I was super excited about being a "Minion" again this year. I really like to help people! My crazy, busy, hectic weekend started on Friday. The Seattle Convention Center was so packed with fans; the fire marshal closed down the escalators. I finally was able to get into the center and made my way to the minion lair, where I signed in, received my badge, and my official minion t-shirt. My assignment on Friday night was line control in the comic book section, specially observing the crowd waiting in line to see comic book writer Chris Clairemont (X-Men). I had a good time chatting with fans, some who had been standing in line 3-hours to talk to him and get his autograph.
On Saturday, I arrived early, so I could "play" for a couple hours before I had to volunteer. The lines were long, but I heard little complaint and most were just excited to be there and meet and talk to their heroes. I still can’t believe the line-up of media stars; Patrick Stewart, Adam West, Burt Ward, Michael Shanks, Christopher Lloyd, Will Wheaton, Gillian Anderson, Dirk Benedict, Misha Collins, Billy Dee Williams and more. I wish I had had more time and money, but I did get the opportunity to get both Michael Shanks (Stargate SG-1) and Christopher Lloyd’s (Back to the Future) autographs and shake their hands. Also had my little fangirl moment when Michael Shanks called me “sweetie.” Squeal!!! In addition, I saw Julie Caitlin Brown (Babylon 5), who was standing at Michael Shanks table (I think she must be his agent). Although, I did not have the time or money, while waiting in line for autographs, I did see Dirk Benedict, Michael Rooker, Chris Sarandon, and Natalia Tena.
My afternoon was spent doing food runs for hungry minions in the panel areas and then line control in the main lobby and show booth. Mostly, I answered questions and gave directions. I saw some fantastic cosplay and sci-fi costumes and was easily entertained by antics of many of the attendees. It was a great opportunity to people watch!
That evening, I spent the night in downtown Seattle at the Green Tortoise – a hostel located across from the world famous Pike Place Market. The rooms were clean and the rates could not be beat, and free breakfast, wi-fi, and private bathrooms. I did not mind sharing a room, although I was not thrilled that one of my roomies had to have the light on all night long. Next time, I think I had better bring a sleep mask.
Sunday was my all day minioning. My day started at 8:30 am at the convention center and I spent the morning between the escalators directing traffic, giving directions and helping those who were lost or looking for a place to eat or the restrooms. While volunteering, I ran into a high school friend, Anneliese and we chatted for several minutes and even when I took a 15-minute break, she walked with me to the café and we visited some more. I had a great time catching up with her. On my lunch break, I went back up to the celebrity floor and waited in line to visit with Jim Cummings (voice of Tigger and Winnie the Pooh). I almost didn’t get a chance to see him, because of time constraints, but was able to slip a picture with him under the wire. I also saw an amazing Lego exhibit and costumes from the movie The Hunger Games were on display. The final event of the evening was a panel discussion with Patrick Stewart. I would have loved to have attended his panel, but by the time my shift was over it was standing room only – and not even in the room he was in and I was too TIRED to stand any more that day, so I walked down to Coleman Dock and took the ferry back home.
Overall, I had a great time. Crowds were crazy and lines were long, but people were friendly and obviously having a good time. The Convention food is expensive (but not more then what one might find at a sporting event) and it was hard to get from area to another because of the size of the crowds. I was also disappointed as I really wanted to get Wil Wheaton’s (Star Trek: The Next Generation) autograph, but his lines were always too long or were capped off, so I struck out this weekend. Oh well, there will be other times. Finally, I do have to thank the minion leaders who made sure we stayed hydrated over the weekend and thanks for letting me have the opportunity again this year to be a minion. Stay calm and minion on!
My legs, neck, back, and shoulders hurt and I have blisters on feet – but looking forward to doing it all over again next year!