Adventures in Steampunk

So last week I told the story of how I got to and from the World Steam Expo.  I feel that I should also mention one or two of the things that happened while we were there... like I promised.

First of all, there were two other events happening that weekend in the hotel.  One was a family reunion, and the other was a bowling convention.  So while you imagine the events, also imagine a very large confused black family, and scores of people in bowling shirts meandering around.  In fact, someone at the hotel was very tongue in cheek about the situation, as the following sign was found:

Delightful.

We were exhausted when we got there, but had to soldier on.  There were panels to do.  But I was lucky enough to see Miss Kagashi, one of my favorite bloggers.  And Dear Readers, I have the best of news.  Bitch had my hat!  Remember when I won a hat because I filmed a fake Japanese game show?  Well I did.  Sadly, due to perfectly understandable, yet unfortunate circumstances, I have not been able to receive said hat.  But she had it with her!

Behold the glory!

Is it not beautiful?  It is.  It's beautiful.  I bet you wish you had won the hat.  I don't blame you.  If circumstances permit, you are more than welcome to have your picture taken in the hat.

Finally, that same night there was a masquerade ball to get ready for... but I was too tired.  I just couldn't bring myself to put on any more uncomfortable clothes and pretend to be dapper.  So I did what any sane man would under the circumstances.  I added goggles and a cravat to my pajamas, and went to the masquerade as a Steampunk Panda.  And believe you me, you've never partied until you've Panda Partied.

A most of group shot.

I cut rugs with my mad skills.

Post-dance snack in the green room.

Also, I was just informed that there's a picture of The Panda playing cards in this article.

It wasn't all about the con.  Half the reason I went on this trip was to see my sister and her family.  I managed to grab lunch with her and spent some time with my niece at the park.

Is she not crazy adorable?

Overall the experience was a lot of fun, and completely exhausting.  I'm glad I went, and I plan on going back as many times as I can.  I always meet the most interesting people there.  This year I made friends with The Clockwork Dolls.  The Asian one made me tea.  Also, their music is good.



P.S. - And Duncan found a dog.

Let's Pretend It's Last Week: Part 3

Wednesday, March 16th:

Miss Kagashi finally announced the winner of the first ever Great Language Learning Challenge!  I'll save you the suspense. 

It was me.

That's right.  After recruiting a 6'3" woman, a panda, and the prettiest boy I've ever known, I managed to beat out all the other (three) contestants.  Okay, I may have gone a bit overboard.  But you know what?  I really wanted that hat.

I promised that I'd write a custom haiku for the winner.  So here is the custom haiku I wrote for me:

Victory Haiku

Challenge accepted

 I will rise above all else

No force can stop me

Miss Kagashi:  Red and gray.  Those seem like fine colors for my new hat.  Also, I promised you a haiku of your choice, no matter who won, as thanks for holding the contest.  What would you like it to be about?  Also, I'm going to need a physical address to which to send it.

P.S. - I'm declaring today Hat Victory Day.  I would have just made it Hat Day, but it didn't convey the victory, and there already was one.  So enjoy your new holiday.  I know I will.

P.P.S. - Don't worry.  Don't even worry.  I will be posting plenty of pictures of me with that hat when I get it.

My Great Language Learning Challenge: Japanese

So, last month the author of Multiculturalism for Steampunk issued a challenge.  She asked everyone to learn a bit of a new language throughout February, then post a video following a particular guideline displaying what they learned.  The person who posted the most entertaining video would get a hat.

I want that hat.

So here is my video:

I prefer my hat in grays and reds if at all possible.  Thank you.  You're welcome.

P.S. - I had originally offered the role of Giggle Panda to Jenny the Bloggess, but she felt that she was not giggly enough for the part.  I'm pretty sure she's kicking herself about now.