twinkerhell

Xenaverse 101--The Second Year!

posted on 3/15/2007 8:42:49 AM in (0) Comments

Okay, after the huge success I had with this at the 2007 Con, and after being asked by several people who were disappointed that they didn't get to attend this, I have been asked, and agreed to host another class/get together in 2008!!! I'm also gonna be offering "Con 101" which will be a basic run through of what to expect for all first time attendees.

DO NOT REPLY TO THIS POST TO SIGN UP!!!

TO SIGN UP, SEND AN EMAIL TO: xenaverse101@gmail.com
SUBJECT LINE FOR EMAIL: Sign Me Up Twinkie!!

If you want more information:

http://h1.ripway.com/twinksstuff/x10108.htm

Thanks for looking, hope you'll join us!!

1040EZ---EZ For Me To Screw Up

posted on 2/1/2007 2:27:53 AM in Xenite Confessions: (0) Comments

I dont know why this happens. But every year I manage to follow along with all the steps, and come up with a completely wrong answer. This year for example?? My wages and tips add up to 8,500 roughly. So I follow all the steps, carefully figuring the EIC, and making sure I did everything right, and as usual the "Tax" is zero.

But there's no way in hell I should be getting 8,500 on my return. That soo has to be wrong its unreal.

So, once again I'll have my mother look over it, to see where I went wrong. And if she cant find anything??? I'll e-file and pray to god that it can straighten out this mess.

Until I get that done, I'm trying to seriously refrain myself from letting my imagination run wild. Do you know what I could do at a Con with that kind of cash???

Okay okay....already doing it.

Have to stop...

Must maintain self control...

21 Days

posted on 1/25/2007 12:42:16 PM in 28th Birthday: (0) Comments

I havent told my parents yet, but it looks like this year I wont be home for my mom to pull her "we pretended to forget" game for my birthday.

Why??

I'll be in California.

I'm flying out on the 15th, and wont be back til the 20th.

I've been told I have a lot of pampering and surprises to look forward to. Dunno what that means, but anything is better than staying here.


Since I'm only going for 5 days, I'm just packing my huge Xena backpack (and you can pack a TON of stuff in those things), and gonna bring it as a carry on, so that I dont have checked luggage to worry about on either end. This will be especially helpful, since I have to change planes. At least I know that my stuff will be with me at all times, and I wont loose anything.

Here's hoping that her birthday gift survives the flight too...

Wallpaper That Was Meant To Be A Poster

posted on 1/21/2007 9:17:50 AM in 2007 Convention: (0) Comments

I originally intended for this to be on a poster and put on my bedroom door, and it didn't work out that way. So I just did this instead.

Unchartered Territory

posted on 1/21/2007 9:15:50 AM in Xenite Confessions: (0) Comments

Yeah, so I find myself now in a place I've never been before, and it's a little frightening. But its the good kind of frightening.

It isn't often I let my heart run wild and just do what it wants. Normally I'm one of those who has to carefully weigh the options, and go from there. But not this time.

A part of me wants to be so cautious and careful, and let her lead the way in whatever we do so I don't push her to far, to fast. And yet another part of me just wants to be the way I normally am, no matter what. I just need to find a balance of the two.

Lucy was right.

The payoff IS awesome...

Pocky

posted on 1/19/2007 11:09:11 PM in Xenite Confessions: (2) Comments

I love these things. And a friend of mine from HK brought me a whole assortment of flavors to try. Since neither of us speaks Japanese, I get to play the guessing game with the flavors. I've finally made my way through four of the boxes, and can now offer this sort of review:

Narrow Green Box: The flavoring is a green color, but I cant name the particular flavor it reminds me of.

Men's Bitter Chocolate: Okay, so I havent tried these. But that's because the word Bitter makes me a little reluctant to taste them.

Peach Colored Box: I tried these while at the Con, and the flavor is the same as the box color. Of all of them I've tried so far, these are my favorites.

Grape: These smell exactly like my favorite brand of grape bubblegum!!! The taste is okay, and I think, judging from the wrapper, these are for kids, because there are a couple of Kao Ani's, and they appear to be asking some sort of trivia question.

Honey and Milk: Pretty yellow box, and a light sweetness, but no real flavor. Another one that looks like its for kids.


I still have another 3 boxes to go. And one of those is black and the flavoring is gray....which in my mind makes me think its licorice. I hope not.

At least though, she didn't bring me any of the wasabi ones!!!

A Couple Of Quick Con Photos

posted on 1/19/2007 2:00:24 AM in Xenite Confessions: (0) Comments

I just wanted to share a couple of Con pictures that are in my collection.

Saturday Morning



This was after I'd been at the dance til 3am. How on earth I managed to survive the weekend on 4 hours of sleep a night, is beyond me.


Xenaverse 101 Class of 2007



I taught a class on Thursday night after pre-registration, and it had a bigger turn out than I expected it to.

The 2007 Xena Con--Aftermath

posted on 1/18/2007 2:48:43 AM in 2007 Convention: (0) Comments

I'm still not completely wound down from this entire experience. Lets just say that when I go next year, I will DEFINITELY be getting a gold ticket if I can help it.

Speaking of, next year I'll be entering the costume contest. At least I plan to. And I think the costume I have picked out is one that's never been done before. So all you Con vets out there, that have been to practically every single convention since the beginning, help me out here by emailing me to discuss what I'm doing.

I know it's early, but I figure it's going to take me at least 6 months to get myself used to the idea of what I want to do, not to mention I plan to make a couple of trial runs between now and then, to see how long it takes for part of the costume to dry.

After I got all of my souvenirs out, and put together, I realize I'm either gonna have to take down some of the old stuff or do some serious reorganizing to make room for the new. Right now the room is covered with sticky notes, to remind myself what to put where.

The build up to last weekend was exciting, and the weekend itself was phonomenal. Now, I just feel kind of deflated and empty.

On that note, I think I'll go curl up in bed and watch something related to Xena, or at least Lucy and/or Renee til I fall asleep.

Til Next Time....

The Roxy (Both Shows)

posted on 1/18/2007 2:33:07 AM in 2007 Convention: (0) Comments

There wont be much to this particular entry. But that's because the experience was so overwhelming I'm having trouble finding the right words to describe them.

Instead, I'll just do this:

HIGHLIGHTS:

--Lucy in Leather Chaps, and a White, Wet, Wifebeater. Nuff said.

--Lucy threatening to sic her fans on the guys in the sound booth if she couldnt be heard.

--Seeing Adrienne come to the concert and watch it amongst the fans, rather than the VIP section.

--Being a part of a crowd that had a bigger fan reaction than Springsteen.

--Renee's cameo appearance.

--Seeing Daisy groove with the rest of the "truckers"

--Front Row for both shows.

LOWLIGHTS:

--Standing outside in the freezing cold.

--Watching people cut line, as one person held a place for 8 other people.

--Having a panic attack on Saturday before the show started (PTSD *Post Traumatic Stress Disorder* is a bitch and a half).

Okay, at least the good outweighs the bad.

I wish I could get into more details, but they were completely indescribable.

Con Report: Sunday

posted on 1/16/2007 7:55:23 PM in 2007 Convention: (0) Comments

CHARITY BREKKIE:

This was really unique, and the money that was raised shows just how powerful the Xenaverse is, and how much we believe in "The Greater Good".

Claire was originally thought to be a no show, but apparently was running late. She finally makes it just as the breakfast is winding down, and as if she's not tall enough already, they get her to stand in a chair so everyone can see her.


CLAIRE PHOTO OP:

Okay, so I'm in line, and accompanied by my assistant, just in case I get overwhelmed and start to cry (SAD and PTSD make for some really interesting experiences folks. So it's my turn, and as I'm walking over to her, I softly said "Yeah I know could I be any shorter?" (I'm barely 5 foot talk here guys). She smiled at me and said "That's okay, I can"

So, she breaks her own height, and does the one armed hug thing, for the picture.

After the flash goes off, I mumble a soft "thanks" and start to move off, when the photographer says "Wait, I wanna get one more".

I thought that one of the two of us must've blinked or something. So as I take a deep breath to settle my nerves, there's this feather light kiss that I feel on top of my head.

For the second pose she wrapped both arms around me, and pulled me up against her.

I could've died right then and there I promise.

Anyways, we go to pick up the photos and I got the first big shock of the weekend...

BOTH PICTURES CAME OUT!!!!

Yay...so excited!!



CLAIRE:

Okay, when she came out on stage, and everyone's applause and whistling died down, the very first thing we hear was Alti:

"The Bitch Is Back"

And the crowd went ballistic all over again.

She then said she was sorry she'd been away, and she wanted to come back to the Convention because she missed the energy that the fans provide.

She said she was grateful for the way the fans treated her over the years because it set her up to deal with the corporate bullshit.

She then talked about having her son (Lucky), and how she plans to breastfeed til he's 2 (he's now 19 months), and that because of her foul mouth, his favorite word is "shit". She also said that she uses Alti if anyone fucks with him, and that she loves to bring her out at the "Mommy and Me" play groups.

She mentioned that she sold her company, and they went corporate, and hired her back as a creative consultant. The only thing is, that corporate handed out this handbook, part of which dealt with sexual harassment. For those of us that know her well, all she does is sexually harass people!

She commented on the movie, saying she'd love to come back if one gets shot, and that she'll talk to Alti about putting a hex on Rob until it gets made.

And then.....for the first time, I got brave enough to get up and ask a question.

This is how our conversation went....what Claire said to interrupt me during asking her is in asterisks (*)

"I got the chance to ask Hudson this in 2005 *Who's Hudson?* and I'm kinda *does she have her own clothing line?* I'm kinda curious to know what you're answer is. I'll tell you her's if you want. Alti vs Callisto, who wins?"

"Oh come on...." -crowd goes nuts-

She then went on to talk about how that was a definite L word episode if there ever was one, and mentioned something about mud wrestling. She also said that Alti would probably be a little afraid of Callisto b/c she's psycho.

So blushing, I return to my seat....though I'm not sure how I managed to get there, b/c I was on a cloud.

She then said she was asked why she didn't create an Alti MySpace page, so that Alti could continue to be the biggest bitch on the planet...and she is considering it.

After that she talked about shooting her first episode, which was "Sin Trades I":

*Costume was to big
*Her opening was of Lucy on all fours under a bearskin rug.
*Martin walked by and pushed her out of the way, thinking she could take it b/c of her size.
*She was in the corner of the Yurt after the shot crying, going "I wanna go home".

While the was on the subject of that episode, she mentioned how fans always told her she was "offering" the young apprentice she had with her to Xena. She said she only recently got it. This entire moment was re-enacted with fans, including Jamester from the Xenaversity as Borias, and the CXG's own Penny as the young girl. I have to mention that when Penny went on stage, Claire started to tuck her tank top up into her bra to make it look like a halter. Penny decides to one up everything, and just takes off her shirts. Claire's jaw hit the floor.

After it was all said and done, and we were back in our seats, I told Penny to remember that, because its not easy to catch Claire off guard like that.

My favorite memory of her appearance on stage? When the guy behind the curtain told her she had two minutes left....she flipped him off.

During the autograph session, I told her where the question came from, and had another little "moment". Claire is definitely turning out to be one of my favorite people. If I had to pick....there would only be four. And it would be the four leading ladies....Luce, Ren, Claire, and Hudson.



XENA MOVIE:

This was the first thing Rob talked about, because he wanted to clear the air and get it out of the way before the fans started hounding him during the Q&A.

*The studio is interested, but it will probably be at least another 10 years before they shoot it.

*They wont shoot it unless they have someone major as the two leading roles, and I mean major as in other than Lucy and Renee. *you can imagine the crowd reaction to this one huh?*

*Lucy has been very adamant in NOT doing a direct to DVD, but has begun to ask what the story would be, and what would make a good story for it.

*Rob told Lucy "Somehow or other you're back"

*There are a lot of reincarnations running around to play with movie wise

*Has thought of doing a prequel.



ROB AND LIZ:

*They thought no one would think the characters were gay in the beginning.

*The series would be impossible to make now, because it's a different time, and would be a completely different story.

*Cagney and Lacey was the last show before Xena to have a dual female lead.

*Caesar was such a featured character because of Rob's love of Roman history.

*Liz said that Rob, Sam, and the rest of the guys were just nerds with power, lots of money and big cameras.

*Rob mentioned that when he first arrived he specifically wanted to know where Hudson was b/c for him Callisto is a favorite character *there was also a small movie mention here again to do with her*

*Liz is currently working on House

*Rob is currently working on Ghost House and wants to get back into doing TV. He has submitted a script to Oxygen that may be a pilot.

*Upon hearing that Rob wanted to do a musical, Liz thought "There go the next four months of my life".

*They had character disagreements quite often. For example, Rob doesn't like how Liz got Gabrielle out of the lava pit in Family Affair.

*In "To Helicon And Back" Renee didn't do the "Patton" speech that Liz wrote, because she didn't think it was true to Gabrielle.

*Liz didn't know that Hudson would pick up her fidgeting when they did "For Those Of You Just Joining Us", but loves the fact that she looked like Hudson on screen.

*Rob loved Bruce's impersonation of him.

*The Gabrielle character was RJ's baby, and he watched over her closely for most of the first season.

*Rob did NOT participate in Frock Day b/c there was no way he could compete against the Kiwi's.

*Someone told him (and I think I know who) that they hoped his sons grew up to be like him.


RENEE:

*The dance was Lucy's idea, that she started on her own site, stating it was a rumor that Renee might come.

*Lucy provided the dress, and Renee wasn't sure about wearing it to begin with.

*Diamonds and Guns is finished

*GhostTown is a little on the violent side.

*Her character in Boogeyman 2 is named Dr. Ryan, and is a psychiatrist.

*She loved watching Lucy at the Roxy, because she could see how the fans love her so much --at this point she tears up--

*Someone gave her a staff, and she attempted to twirl it...and then dropped it.

*She was asked about the costumes she wears for the photo ops, and she said she still has a few more left.

*She's definitely up for doing the movie.

*She wasn't wanted for the part in One Weekend A Month. --really upset audience response too--

*She was asked about her paintings and she said it takes her at least 6 months to finish a piece.

*She said that her favorite outfit from the entire series was the Leather and Orange from season 5.

*The Snakehandler monologue is from a play called "Talking With". I think she said all of them were, and that the author said that one actress shouldn't do all of them. (they shouldn't all be done by the same person--its meant to be various people).

*Was asked if she'd do Shakespeare again, and she said it depended on whether or not fans went --wanna guess the reaction to this one?--

*She said that if Lucy did her concert in New York, she would DEFINITELY go to be on stage with her.

*Because of a project she was offered by Katherine Fugate (that she didn't want to do b/c she didn't want to move her kids to SC for a year), she realized she wanted to get back into acting again.

*The characters she's recently done (GhostTown, Boogeyman 2) have had small parts, so she's ad libbed a bit more to add to them.

LUCY:

Okay, let me start by saying, I intended to get up and comment on the petition, and ask her a question. This is what I wanted to say to her:

"My name is Twink. First I wanna say it was an honor to put the petition together for you. But my question is, are you aware of Bruce Campbell imitating your warcry in Ant Bully?"

Unfortunately, it never happened.

Why?

*Lucy turns to her left, which is the right for the audience*

*Twink approaches the mic and starts to say something but is stopped by Lucy*

"I recognize you. You were at the concert last night, and have been here before right?"

I nodded my head, and stumbled all over myself trying to spit out what I wanted to say, which turned out all wrong.

Numbly I walked back to my seat, and I cant remember a dammed thing after that, for either her, or her appearance w/ Renee.

BECAUSE SHE KNOWS WHO I AM!!!!



Roxy review will follow shortly....

Saturday

posted on 1/13/2007 7:24:30 PM in 2007 Convention: (0) Comments

I know I'm not the best at giving these things, and my formatting is a bit different than other peoples, but I write stuff down in the way its easiest for me to remember. If I dont mention a guest, or a particular event, its most likely because I wasnt there, for one reason or another.


TRIVIA CONTEST:
Having enjoyed a late breakfast The Walking Xena Encyclopedia did not get to partake in the trivia contest. At least not as a contestant. There were only 3 contestants left by the time I arrived, and just as I sat down, they asked someone to give the mother of all trivia questions as the final question. And I raised my hand, and got chosen to give the question. So I make my way up front (b/c I have a big mouth and nice set of lungs, but its a big room folks), and hear this chorus from several members of the Xenaversity telling me "dont be mean". I translated that into that they didnt want me to ask some little known obscure question that you'd have to sacrifice your child to Hera to know the answer to.

Anyways, I introduce myself as the Walking Xena Encyclopedia (which gets repeated over the mic). I'm then handed the mic, and ask my question.

"In the episode 'The Xena Scrolls', Rob Tapert's office actually belongs to who?"

There's this "ooooooh" that goes through the crowd, and the announcer instantly says "Ooh nice question". There are several moments of pause for thought, as the three carefully weigh their options. I dearly wish I knew the names, but one of the three said "Rob Gillies", which is the correct answer.

The crowd went nuts....and now a fairly large chunk of the Xenaverse knows who I am.

JAY LAGA'AIA:

Jay opens with "Love The One Your With", only he changes the lyrics to "she's a girl, you're a girl". Then when he gets to the diddy on the end of the song he asks for audience participation, to see which side of the room could be the loudest.
He then talks about getting up this morning to check his email, only to have the battery on his laptop go dead. So he goes to plug it into the wall, only to discover it doesnt fit. No problem right? He comes down to the Conceirege desk, to see if they can help him out. After finally getting the man to understand that he's looking for an international adapter, he gets sent to the infamous "Frye's". He gets one purchased, only to find out, it doesnt fit either, and has the crowd ROLLING with "If it doesnt fit dont force it".
He then goes into his Q & A session, and someone asks him about Xena. He says that Draco can be sumed up by the last scene of "Sins Of The Past", where his second in command, after Xena has defeated him, decides he's going to take matters into his own hands, only to have Draco throw a knife at him. Draco lost, but he conceeds its to a better warrior. According to Jay, Lucy won because he let her.
He also mentions that Lucy really is standing on top of him during the scene, and he gets all the subtexters riled up by saying "I got stood on by Lucy, and I shared a hot tub with Renee. Remember that's me....not you"
He said that working on Xena makes one feel invincible because of the awesome stunt team(s).
There were so few Draco episodes, because he was also working on "Water Rats" (sp??) in Australia.
He then mentions he always thought that Elvis was Polynesian because he could never understand a word he said, before launching into a hilarious version of "I Cant Help Falling In Love With You"
Somehow or other, this segued into Michael Jackson, who he also loved before the whole "tupperware" thing. He mentioned something about a BBQ for under 5's, I think, I couldnt hear really well. He also said he always thought Michael was constipated, and then launches into another hliarious immitation, only using "She's Outta My Life".
He then gave a very special hello to all the members of the armed services.
He said that Kiwi's have the attention span of a 5 year old, and suddenly to me that says a LOT about Lucy.
He was asked if he ever got to drive the boat on Water Rats, and he said yes that he had a Ferry liscense, which sent the crowd overboard, and he promptly explained that it was F-E-R-RY, NOT F-A-I-R-Y (slang term for a gay man).
He also said that he hated the headdress he wore on Xena, and it took 4 YEARS for him to get rid of the scar on his forehead (b/c they used superglue to attach it with)
He ended his session by singing a song he wrote for a little girl who was a burn victim called "I Am Blessed"

JENNIFER WARD LEILAND & MICHAEL HURST:

Her dresses she wears for her show are copied from Marlena Deitrich (sp?), and Michael said that he bursts into tears whenever he sees her in the dresses b/c he's overwhelmed at the sight of her.
They updated everyone on Sue and the boys (Kevin Smith's widow and sons), and said that they're all just fine, and the boys look like their dad, and one of them is the spitting image of Kevin.
During their Q&A Michael was asked about his various accents that he does, and the phrase he said to do Northern Ireland is so going on my screensaver as soon as I get home. "Diddle Diddlity Dee...Potatoes"
He said he's the type of director that expects you to know your lines and do rehearsal.
Michael said that having kids has given him the ability to cry more easily.
They told the story of how they met, only they have two different versions.
An update for all of you down under who didnt get to make it to the Con, and might be interested, Jennifer will be doing her show in Australia in Late March and Early April.
Michael said that they're in final negotiations for two actors on a new movie he co wrote and is directing, called "Damnation Island". Its about a reality series that goes horribly wrong.
Frock Day was brought up (and for those who dont know, its this hilarious tradition in NZ, in which EVERYONE in the entire cast and crew comes to work dressed in a dress/frock), and Michael related the very first day that Rob Tapert experienced it, and said that he acted as if it was absolutely normal, he's always wondered what he must've been thinking.
Frock Day is deeply engrained into NZ history according to Michael, who said that the women participate too, and that they only wear the focks until lunch. After they've eaten they get changed into normal attire again.
They were both asked what their favorite moment on Xena and Hercules was. Jennifer mentioned something to do with Zahera, but I couldnt hear what she said. and Michael said that his was on Hercules, in the episode "One Fowl Day" where he and Bruce Campbell were chained together and rolling down the hill into the mud.
He also said that he had another favorite moment, that was when Kevin returned from his aneurism. He could only work an hour a day, and his first episode back was "Yes Virginia There Is A Hercules". He only had the one line, and so everyone was being completely serious so that Kevin could get it done on the first take. The director called "Cut. Print It" and then there was a slight pause, before the Second AD said "Welcome Back Kevin".
Someone asked if they had ever thought of doing a cabaret with Jennifer doing her Marlena Deitrich routine, and .....wait for it.....Widow Twanky. This got a definite no.
Michael then said that provided they were invited back, Widow Twanky has agreed to make an appearance at next year's convention.
He closed their appearance with a Sonnet from Shakespeare.

I unfortunately couldnt stay to see the Costume Contest, because I'm going upstairs to get ready to go to the Roxy.

If I'm not to sleepy, dazed, or drunk when I get in....I'll TRY to post something about Lucy's show. But I warn you, if she dances the way she did in "Jump Into My Fire".....all bets are OFF!!

Friday Part 2

posted on 1/13/2007 6:55:01 PM in 2007 Convention: (0) Comments

ADRIENNE PART 2:

She showed a clip of her upcoming movie she's in, which is based on a true story, and set in the late 60's
Answered a frequently asked question as to which of the two she preferred to play, and its Livia
Loves to watch people in public places, for character inspiration
Motherhood was a miserable episode b/c of the day to day asthetics (sp?)
Mentioned her myspace page, and said "anyone who needs a friend should come and find me!"
Was asked if there was anyone in history she'd love to play, and she said Matahari, b/c shes obesessed with the story.


STEVE SEARS:

asked everyone to put their fingers in their mouths and "pop" their cheeks,, and said "thats so cool"
told everyone how his version of the finale would've been different from what we saw. in his, mankind is shaking off the yoke of the gods, and there's an all out war ah la "Lord of the Rings". The leader of the army of "light" is Gabrielle. When all is said and done, Gabrielle takes her throne, and there is a ghostly apparition of Xena standing beside her, hand on her shoulder. The reason Xena dies? She realizes that this "little girl" she picked up in a village, is mankinds last great hope. And she will do anything to make sure that hope survives.
Said that there was an unshot/unfilmed Callisto episode, in which Callisto trades in her godhood to Cronos to be sent elsewhere in time. Xena follows her, afraid that she'll unleash her wrath wherever she goes.
They wind up in Modern LA
They speak Greek
They wind up in front of a flower shop
Cecrops is the owner (he's immortal remember)
He helps Xena translate Greek to English to find Callisto
The "Rules Of Survival" are common sense mixed with martial arts, and Gabicised.

ZOE BELL:

Zoe was a no show, having gotten the dates wrong. She's in Canada workng on a movie.

CABARET:

This was awesome. Jay is absolutely hilarious as were Jennifer and Michael. Rob Trebor startled me a little bit, his performance was deep (and I will add more details about this, but I was up until 3am, and am working soley from memory having not taken my notebook)

DESSERT PARTY:

LOL. The sweets were good, and the guests were even better. I got to talk to Adrienne, who completely understood why I couldnt sit still while the music was playing. Jay has proclaimed me to be the energizer bunny, and considering all the sugar I consumed, I'd be inclined to agree.

DANCE:

Two things stand out in my mind. Actually three. They all involve Steve Sears.

1. He did the splits at one point.
2. We were clogging together (and for those unfamiliar with it, its a cross between square dancing and tap dancing).
3. He's got some pictures of me that I'm hoping DONT show up online. But knowing Steve....they will.


Saturday report & Roxy report will follow after I return from the Concert!!!!

Friday Part 1

posted on 1/13/2007 6:53:31 PM in 2007 Convention: (0) Comments

BLOOPER REEL:

Unfortunately for me, whos always looking for the unseen...these were
straight out of the fan kits.

FAVORITE VIDEOS:

There's a Joxer video that I cannot share the title of, because if I do it
will COMPLETELY give away the idea of the video. Hopefully MaryD will have
this one up on the site. My other favorite video that was shared at the Con
today, and there's a chance that it may be available already. Jen Stamey
used "I Know I'll Never Love This Way Again" and its a tribute to Lucy's CD
appearance (and personally I think it should've been used to intro Lucy on
Sunday).

ADRIENNE:

Okay, there was no intro video, because they couldnt get it to load, and
Adrienne said that we all knew what she looked like. So she comes out on
stage, and promptly tells everyone "Okay I had to walk like 4 miles to get
on stage, so you guys need to do this again *the applause* because I dont
feel the love". So we do, and it meets her approval.

There's more to type about her.....and I promise to share it, Steve Sears,
Zoe Bell, and the Cabaret, Dessert Party and Dance.....

when I get back!!!!

Twink

THURSDAY NIGHT--PRE REG AND MORE

posted on 1/12/2007 3:25:26 AM in 2007 Convention: (0) Comments

PRE REGISTRATION:

I walked down to get in line, a little paranoid that I was less than an hour from hosting my class and I still didnt have part of the stuff that I needed for the class. All of a sudden, hear this voice calling my name, and Leila and Jackie are standing on the other side of the hedge with the stuff I needed. So I was relieved as far as that went.

We get inside, and I have to admit, I was a little dissapointed. I was hoping to be able to purchase the 2005 and 2006 Con DVD's. But lo and behold, I have a "student" thats willing to make copies of them for me.


XENAVERSE 101

I had a bigger turn out than I thought I was going to. I was only expecting 10-15 students. I had 25. And the whole night was a blast. The CXG Crew was in fine form. They actually won the trivia games, but donated part of their prizes to others in the room.

They graciously donated a "FOF--Faces of the Fans" DVD and a copy of CD on DVD. They even provided the "trivia" for others to win them. Penny's immitations of Adrienne, Claire, and Hudson were spot on. I just wished we could've recorded those.


PERSONAL MOMENT:

I mentioned to Raven that I liked Pocky (biscuit sticks that are dipped in flavors). I expected a box, maybe 2. 8 different flavors of Pocky, currency from Hong Kong, special bills that are no longer in circulation, and will be worth money b/c they're in sequential order, and stamps that feature dragons from "Year Of The Dragon", because they're my favorite creature.


Sherry also had a very surprising moment. Its not everyday you come to hang out with the WXE and find yourself bumped up from Prefrred to Gold Seating.

Wednesday Night and Thursday AM

posted on 1/11/2007 2:47:41 PM in 2007 Convention: (0) Comments

WEDNESDAY NIGHT:


Okay, lets start off by saying that "The Walking Xena Encyclopedia" is a reluctant celebrity. A VERY reluctant one. Turns out the flight I was on was also being taken by Country Music legend Hank Williams Jr. When they announced it on the plane, they said that there were two celebrities on the flight. Him....

and then I hear

"We also would like to thank "The Walking Xena Encyclopedia" for travelling with us this evening. I turned BEET red, and wanted to hide.

There's more to this story...but I'm not ready to share it yet. I'm blushing now just thinking about it.


THURSDAY MORNING:

Got up, realitively early and was surprised at how little the jet lag unaffected me. Normally I'm up before the sun is, but not today. Got a shower, dressed (and yes I have on a name tag), and came downstairs for breakfast. Let me just say right now how much I love our "family". It doesnt matter that you dont know each other's names, the fact that you have on something Xena related is enough for people to stop you and say hi.

After breakfast, wandered back through the lobby, to wait for Raven, who had flight trouble. Ran into Eartha (Dread2Lock) and Flakes (Brandi), and parted with them momentairily, so that they could smoke (allergies and cigarettes dont mix, so I avoid it if possible), and I could do this.


And that's the latest from The Walking Xena Encyclopedia.....


More Soon!!!!

Wednesday--Packing and More Packing

posted on 1/10/2007 12:45:51 PM in 2007 Convention: (0) Comments

Okay so I seriously need to slow my ass down and do one thing at a time...there are so many different piles of things in this room its unreal.

Clothes I wanna pack all over my bed, clothes packed IN my bag, my desk is full of everything I need to put in my carry-on (which is a Xena knapsack of course), my bathroom is a chaotic wreck, and lets not even BEGIN to mention what I've done to the downstairs entryway.

What makes all of this so cute is that Rob (yes, he's named after who all you Xenites think) has taken up "residency" in my huge duffel bag. I cant convince the poor thing that he wont like where I'm going, there are two many people. Not to mention, there's already gonna be one Rob at this event. Its actually kinda cute though in a way.

I still need to eat, blow dry my hair, finish packing, and figure out why on gods green earth my dad wants to leave at 3pm, to get to the airport. Its just 45 minutes from my house, and my flight doesnt board until 5:40pm. I know it'll take a bit to get through security...but two hours??? Besides, they just drop me off at the curbside check-in anyways.

I'm hoping to talk him into going to Toots to eat before we go, I'd love to stuff myself on chicken before my flight. At least then I'd know it was something I'll eat.

Daily Con Updates

posted on 1/10/2007 12:41:48 PM in 2007 Convention: (0) Comments

Rather than try to format them for my website, I just decided that this will be the place to go to see my daily convention updates. I created a specific category for it, so that it will make it easier to find all of them.


It'll also make it much simpler when I send an email to all the various yahoo groups. This way, all I have to do is send a link, rather than format a huge long email that might get distorted.

Random Babbling (Because I'm To Excited To Sleep)

posted on 1/9/2007 11:34:40 PM in Xenite Confessions: (0) Comments

As usual, whenever something major happens, I'm wound up. BIG TIME!

I'm so excited I dont know what to do with myself. I should be packing but I'm so excited, I keep bumbling everything.

I havent packed my clothes yet, because I'm not finished with my laundry.

I've started to pack the stuff I need for the class I'm teaching three times, only to unpack it again because I dont like the way stuff fits in my bag.

I already checked in for my flight though, and my boarding pass is all printed out and ready to go.

I know I should be getting to bed, and will be shortly. I just hope I can sleep.

2 MORE DAYS!

posted on 1/7/2007 11:13:09 PM in Xenite Confessions: (0) Comments

OMG! I cant believe how quick its gotten here since Christmas. I'm so excited. I"m excited about the entire convention, but most of all about next weekend!

Wanna know where I'll be this time next weekend?

Tying Up Loose Ends

posted on 12/30/2006 6:38:30 AM in Xenite Confessions: (0) Comments

At last all the pieces of the puzzle are starting to fall together.

WEBSITE:
More and more of the site is coming together on a daily basis. I have no fear that it'll be up and going for the most part by the time I leave for LA.

Still considering purchasing my own space on the net. I may choose to upgrade my Ripway account first, to ease myself into the whole thing.


XENAVERSE 101:
I'm getting the copies for the notebooks made sometime this weekend. I still have a little information to add to them to complete them, so as soon as that's done I'll be heading to Kinko's. Aside from that, I only have to purchase one item for the goodie bags (and will spend less than $5 total)

2007 CONVENTION:
Things are right on target, all the major pieces that are necessary for me to go have been taken care of, so I'm not gonna go into panic mode at the last second.

Other than that, my excitement is slowly beginning to build.

I still have to arrange transportation to and from LAX, and plan to do so when I get paid this coming Tues.

CUSTOM JACKET:
The back is finally done. Turned out quite well I think. Now if I could just decide what to do on the front (something simple like adding my name).

PACKING ISSUES:
The tshirt crisis has been solved. I've decided to pull one of my favorite shirts out of retirement, and bring a mix of both custom shirts, and official ones.

I've even picked out what I'm wearing on my flight to LAX. I know it sounds anal, but I cant help it. I decided to play up the cheese factor, and figure between my jacket, my ROAB (Royal Academy Of Bards)shirt, and my Xena duffel, I should look the part of the over obsessed fan.

LAPTOP:

Still havent plucked up the courage to talk to the bank yet. But I did come up with another potential solution. Since its apparent that I'm not going to be getting a grant to go back to school, I've thought about student loans. Havent made up my mind yet though. Gotta do that soon.

Luve and Luce

Trying To Get Ready

posted on 12/28/2006 12:06:39 AM in Xenite Confessions: (0) Comments

I've started packing, really! Okay, sort of. Right now most of the stuff I'm DEFINITELY taking to the Con in two weeks, is at least tossed into my duffel bag. Nothing is "packed" as of yet. See, I'll prove it. Look:

For a couple years now, I've had a denim jacket put away because I wanted to customize it, but didnt know what I wanted to do. A couple nights ago, I finally figured it out. I'm not completely done yet, I still have to even out the paint color, and thicken the black outline. Oh, and the ink pen marks need to go.

Now if I could just figure out what to put on the front.





Luve and Luce!!

Me And One Of My Boys

posted on 12/25/2006 6:48:33 PM in Xenite Confessions: (0) Comments

Finally got him well enough to want to be held for more than a few seconds.

This is TwinkerHell and Rob

Merry Christmas All...

posted on 12/24/2006 9:20:04 PM in Xenite Confessions: (0) Comments

We celebrated tonight, as we often do on the years my mom has to work on Christmas Day.

I didn't do so bad. $200 in cash, and a digital camera so I can take pictures in style at the upcoming Con.

I love being able to show off my stuff easily now. So, I present, one of only two places in my room that doesnt have Xena stuff on the wall...

All in all, things went well. I'm now about to immerse myself into the world of "A Christmas Story". I must watch it AT LEAST a dozen times during its yearly 24 hour marathon. Its my favorite of all the Christmas flicks, despite its cheese factor.

I'm also working on something I meant to have finished months ago.

The duets petition.

Christmas Is Just Another Day

posted on 12/24/2006 12:55:53 AM in Xenite Confessions: (0) Comments

Okay, I know the title is sort of a downer, but its true. Around here, Christmas Day is nothing to get worked up over.

My mom usually has to work, and my dad spends the entire day in his recliner.

So I'll probably let myself sleep in extremely late, and then spend the afternoon working on site graphics and storylines as a way to keep myself occupied.

Like I said...just another day.

Luve and Luce

Packing List Part Deux

posted on 12/23/2006 4:13:53 PM in Xenite Confessions: (0) Comments

Okay, so last time I posted my packing list, I was still kinda iffy on what I was bringing. Now, with just over 2 weeks to go ( 17 days, 7 hours and 45 minutes precisely), I've more or less gotten everything down to a science.

Blue Duffel

custom t-shirts
jeans
Xena pj's (what?)
black slippers/flip-flops/whatever you call em
socks
underwear
Xena denim jacket (this is custom, and it'll be cold in TN when I leave and get home)
toiletries
security goodies (long story don't ask)
doc martens (only to wear to the Roxy)
bag strap (to hook both duffel bags together)
gifts (habit...)
photo album
phone charger

Small Purple Duffel

Convention Notebook
Empty Con Notebook (gift for someone)
Xenaverse 101 Notebook (mine)
Blank Paper (1 pkg of looseleaf)
30 Pencils (unsharpened)
Pencil Sharpener
Staples and Stapler
3 Hole Punch
25 Copies Of Notebook Materials
25 Copies of 2 Different Quizzes
25 Empty Purple 3 Prong Folders
25 Empty Purple Goodie Bags
Stuff for Goodie Bags
Magnets
Black Sharpies
Multi Colored Sharpies
Photo Matte

Carry On

Laptop (provided I get one)
DVD'S
CD'S
Story Notebook
Discman
Snacks
Cell Phone
Glucose Tablets
Wallet
Camera (digital I hope)

Wearing To LA:

Either Lucy's Signature Shirt, or
T shirt from Mellow Mushroom Pizza

Bootcut Jeans

Crocs (breeze through security w/ em)

Til Next Update....

Luve and Luce

Peanut Butter Jelly Time

posted on 12/20/2006 2:02:44 AM in Xenite Confessions: (0) Comments

Thanks to a friend of mine, I was reintroduced to this silly, yet catching tune again. She has the song as the ringtone on her phone.

But now I have a problem.

I want the mp3 and cant find it ANYWHERE.

If anyone can find it for me I'd be most grateful...


Luve and Luce

Is It January Yet?

posted on 12/16/2006 12:14:00 AM in Xenite Confessions: (0) Comments

No, I havent suddenly taken up with old associates. And I realize this might sound a little bizzare, but I wish the frakkin Con was here already.

Not because I'm excited to the point I cant stand it, because with just under 4 weeks to go, designing shirts, and getting ready for my class has pretty much taken over my life.

And for a writer, that's not a good thing. I've put the muses on hold, in order to be able to concentrate fully on my trip. I have three storylines I would love to work on, but right now I simply dont have time, and cant make time. If I stop working on my other projects, to write, that means I'll get behind on getting stuff ready for the Con. And I have so much to do.

*tshirt graphics to finish
*iron on transfers to print off
*custom tshirts to create
*quizzes to finish creating
*prizes to finish buying
*notebook copies to make
*notebooks to assemble

My website has also taken a back seat, which is really bad. I need it to be done by the time I leave for LA, so that it can be accessed by people not going to the Con, who are looking forward to my daily updates.

Ugh...this'll teach me to take on more than I can probably handle.

Christmas Is Looking Good--Hope The Bank Is Just As Nice

posted on 12/15/2006 10:29:55 AM in Xenite Confessions: (0) Comments

I have a very good idea that I'm getting a digital camera for Christmas. My mother was adamant in taking me EVERYWHERE to look at digital cameras, and then after I said that I liked "such and such one the best", there's a box under the tree with my name on it, thats the same size as the box that camera comes in. But I'm not sure it should be rattling.

Now there's a card on the tree, that's a money holder with my name on it. I know this b/c the card is dark green, and you can see the words money holder through the envelope. And I wasn't snooping, I was vacuuming, and bumped the tree on accident. I didn't even know the card was there. Normally mom puts those in our stockings, but apparently it wont fit.


Now I just hope that Wednesday, the bank is as nice as my holiday is looking. I gotta get Christmas gifts. I plan to use the extra cash to purchase the few gifts I gotta get this year. My parents, Secret Santa, and what few friends I have.

My airfare is still under $200. I just hope it's that way come Wednesday, after I deposit my paycheck.

Til Next Time,

Luve and Luce

My Poor Little Loverboy 2

posted on 12/13/2006 9:03:37 AM in Xenite Confessions: (0) Comments

The pill session went much easier this morning. And he's even being social with everyone already.

Well he was. He's now retreated back to his favorite place to sleep (between the blankets on my bed). He'll stay there til I make the bed up later.

And as a response to DevilDog's comment about the cat food I completely believe that. That's why I had my mom ask the vet yesterday if he got it from his cat food, because it was the first thing I thought of that might give him one. The vet said the indoor formula was fine.

He also told her a homeopathic way to prevent them, you might want to share with your sister. Mix a teaspoon of cranberry juice into the food (once a day if the cat eats moist food, and once every couple of days if you use a large bowl of dry), and it'll help prevent them from getting it again.

And yeah, $13 is pricey for a 7lb bag of food, but if it's gonna get him better, so be it.

He's already acting more like himself, 48 hours into his treatment.

We call him Loverboy b/c he's extremely affectionate with people he knows. Last night, he actually got in bed, and slept most of the night in his favorite spot (curled on my right side, with his head buried in between my neck and shoulder).

He's even talking to me now like he used to. He's a Bombay/Siamese mix, so he's from breeds that are legendary vocalists. My mom think's its hilarious that he'll answer back when I use certain tones, and he'll keep doing it til I stop.

I'm just happy he's getting better.

Now if my mom would just stop scolding me to stop worrying so much because he's just an animal. She thinks I care more about him, or any of my cats for that matter, than my own well being. And that's not entirely true.

I just don't think any innocent creature should have to be in pain, and I don't care what the reasons are.

My Poor Little Loverboy

posted on 12/13/2006 2:02:47 AM in Xenite Confessions: (0) Comments

I have a very sick kitty. Rob aka Loverboy (and yes he's named after Lucy's husband) hasnt been acting like himself since Thanksgiving. After seeing him urinate on the carpet, and noticing that it was bloody, I took him to the vet yesterday, thinking something was seriously wrong.

I was right.


The poor baby has a very severe UTI. He's now on a 7 day course of antibiotics, and a special cat food designed to help treat the problem.

This morning, bless his heart, I picked him up, b/c I was concerned that the pills were making him lethargic. And he peed on me.

While overall the thought of being pissed on by a cat is rather disgusting, it gave me the ability to see that his bladder is able to put out more than a trickle, or a drop or two.

In order to prevent this from happening again, I made some major changes to his routine/life.

Now, not only does his water bowl get changed every day, the sink in the downstairs bathroom is left running with a trickle of water, so that he always has access to fresh. Plus, his litterbox is now getting daily cleanings.

I just wish I could get over feeling guilty. The poor thing has suffered with this for weeks now, all because I thought his sudden mood change was just him being his typical moody self whenever something in the house changes suddenly.

This is something that isnt going to happen again. Not if I can help it.

Luve and Luce