So, I'm not one to really write journal entries or anything but this year's AWA deserves a special mention. Like always, I didn't get to see all the people that I wanted to. The con seemed a little more spread out because of the Artist Alley relocation so I didn't run into some of my favorite Deviants. Believe me, I tried, and yet my stalking skills failed me miserably. It was amazing. It was large. It was fun and yet totally brain-sucking. I participated in the Yaoi After Dark room for the first time, which was a blast. I don't think I've ever had a more amusing mental image than James (Pokemon) and Rude (Final Fantasy VII) hooking up from a gaming show--and now you probably won't either. Still, there were definitely some things that made the con flop a little for me.

I didn't like the giant black maze that was obtrusively and randomly placed where Artist's Alley used to be. In fact, I rather hated it, and also the fact that AA actually closed. No one really knew where to hang out because if you stood still for more than a few minutes after 2:00AM, you would get shooed away for loitering. Also, there were elevator nazis. I'm sure the elevator nazis served a really good purpose, I just failed to see it after the migraine I got from hearing them shout every two minutes. Fortunately, I think the guy either lost his voice or simply gave up after a few hours. Furthermore, I thought it was hilarious that staff members stopped several Yokos (Gurren Lagann) and forced them to wear towels after saying Felicia was fine on their website. I mean, seriously? We're not talking about the whoreish Yokos who walk around in a thong, but accurate cosplayers who aren't flossing themselves clean with PVC here.

I guess those mothers who complained haven't been to a public pool with their kids either. Or realized that there's random half naked people making out around every corner at the con for photos. Or that there's ample discussion of porn in the elevators because there's nothing better to do. Oh well.

Overall, I'm left with some really cool (probably overpriced) merchandise and a slightly bittersweet, annoyed feeling. I loved the con. I lost my Yaoi After Dark virginity this year, rocked out at the rave, laughed (on the inside) at the karaoke, and did all the things that I usually enjoy doing--but something was just a little too uptight about this con compared to previous years for me to enjoy it as much.

(oh, and if I ever see ramen again, I think I may kill myself)