Comic Con 2012!

Can you believe it?! I know this will sound super cliche'd, but it truly feels like JUST YESTERDAY that I was walking from my office down to the convention center to visit friends in line for the BD panel. Where does time go?! I also remember finding out I was pregnant back in late January & calculating that I'd be starting my 7th month come Comic Con. LMAO! Random that I thought that, but hey.

This time around, I still don't have tickets. Trust me, I tried, 3 separate times. But strangely, I'm ok with it. I wouldn't be able to take time off during the week to go anyways, thus camping would be outta the question. But despite this, I'm still ridiculously excited. The buzz that surrounds this immediate downtown area of San Diego is phenomenal. The people watching is AMAZING. And, just knowing that I'll be in proximity of so many of my favorite celebs is pretty damn exciting. To top it off, some of you are actually staying at the Hard Rock Hotel (which is Twilight/True Blood & other celeb central)...so I won't feel totally stalkerish hanging out there. "Uh, what Mr. Security?! I'm just visiting so & so in room 452." ;) You people better give up your room #'s so I can throw it out with a name if need be. I'm mainly kidding. The Hard Rock was super chill last year and never said anything to me or anyone around. I was pretty much the only one not sporting a badge, but for all they knew I was just a random guest. Plus since it is directly across the street from the sdcc (us San Diegan's use this acronym for the san diego convention center, not just comic con) it's pretty chaotic.

HR Hotel in the background with entrance to the Gaslamp Quarter. Crowds walking toward Convention Center. 

Can you feel the buzz? Smell the BO? YUP....you will encounter this. Sadly some people don't carry an extra stick of deodorant around. *Shudders* I definitely recommend it.

Speaking of recommendations. Last year and again this year, Twifans.com has posted some helpful hints for enjoying your Comic Con experience. And like last year, I'd like to add my two cents. I know I haven't stepped foot in the convention center for CC, but I do live here...

Here's what they had to say. My thoughts in red.

1.  Hotel- You should have got this long ago (AMEN!) but if you haven't start looking in the surrounding areas like the harbor or Coronado.  Even if you have to stay 10-15 minutes away to get a good priced deal, it's worth it.  We just reserved a room last week.  They are harder to find, but still out there.  We found that websites said sold out, but that they still had a room here or there. They exist, but they'll hike up the price like no bodies business because they know they're in demand. Feel like a $500 hotel night? Plus the ones that do have room are typically at least 30 min outside of downtown.

2.  Line buddies are essential for a good experience in line. Line buddies can be the people in your group or friends you make on either side of you in line.  Line etiquette:  Make sure to let everyone around you know how many friends are in your group and if it's more than just a few, people may not be happy.  Best bet is to all go at the same time.  Security will get very strict about adding additional friends to the line. Wonder how they feel about preggos hanging out and visiting their friends? ;) No one seemed to mind last year.

3.  Overnight -Being comfortable in line is different to everyone.  We saw lots of yoga mats, fold-able chairs, and cots.  Most importantly don't take up more than the width and length of your body.  You will be on grass so there is some cushion.  Some people made it through the night sleeping on a beach towel.  I used an Edward fleece blanket and was fine for overnight, but this is right next to the water in the bay and it does get cooler at night.  Be prepared. No joke. It can be 82 in the sun & you're sweating your ass off next to some dude dressed as Yoda, but once the sun goes down and you're sitting on the grass dreaming of Rob, you'll freeze your ass off. The cold air coming off of San Diego Bay can be chilly! Watch us have a crazy heatwave & absolutely no wind. Oh well, like Twifans said, better to be prepared.

4.  Shade & Sunblock- Once you are under the Hall H tents you will be mostly out of the sun unless you fall into the rare few that get a spot between shade tents.  With the new rules saying no beach umbrellas, I would bring a rain umbrella just in case.  It's small and easy to carry.  Sunblock is also a must! I can't stress this enough. We're on the water and that acts like a super magnet to the sun. Most out of towners burn to a a crisp within minutes. It's even worse when it's overcast and not very sunny. Sounds odd, but it's true. Trust a white girl.

5.  Snacks & water - whether you are waiting outside or holding onto your coveted seat inside, having a few snacks and a beverage is helpful.  There are concessions available for purchase if you are flush with $$$, but for better choices and convenience, bring a few of your own.  If you are flying in, not to worry.  There is a Ralph's grocery store a short walk from the Convention Center on the corner of 1st & G St.  It is also important to stay hydrated when you are out waiting in the sun. 

~You can also find a Rite Aid drug store on 6th & Market (a bit closer.) 

~And there is a place called Cinnecafe between 4th & 5t on K St. behind Rockin' Baja Lobster...they are like a huge mini-mart with lots of snacks, juice, soda, water etc...

6.  Bug spray-There are very large water bugs/roaches (THEY ARE HUGE & YES, THEY ARE COCKROACHES!) that came out of the planters at night. I will be spraying the ground all around me before setting up my area.  If everyone does it, maybe we will be safe from the creatures!  Last year we saw less, but if your food is not sealed the ants with show up in full force.

~We also have LOTS of homeless people out and about. It may seem that we have more than most places, but it's just because  shelters close Spring-early Fall so they have no where to go.

7.  Notebook & pen-It's fun to exchange your TwiFans profile address, cell phone numbers, and Facebook pages with each other to keep touch once you have made friends.  This is where Kim and I met for the very first time.  Aww Comic-Con memories....Also handy for any random celebs you see walking by..."May I have your autograph?" ;)

*Seriously, if anyone has any questions about the area (public transport, restaurants, directions, store/attraction locations etc... please fee free to email me sotwired@gmail.com, I'd be happy to help*

Can't wait to see you all next week!

Oh and how can I NOT post my favorite moment of last years SDCC?!

PS I work downtown as you know, and have a small comic con event for Warner Bros. at a Gallery on Fifth Ave...I just have to check in on it Wed & Thurs night. Other than that...I plan to hopefully meet up with some of you! Oh and Saturday I'm driving back downtown to hang out...how could I not?!? (Plus I only live 10 min away)

Eeek!

XOXO J