Leah Rose FTW!

Catching up on these reviews! YAY! Just two more and I'm caught up!!! IT'S A MIRACLE! Ahem, anyway. Arizona Matsuri isn't a con, per se... hence its name. Matsuri is the generic Japanese word for festival (today you learned!), and this one was a celebration of all things Japan for Nihonophiles, Japanese natives now living abroad, artists, cosplayers, and anyone who happened to waddle around Phoenix downtown that weekend. Nothing really major happened at this one, since it wasn't a specific festival or convention. I did have the chance to work for Joe and his mama, who we all call Mama, at Tokyo Sky like I did last year! I LOVE THEM!!! They sell lots of plushies and some ready made costumes and lots and lots of hats and toys and I have no idea how I left that place with money.... Other than working with them (and Cory and Anjelo ofcourse), I ate. A lot. Like, Japanese festivals for me always ALWAYS turn into a game of "how fat can Leah make herself". Green tea

Time to review the second major con I made this year- Amazing Arizona Comic Con! YAAAAAAAAY ARIZONAAAAAA It was such a relief not to have to drive a million miles, unlike ABQ. And I got to stay with Toni and my Linzypoo both, I love them and it was so good to have girl time. This was the first major con appearance of all of us Cosplay Calendar girls together, with physical copies of the calendar available! And they were exclusive! *strokes one like the villain and the cat* I was so happy to be able to help out my girls, make a little money, and spend time with awesomefaces ^^ Another big reason why this was BEST EVER is because I debuted the official sanctioned Billy Tucci-certified Shi cosplay that I've only been dying over for the past 6 months! EEEEEEE!!!!! I'm still tweaking it and all- those shoulder pads and armor were NOT agreeing with us- but the hardest part is over and I'm so happy!!!! Our location was fantastic, and worked perfectly being back to back with C

So I've decided that a new thing I'd love to do with my site is tell you about the different events I do, at least the larger ones, from the viewpoint of both an attendee and as a sanctioned guest or employee. I mean, I do still LOVE going to these conventions and activities just as a normal con-goer, but I think it might be interesting to see the behind-the-scenes that sometimes I'm privy to. <3 Oh privy, you're such a great word... So, the first one of its kind and backlogged to hell, let's talk about Albuquerque Comic Con, January 2013! First, I wasn't actually asked about being a guest how it normally happens- I got a paid job contingent on me making it there, Cara Nicole (AZ Powergirl) said she had room in her car, I contacted the con and let them know what was up, and they added me as a guest. TAH DAH! My badge was comped, but nothing else, so definitely not the best guest package...but meh. I'm sure they did better for actual celebrities. I