SDCC 2017

Well, well, well. Another San Diego Comic Con has come and gone. What a week it was. I'm still super tired, to be quite honest.Comic Con is always full of disappointments - it's impossible to see and do everything there is - and this year seemed heavy on the disappointments - but I still loved it and can't wait for next year?? I'm definitely ready to unpack what happened and all of the great news that came out of SDCC, so let's get to it. 

WEDS

The #nerdgirlgang spent their fourth Comic Con together! Our Wednesday started off with me picking up Sirose and Kirsten and then heading to the store for snacks. We had time to kill before Nicole's plane from Seattle landed, so we stopped at a new Boba/Ché shop called Bambu in Gardena and I HIGHLY recommend it. The drinks were delicious, and the woman behind the counter was a total boss. We headed to the airport and for once, traffic wasn't bad. We circled a few times, and then picked up the fourth member of our girl gang, Nicole, saving her from what has been an awful flight. We hit the road. My god, the drive to San Diego was awful. It was great until we hit Oceanside and then it was basically stop and go the rest of the way in. We left the airport at about 1:45 and didn't make it to San Diego until about 5:45 (and we only made one quick stop for In N Out). And as the chosen driver, I was absolutely EXHAUSTED. We checked into the hotel and the girls let me rest while they ventured out for more snacks. When we were reunited we made our way to the Gaslamp and made our way to Oscars for dinner ceviché. It was utterly delicious. Do not skip this gem the next time you're in SD. We walked through the Gaslamp and other areas outside the Convention Center getting the lay of the land and trying to figure out what was where. While it was Preview Night, none of the outside activations were open yet, so we couldn't check them off our list. We headed to the Bay Front to find out more information about the super secret Westworld activation - it was the one thing we all REALLY wanted to do this year. Information was slim, and while we saw the Delos set up, we couldn't gather much more info, so we went back to our hotel room to get some sleep for our early start the next day. BTW, Nicole made us all the CUTEST matching back patches and we had matching backpacks and we just looked like the cutest, coolest girls all week-end.

THURS

The whole weekend is a blur, but especially Thursday. We woke up super early so we could get in line for Westworld: The Experience, only to find out that the line had already reached it's capacity of 120 people at about 6am. We were incredulous at that small amount of people, but when we read the Variety article, it all made sense. Since our hotel we right next to Tram stop, and having realized how our hotel was the last stop on the free SDCC shuttle, we made a group decision to pay the $15 for an SDCC all-weekend Tram pass, and it was worth it. Definitely keep that as option for your transportation needs during Comic Con. We rode down to the Gaslamp and I split off, because I working Thursday. That's right, after years of dreaming of working at SDCC and not just going as an attendee, my wishes were granted and through my amazing job, I was able to work at the Her Universe Fashion Show! Like I said before, the day was a complete blur and I barely remember it. It was long, magical, difficult, but oh so rewarding and I'm really proud of myself, my coworkers, and all of the contestants. The OC Register did a pretty legit article about the show, so here it is.

After the fashion show, I headed over to a party hosted by Kraken Rum, that Nicole's cousin Andrea was kind enough to get us girls into. It was a blast! Until it wasn't. Don't get me wrong, Kraken knows how to throw a party, but the DJ was really odd. She played a trap remix of The Fun Song from Sponge Bob, then the theme from The Fairly Odd Parents? Like, what? Also, there were some creepy dudes at that party. We wished we could have stayed longer and danced more, but it was still great. We headed back to the hotel and passed the eff out.

FRI

Exhibit Hall day!! We all woke up really early to hit the floor. Nicole, earlier than the rest, because she did an AMAZING cosplay of Pink Lars from Steven Universe - which I just now realize I didn't take a single photo of. Believe me, it was fantastic. Nicole, Kirsten, and I ran around the hall floor together taking it all, before splitting up for a bit. We met up with our friend George and were all able to snag a Comic Co Exclusive Steven Universe 7" record. We also made new friends in line named GG and Meredith! After running around the hall floor for a while (where I met Greg Grunberg of Alias and some AMAZING WOC Comic creators and Babs Tarr and got some signed books) we headed back to our hotel room, where I took a lengthy nap. I was still worn out from the day before. That evening we headed out to a DragonBall Z themed party hosted by NerdOut, where our friend Katherine, their brand rep, was cosplaying as Bulma. It was a super fun party!

SAT

We slept in on Saturday and went to have our traditional Irish breakfast at Dublin Square, but breakfast was kind disappointing, to be honest. We think they must've changed ownership or something, because the food just wasn't on par with previous years. We then headed out to attempt as many outdoor activations as we could, but the weather really dampened our moods. It was incredibly hot and humid this Comic Con. INCREDIBLY. It made everything uncomfortable. Add that to the record breaking amount of people in San Diego for this years Comic Con and doing anything outside was difficult. There were a lot of cool things though:

• The American Horror Story Zoetrope
• The Blade Runner Experience - A Virtual Reality showing of the trailer with a noodle meal and cocktail afterwards
• Legion had a Virtual Reality experience
• Broad City's life size coloring book
• The Netflix Experience that covered many of their shows, including Stranger Things
• IT had a scavenger hunt that ended with a VR showing of the trailer
• The Tick was showing the pilot in an air conditioned dome
• Adult Swim on the Green had an upgraded Meatwad Dome
• Knighthood castle photo-op
• The Lego Ninjago photo-op
• The Game of Thrones Experience
• A secondary Netflix/Game of Thrones photo-op

And those are the ones that I remember seeing/walking past! There were more. Virtual Reality and photo-ops reigned supreme this year. And of course, like every year, there were several crews walking around offering up free swag. My favorite were a group of a women promoting Atomic Blonde and handing out copies of the soundtrack on cassette tape. It's a great soundtrack and I am so stoked for that movie. 

We headed back to our room, I napped again. Later that evening we ordered a mess of Thai food, as is our tradition, and played the new Steam game DreamDaddy together! It was probably the highlight of my weekend; taking turns playing, each of us reading a different chraracter, and turning it into a drinking game.

SUN

Another early start. Pack up the room. Check out of the hotel. Enjoy the continental breakfast. Run through the Exhibit Hall one last time. We ran into Tyler, one of the creators of DreamDaddy and had a lovely chat with him. He revealed one of the most rewarding characters to romance is Goth Dad - Damien, and that made me happy, because he was definitely my pick. I split off from the group to watch a panel. My very best friend, the light of my life, Phoenix was on a panel about Queerness and Fanfiction and the panel was so warm, educational, and affirming. Her friends and colleagues were also so fucking lovely. We also started talking about ideas for panels at other cons/next year's SDCC, including one about race and fanfiction - so fingers crossed, I'll be a panelist next year. I met up with the girls, we made our regular Lucha Libre stop for burritos and enjoyed an easy drive home - we were home in time to watch Game of Thrones and Insecure. 

WHAT A WEEKEND. It was over in the blink of an eye. I can't wait to see my ladies again; there were rumblings about Emerald City Comic Con and I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

NOW. About the news that came out of the weekend - 

• A pretty comprehensive trailer round-up thanks to Twitter. 
• We don't deserve the beauty that is Ruth Nega
• The new Star Trek series looks amazing.
• Once Upon a Time has jumped the shark and now airs on Fridays. 
• Stranger Things second season is going to be the end of me.
• Wonder Woman 2 was confirmed
• Ben Affleck is still going to be Batman
• Hey Arnold and Rocko's Modern Life are back and I'm really emotional
• Midnight, Texas looks interesting. I want to read the books from the hype at SDCC about the show.
• RIVERDALE. I LOVE RIVERDALE.
• The Originals is ending.
• READY. PLAYER. ONE. All aboard the hype train! 
• And more

There wasn't a lot of "news"? I think this article does a good job of explaining the cultural shift that's happening with Comic Con. It's going back to being fan-focused and while still a huge marketing event, that's not really the stress? I'm excited to see next year and how that plays out.

Until the next con - LA City Comic Con?

xo.

D23!

Whoa! So, I'm late on writing and posting this, but because I basically left for San Diego Comic Con right after it was over; I didn't have a chance to think/talk about this at all. BUT. I had my first ever D23 experience this year! My friend Melissa asked me to escort her to the every other year event, and of course I said yes, because if it involves Disney, Horror, Sci-Fi, or Punk Rock, I am there. I had a lot of fun! We only went for Sunday, and didn't attend any panels, but it was still a fantastic experience, and one that I'd love to do again.

If you've been to a larger convention than you won't be surprised by D23 - it's got all of the old familiars; badges, badge pick-up, long lines, an Exhibitor's Hall, swag being handed out, exclusives for sale, panels, crummy food, and more people than I'm comfortable being around in one day lol. I will say, that the D23 line up at the beginning of the day was not what I expected from Disney - it was very organized or accesible for people who need consideration - and I hope that changes in the future. After a few hours in line and in the sun, Melissa and I made it inside to the Exhibition Hall. I didn't take very many pictures, as I was pushing Melissa's wheelchair. That said, the Exhibition Hall didn't seem very full, and friends who have attended D23 before generally agreed and told me there was less to do this year. It was my first year, so I was super impressed! There was a lot of cool Disney merchandise for sale, tons of beautiful and unique cosplayers, and a few interactive activations including a Ducktales Money Bin to jump in (which I sadly missed the chance to partake in, due to poor communication of instructions), and a Pirates of the Carribean walk through. Disney Animation had a large booth with maquettes and models and animation stills. Even Jelly Belly was in on the game; making Disney themed art out of jellybeans.

The news that came out of D23? Let's jump into it!

Movie News -

Toy Story 4 - TS4 will be coming out in June 2019 and I don't know how I feel about it. I think the third installment ended that series perfectly, but I am excited because Rashida Jones worked on the script. So, I'm really torn.

Ralph Breaks the Internet - Nearly all of the Disney princesses will be in this movie with their original voice actresses. Pinch me, I'm crying.

The Untitled Pixar Film That Takes You To A Suburban Fantasy World - Written by Dan Scanlon who also helmed Monsters University and that's basically all we know. I'm still in.

Coco - Not much new news, but I'm still stoked for this one.

Frozen 2 - Nothing really new revealed. I'm not really a Frozen fan, so...

The Incredibles 2 - They talked about the advances in animation and how that has improved the way the Parr family interacts with each other. I can't effing wait for this movie, I love everything about the first one.

A Wrinkle in Time - The first trailer was released and WOW. I've actually never read the book, so I'm going to make sure to do that before the movie comes out, because I am hella hyped for this movie. Ava Duvernay can do no wrong.

Dumbo - They confirmed a live action version, helmed by Tim Burton, is on the way. Meh.

Aladdin - Casting for the film was announced, and my god, Mena Massoud is handsome.

The Lion King - They showed footage; I haven't seen it. I'm cautiously excited for this movie. I like the voice casting and I liked The Jungle Book, but us this necessary?

The Jungle Cruise - Apparently they're adapting the ride into a movie starring The Rock? Idk man.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi - Nothing new released. I'm still over the moon excited.

Avengers: Infinity War - A trailer was shown and while I refuse to watch it (it has leaked online in poor quality); it sounds amazing.

Disney Games News -

Kingdom Hearts 3 - Will be released 2018. FINALLY.

Marvel Powers United VR - I'm not excited about VR, so this means nothing to me. It's coming though.

Star Wars holochess game with augmented reality - WHAT?

Disney Parks News-

West Coast Parks:

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge - Among the beautiful models that made me cry; they revealed that guests will get to experience things like flying the Millennium Falcon and jumping right into a battle between the First Order and the Resistance. BB-8, Chewie, Hondo, Rex and Kylo Ren will be interactive characters spotted in the 14 acres. There will be a Cantina. So freaking excited!

Pixar Pier in California Adventure - Paradise Pier will be turning into Pixar Pier in the next few years. I'm really sad about this. California Adventure is becoming more Disney property oriented and while I understand it; I miss the OG California-ness of the park. That said, I'm ready for new prizes along the boardwalk; I've won and given away so many of the current offerings.

Pixar Fest in Disneyland - Disneyland will host Disney characters for the first time in 2018.

Paint the Night Parade - Paint the Night will be coming back, but it'll be in California Adventure now.

“Radiator Screams” – Cars Land Halloween Overlay - Just what it sounds like, and I'm stoked.

Avengers-themed “Universe” at California Adventure - The Avengers will be expanding their presense at California Adventure.

East Coast Parks -

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge - Florida will be getting theirs after LA, BUT - The Walt Disney World Hotel is going to be a luxurious and immersive Star Wars-themed hotel with views of space from each room – sounds like Star Wars Westworld and I'm intrigued and weirded out.

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway - The first ever ride based on Mickey is coming!

Toy Story Land - They're getting a whole land based on the Disney Pixar classic.

Epcot - Epcot will get A LOT. A new Ratatouille attraction in the France Pavilion at World Showcase, just past the Eiffel Tower. A new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction toward the Epcot entrance, replacing the Universe of Energy attraction. New “Green Mission at Mission: SPACE” will take guests on a tour around the Earth (younger kiddos will get to join in on the adventure for the first time). New table service dining experience across the way from the Mission: SPACE attraction invites guests to travel above the Earth for a great meal and view of outer space! New “circle vision” show in China!

DUDE. The highest rated attraction at Shanghai Disneyland, Tron, will be coming to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in a brand new area near Space Mountain! I. Am. So. Jealous.

A new theater based on “Willis Wood Theatre in 1920’s Kansas City” will be coming to Main Street to feature live performances.

There will be a new Minnie Van Service to shuttle guests between parks.

International Parks

The Disneyland Paris Hotel is getting a Marvel upgrade. “Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel.”

And that's a wrap on D23! I wish I had more photos for you guys or could speak more to my experience on the Exhibit Floor, but it was honestly an exciting and tiring blur of Disney! I would 10/10 reccomend you check it out next time it comes around.

JUNE PLAYLIST

So, I've planned on re-vamping the playlist posts to be a round-up of my monthly favorites, but I really didn't get my shit together in time to re-cap June. Ah, well. Grace, not perfection. Anyway, here's some shit I've been listening to.

Bullet Journaling?

I am obsessed with the written word. Not just "writing", but actual writing - - pen to paper writing. I've kept a journal religiously since I was 9 (actually, I started at 5; dictating to my mom and calling it "keeping my memoirs", because I was convinced I'd be important/famous and an exact record of my life would be needed in the future, but I count age 9 as the "beginning", because that's when I started writing on my own each night at home). I love nothing more than a good pen, a nice feeling piece of paper, and twenty minutes alone to get my thoughts out. Making lists calms me down and quiets the noise in my head. Stationary and empty journals are always perfect gifts to me. So, of course I heard about Bullet Journaling a while ago. It's gotten a lot of buzz in the past six months to a year. There are hashtags to track and a whole community of bullet journal-ers. 

What the fuck is bullet journaling? Instead of re-hashing the buzzfeed article that opened my eyes to this growing organizational trend, I'm just gonna link it. Short answer? Bullet journaling exists somewhere in the world in between keeping a planner and a journal. And, to be quite honest...I don't know how I feel about it. 

Now, I'm also a self-confessed planner addict. I have tried several different brands of planner. Erin Condren is my favorite (more on that later), and I've come to adapt my planner style to a combo of bullet-journaling and Erin Condren-ing.

Let's get the first thing out of the way; I am too busy, lazy, and not visually artistic enough for traditional bullet journaling. I'm semi-crafty, but I can't draw to save my life and my hand lettering/penmanship could use a lot of work. So, bullet journaling felt really intimidating when I tried it out at the beginning of the year during the blog hiatus. I also didn't want to start from scratch, in a medium that I'm not friends with. Why should I give myself a headache attempting to draw a calendar when Bando and Erin Condren exist? 

Now, I have adapted how I use my Erin Condren planner a bit, taking things that I learned from bullet journaling. I keep throwing around the name Erin Condren. For those who are unintiated into the planner world, Erin Condren is a stationery brand and her life planner is hands down my favorite. I had an Erin Condren - switched to Bando half way through the year, and am back with Erin. After attempting to switch how I used my planner and adapting some tips I learned from bullet journaling, I think Erin just fits me better. I also felt like my Bando was starting to fall apart after a while. I still love their other products, but I don't think I'll have another Bando planner. 

Now, my Erin.

It's 7" x 9", so it fits into the majority of bigger bags that I'd carry with me to work. The covers are layouts are all customize-able and interchangeable. I'm this one out with a black cover that's got hearts allover; goth and femme, like me. I got the monochrome interior. While the colorful is cute - - it can be a little too cutesy and a bit much to me. I also prefer the monochrome, because it doesn't really clash with the stickers I might use. Erin Condren planners start out with the year (or 18 months, since I have an 18 month planner) at a glance.

Then you get your long-term goal planning page. I've got my 2017 goals here and my planner glossary. I'll add to this page as other things come up; I'll more than likely add a "to watch" and "to read" list on these pages.

Erin Condren planners have a lot of cute little inspirational quotes in them. Cheesy, but we all know they hit the spot every now and then.

Then you get into your monthly pages. So each month has a note page at the beginning, for July I've put my current shopping list and my monthly "budget" (I'm really bad a budgeting y'all. I need HELP). 

Then when you get into the month, there's a month at a glace. I don't really use this; I prefer to use my phone for my monthly calendar and I can't imagine copying it over; it's intense ya'll. I'm trying to figure out something cute to do here.

And then you have your weekly layout! This is the beginning of the week.

I label my vertical sections for three different uses; tasks, notes, and journal. I'm more "bullet journal"-esque in these sections. Super quick bullet points in tasks, short detail oriented notes in notes, and a little micro-journal in the journal section - if I feel like it. If I don't, then I don't stress about it. Decorating your weekly section is a big thing among planner addicts - stickers, washi tape, hand lettering - there are full youtube channels dedicated to it. I'm attempting to walk the fine line between planner madness and bullet journaling -  cute doodle here and there, some stickers to liven it up and use the space, but nothing TOO MUCH. I think I'll also start making mini-collages here. 

Just for comparison sake - this is what it looks like by the end of the week. I think the whole point of keeping a journal/planner is to be less stressed and the idea of a full-on bullet journaling was just tool stressful to me. That said, I don't want to keep a boring planner either. The fine in-between is working very well for me. 

How do you like to keep organized? Let me know in the comments!

xo