On May 19th, 2013, I attended my very first con. I was excited because Edward James Olmos would be there. I fantasized we would have a moment. We would accidentally meet (cute meet?) outside when he was taking a breath of air even though it was hot outside. We’d share a look that said: “these fans? amirite?” Something. He would take a picture with me that I would keep on my phone and cherish forever. I knew these scenarios were not likely to happen but a fangirl could dream.
So I get to the con and I am immediately overwhelmed. This is not a big con but I am kind of an anxious person and I was by myself. I bypass the Adventure Time merchandise, I take a few pictures of people in cosplay and I head right to my target line. The line wasn’t long and I was able to see him. It was great. And then I saw the prices. It was 60 dollars for an autographed picture. What was a fan girl to do? I was ready to get out of line but I was sure I would seem rude. I was sure it was against etiquette to look at the price, balk and go find out how much Xander’s (okay, Nicholas Brenden) line would cost me. After a lot of walking in and out of a line of 5-6 people, I decide to stay. Sure. Why not? I’ll just get the 20 dollar picture that has Mary McDonnell in it, say hi and walk away.
Nope. Apparently, when you pick out a picture, it automatically means you want him to sign it. My first reaction was not fangirl. My first reaction was “Where they do that at?” But I don’t want to be rude. I mean, it was most my self appointed allowance for the day but he did wink and smile. I’m pretty sure he winked. Fine. But I figure at this point, I should be able to get a picture with him too because I just spent 60 dollars. Nope. It was 80 dollars for him to take a picture on my phone with me.
*cue the sad Charlie Brown walk away music*
Because 80 dollars a step beyond my limit. It was later pointed out to me that if it was Mary McDonnell, I would have handed it over and given my social security number because just in case they might need it.
Despite that huge, bubble crushing, special snowflake melting moment, I was able to still kind of enjoy my experience. This taught me a few lessons. For starters, I need a keeper when I go to cons. I need a friend to stay my fangirl hand and remind me that I will have regrets. I will also not return to a con before my salary rises because no matter how sound and firm that friend will be, I will want things.
My picture:
WisCon, 
