Hello world. I haven't spoken to you in a while.
It's been just over 3 weeks since we packed up our apartment into little boxes and drove home for the summer. Of course, the world acts as if I never left. I need to remember that our little globe keeps spinning and spinning despite my ignorance. But I am very glad to be home. I keep telling everyone I need to play up Toronto like never before. Even though the Hubster and I are both working again, I desperately want to enjoy my 12 weeks back home and live a little.
So now that the Hubs and I are getting into a somewhat regular daily pattern (hopefully our sleeping pattern starts to catch up with me soon too!) I think I can finally get back to blogging. Sorry about the sudden break. I'm sure you're just dying to be inspired again...right?.....Right?!
Two weekends ago, I forced the Hubster (who in turn, forced his best friend) and my sister to join me for a fun-filled weekend of anime. (Yep, I can see all you exiting your windows and thinking things got just a bit too nerdy. Just you wait, I've got plenty more geekery in store for you! I advise all cool people to exit the blogosphere now...)
Anime North 2012, one of the largest anime conventions in Canada. People flew in from all across the motherland and crossed the US/CAN border just to attend.
Now you need to understand, I have no friends who like anime like I do. I've convinced my fantastic husband to watch a few here and there. My sister has tried to keep up with my ever-growing anime list, but cannot commit the time it takes to watch 6 shows at once. So as you might have guessed, I found myself begging them to
cosplay with me (short for "costume play"). But I'm so lucky they love me. ^_^
I apologize for not taking more pictures of ourselves. As soon as I got there, I just got really distracted. There are SO many people and things to look at. Next year, I must remember!!
We went as 3 characters from
Steins;Gate: The Hubster was Okabe Rintaro (main guy character), I was Makise Kurisu (main girl character), and my sister was Moeka Kiryu (one of the girls that plays a very important part in the "end"). This was the only guy character that had a simple costume. Simple enough that my hubby wouldn't be embarrassed about wearing. All he needed was a lab coat and khakis. Easy Peasy. But as he pointed out after the convention, if you DON'T cosplay, you ARE the weird ones....
And here we are! I didn't snap any of the hubby though. Stinky right? Both my sister and Hubster changed out of their costumes in the afternoon and I took these pictures right before I changed out of mine. Like I said, next year.....!
But I have to say my absolute FAVOURITE part of this convention had to be Artist's Alley and Crafter's Corner. Two areas where local artists and crafters set up tables and sell advertise and showcase all of their amazing work! Most of the items are anime-related, or at least cute, but they are expertly done! I walked out with a handful of business cards, new Etsy friends and adorable things. And of course, discounted manga...
 |
| 8 for $10 manga! Wahoo! And 3 pins : a cute ^_^ face, Baka = Japanese for "stupid" and Kawaii = Japanese for "cute". |
 |
| A handmade pillow by Hello Morico. A postcard sized print of a gorgeous painting by Maiji (Human Gray) and a fat Totoro plushie. |
 |
| Clip-on Bangs in Mint from Alice Dear and a bunch of business cards from: |
Be sure to check out the above websites! They are definitely worth your while!
So to prepare you (and myself) for future conventions, here is a concluding list of things I MUST remember for next time.
ASC's List for Anime Conventions:
~ Take LOTS of pictures! Of you and your friends and of other cool costumes, even if you don't recognize the character. If it's awesome, snap a pic.
~ Bring a water bottle, or two, or three. No need to waste money on fluids when you want to buy that cute Totoro plushie instead.
~ Bring cash. Most booths will take credit or debit, but flashing a wad of cash in vendor's eyes makes deals easier to get.
~ Speaking of money, carry a small purse or keep your case in your pockets. There's nothing worse than dragging a 10 pound purse with you everywhere.
~ Comfortable shoes! But do not cheapen the quality of your costume by just wearing running shoes with it. Instead bring a pair with you for when those feet start to ache.
~ Think about the season you are attending a convention in, and plan your costume according to that. I felt so sorry for the people in head to toe leather or stuffed in a furry animal suit. If you are sticking to your sweat-producing costume, then please douse yourself with body spray and deodorant. Please.
Hmmm. That's all I've got for now. I'm attending another convention in July (WAHOO~!), and I'll probably learn a bunch more tricks and tips so stay tuned!
