JAN Had my first major surgery. ACL tear on my right knee. I’d torn it years ago due to an accident while exercising with the wrong equipment.-

So two X-Rays, and two MRI’s later, I got my knee repaired. Doc told me after SX that my knee was as bad as a football player’s, no joke, he was impressed with my pain tolerance, even more impressed with my fast healing.

I had eight weeks off work for paid disability. The first month of rest and relaxation were great, but by the second month, I was ready to work.

However, I did go back to my orthopedist in May because my knee continued to ache and stayed swollen. He unfortunately told me the Baker’s Cyst (which I discovered with the first MRI) was enormous, and that I had onset Arthritis. Nay.

MAR My BF invited me to attend the Hollywood Premiere of Pacific Rim 2 at the Grand Chinese. We got there early and waited in line and were two of the several dozen people chosen to go inside the tent and stand on the fan bleachers and watch the cast arrive.-

We got sweet shirts and posters, and I think I may be on one of the DVD extras, IDK, I haven’t actually checked to see if I’m on film, but I’m wearing a Rise Up bandana. XD

Mid March checked out the Ready Player One Challenge, where you basically go through a mini maze of 3 levels with bright colors, flashing lights, and EDM solving puzzles, playing retro arcade games, and getting the keys for the large room where props from the movie were displayed.

APR Legion FX had an art exhibit in L.A. It was the Chamber, the same one they had at SDCC this year. I got to see it earlier in the year. It was neat! Although, the VR experience from last year was SO MUCH BETTER.

Drove out of town to Phoenix AX for my little cousin’s wedding. Never seen the desert city before, I liked it, and the celebration was huge. My cousin and her husband had over 100 people there.

MAY Got two new tattoos for my birthday.

JUN Took another trip, this time mom and I drove into Mexico and checked out Rosarito Beach. We stayed in the Official Hotel and drove through Encinitas (which funnily enough, reminded me of Riverside) and saw La Bufadora.

Bought some smooth Almond Tequila, a fish boned pipe as souvenir, and smoked my first Cuban Cigar. Since I’d always flown into Mexico before, I’d never experienced the drag of waiting at the border to cross into CA. I have yet to determine the right word for this surreality.

JULY Went to Anime Expo one day on Sat. My friend went as The Crow and I Alex Mercer. It was so hot that day and we were both so miserable. Aha, fuck the heat. The massive crowds of people also made it hot inside. We were in Hell. That was fine. My friend did get a lot of attention in his costume

I also attended three concerts this month. USB40, Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys.

SD Comic Con. Some days were good, and some not so good. On the positive, I found a friend who stayed at an Airbnb two trolley stops away from the con. Saved me so much time. Speaking of HOTEL SDCC: Anyone here going this year and need a place to stay? The hostess is asking if I know people interested.-

Inly cosplayed twice. Was fem Nathan in a Metalocalypse group on Wed preview night, and Winter Soldier on Thursday. I have to rebuild my prop arm before I wear the costume again; its dying. Waited in line for the Purge City Exhibit. As morbid as the concept is, the store was hilariously fun.-

I’d worked on a Millie Frock cosplay for a Louise and Tina duo, but the two poofed pig tails on the wig ended up sitting too high on my head, and the shorts just 4didn’t fit right, so I abandoned that outfit last minute and went nerd wear.-

That was pretty much the only experience I waited in line for. Sadly, had no time to do anything else. Cause I spent all day Saturday camping out for Hall H in thoughts that getting a Level A wristband for my friends and I would not only ensure us guarantee into Hall H once we showed up early Sun morning, but also a seat up front.-

NOPE. I WASTED all that time sitting around and getting sunburned. I did not find out until later that since I stepped out of line (after getting level A) at 10pm, that’d I’d lost my place in line. I showed up Sun morn with level D badges. ouch-

Sunday afternoon made up the whole con, though, because I was super lucky enough to get selected in the Supernatural autograph signing. I’d also signed up for the Legion FX one, but OMFG SPN! I’ve been a diehard fan since 2005. I needed this-

So after the panel in Hall H, I headed down to the WB autograph area and nerve wrenchingly waited in line for my turn to finally meet Jensen, and Jared! I’d met Misha once before, and nonetheless I said hello and shook his hand before he signed my poster.-

I’d originally brought with me an issue of that Weekly World News with Sam and Dean from season two on the cover for them to sign, (I’d gotten it way back in, what, 2006?) but the event staff told us absolutely no personalized items, so that sucked.-

I met Jared next. After he signed my poster, I told him about my anxiety and depression, and thanked him for his organization and for speaking on behalf of people with our disorders. He stared at me, raised a fist and said something so soft spoken, I blanked for a second and went “I’m sorry, what?”

He repeated himself. “Always keep fighting.” I smiled. Told him the same, and I raised my fist to his.

(I’d the panel early in order to get a spot in line, so I was completely unaware of the AKF candles for Jared until I’d watched the remainder of the panel on YT. I had no idea that happened! It makes my meeting him that more special.)

Jensen was next. He signed my poster, looked at me and goes “I love your tattoo.” I smiled back at him and go “I love you guys,” and his smile spreads into this enormous adorable grin, it was sincere.-

I met Alex last. Jensen tells him of my tattoo and he goes, “Ah, a super fan.” I grimace inside, because superfan and I think those awful fangirls in the fandom, but go “Oh yeah, I’ve been a fan with the show since the beginning.” -“Oh, yeah?”

The entire experience happened too fast. It was over too fast. I feel the staff rushed us in and out as fast as they could in order to maintain a proper timeframe. Whatever. I was enthralled over it all. I still am.

Ignore the wax melts holding the stupid poster down....

AUG First time seeing Alice Cooper in concert. I dug his show.

OCT Only got to go to Knott’s Scary Farm and Universal Horror Nights. Twas so much fun. Hopefully I’ll be able to go to more spooky events in 2019.

Attended a friend’s beautiful wedding. Saw Sammy Hagar and REO Speedwagon in the beginning of Oct.

And instead of three days at Comikaze, I went to Surf City Blitz on both days during Halloween weekend and saw: all these punk rockers play!

NOV I got to see DJ REZZ perform live for the first time, and I am forever in love with her music. Her visuals are a treat to experience in person. She’s a trip!

DEC New computer chair and mattress top as Xmas gifts, boo, arthritis and back pain, yay, I am much more comfortable now!

Wow! Rough start, but lots of awesome stuff happened.

artillerate: That it did! My SX wasn't too rough, I really enjoyed the break off work, and I wasn't in much pain after, it just really sucks it didn't heal right, and aggravated my arthritis.