Ever since Star Wars came out in 1977, I have been hooked on sci-fi. I, of course, loved the three original Star Wars movies (bur don't even get me started on the prequels), Tron, Star Trek and the continuing sagas, Battlestar Galactica, Quantum Leap, Babylon 5, and the Stargate-verse. I also love the Back to the Future movies and the television series Sliders and Voyagers. I am even going to throw Chuck into the mix, since it had the elements of science fiction. Yes, I am a sci-fi geek and I don't care who knows it! I thought it would be fun to touch on some of the highlights of all the cons I have attended over the past few years.
DragonCon (Atlanta, Georgia): Billed as the largest on the east coast, it certainly lives up to the hype. Total geek chaos, but in a good way. Lots of cosplay and a large parade in downtown Atlanta. Met Bruce Boxleitner, Dirk Benedict, Richard Hatch, Peter Jurasik, Bonita Friedericy, and Dwight Schultz. Attended several panels including; A-Team, Battlestar Galactica, Patrick Stewart, Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner, Chuck, Buck Rogers, and Babylon 5 (which Bruce Boxleitner missed because he slept in - but still was fun listening to Peter Jurasik, Steven Furst, Claudia Christian, Julie Caitlin Brown, and Tracy Scoggins). Mine and my sister's favorite panel was Chuck with Bonita Friedericy. She is nothing like the character she plays and she is a little stick of dynamite. Her husband, John Billingsley (Star Trek: Enterprise), emceed the panel. Laughed so hard, I had tears running down my face. I also attended a couple writing workshops. Ran into John Schneider and Alan Ruck walking through the hallways.Alan Ruck nodded and said "hello" to me and all I could do was stand there slack-jawed and star stuck. No, "I loved you in Ferris Bueller's Day Off" or anything. *Facepalm* However, I had a terrific time at the con and it was also great getting the chance to hang out with my baby sister for the extended weekend.
Emerald City Comic Con (Seattle, Washington): The first year I attended, I went with my oldest son, Michael. He really wanted to meet Stan Lee. Spent most of the con, standing in line waiting for his autograph. Michael then had the opportunity to meet him and get his picture taken. I waited in line to meet Leonard Nimoy (although, I saw him in Atlanta, I did not get a chance to get his autograph there). We also attended Leonard Nimoy's panel. The second year I attended, I went with my friend, Elaine. I was only able to attend the one day, and we spent it getting autographs from Bruce Boxleitner, Brent Spiner, and Jonathon Frakes. We spent several moments talking with Bruce before and after his autograph session. We then attended Jonathon Frakes and James Masters panels. The third year, I volunteered as a minion, although I did have time to get Adam Baldwin's (Chuck) autograph, do a photo-op, and attend his panel. My oldest son came with me to meet Summer Glau the second day. Had a great time being a minion that year, although, I only volunteered that one day in the photo-op area. However, it was great "seeing" Christopher Judge, Adam Baldwin, Jason Momoa, and Lia Thompson walk right past me as I stood guard near the door. Lots of fangirl moments. :) I "minioned" the con again this year, mostly dealing with crowd control, but did get a moment to get autographs from Christopher Lloyd, Michael Shanks, and Jim Cummings. For more details regarding the adventures of being a minion, click this link. In addition, I have already been asked to return as a minion in 2014.
Pop Con LA (Los Angeles, California): Had a FANtastic time attending this con, although I felt bad for the actors, because it was poorly attended. However, it was great for us fans, because we had a lot of one-on-one time with the actors. I have already blogged about this con, so click on this link for more details regarding the weekend. Highlights included Cindy Morgan, Richard Anderson, and Bruce Boxleitner.
Wizard World (Portland, Oregon): Also already blogged about this con and again click on the link for more details. Highlights included Henry Winkler, Dean Cain, and Bruce Campbell.
Phoenix Con (Phoenix, Arizona): Looking forward to attending this con next weekend in Phoenix. I have never been to Arizona and look forward to some sun and fun, but hoping it is not TOO hot. Also super excited about the 20th Anniversary of Babylon 5 - most of the cast and J. Michael Straczynski will be there (except Bruce Boxleitner, who has a filming conflict). My girlfriends and I will be getting a photo of us and the cast. Also planning on attending the Lantern City panel, as I would like to learn more about this project. Also, looking forward to visiting with the lovely Cindy Morgan again and hanging out with my fellow girlfriend 'groupies.' :-) Ready to get my inner geek on!