Wiscon, Day 1

[laceblade]

The first day of Wiscon was quite pleasant. While there weren't any official events today, there was still a lot to see and do.

Packet Stuffing
This was a volunteer activity to help out the convention. I got to say hi to littlebutfierce, ladyjax, and seaya, and meet some new friends as well. Once it was over, I was able to pick up my programming packet and registration materials, so I'll be able to go through everything while I'm at work tomorrow.

Room of One's Own Reception
brdgt, sasha_feather, and I met up to go to Room of One's Own for the guests of honor readings (and some free hors d'eourves). L. Timmel Duchamp read a couple of passages from her novel Alanya to Alanya. Then, Maureen F. McHugh read a short story of her own. I'm not sure what the short story was titled, but it involved computer programming, and I really think that my boyfriend would like it. I loved McHugh's China Mountain Zhang, and this short story was both interesting and hilarious. But when it was revealed that the protagonist's cat was named Scott Pilgrim, I think I fell head over heels for her. I don't know how I'm going to get her to sign my book without saying anything but OMGILOVEYOU!! I'm really glad that she's just as funny and smart in person as I thought she would be.

Nerd Karaoke
brdgt, sasha_feather, and I grabbed some dinner at Ian's, and then brdgt and I made our way to Karaoke Kid, where cabell had organized "Nerd Karaoke." _bequerel_ and some other local friends of mine were there, as were a number of other Wiscon attendees. I got to witness at least three of chr0me_kitten's karaoke songs, although I didn't get much of a chance to talk to her or deepforestowl. I would like to state for the record that everyone doing karaoke was awesome, especially cabell, chr0me_kitten, and the British guy whose LJ name I don't know, who kept doing sad songs.

general_jinjur and I got to talk a lot, though, so that was good. I had to leave in order to catch the last bus to my house, though. I hope to be able to stick around later the rest of the weekend: I won't have to work in the mornings, and I won't rely on the bus to get me home at night (I'll be taking my own car, cabbing it, or bumming a ride with sasha_feather).

In all, it was an amazing day, although it was pretty full and I feel exhausted. I look forward to tomorrow, and will now shower so that I can sleep. I feel spoiled that I can attend Wiscon while being able to come home every night, while everyone else has to stay in a hotel.

Comments

[maevele.livejournal.com]

See, I'm jealous of the folks who don't have to go back home each night. I could send the husband and kid back to their room and party all night.

[mystickeeper.livejournal.com]

I could see why that would be. I suppose it is kind of annoying that I can't return to my room throughout the day to deposit books, or grab something that I forgot.

[littlebutfierce]

The British guy might have been bookzombie--at least after we showed up, he certainly did a few sad songs!

I did Crowded House's "Something So Strong" later (a lot of people had left by then, I think)--I just had to wait until enough people who couldn't actually sing, like me, had gone (were you there when the drunk frat boys did the Proclaimers?)... I hate doing karaoke when it's only GOOD SINGERS. I'm like, leave this place for those of us who need to pay people to listen to us sing! Go start a band or something. ;)

[mystickeeper.livejournal.com]

That username kind of sounds familiar.

I missed the frat boys, but that sounds hilarious. I agree that good singers shouldn't do karaoke! I've never done it before, and wasn't about to start last night...bwahaha.

[seeksadventure.livejournal.com]

I saw you do "Something So Strong" and it was awesome! (The drunk frat boys got funnier as the night went on, too.)

[littlebutfierce]

Aw, thank you! Hehehe.

[brdgt.livejournal.com]

I didn't have to wait more than two minutes for my bus - it was perfect timing! It was a little weird that their was a guy with two toddlers on the bus at 10:45 at night...

[mystickeeper.livejournal.com]

Sweet, our bus came pretty quickly too!

That is pretty late for toddlers to be out, :( Yay for buses. Or is it busses?