Exposition and Pictures
Nov. 27th, 2010 10:11 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sariagrayAbout an hour from Chicago, I couldn’t take any more and button was passed out. So I pulled off to a rest area and we slept in the car for a couple of hours, only to wake once the temperature became too cold to bear. This was about 6am. We “showered” in the bathrooms, breakfasted on coffee and pastries, and continued on our way.
We arrived in Chicago, IL at around 8am, us time to scope out the place before registration. The hotel was absolutely beautiful. Breathtaking, really. Marble floors, high ceilings, plush seats and cushions. It was well above my price range, so I’m surprised that the convention price was only $99. We registered and made some friends, then mulled around until the dealers opened their doors. We also (well, I also( saw Kai Owen leaving the hotel. He is just so wonderful.
During this time, we entered a room with Daleks and the TARDIS. We took pretty incredible pictures. I am beyond PLEASED with them. It was fantastic. We also made a friend via the Pride and Prejudice Torchwood video.
Then we went shopping, where I found the NYC ComicCon exclusive continuation of GDL’s comic thingamabob. YES. I bought it. Then we had to run back and forth collecting “virtual queue” tickets.
Our first venture was a photograph session-a-majig with Kai Owen. It also included two other people we didn’t really care about, so when I got up there, I asked the photographer if I could just get a picture with JUST Kai. Apparently, this has not happened before, because people just looked at me like I was crazy.
Ultimately, they agreed and the other two disappeared with mock annoyance. It was actually all good-natured and Kai was so cute and flustered about it. Well, not flustered, but he seemed rather flattered. I made some silly comments, there was laughter, etc. So I walked up and stood next to him; he looked at me, laughed, and said “Give me a hug!”
I am going to say this right here, right now. He was the most genial, good-natured, down-to-earth, funny, and wonderful celebrity I have ever met. EVER. And I have met some genial, good-natured, down-to-earth, funny, and wonderful celebrities in my time.
Button went up after me, carrying her giant Myfanwy, demanding just Kai as well. (Sorry, other celebrities!). Kai laughed at her and said “BUT SHE’S DEAD!” And he threw her to me, as I stood over by the exit. (THIS IS IMPORTANT. REMEMBER THIS.)
As we left, he kept saying cheers, winking, and he blew us kisses. I swear, this man is a saint. Because we were giggly and silly and ridiculous (okay, I was actually truly exhausted and a little bit subdued, but in my head I was silly). It made my day. MY DAY. I look AWFUL in the picture, but it is still my favorite thing ever.
So then, we run off and come back for GDL pictures. In contrast, it was MUCH more fast-paced, in and out, super quick. He said, “Hi, how are you?” I said, “I’m well, and you?” He said, “I’m well, thank you.” Then the photographer said “Uh-oh” and I laughed, saying “That doesn’t sound good.” There were a lot more people waiting, so I happily went about my way.
Anyway, picture was taken. It was very good. By that I mean HE looked good and I look AWFUL. But again, still happy.
Then the panel. Oh GOD the panel. HILARIOUS. There was a rap about Ianto’s coffee, and Kai sang a song about John Barrowman. Then questions.
Button went up to ask a question, Myfanwy in tow. Kai looked at her and dropped his head, moaning. He motioned for her to pass it to him, which she did. I don’t know what she asked because from that moment on, Kai and I looked at each other and, amidst numerous facial gestures, nods and raised eyebrows, planned a plotty plan.
At the end of GDL’s answer about whatever she asked, Kai chucked Myfanwy at me. I ran to grab her but she fell way short. I gave him a look and shouted “YOU THROW LIKE A GIRL!” Everyone laughed and made the obligatory “oooh” noises.
I don’t know why I did that. I’m not that kind of person. He jumped up from his seat and asked what I said. I played innocent. “No, no, what did you say?” So I told him and he burst out laughing. “I’ve got nothing, that’s good!” It wasn’t, not really, but it made me feel good. And, basically, I played catch with Kai Owen using a pterodactyl. Twice. That right there is made of win.
After the panel, it was time for Kai’s autograph. I bought a beautiful print of Ianto and Rhys. Perfect. So we finally got to him, and he was all very sweet.
“I drove us 14 hours to see you,” I said. He looked incredulous (in an honored and awed sort of manner) and stood up to hug me. And then I demanded a poem.
After the obligatory to me “luv“ Kai Owen, he wrote “Mary Rose sat on a pin. Mary rose.”
Yep.
I grinned.
Then on to GDL. I brought the same picture to sign. When we finally got to him, I was half asleep. “We drove 14 hours to see you,” I said. “So if I look bored, I’m not….I’m just….”
He made some sort of woozy tired face and motions, and grinned.
“Kai wrote me a poem,” I said. “So you should too.”
“What? You wrote me a poem?”
“No, Kai wrote me a poem.” (His wife tried to explain it to him, too. It was adorable).
He read the poem and looked at me. “Was he drunk?!” he asked. HA! So he drew an arrow from Kai’s poem and wrote “What the Fuck.” I guess THAT’S not going to go up at work.
It really was a brilliant time. We met some lovely people and had quite a blast.
ALSO - the bedroom is GORGEOUS. GORGEOUS. There is a double showerhead. Oh, so nice. Comfy. Can't WAIT to sleep. But I had to post this first so that I can have my obsessions affirmed. Confirmed? My brain is slowly beginning to lack sense. Which is dangerous.
Pictures below!
Oh, we hit PA!
Eventually, Illinois.
Myfanwy 1 and Myfanwy 2 look...sleepy?
What I woke up to.
AHHAHAHAHA!
Super Temp and Coffee Girl
Myfanwy in the hotel.
I was...overtired.
I look as if I am dancing with the dalek...."Dances With Daleks!"
EXTERMINATE!
Super Temp - The Time Lord
The Hotel.
Action Figures! IN the windows!
Epic battle.
K-9
Okay, again, I look like nonsense, but he is happy-making. I'm leaning over so far because I wasn't expecting the hugging demands.
Eep!
Double Eep!
Again, I look awful. (And this is so blurry because it's a picture of a picture...ugh)
Panel - beautiful. Great! :)
AHAHAHA! This is the greatest thing EVAR.
We arrived in Chicago, IL at around 8am, us time to scope out the place before registration. The hotel was absolutely beautiful. Breathtaking, really. Marble floors, high ceilings, plush seats and cushions. It was well above my price range, so I’m surprised that the convention price was only $99. We registered and made some friends, then mulled around until the dealers opened their doors. We also (well, I also( saw Kai Owen leaving the hotel. He is just so wonderful.
During this time, we entered a room with Daleks and the TARDIS. We took pretty incredible pictures. I am beyond PLEASED with them. It was fantastic. We also made a friend via the Pride and Prejudice Torchwood video.
Then we went shopping, where I found the NYC ComicCon exclusive continuation of GDL’s comic thingamabob. YES. I bought it. Then we had to run back and forth collecting “virtual queue” tickets.
Our first venture was a photograph session-a-majig with Kai Owen. It also included two other people we didn’t really care about, so when I got up there, I asked the photographer if I could just get a picture with JUST Kai. Apparently, this has not happened before, because people just looked at me like I was crazy.
Ultimately, they agreed and the other two disappeared with mock annoyance. It was actually all good-natured and Kai was so cute and flustered about it. Well, not flustered, but he seemed rather flattered. I made some silly comments, there was laughter, etc. So I walked up and stood next to him; he looked at me, laughed, and said “Give me a hug!”
I am going to say this right here, right now. He was the most genial, good-natured, down-to-earth, funny, and wonderful celebrity I have ever met. EVER. And I have met some genial, good-natured, down-to-earth, funny, and wonderful celebrities in my time.
Button went up after me, carrying her giant Myfanwy, demanding just Kai as well. (Sorry, other celebrities!). Kai laughed at her and said “BUT SHE’S DEAD!” And he threw her to me, as I stood over by the exit. (THIS IS IMPORTANT. REMEMBER THIS.)
As we left, he kept saying cheers, winking, and he blew us kisses. I swear, this man is a saint. Because we were giggly and silly and ridiculous (okay, I was actually truly exhausted and a little bit subdued, but in my head I was silly). It made my day. MY DAY. I look AWFUL in the picture, but it is still my favorite thing ever.
So then, we run off and come back for GDL pictures. In contrast, it was MUCH more fast-paced, in and out, super quick. He said, “Hi, how are you?” I said, “I’m well, and you?” He said, “I’m well, thank you.” Then the photographer said “Uh-oh” and I laughed, saying “That doesn’t sound good.” There were a lot more people waiting, so I happily went about my way.
Anyway, picture was taken. It was very good. By that I mean HE looked good and I look AWFUL. But again, still happy.
Then the panel. Oh GOD the panel. HILARIOUS. There was a rap about Ianto’s coffee, and Kai sang a song about John Barrowman. Then questions.
Button went up to ask a question, Myfanwy in tow. Kai looked at her and dropped his head, moaning. He motioned for her to pass it to him, which she did. I don’t know what she asked because from that moment on, Kai and I looked at each other and, amidst numerous facial gestures, nods and raised eyebrows, planned a plotty plan.
At the end of GDL’s answer about whatever she asked, Kai chucked Myfanwy at me. I ran to grab her but she fell way short. I gave him a look and shouted “YOU THROW LIKE A GIRL!” Everyone laughed and made the obligatory “oooh” noises.
I don’t know why I did that. I’m not that kind of person. He jumped up from his seat and asked what I said. I played innocent. “No, no, what did you say?” So I told him and he burst out laughing. “I’ve got nothing, that’s good!” It wasn’t, not really, but it made me feel good. And, basically, I played catch with Kai Owen using a pterodactyl. Twice. That right there is made of win.
After the panel, it was time for Kai’s autograph. I bought a beautiful print of Ianto and Rhys. Perfect. So we finally got to him, and he was all very sweet.
“I drove us 14 hours to see you,” I said. He looked incredulous (in an honored and awed sort of manner) and stood up to hug me. And then I demanded a poem.
After the obligatory to me “luv“ Kai Owen, he wrote “Mary Rose sat on a pin. Mary rose.”
Yep.
I grinned.
Then on to GDL. I brought the same picture to sign. When we finally got to him, I was half asleep. “We drove 14 hours to see you,” I said. “So if I look bored, I’m not….I’m just….”
He made some sort of woozy tired face and motions, and grinned.
“Kai wrote me a poem,” I said. “So you should too.”
“What? You wrote me a poem?”
“No, Kai wrote me a poem.” (His wife tried to explain it to him, too. It was adorable).
He read the poem and looked at me. “Was he drunk?!” he asked. HA! So he drew an arrow from Kai’s poem and wrote “What the Fuck.” I guess THAT’S not going to go up at work.
It really was a brilliant time. We met some lovely people and had quite a blast.
ALSO - the bedroom is GORGEOUS. GORGEOUS. There is a double showerhead. Oh, so nice. Comfy. Can't WAIT to sleep. But I had to post this first so that I can have my obsessions affirmed. Confirmed? My brain is slowly beginning to lack sense. Which is dangerous.
Pictures below!
Oh, we hit PA!
Eventually, Illinois.
Myfanwy 1 and Myfanwy 2 look...sleepy?
What I woke up to.
AHHAHAHAHA!
Super Temp and Coffee Girl
Myfanwy in the hotel.
I was...overtired.
I look as if I am dancing with the dalek...."Dances With Daleks!"
EXTERMINATE!
Super Temp - The Time Lord
The Hotel.
Action Figures! IN the windows!
Epic battle.
K-9
Okay, again, I look like nonsense, but he is happy-making. I'm leaning over so far because I wasn't expecting the hugging demands.
Eep!
Double Eep!
Again, I look awful. (And this is so blurry because it's a picture of a picture...ugh)
Panel - beautiful. Great! :)
AHAHAHA! This is the greatest thing EVAR.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2010-11-28 03:43 am (UTC)Nice to know you've had lots of fun, lucky, lucky you! <3
no subject
Date: 2010-11-28 04:10 am (UTC)I'M SO GLAD YOU BOTH HAD FUN!
YOU GOT TO MEET KAI AND GARETH! AND GOT AUTOGRAPHS AND PHOTOS! AND PLAYED MYFANWY CATCH WITH KAI! EEEEEEEE!
Sleep tight and have happy TW dreams! :))
no subject
Date: 2010-11-28 04:30 am (UTC)Thank you! Button is going to post videos later too! :-D At some point, anyway.
Sleep well! And yes, we are kidnapping you for the next one! Hee!
no subject
Date: 2010-11-28 04:20 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-11-28 08:55 am (UTC)Ooohh, so jealous and yet, so bloody happy for you. So glad you're having fun, bb!
*hugs you, cuz you know, you hugged them*
no subject
Date: 2010-11-28 01:17 pm (UTC)It was good. And I honestly CANNOT believe all of that happened, too. Oh, oh my.
*Hugs you back for proper transference of essence*
:-D
no subject
Date: 2010-11-28 12:52 pm (UTC)Myfanwy got to fly again, courtesy of you and Kai! lol =D
Both Kai and Gareth sound totally adorable, I'm so glad the two of you had such a great time, even if I'm a bit envious!
Love the TARDIS, Daleks, K9 and clockwork dudes - it must have been surreal!
no subject
Date: 2010-11-28 01:27 pm (UTC)Myfanwy got a lot of attention this weekend. She is very popular here.
It was a fantastic experience, really. They are truly gentlemen. And Gareth's wife is very sweet (and they are TOO CUTE! We kept running into them and they held hands EVERYWHERE!)
In any case, yes, VERY surreal, though with Kai especially, you didn't think of meeting him as out of the ordinary. In fact, the TARDIS was more surreal! :)
I'm just sad that it's over!
no subject
Date: 2010-11-28 02:26 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-11-28 02:27 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-11-28 02:33 pm (UTC)My thanks to you for sharing the experience! It's brightened a very cold, snowy weekend where few things seem to have gone right!
no subject
Date: 2010-11-28 06:47 pm (UTC)So happy for you guys!
no subject
Date: 2010-11-29 09:56 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-11-29 07:06 am (UTC)Thanks so much for sharing your photos! The Saxon For Mayor was a hoot! Always love seeing folks rockin' the cosplay! Kai always seemed really nice. My mom loves Rhys! There was a recent TW mag short story where Rhys helped to save the world...
Love the Myfanwy plushies! (I'm convinced she's alive!) GDL... sigh. He looks hot as ever! Love that he's back to the short hair. Sounds like he and Gemma are still happy newlyweds! ;)
I'm glad (and a bit envious) that you and Button had such an amazing weekend! (Think you could drive by Northern CA and take me along next time?) *big hugs to both of you* xxx
no subject
Date: 2010-11-29 09:59 am (UTC)I will have to check that story out. Gotta love Rhys.
And thanks! I often fear that it's a bit like showing vacation and/or baby pictures, where people smile and nod and pretend to be interested lol *Big hugs back!*
no subject
Date: 2010-11-29 10:51 pm (UTC)That story is a few issues back. Better hurry up and snap up all the back issues you can: I heard the mag's folding after issue 25! *grits teeth*
Hope you had a safe drive home! xxx