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07/03/2003 Entry: "Not Ready for Con" CastleCon is the first con where I usually have a lot of planning beforehand, but this year, I don't. I mean, I do the Emcee thing, the Art Auction, and panels, but those don't require a whole lot of prep way before the con. But for some reason, the con snuck up on me. I mean, I knew it was coming, but because I don't do pre-reg or programming or anything big like that, I never gave the con much thought, and then a few weeks ago, Christine reminded me it's right after the beach trip. Yikes! I didn't ask for Friday off... oh, wait, it's the 4th of July. I have that off anyway. But still. Yikes! I can't afford a hotel room this year, which is just as well, as we can't find a dog sitter. Our usual one just had her son graduate, and she has a lot of travel work at her job, so she's busy with her life right now. And Castlecon is only a 20-30 minute drive from our house. But I hate going to con with no hotel room. I know Cheryl needs the room blocks taken, but I can't do it financially right now. I think I'll have to cancel Otakon, too, for the same reason. I really like having a hotel room where I can crash during the day, watch a little TV, have a private bathroom with no Musak, keep my stuff safe... you know. It's part of the whole con experience. Now I'll have to hang around, sit in lobby chairs between my panels, and get grumpy and tired until I go home at 1am or something (whenever Art Show closes, which Christine runs), only to get up at 8, and drive back. We've done it before, and at least it's not winter now, but... fooey. I have no idea how the 4th of July is going to work out. Last Castlecon over the 4th was on a Sunday. This time, it's a Friday, right during Opening Ceremonies. I may either play to an audience of 4 or 5, or possibly have to jazz up the stage. Some people in FanTek arranged for "Stars and Stripes" inspired Marshmallow Peeps to be there, so I am sure I'll use those. I'll have fun anyway. It's a FanTek con, how can you not? They've never disappointed me before. I also hurt my back again. This time it was buying a new window air conditioner for my son's room, since he broke the last one (yes, I am still bitter). I got a Maytag model at a great price at BJ's warehouse, but then hurt my back taking it through the "self-scanner." I just need to whine about this. Ooooowww.... my baaaaack... Thank you.