It's been some time since my last entry, and that's fine by me, I kinda like keeping these for moments when I really feel like writing, those are the best moments...
July 2-5, 2015... Those were days I will never forget and left me with a desire for more. As some of you may know (probably not) I "grew-up" with Punk Rock. For the readers lucky enough to have truly experienced the Punk Rock scene, you know exactly what your first show felt like. That heart pounding, nerve-wrecking, uncertain feeling arousing out of pure excitement and curiosity one can never forget. It's been quite a few years since my first show (about 10+). Even to date, when I go see a band I never seen but always wanted to, or seeing a band I really like, even after 20 times, the same feeling always comes back to me, even if briefly, and what a nice feeling it is.
I never really experienced this same feeling with any other thing, maybe traveling? But even then, I don't travel as often as I would like... Anyway, about a week before AX, I had just gotten paid, I was up to date with all my bills/rent (yay adulthood) and had a few extra bucks sitting in my bank account that could've been used towards my car payment, or a vacation, but I took a bold stance, told myself to stop being scared about going to a convention even if completely alone, and experience this new and exciting realm for once.
I really wanted to attend last years, but again due to the fear of going alone/lack of confidence/funds I didn't which really bummed me out. But this year, I took life by the horns and said not today, you take a seat insecurity its my time (the phrase, "get in the pit pussy!" kept circling inside my head... Something a friend of mine told me at my first show). So, I bought a 4 day pass and decided to drive to AX to and from all 4 days. (I live in Oxnard, which is about 1 1/2 hr north of LA which isn't that bad).
The Friday before AX I walked into my bosses office, told him I wanted Thursday and Friday next week off and that I was all caught up with my work, being the amazing boss/supervising Attorney he is, he said sure, have fun and got my weeks pay. (I love my job, I could use a few more hours but I get sooooo much freedom).
After much talk with my Girlfriend and one of my best friends, they decided they would go Saturday and Sunday with me, which made me feel a bit more comfortable really. So, the Wednesday before AX all three of us went to LACC to pick up our badges, and at that moment I realized I had made the right choice. On our way to pick up our badges I've seen so many people who looked so excited and happy to be there, a few cosplays, music I listen to alone (mostly Vocaloid, which to date I'm the only one I know likes that stuff) and just the vibe felt amazing.
Next day, Day 1 of AX I woke up extra early, it took me so long to sleep the day before due to the excitement, and headed down to LA with the same jitters I had way back when I attended my first show.
Though I was alone 50% percent of the time, not once did I feel out of place or lonely. There was so much to see, so much going on, so much of the things I feel so happy seeing and reading being discissed, cosplayed, referenced, I mean it was overwhelming. Going from watching Anime and reading Manga alone for 2+ years and suddenly being surrounded by soooo many people who share the same passion for it really felt awesome. I can go on and on, but I'm sure if you ever been to AX or any other convention for that matter, we can completely relate.
In closing, I'd like to state after the DBZ Resurrection F panel, my friend and I met Christopher Ayres (Frieza) and he said he liked my jacket in Frieza's voice! (I was wearing my usual studded jacket) which was amazing.
I really look forward to next year, and venturing out to others, the same way Punk Rock has taken me many places in California, Las Vegas and between the US and Mexico.
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