So it’s no secret, I’m kind of a nerd. Case in point, yesterday, I went to the Wizard World Comic Convention (with Chris). And here’s my proof.
Wizard World Badge
While I will admit that simply by going to a Comic Convention (two years in a row) I’ve gained a few nerd points and lost a few cool points… I think I’ve kept my cool status above some convention goers… Like these guys…
No, they’re not getting paid to walk around like that… They just are… And while there is a costume contest on Sunday… It’s only for kids. So yeah… Although I have to admit some of the costumes are very cool and have amazing detailing, I won’t be dressing up like that for Comic Con… Ever. But back to the convention.
I find it tons of fun. There are 3 main areas.
1. The presenters which include game manufacturers, colleges and others. Sony was there last year with all sorts of PS3 games to play, Dell was there this year with laptops and computers to play World of Warcraft and Guitar Hero among other things.
2. Retail which includes comic book sellers, nerd clothes, toys, swords. Anything you could possibly want to buy to fulfill all of your comic fantasies.
3. The Artist. The place to meet all of your favorite artists and have them sign your comics… Awesome.
So lets see… I think Sony did their booth way better last year than Dell did this year. Last year we stood in line to try out some games, this year, we practically skipped the Dell booth, only stopping long enough to glance at the screens of what others were playing. It wasn’t that exciting. Plus, Sony gave things out last year, just for walking by the booth, Dell didn’t
It’s always fun to go see what’s in the retail section, tons of toys you don’t really see anywhere else, it’s just.. Fun. I got a fun little toy that I’ve almost ordered online several times, but somehow, having it there in front of me I had to have it. It’s a Ninja, yeah that’s right.
Ninjas!
They’re from a site called shawnimals.com and they have tons of cool stuff there, you should really check it out. While I think the big ninjas are great, I wanted something smaller. The micro plush answered my request…
Micro Plush
Can’t tell which kind is inside? Neither can anyone, it’s a secret and a surprise… But I bought one anyway and here’s what’s inside of the box.
I don’t know if the black bag is really necessary, but…
Oooh… It’s White and comes with a little pamphlet and a sticker too…
I have to admit I was hoping for the black ninja, but white is cool as well. 
But what’s wrong with my sticker? According to the book these ninjas have story’s behind them (I love little details like this). (the next two pictures have lots of text on them so if you are like my family and are still on Dial-up internet, i know sometimes my picture heavy posts don’t load all the way… So here are links to the individual pictures which should load quicker so you can tell what I’m talking about… White Ninja and Ninja Consultant)
My Plush is a White Ninja
My Sticker is a Ninja Consultant (it all makes sense now)
The toy was $6 and has amuses me (who wouldn’t like something that talks about Stealth Hugs), and it will be finding a new home on my desk at work on Monday… Apparently there is going to be a Ninja Town DS game soon… I can’t wait.
At last years comic convention I met the author (Ben Avery) and illustrator (Casey Heying) of “The Oz/Wonderland Chronicles” (available here buymetoys.com). The story is great and the art is amazing. I bought Issues 0 – 2 last year
Oz/Wonderland Chronicles 0-2
And this year I was able to pick up the issue 3 as well as an issue that is special and apparently takes place after the issue 4.
Oz/Wonderland Chronicles 3 and Jack & Cat Special
Ben Avery wasn’t there this year… But Casey Heying was and he explained that the Jack and Cat Special was done by a new artist Ryan Sergent who will be doing the special issues now.. Pretty Cool.
Last year I got my comics signed, this year I was so happy to just get the next issue that I totally forgot to ask, I was kind of bummed but I did some digging on the internet and found Ben Avery’s email and wrote him on a whim to ask him if there was a way to get it. Long story short, I got to talk with Ben Avery (who is really nice) and I should be getting a signed copy (signed by both of them) sometime. It’s always nice when you find out that someone you admire, is also a nice guy.
Perhaps the most exciting thing about comic con was meeting two of the authors of Cyanide and Happiness (an online comic that is SO funny, check them out at Explosim.net).
Cyanide and Happiness
Chris (being the awesome older brother that he is, I’m so lucky to know him) bought Max this T-shirt (and had it signed)!
Cyanide and Happiness T-shirt (click for a link to buy)
Then they asked if we wanted a free drawing. We said yes one for Max. They asked if it should be about anything in particular and we said no so away they went…
Drawing Max’s Drawing
Drawing Max’s Drawing 2
Since we hadn’t given them any guidelines, they drew the most appropriate picture.
Awesome
Ha ha ha…. Really you should check them out. They’re always funny.
And our last exciting thing of the day. We passed a little Hot Dog / Hambuger joint on our way to the convention (around 1:00)
Paradise Pup in Des Plaines IL
There was a really long line out the door and we thought “they must have really great food”. When we were coming home at about 4:45 we noticed the line was still just as long… So we stopped because we thought “it must be good if people wait.”
And then we waited in line.
The line
We met some very nice people in line that told us that the line is always like this. The one guy said that he teaches at a high school up the street and that he cannot come here for lunch because one period is not enough time to eat here. He was right… We waited 40 minutes in line (and then about 8 for our food). While we were waiting we realized that this place had been featured on the Food Networks Diners, Drive ins and Dives. But it was worth the wait. The food was delicious. The Cheesebuger, oh man, it’s hard to explain why a cheeseburger is good. But this one… Was superb. It was cooked to perfection and had mayo, grilled onions, pickles, tomato (no we didn’t get salmonella from it), Cheddar cheese, and a cheese spread on it. I just can’t tell you how amazing it was. And although I wish I had taken a picture to show you how great it was… Once I started eating it was too good (and too messy) to stop.
Being spontaneous, sometimes works to your advantage. What could have just been a great day at the Comic Con, turned into a great day at the Comic Con AND the discovery of a great place to eat…
Life is Good.
It’s been kind of a tradition for the last few years that on my Twin Siblings (Patrick and Sarah) birthday I take them out somewhere rather than giving them a gift. This year we took a trip to the Shedd Aquarium (http://www.sheddaquarium.org/). Unfortunately, I didn’t take them there until June 15th which is an entire month after their birthday (sorry guys!).
So this year was a big birthday, 16! That kind of makes you feel old when your siblings start hitting those milestone birthdays. But, it’s a good thing too… We get along really well now, and we’re all really good friends. Just in the last couple of months I’ve really started to get to know my brother and sister more than just as an older sister, it’s really nice. I’ve always liked hanging our with them. But, it’s nice now to be able to talk to them as well, about life, dance, whatever.
Their off to The Rock School of Ballet (http://www.therockschool.org/) for the summer (in fact their moving into their dorms todaty) and I wish them the best of luck. I know they’ll have a great time getting to take from all sorts of new teachers (secretly though, I can’t wait for them to be back).
Anyway… I got a little off topic. The Aquarium….
I was sick that day, but it was really our last shot before they left for the summer, so we went. Aside for getting lost in Chicago for a good 45 minutes, everything worked out great. We hung around, looked at fish, got Popcorn, Cookies, Corn Dogs (Pat got a hamburger), Ice Cream…. All in all a good day. I can’t wait to see where we choose to go next year.
Pictures and a dorky little video from our trip
Filed under: My Thoughts
So I’ve decided that it’s little things, as well as big things, that make a relationship work (romantic or otherwise). I know, I know, that’s something that everyone says, it’s something THEY ALL say… But I think, as with most things, you have to come to this particular realization on your own… But just in case some of you might be persuaded by writing (or might just be reminded about how good you have it) I’m going to give it a shot.
First off, let me say that Chris and I have been dating for nearly 5 1/2 years, and as with most relationships it’s not always easy… But… It’s the little things that still make me giddy and happy. Things like, when he reaches for my hand as we walk, or when he comes back for an extra hug before he leaves. He cleaned my apartment (the whole thing, though not the bathroom because he hates that and I don’t mind) while I was busy with dance shows one weekend, and didn’t even make a big thing about it. I’ve been really sick the past two days and he took care of me, bringing me lunch and dinner, water, tea, he took a break from work to check on me. He fixes my computer, and installs games for me without having to be asked, brings in the mail, folds my laundry if I forget or don’t have time…
Don’t misunderstand, I try to stay on top of things (keep the score even). I make him lunch (normally what I’m making for myself) whenever I have the time. I do our laundry every weekend. I’ve gotten up extra early in the morning when he’s stayed over just so that I could make a stop at his house and bring back something he needed for work that day before he woke up. But, I seem to always be playing catch up.
This is one thing though, where I don’t mind playing catch up… Because as long as I’m not caught up, I’ve still got lots of fun things to do for Chris, and things to think up that I can do…
Whether it’s your best friend, boyfriend, family member… Think of the person you’re closest to. When was the last time you did something for them, just because? Without expecting anything in return? The best part of having things, emotions, anything, I think, is being able to share them and make your special someone (in my case, Chris) happy.
It’s just a thought.
Just had to post this since I’m such a nerd. Apple announced it’s new iPhone 3G today. The Slogan? “Twice as fast, half the price”. Sweet…
So where can I get one???
It comes out when????
July 11th!
AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TO FAR AWAY!
Sorry…Anyway… There is plenty of talk going on about the iPhone 3G by people who are way more knowledgeable about this stuff than me so if your interested, read more at the following places:
Apple.com Gizmodo.com iLounge.com. Engadget.com
Needless to say, July 11th I will be the proud owner of a BRAND NEW iPhone 3G… Whether I choose Black or White remains to be seen.
I’ll let you know when I know.
The Rides!
Disneyland Rides are a lot like Disney world rides, but there are differences and in some cases there are rides that just don’t exist in Disney World. Here are just a few of the most notable rides (if I were to tell you about everyone… well, this post would have to be turned into a book).
Mr. Toads Wild ride is one of the rides that no longer exists in Disney World. I’ll admit It’s a little outdated by other rides but it’s fun to go on and is one of my favorite rides. You ride in a buggy through the mostly two dimensional ride that is unlike anything else in Disney for one thing it’s the only Wind in the Willows ride, for another the ride ends in Hell (read more on Wikipedia).
Buzz LIghtyear Astro Blasters
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters has a counter part in Disney World but Chris and I decided that the Disneyland ride is better for one key reason. On both rides you get a laser gun and shoot the Evil Emperor Zurg’s minions however in the Disneyland version you hold your gun, whereas the guns are mounted on the car at Disney World (thus hindering your range or motion).
The Haunted Mansion is one of my favorite rides at the Magic Kingdom and in Disneyland. The mansion is filled with ghosts, you board your “Doom Buggy” and take tour through it as the ghosts party and go about their deathly lives. There are lot’s of details in both versions and you notice something new every time you go on the ride (scary trees reminiscent of Snow White, a hidden Mickey in the dining room, etc.)
The Tower of Terror
This is another on of my favorite rides at Disney World (it lives in Disney’s Hollywood Studios) though, not so much at Disneyland. The rides follow the same story… You’ve gone to the “Hollywood Tower Hotel” and you are going to your rooms, however you have to take a service elevator, and this elevator leads to “The Twilight Zone”.
Service Elevator
Although the story is the same the Disney World Ride is longer and takes a more interesting route to the final dropping area. the ride operators at Disney World are also more interesting and better actors (in my opinion) then the ones at Disneyland.
The Monorail
Worth noting just because it is an awesome way to travel, the Disneyland monorail runs between downtown Disney and tomorrow land. It’s a fun trip and, unlike the Disney World version… You can open the windows on the Monorail at Disneyland.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Possibly my favorite ride at both locations is Pirates. I love the theme song, I love the details, everything about the ride, though as with Buzz Lightyear, the Disneyland version is better. Not only because it’s almost twice the ride length (Disneyland’s ride is 16 min 30 sec, Disney World is only 8 min 30 sec) but also for several other reasons. The ride first takes you through a kind of a dark lake scene that also happens to be a restaurant and so is filled with yummy smells. Disneyland has two drops (Disney World has only one) and there are just amazing details around every curve. Read more on all the variations (including Disneyland Paris and Tokyo) on Wikipedia!
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
The finding Nemo ride at Epcot in Disney World is kind of a let down, your board a clam mobile (just like a doom buggy) and go through the ride where animated scenes are projected so that the animated fish apear to be in the tanks with the live fish. There is not much story and is basically just Nemo swimming around hiding from his father. From all the publicity we had seen about the Disneyland ride we thought it would be the same only in submarines. Well, that’s not the only difference although, you do board a submarine…
Nemo Submarine
The ride starts and the “Captain” tells you that they’ve got a new system on board that allows you to hear what fish and other sea life is saying. You pass through some interesting 3d sets
and then you “dive” (in reality bubbles shoot up near your window obstructing your view as you enter a cave creating the illusion that you are further under the water). From here you see animated scenes (from or inspired by finding Nemo) much like at Disney World, however in this version Nemo is not hiding and doesn’t appear to be a jerk. The only weird part of the ride is the fact that the ride operator stands in the center of the Sub and peaks out through the top so you sit near his/her legs the whole time and never see their face which is… Awkward…. However… I’m so glad we didn’t miss this one because it was the best surprise of the whole trip.
All in all I was very happy with all of the rides at Disneyland including many not mentioned in this post. And, although I thought this would be a one time trip, cannot wait to plan another Disneyland trip sometime in the future.
About the time we chose to go…
Memorial Day Weekend, if I were to think about a time where there would be tons of people at Disneyland, this would be it. Had I realized that the weekend we were trying to go was memorial day weekend before I started really planning I might not have done it. And it would have been a shame. Sure, there were times in the parks where for most rides you had at least a 30 minute wait, and sometimes up to 90 minutes (we didn’t wait 90 minutes for anything, the most we waited was 50, and that was just Finding Nemo which is brand new). During Mid afternoon the crowds peaked
Crowds (as seen from Tarzan’s Tree House)
But even with the crowds like this, it wasn’t that bad, you could practically walk onto Haunted Mansion at anytime of the day, Buzz Lightyear is always moving so the wait is never that bad. Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Finding Nemo, Indiana Jones, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad… These had long lines long lines all day, but they have FASTPASS so really, as long as you look at the wait time before you get on, for the most part you can spend even the busiest of weekends happy, without standing in line for more than 5-20 minutes for almost anything.
And if you’re willing to get up early you can see things like this…
California Adventure, with no one around
Mickey and Walt, all alone
Sleeping Beauty Castle, with only Cast Members in sight
You can walk down Liberty Square without a crowd.
Even if it is a holiday weekend, if you go to your favorite ride first thing you might get to ride… By yourself.
Chris and me on Slash Mountain all by ourselves
On this particular ride, we got back up to the beginning of Splash mountain and the ride operators asked us if we wanted to go around again. So we did, we didn’t get off the ride and we rode twice in a row on Splash Mountain (where just hours later there would be a 60 minute wait).
I was prepared for the worst, big crowds, long lines… But like most of the good guide books say, if you see the big attractions either first thing in the morning, or later (around dinner time or later) the lines are not that bad, even on the weekend. Our handy Disneyland Ride List (HERE) helped a lot, and since Chris laminated it at work (thank you!) it lasted all weekend.
Mid day we saw things like, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes, Disneyland: The First 50 Years, Star Tours, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, among others. We enjoyed each others company, and the scenery. And, even though there were tons of people we were still lucky enough to be winners of The Year Of a Million Dreams Mickey Ears!
Chis and me in our the Mickey Ears we Won.
I’m not going to pretend that it wouldn’t have been nice to have less crowds, but I was prepared for way worse. We had an amazing time, we rode… Everything, in just 2 1/2 days!!! And we came home happy and ready to go to Disney again (which is exactly how I like it).
Next up…. Disneyland rides!
