Pre-SDCC 2011 Expectations

Tomorrow I leave for my geek post-graduate final exercise. It's been just a few years since my return to Geekdom, and I've enjoyed every minute of it. I've connected with other like-minded geeks. I've experienced new-to-me sci-fi material like Farscape and Buffy. I've re-emerged myself in gaming. I've collected science fiction memorabilia. I've purchased geek-related clothing. I've written blog posts like this one about sci-fi material. With the gracious approval of Chuck, Sean, and Audra I have even had the opportunity to record a couple of sci-fi discussion podcasts. But there is one thing that I've never done in my life: I've never been to a science fiction, gaming, or comic convention before. So tomorrow I start my final exercise in my Geek Cred Master's/PhD and depart for my first geek convention ever: the 2011 San Diego Comic Con.

I really have no idea what to expect, and admittedly, my expectations are low. There are no panels I'm dying to see, I do not have plans to purchase anything, and I'm not particularly interested in getting a picture with a celebrity or their autograph. I'm not attending in costume, and I'm not looking forward to the large crowd and potentially spartan 3G Verizon service.

I am looking forward to hanging out with cool people. I hope to meet up with as many GWC and Twitter friends as possible. If I happen to run into someone famous, I'd like to have a quick conversation with them about anything from their work to their interests or families, but I don't want to bug them and will only continue to talk to them if we connect on some level. I am looking forward to seeing neat things. I'm looking forward to seeing the great cosplay I've heard of or seen only in pictures and YouTube videos. I am looking forward to discovering new scifi content. And I look forward to the wonderful San Diego weather.

I have done some preparation: I'll be bringing healthy Clif Bars, my Camel water bottle, and my metal water canteen. I have a full iPod Classic and external batteries for my Droid and my iPod. I will be bringing cameras. As a frequent traveler I am already fully equipped with an electronics backpack full of chargers and cords. I have my Comic Con registration pass printed out and a personalized Comic Con schedule completed that I may or may not stick to.

Some limited regrets that I already have is that Shooter, Jr. and Little Shootette will not be with me. Also, Sean will not be there to experience my first sci-fi convention with me. Hopefully someday I'll be able to experience a sci-fi convention with all of them.

I just want to send a special pre-SDCC thank you to Topgun and DawnAZ. I simply would NOT be going to SDCC this year without Topgun. I am eternally grateful and owe you several drinks, sir. And special thanks to DawnAZ for suggesting this blog post. I honestly had not even considered it before she suggested it last night.

Are you going to SDCC this year? What are you looking forward to? And if you'd like to catch up with me at SDCC, send me a tweet @ShooterGWC or PM me on the GWC Forum -- I'd love to catch up with you.

Until next time...

~Shooter Out