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windandwaterOkay, here we go... my con report/review/babble of my one precious day at AX, in which I spent the whole damn day in line.
No, really.
THE DRIVE
The day started at the hellish time of O'Dark-Thirty in the morning. =__=;; I'd gone to bed early the night before, but tossed and turned the whole time, so I'd only gotten 3 hours of sleep (if that) and not necessarily all at once. I woke up feeling trashed, but still excited. Managed to pick up Aoi-chan from her house a bit late, then had to drive BACK to my house because I'd left my registration printout thinger in my room. G-go go Sera-chan. Anyway, got that, gave it to Aoi-chan for safekeeping, and we were on our way!
... but first we stopped at Starbuck's for much needed coffee (venti caramel machiatto with an extra shot GO) and I got moneys from the BofA, so I didn't have to pay ATM withdrawal fees. HA!
The drive to Long Beach was pretty good for a Friday morning. We zipped along at a pretty good pace and even the traffic wasn't so bad. Possibly my braindead-ness and the coffee helped to perk me up past my normal driving rage. We chitchatted the whole way, and there was some psychic guy in a convertible who sorta-cut us off, and once we started mocking him, he waved.
OMG PSYCHIC. WE FREAKED THE HELL OUT.
And then it turns out the guy was going to AX, too, because we saw him again on the way to the convention center parking. XD We'd been joking that he knew we were nerds because he was one too, and that was why he waved, and OMG what if he was at the con? AND THERE HE WAS. It was interesting, to say the least.
THE REGISTRATION LINE
After parking, we lined up for Reg. Goddamn, that line was HUGE, winding all around the convention center and into the parking lot. We got into the line just at 8am, when they opened the Reg doors and were mildly peeved at the length of the line. Then in like... an hour? The line was EVEN LONGER, looping around the whole parking lot and into one aisle. The line was very dull and boring, and Aoi-chan was wanting nicotine because there were some REALLY LOUD screechy young things behind us. =__=;; They were seriously annoying and loud... and they hated Naruto, so I wanted to turn around and punch one girl in the face. >_>;;
Eventually, some more people gathered in and got between us and those loud girls and homicide was not committed. :Db Also at this time, me and Aoi-chan met the people would run into all day, one guy dressed as Zack with a full metal Buster Sword that weighed 35lbs, and a girl dressed as Sae from Fatal Frame 2. Her costume was nice, and she was covered in bodypaint underneath, so she was easy to keep track of. Heh.
The line moved in shifts and starts, and it took about 2 1/2 hours to get to the front. Also got calls from Irasema (my sorta-college roommate) and her friend Elsie, and let her grab a spot with us in the line (Irasema was only coming for the AMV Contest later that night). I'm so glad we had both pre-reg/reg and had our confirmation numbers, since the At-Con Reg was longer. I'm not complaining, since LAST year I was in the damn Reg line for 5 hours, but at least that was inside and not out in a line in the parking lot, on asphalt. This will become relevant later.
We saw Teh Pet working in Reg and squealed at her like dorks. ♥ We got sent to different Reg lines though, so couldn't chat her up. ;__; Sadness. Anyway, we hustled out, got our goodie bags (which failed because there was nothing good in them like the past years). And then we searched and got RIGHT into the line to get Regular Admission tickets for SKIN.
THE SKIN TICKETS LINE
Now, all the announcements and such had said that the AX staff would be cracking down and not letting lines form early. The SKIN Concert was set for 3:30-4:30, with seating at 2-3:30, and tickets wouldn't be distributed until 2 1/2 hours before the event.
HA.
Me and Aoi-chan got in the line (Staff approved and corded off!) at like... 11-ish. We figured that they would give out the tickets around 12:30 or so, and we were in a pretty good spot near the frontish, so we were SURE to get good tickets. I was getting hungry by this time, so Aoi-chan said she'd sit in the line while I made a food run (if I don't eat, I pass out, so food is a necessity). HOLY SHIT. I had to walk like a MILE to even get to where the Exhibit Hall was, and I didn't even get to go in because the line to get in was around the whole damn front and down the opposite sidewalk (exhibit hall opened at 10 or 11). I finally crossed the street to get to the restaurants there, which was closest, and EVERY DAMN PLACE HAD A LINE. I seriously would've killed for a McDonald's because at least they'd be cheap and fast.
Finally got in a line for The Great Steak & Potato Co., and talked with a few girls in the line. They had Premiere Tickets for the SKIN Concert. We gushed about SKIN, and I tried not to faint, and then Aoi-chan called me saying that they were gonna be handing out tickets soon. I told her that when they did, to call me and I'd drop everything and run back to the line, with or without my food (Aoi had NutriGrain bars, of which I'd already eaten one). I was seriously right near the counter, and the girls in front of me felt pity for me and let me go ahead of them. ♥ I just ordered large fries since I was in a hurry and I knew those would be good enough for the line wait and such. I could always get more food later, right? >_>;;
Grabbed my food, said thanks again to the girls, then hustled back to the tickets line. Turns out I should've taken my time, since there was stilla long wait ahead, under the BRUTAL afternoon heat and sunshine. But I got to eat, and then after yanking our chains for a bit, they finally distributed the tickets a little before 2pm. Ran into Sae and a friend of hers again, and let her in with us as the line moved up and we got our tickets together so we'd be sitting near each other.
After that, since the tickets were seats and guaranteed, we didn't get into the line for seating (we figured we didn't need to) and we all just sat in the shade of a tree and people-watched. There were many tasty half-dressed boys wandering about (and one really cute Vaan) but I failed to take their pictures because I was busy with food and chitchat and staying hydrated. God, being in the shade was SO NICE. Zack had gotten his ticket for the concert, too, and then joined us under the tree to just hang out before they opened the seating for the concert. Apparently Zack was being chased by some particularly fiesty security guys (not con Staff) because of his Buster Sword. Which was weird because it had been peacebonded and inspected by the con Staff, and they said his sword was okay, even though it broke all the rules for weapons (metal, over 15lbs). Everytime the security guy wandered by, Zack would shove his sword into the foliage under the tree to hide it. XD Between the bouts of chitchatting and ogling, I managed to find a bathroom and potty. I was so happy. *__*
Anyway, as we sat there, we could hear SKIN warming up and stuff! It was so cool and we were all excited.
Finally, it was a bit after 2pm, and we were getting confused, because we couldn't figure out where the line to get into the theater was, and they hadn't opened the doors for seating yet. We all wandered together and found the line... WHICH WAS HUGE AND INTO THE PARKING LOT, ON THE ASPHALT, IN THE HOT SUMMER SO CAL SUN. The line was also not moving. We decided to cut our losses and get in the line just in case. I mean, the concert was starting at 3:30, right? We wouldn't have to wait long!
HELL ON EARTH A.K.A. THE SKIN CONCERT SEATING LINE
Did I mention that we got into the line at after 2pm, the hottest part of the day?
Oh, and it was on asphalt, inbetween the cars parked in the parking lot. There was also NO SHADE, no restroom, and no hydration unless you brought it with you or got out of the line, walked your ass off, and bought a drink from a vendor who was pushing a cart with ice slushies and lemonade and raping us for them? $4 for the flavored ices and $5 for the lemonades.
We were literally WILTING in that line, and taking refuge in the minimal shade offered by the tall cars and SUVs. We even wondered if they were waiting for someone to just pass out of heat exhaustion before they were going to let the line move. Oh, and everytime someone had to, you know, MOVE THEIR CAR, they had to move us all back so we wouldn't get run over.
Our little group managed to snag a Staff person, and he was very nice and explained to us that SKIN wasn't letting ANYONE into the theater yet because they were still warming up and such. We were all worried, because it was getting after 3pm, and the concert was supposed to start at 3:30. He said not to worry, since there was ALOT of time between the SKIN Concert and the AMVs (AMVs were supposed to start seating at 7pm), and we'd get our concert, but the AX Staff literally could not let us into the theater until SKIN (or their promoters) allowed it. We accepted the explanation and settled down as best we could to wait.
And wait.
And wait.
Did I mention the waiting?
Finally, sometime around 4:30pm (wtf the concert was supposed to be OVER at 4:30!) we started inching forward. But the line moved SO SLOW that it was torment. I made a run for cold drinks because I'd sucked down the two bottles of Propel I'd brought with me. The vendor raped me up the ass for 3 lemonades (one for me, one for Aoi and one for this girl who gave me money). And as I was carrying them (one in each hand and in the crook of my arm against my right boob), I ended up completely sticky and drenched in lemonade down my right arm. x____X It was the most disgusting feeling (compounded with the heat), even though the ice cold lemonade was a welcome treat and kept me from, I dunno, gathering us all up to rush the doors.
Thankfully, a girl near us was nice enough to open her water bottle (almost empty), and she helped me wash my arm and hands of the sticky lemonade. I was still slightly sticky after that, but it was better than nothing. ♥ And after the cool treat (and once were were in the part of the line under the trees and shade), we all perked up considerably and got much happier and cheerful.
Got to the doors and through security (haha my camera was in my waistbag and hidden under my wallet) with minimal fuss, though there was a scary moment because the guard said no chains, and my waist bag has chains attached. I got my concert bracelet and the other security guy looked and said I was okay to go in. YAY!
INSIDE THE THEATER AND SEATING
I just want to say that the inside of the theater was REALLY DISORGANIZED.
It took forever to find our seats, and even the staff inside seemed confused and not sure where everything was supposed to be. It was chaos getting everyone inside. Thankfully, me and Aoi-chan's seats were in pretty good spots, the first row of the risers on one side. The floor was reserved for the people who got Premier Tickets. The lucky bastards. Still, our seats were awesome and we got a good view of the whole stage, so we were happy. And being in the first row of the risers meant no seats or people in front of us, and I had a handy railing bar in front of me, that I knew I'd be leaning on once the concert started.
The stage setup was good. There were two video/projection screen on each side of the stage, and a HUGE one in the middle above the stage. The stage itself was covered from the front by this big white curtain thing, and I KNEW that they'd eaither drop it or raise it once the concert started.
Since seating was taking so long, I leaned up against Aoi's shoulder and decided to nap until the concert started. It was very comfy and the theater was air conditioned and I was sotired. I think that little catnap saved me, since people kept randomly screaming when the screens turned on and SKIN was flashed on them. Aoi also poked me somewhere int here because they were selling merchandise (some girl in the seat on the floor in front of us had a shirt). We asked where she got it, and then Aoi shoved money at me, and I made the run to the Merch Booth and bought us both shirts. There were two different designs, so I got one of each. Ran back to my seat (since it was getting near 6pm). Aoi decided she wanted the wrist band too (there were also pins and stickers), so she made a run for it.
The energy in the theater was really amazing as it started to fill up and we started to get antsy for everything to start, and people started a wave. XD! It kept going around and around the whole theater.
And then it was 6pm.
The lights went down, the screens lit up brighter, and then we all lost our damn minds.
S.K.I.N.
This isn't done yet. ^^ I'll finish the rest when I get home, since I'm thinking of leaving the library early today. The ovaries insist.
No, really.
THE DRIVE
The day started at the hellish time of O'Dark-Thirty in the morning. =__=;; I'd gone to bed early the night before, but tossed and turned the whole time, so I'd only gotten 3 hours of sleep (if that) and not necessarily all at once. I woke up feeling trashed, but still excited. Managed to pick up Aoi-chan from her house a bit late, then had to drive BACK to my house because I'd left my registration printout thinger in my room. G-go go Sera-chan. Anyway, got that, gave it to Aoi-chan for safekeeping, and we were on our way!
... but first we stopped at Starbuck's for much needed coffee (venti caramel machiatto with an extra shot GO) and I got moneys from the BofA, so I didn't have to pay ATM withdrawal fees. HA!
The drive to Long Beach was pretty good for a Friday morning. We zipped along at a pretty good pace and even the traffic wasn't so bad. Possibly my braindead-ness and the coffee helped to perk me up past my normal driving rage. We chitchatted the whole way, and there was some psychic guy in a convertible who sorta-cut us off, and once we started mocking him, he waved.
OMG PSYCHIC. WE FREAKED THE HELL OUT.
And then it turns out the guy was going to AX, too, because we saw him again on the way to the convention center parking. XD We'd been joking that he knew we were nerds because he was one too, and that was why he waved, and OMG what if he was at the con? AND THERE HE WAS. It was interesting, to say the least.
THE REGISTRATION LINE
After parking, we lined up for Reg. Goddamn, that line was HUGE, winding all around the convention center and into the parking lot. We got into the line just at 8am, when they opened the Reg doors and were mildly peeved at the length of the line. Then in like... an hour? The line was EVEN LONGER, looping around the whole parking lot and into one aisle. The line was very dull and boring, and Aoi-chan was wanting nicotine because there were some REALLY LOUD screechy young things behind us. =__=;; They were seriously annoying and loud... and they hated Naruto, so I wanted to turn around and punch one girl in the face. >_>;;
Eventually, some more people gathered in and got between us and those loud girls and homicide was not committed. :Db Also at this time, me and Aoi-chan met the people would run into all day, one guy dressed as Zack with a full metal Buster Sword that weighed 35lbs, and a girl dressed as Sae from Fatal Frame 2. Her costume was nice, and she was covered in bodypaint underneath, so she was easy to keep track of. Heh.
The line moved in shifts and starts, and it took about 2 1/2 hours to get to the front. Also got calls from Irasema (my sorta-college roommate) and her friend Elsie, and let her grab a spot with us in the line (Irasema was only coming for the AMV Contest later that night). I'm so glad we had both pre-reg/reg and had our confirmation numbers, since the At-Con Reg was longer. I'm not complaining, since LAST year I was in the damn Reg line for 5 hours, but at least that was inside and not out in a line in the parking lot, on asphalt. This will become relevant later.
We saw Teh Pet working in Reg and squealed at her like dorks. ♥ We got sent to different Reg lines though, so couldn't chat her up. ;__; Sadness. Anyway, we hustled out, got our goodie bags (which failed because there was nothing good in them like the past years). And then we searched and got RIGHT into the line to get Regular Admission tickets for SKIN.
THE SKIN TICKETS LINE
Now, all the announcements and such had said that the AX staff would be cracking down and not letting lines form early. The SKIN Concert was set for 3:30-4:30, with seating at 2-3:30, and tickets wouldn't be distributed until 2 1/2 hours before the event.
HA.
Me and Aoi-chan got in the line (Staff approved and corded off!) at like... 11-ish. We figured that they would give out the tickets around 12:30 or so, and we were in a pretty good spot near the frontish, so we were SURE to get good tickets. I was getting hungry by this time, so Aoi-chan said she'd sit in the line while I made a food run (if I don't eat, I pass out, so food is a necessity). HOLY SHIT. I had to walk like a MILE to even get to where the Exhibit Hall was, and I didn't even get to go in because the line to get in was around the whole damn front and down the opposite sidewalk (exhibit hall opened at 10 or 11). I finally crossed the street to get to the restaurants there, which was closest, and EVERY DAMN PLACE HAD A LINE. I seriously would've killed for a McDonald's because at least they'd be cheap and fast.
Finally got in a line for The Great Steak & Potato Co., and talked with a few girls in the line. They had Premiere Tickets for the SKIN Concert. We gushed about SKIN, and I tried not to faint, and then Aoi-chan called me saying that they were gonna be handing out tickets soon. I told her that when they did, to call me and I'd drop everything and run back to the line, with or without my food (Aoi had NutriGrain bars, of which I'd already eaten one). I was seriously right near the counter, and the girls in front of me felt pity for me and let me go ahead of them. ♥ I just ordered large fries since I was in a hurry and I knew those would be good enough for the line wait and such. I could always get more food later, right? >_>;;
Grabbed my food, said thanks again to the girls, then hustled back to the tickets line. Turns out I should've taken my time, since there was stilla long wait ahead, under the BRUTAL afternoon heat and sunshine. But I got to eat, and then after yanking our chains for a bit, they finally distributed the tickets a little before 2pm. Ran into Sae and a friend of hers again, and let her in with us as the line moved up and we got our tickets together so we'd be sitting near each other.
After that, since the tickets were seats and guaranteed, we didn't get into the line for seating (we figured we didn't need to) and we all just sat in the shade of a tree and people-watched. There were many tasty half-dressed boys wandering about (and one really cute Vaan) but I failed to take their pictures because I was busy with food and chitchat and staying hydrated. God, being in the shade was SO NICE. Zack had gotten his ticket for the concert, too, and then joined us under the tree to just hang out before they opened the seating for the concert. Apparently Zack was being chased by some particularly fiesty security guys (not con Staff) because of his Buster Sword. Which was weird because it had been peacebonded and inspected by the con Staff, and they said his sword was okay, even though it broke all the rules for weapons (metal, over 15lbs). Everytime the security guy wandered by, Zack would shove his sword into the foliage under the tree to hide it. XD Between the bouts of chitchatting and ogling, I managed to find a bathroom and potty. I was so happy. *__*
Anyway, as we sat there, we could hear SKIN warming up and stuff! It was so cool and we were all excited.
Finally, it was a bit after 2pm, and we were getting confused, because we couldn't figure out where the line to get into the theater was, and they hadn't opened the doors for seating yet. We all wandered together and found the line... WHICH WAS HUGE AND INTO THE PARKING LOT, ON THE ASPHALT, IN THE HOT SUMMER SO CAL SUN. The line was also not moving. We decided to cut our losses and get in the line just in case. I mean, the concert was starting at 3:30, right? We wouldn't have to wait long!
HELL ON EARTH A.K.A. THE SKIN CONCERT SEATING LINE
Did I mention that we got into the line at after 2pm, the hottest part of the day?
Oh, and it was on asphalt, inbetween the cars parked in the parking lot. There was also NO SHADE, no restroom, and no hydration unless you brought it with you or got out of the line, walked your ass off, and bought a drink from a vendor who was pushing a cart with ice slushies and lemonade and raping us for them? $4 for the flavored ices and $5 for the lemonades.
We were literally WILTING in that line, and taking refuge in the minimal shade offered by the tall cars and SUVs. We even wondered if they were waiting for someone to just pass out of heat exhaustion before they were going to let the line move. Oh, and everytime someone had to, you know, MOVE THEIR CAR, they had to move us all back so we wouldn't get run over.
Our little group managed to snag a Staff person, and he was very nice and explained to us that SKIN wasn't letting ANYONE into the theater yet because they were still warming up and such. We were all worried, because it was getting after 3pm, and the concert was supposed to start at 3:30. He said not to worry, since there was ALOT of time between the SKIN Concert and the AMVs (AMVs were supposed to start seating at 7pm), and we'd get our concert, but the AX Staff literally could not let us into the theater until SKIN (or their promoters) allowed it. We accepted the explanation and settled down as best we could to wait.
And wait.
And wait.
Did I mention the waiting?
Finally, sometime around 4:30pm (wtf the concert was supposed to be OVER at 4:30!) we started inching forward. But the line moved SO SLOW that it was torment. I made a run for cold drinks because I'd sucked down the two bottles of Propel I'd brought with me. The vendor raped me up the ass for 3 lemonades (one for me, one for Aoi and one for this girl who gave me money). And as I was carrying them (one in each hand and in the crook of my arm against my right boob), I ended up completely sticky and drenched in lemonade down my right arm. x____X It was the most disgusting feeling (compounded with the heat), even though the ice cold lemonade was a welcome treat and kept me from, I dunno, gathering us all up to rush the doors.
Thankfully, a girl near us was nice enough to open her water bottle (almost empty), and she helped me wash my arm and hands of the sticky lemonade. I was still slightly sticky after that, but it was better than nothing. ♥ And after the cool treat (and once were were in the part of the line under the trees and shade), we all perked up considerably and got much happier and cheerful.
Got to the doors and through security (haha my camera was in my waistbag and hidden under my wallet) with minimal fuss, though there was a scary moment because the guard said no chains, and my waist bag has chains attached. I got my concert bracelet and the other security guy looked and said I was okay to go in. YAY!
INSIDE THE THEATER AND SEATING
I just want to say that the inside of the theater was REALLY DISORGANIZED.
It took forever to find our seats, and even the staff inside seemed confused and not sure where everything was supposed to be. It was chaos getting everyone inside. Thankfully, me and Aoi-chan's seats were in pretty good spots, the first row of the risers on one side. The floor was reserved for the people who got Premier Tickets. The lucky bastards. Still, our seats were awesome and we got a good view of the whole stage, so we were happy. And being in the first row of the risers meant no seats or people in front of us, and I had a handy railing bar in front of me, that I knew I'd be leaning on once the concert started.
The stage setup was good. There were two video/projection screen on each side of the stage, and a HUGE one in the middle above the stage. The stage itself was covered from the front by this big white curtain thing, and I KNEW that they'd eaither drop it or raise it once the concert started.
Since seating was taking so long, I leaned up against Aoi's shoulder and decided to nap until the concert started. It was very comfy and the theater was air conditioned and I was sotired. I think that little catnap saved me, since people kept randomly screaming when the screens turned on and SKIN was flashed on them. Aoi also poked me somewhere int here because they were selling merchandise (some girl in the seat on the floor in front of us had a shirt). We asked where she got it, and then Aoi shoved money at me, and I made the run to the Merch Booth and bought us both shirts. There were two different designs, so I got one of each. Ran back to my seat (since it was getting near 6pm). Aoi decided she wanted the wrist band too (there were also pins and stickers), so she made a run for it.
The energy in the theater was really amazing as it started to fill up and we started to get antsy for everything to start, and people started a wave. XD! It kept going around and around the whole theater.
And then it was 6pm.
The lights went down, the screens lit up brighter, and then we all lost our damn minds.
S.K.I.N.
This isn't done yet. ^^ I'll finish the rest when I get home, since I'm thinking of leaving the library early today. The ovaries insist.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-03 02:28 am (UTC)"The vendor raped me up the ass for 3 lemonades"
XD ROFLMFAO HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA *Thud*
(no subject)
Date: 2007-07-03 12:39 pm (UTC)I read the butt plug pimping and then this. The visual wasn't one you should have before breakfast...
DK