And I did cry a little bit because I couldn't believe it was finally here, the day I'd been dreaming about and preparing for for so long. Luckily we did have a while before the first panel started so I could take my time getting ready. This was my J DAY outfit:
We left the room in disbelief that this was actually happening. We got to the convention hall and once again turned in our tickets and got our Saturday wristbands. Then we turned in our photo op PDFs and got our official tickets. I'm getting butterflies in my stomach as I write this, because this was the moment it became REAL. We were meeting Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles!!!
After we got our tickets we still had time to kill. Even though neither of us felt like we could eat, we knew we needed to.  So we decided to get breakfast at Hash House A Go Go. I didn't post a lot of food porn pics over the weekend, but my bacon waffle was delicious.
Over breakfast I started tearing up again. I knew I had to get myself together, but honestly my emotions were all over the place that day and crying came in waves. Suddenly it would just hit me. We finished breakfast (all that we could eat) and went back to the panel room. The panel room really started to feel like home. We spent more time there than any other place. Our Saturday seats were the closest and when we sat down we couldn't believe we were going to be that close to J2!
Then we had another fabulous welcome from Rich, where he said "what have we got going on today?" "Oh we got some tall guys." Everybody started cheering. He said "can you feel it?" "That's not magic in the air...it's hair product!" LOL "Jared and Jensen" *screaming* and we got a slower variation of "Ruuuules and Regulaaaations". Rich made the announcement that there had been a change in the schedule, he didn't know "why there was a change in the schedule. But this lead to a last minute panel from Rich and Rob which was absolutely delightful. 
Then it was Chad Linburg's panel. And I finally got a picture of him! (I saw him all around all weekend. His panel was really awesome, he brought along a lot of paranormal investigation tools. As well as Aaron Goodwin from Ghost Adventures! He set up a couple of EMF detectors on either side of the stage and it almost immediately started going off and as he said "sometimes you just gotta go with it". He brought out his EVP and asked if there were any spirits in the room with us, it went into a static beep. Then he asked if it followed them from Bonnie Springs (where he'd done his ghost hunt on Thursday night) and again a static beep. He asked if it remembered him and nothing, but THEN he asked if it remembered Aaron and a voice CLEARLY said "Aaron"! It gave me goosebumps and definitely convinced me to go on the ghost hunt next year! Chad's panel was awesome, he's such a cool guy! 


Then it was Matt and Rich's panel, and Rob joined in (R2M). I'm definitely planning on getting a photo op with them next year because I love them so much! Their bromance is one of the cutest things ever. I couldn't get enough of these guys, seriously they're all great. 

Then it was time for the costume contest. At this point we decided to explore the vendors room, because neither of us were entering. The vendors room was awesome! I wanted to buy so many things and it was so hard to choose! I didn't think I needed ANOTHER Supernatural T-shirt but I wish I had gotten a big Purgatory Tour or Elastic Waste Band one to sleep in. *slaps forehead* NEXT TIME! I ended up with a couple of really pretty pictures (one signed by Guy Norman Bee!) and a shot glass. 

Then we headed back to the panel room where the costume contest was wrapping up. "The Castiel Division" was the last group. And I'm SO happy we caught the final line up because none other than MISHA COLLINS was the judge!!! 

He came out and of course everybody was cheering like crazy! He looked ADORABLE!!! My mom and I turned to each other and screamed "he's soooo cute!!!" And that was the official start of Misha's panel. One of the first questions was about directing for TV for first time, and he said he always thought directing for TV was kind of an easier job than directing a movie. Then Jim Micheals walked out, scolding him and Misha jumped off the stage and stared running through the chairs and in the aisles! He went right past me! He said "damn it! why didn't anybody tell me he was in the room!"

Osric also made an appearance dressed as the Running Amok logo, half of his body was painted green and half blue. They were super adorable together. Misha saying "how you been buddy?" After Osric hugged him getting blue and green paint on his jacket! :P

Misha's first panel was fantastic. He is just as adorable and hilarious as he always comes across  This was my first HUGE thrill of the weekend because MISHA! I saw him so much this past weekend that I feel like I know him, and ugh I just love this man so much.
We had a short break in between Misha and Osric's panels. And I went to use the restroom, on my way back I saw Cliff! And that's when I realized OMG JARED AND JENSEN ARE IN THE BUILDING!!! I went back and told my mom. I was totally freaking out! But we had to settle down for Osric's panel and I apologize  that I didn't get any pictures during because Jared was so close and my nerves were sinking in. But he was great and very inspiring. In the middle of it we were loud cheers from the next room...FOR J2. I heard Jared say something, I couldn't tell exactly what but I knew it was his voice. I maaaay have freaked out a lot. I said "I heard Jared's voice!" really loudly and did some form of convulsing. Seriously people were looking at me. But this was only the beginning of my excitement for the rest of the day. I'll be back for part 2: PHOTO OPS!!!

VegasCon 2014: Day 1: Part 2

We took a break in between panels and karaoke. We stopped by the awesome Burger King "whopper bar" which was full of con attendees, and went back up to the room to recount the events of the day and get ready for that night.

My Ruby inspired outfit for Karaoke:
By the time we got downstairs around 10pm the line was already craaaazy long! But it finally started moving and we went inside to get the party started!

Matt & Rich were still busy with autographs and photo ops so we had to wait a little while for them to make their entrance, but when they did it was awesome!
This was my first time seeing Matt, and he is absolutely GORGEOUS!
Rob also came back on stage and kicked things off with an awesome version of "Jessie's Girl"
And we were even lucky enough to get a performance from Jim Michaels!

We ended up leaving Karaoke around midnight because it started to hit us just how tired we actually were and we knew tomorrow was going to be a big day. But it was such a fun time! Next, get ready for a lot of gushing...J DAY!!!

VegasCon 2014: Travel Day

My mom and I arrived in Vegas on Thursday March 13th, the first official day of VegasCon 2014. We had an early flight out of Atlanta. The plane ride was pretty smooth, but it felt like it took forever because I was so anxious! Then we finally landed in Vegas!
 
When we arrived at the Rio (the hotel where the convention is held) we got in the line to check in and literally 5 minutes later Osric Chau walk through the doors! He was probably hoping to go through unnoticed, but when I spotted him I couldn't help it, I totally fangirled! I said "OMG Osric, I'm totally freaking out right now!" He smiled really big and said "we're in Vegas! I'm so excited!" I feel bad that I brought attention to him, but he had such a great attitude and it was a perfect start to the con. 
 
Osric arriving at the Rio and being a complete sweetheart.❤️

We went to the strip for lunch and a little wandering. We stopped by It'Sugar to stock up on some candy for the weekend. Then we came to the hotel.
 
This is the first time I've been in Vegas that I was old enough to legally drink and gamble, so we stopped by Evening Call, a frozen drink bar located in the Rio. The bartender asked us if we were here for the convention. We told her yes and she gave us a sample of "The Supernatural" a new drink she'd created that combined Straw-Banana, Vegas Lai (a tropical rum mix), and an extra shot of Mango rum, it was delicious! We even fangirled with her a little bit because she had seen Osric too!
Then we hit the slot machines, I've never really had any desire to gamble but I figured why not this one time! I picked a penny slot called Ruby Magic (I can't stop with the theming.) I put in a quarter and won 46 cents! Woo hoo!
We also saw Chad Linburg walking through the casino on his way back from his ghost hunt. Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of him. But I'll make up for it! We turned in kind if early because it had been a long day. It was a pretty awesome  first day even though we didn't do any official con stuff. Tomorrow will be filled with panels, shopping, and of course I'm most excited for the Karaoke party! 
 

Thursday, March 20, 2014

VegasCon 2014: Day 1: Part 1

This was my first official day engaging in all the panels and events. We got a pretty early start, we woke up around 8 am Vegas time. We took our time getting ready because the welcome from Richard wasn't until 10:45. I took photos of all of my outfits of the day. Here was Friday's:

Then we made our way down to the casino. We went to Starbucks where we were in line right in front of Chris, the photo op photographer. My mom laughed and said, "good I'm glad he's getting coffee before taking our pictures!" :P We sipped our coffee and talked about being excited for our first day. We went over to the ticket table and got our tickets ripped off and our Saturday wrist bands. Then we began exploring Convention Way. There was a really cute set up. They had a giant Impala poster that I couldn't resist posing in front of.



And there was also a really creepy killer clown! Poor Sammy!!! :(

Then we went into the panel room. "Highway to Hell" was playing in the background when we walked in and it immediately set the mood. The panel room was awesome! Here was our view when we first walked in:

There were also banners of all the stars appearing hanging on the walls (of course I'm partial to Jared, and this is also the beginning of blurry pics, sorry.)

And 2 huge screens, which I tried not to look at because I wanted to look at the star themselves when they were right in front of me, but they did come in handy if they turned there head in the other direction.

First up we were serenaded by the awesome Elastic Waste Band (Las Vegas's 4th Most Popular Lounge Act 4 years ago!) I can not give these guys enough props. They played great, were absolutely hilarious and kept the energy up the whole entire weekend! I love you Tango, Sir Richard, Sweet Johnny and Hot Carl!

Then we were greeted by the Master of Ceremonies, the one and only Richard Speight Jr.! He was the most amazing host. I swear, every single time he was in stage he walked up and down the aisles interacting with the audience. This was the closest he got to me on the first day:

Rich made every single day so much fun and I looked forward to going down and seeing him every morning. I hope someone out there captured Rich's welcomes even though that's "breaking Rules and Regulations!" because it's something I want to relive. Then it was time for the first panel which was a complete surprise when Rob Benedict took the stage, strangely after Tango from EWB went missing! ;)

Rob was absolutely adorable, I truly fell in love with him this weekend. One of the first things brought up during his panel was his stroke during BurCon. He got choked up talking about how it truly was a miracle that he was alive, and how Rich essentially saved his life. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house. Over the course  the entire cast brought up how happy they were that Rob was there. It was a beautiful thing to witness, the way this cast cares for one another.

Next up was DJ Qualls. He was so funny, inspiring, and revealing. :) He started off confessing to us that he lost $700 in the casino, at a Wheel of Fortune slot machine no less. And the really bad part was that he needed a hair transplant after getting a bad haircut. Awww DJ. One of the most touching moments was when one fan told him he was adorable. He got teary eyed, explaining that he didn't know he was adorable until he became a part of Supernatural. And he really is. I won't go into detail about some of the things he confessed while on "truth serum" because he asked us not to. But I will leave you with this. "Balls in an ice pack."

Next was Ty Olsson and this is a touchy subject. But I'm going to talk about what I saw. Ty took the stage with everybody cheering. He informed us it was his con anniversary because VegasCon last year was his first.
I'm not sure what exactly it was that was considered taking things too far and ultimately got the rest if Ty's appearance cancelled, maybe it was something I didn't even see. But I will continue to support Ty. I don't want to spread and negativity.

Next was Kim Rhodes and she was truly awesome! She looked adorable in her overalls and her whole energy was bright. She was very inspiring too. One of my favorite things she said was in response to a fan's question about her greatest achievement in life. She said "fucking up and learning from it." I love that so much. I also loved what she said about a fan being rejected for a role because of her tattoos, she said it was "complete bullshit!". And about why she loved Jody Mills, because she "doesn't have to be a woman." She is just an awesome, awesome lady. 

Friday was an amazing day. It was a great crash course in what we were in for for the rest of the weekend! I'll be back for part 2: Karaoke!