A quick recap is in order. Sooo… 1.) The hotel rocked. 2.) The panel was successful. And 3.) I’m super-psyched about the license announcements and the fans’ reactions to them!
As I prepare for conventions, I always try to bank away a little extra cash in case I find something interesting in the dealers’ room. This time was no exception. In addition to finding some out-of-print manga for my assistant, I found the limited-edition version of Replay, the greatest hits double CD for V6’s 20th Century subunit, plus KAT-TUN’s Rescue single in one vendor’s 50%-off bin. Cheap CDs… GET!
That was my big purchase and a non-anime/manga one, which was a little disappointing, but most everything else I saw could be acquired from the regular suspects.
Work stuff and networking stuff went well, I had the chance to meet and socialize with some cool new acquaintances, and early on Sunday, July 4, it was time to wing my way home. Or so I thought…
After I’d checked in at the airport, checked my luggage and gone through security, I received a phone call from the airline. The first of my two flights was pushed back by two hours — which would cause me to miss my connection — so I had to switch my entire itinerary.
The first leg of the flight to my rerouted destination, Chicago, was fun once I finally got on the plane. A cute, young family — a dad, mom, and five-year-old little boy — was in the three-seat row just in front of me, and the grandma was in my row.
I was still worn out from the previous evening’s exploits, so I settled in for a nap, and when I woke up, the little grandson was sitting between his grandmother and me. He was super cute and super polite and gave me a HUGE smile. “You were sleeping when I came over here!” To which I responded, “Even grown-ups take naps sometimes!” He nodded back very solemnly, and we chatted for at least an hour straight, much to Grandma’s amusement.
This little guy was awesome. He had great manners, and you could tell he was used to talking with adults, so it was easy and fun to talk with him about TV, music, books, and school… just like you would with anyone else. 😊
The second leg started out OK — we watched some amazing fireworks from the tarmac and runway of O’Hare airport — but the last 20 minutes of the approach to Des Moines, were dreadful.
Storms were rolling in and out of the area, and the plane bounced up and down like a roller coaster.
I made it back home safely, though. Kitty-mon was happy to see me return, and we were both grateful I had the next day off. 😉
All in all, a good trip!