sariagray

About 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!