I am now officially in a relationship with Tony Strong. He asked me out in the middle of Leicester Square naww.

We however have realised that our anniversary, Valentine's and my B.day are all in February.... he must hate me haha!

Just got an email update about Anime League and there was a section about ID which I just had to reply and take them up on.

"- You MUST bring along a valid proof of ID! This could be a birth certificate, passport, drivers license, NUS student card and so forth. It can be expired, this is okay."

I sent them an email saying:

"Not being funny but how is a birth certificate a proof of age? It has no photograph. No bar or licensed venue should accept this as a form of ID. Maybe you will accept it to prove registration but I would warn people if they plan to get served at the bar they may be turned away if they only have that as a form of ID."

I don't know anywhere that will accept that as a proof of ID. A lot of pubs and clubs won't even accept PASS cards anymore, it's driving license or passport only. I have tons of ID so I'm not worried but there's gonna be a lot of pissed off people if they haven't got anything else.

Idiots.

My new wig arrived today =) Saw a very pretty purple one cheap on ebay and couldn't resist it. It was brought from Professional Only and it's my first wig that hasn't been brought with cosplay in mind. I need to trim the fringe as it's slightly too long and the skin top looks like it's placed too far back on my head but that might be because I just shoved my hair up messily to try this on so the wig wasn't fitted properly.
 I'm prob going to wear this to the Anime League event next week. Tony is drooling already lol (he loves purple).

Excuse the PJs.

I've noticed most people who have an original character cosplay have a character bio or story behind them. I kinda missed this part out when doing mine as just focused on the pretty dress doh >_< lol I have now tried to put together a sort of bio on them but you won't see me writing any stories I'm afraid! My creative talents do not lie there XD

Just wanted to see if it sounded okay. Obviously I've read the LOTR books and seen the films but I've made sure I've done some more background research on Tolkien's image of the Elven race in general also. I plan to get a wig for this cosplay now as my hopefully soon-to-be purple hair won't look right and I want my hair to be more waist-length also =)


"Andserkiel" is my internet alias. According to some name generator thing it's my name in Elvish lol I've been using it for years and thought it would be nice to make a character/costume to go with her. The design will be very similar to the elves in the Lord of the Rings films.

Character background/ info:


Andserkiel is Sindarin Elf (also known as the "Grey Elves" or "Elves of the Twilight") who dwells in Rivendell. She is a skilled healer coming second only to the Lord of Rivendell himself, Elrond. She feels a deep connection to nature as all of her kind do but this bond is particularly strong with water. Despite her intense dislike for conflict she is skilled with a bow in case the need to defend herself or her people arises. Andserkiel can often be found sitting by the river singing or resting her mind in a waking dream.

<3

Leo is very happy and hyper like a little girl at Christmas. I've wanted one of these beauties for ages =D

I've just got 3 games so far: Guitar Hero Metallica (with guitar), Guitar Hero 3 and Folklore. I want to get Saw, Harry Potter, Spyro the Dragon and other games in the Guitar Hero and Singstar ranges also at some point. In March I shall be getting Final Fantasy 13 and Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition =3

I shall be getting a new TV soon also hopefully as my current one is old and a HD telly will mean I can buy Blu Ray dvds (although to be fair I'm quite content with regular dvds for now).

Hey just a general cosplay update as I make plans for the new year =)

Conventions/events I'm attending:

May London MCM Expo
Amecon
October London MCM Expo
The Grand International Cosplay Ball (if there is one again)

Conventions/events I might attend:

Kitacon

Cosplays in progress

Sailor Moon- Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon (Live Action)
Rinoa Heartilly- Final Fantasy VIII SeeD ball dress
Rinoa Heartilly- Dead Fantasy II

Cosplays to be updated

Pretty much all of them apart from Sailor Jupiter and formal Alice. I'm such a picky arse so forever nick-picking and wanting to make improvements.

Future cosplays

Selphie Tilmitt- Final Fantasy VIII Balamb Garden student uniform
Selphie Tilmitt- Kingdom Hearts II
Kairi- Kingdom Hearts II School uniform
Yuna Braska- Final Fantasy X
Belle- Disney's Beauty and the Beast Blue village dress
Belle- Disney's Beauty and the Beast Ballgown
Jane Porter- Disney's Tarzan
Nymphadora Tonks- Harry Potter Will decide outfit once all the films are released
Jill Valentine- Resident Evil 5 BSAA

Sunday 29th November 2009



This year's theme for the ball was the "Enchanted Forest" which my elf costume from last year would of been perfect for but I wanted to do something different. I did consider going as Princess Serenity from Sailor Moon but due to time and money restrictions I went as a formal version of Alice from the first Resident Evil movie. I actually don't like the colour red and am un-certain that I suit blonde hair... lol but I was told I looked good anyway =) I must say I loved the high split in the dress seeing how my legs are one of my best features ;) Haha! Anyway.... Stayed in the Battersea Travelodge again as did most of the people attending but this time I had my bf Ben (RisingPheonix) staying with me ^-^ We planned to meet up with Liz (SephNoir) and Jack (Captain) for some dinner before the ball but sadly they got back too late for us to do this so we grabbed some take-out and munched in our room before getting ready. The lobby already had cosplayers gathered when we came down from our room which included Liz, Jack, Mike (Shenny) and Lucy (Chibi). So we all had a bit of a catch up while waiting for taxis and sorting out who would be sharing.

Arrived at the Clapham Grand around 8-ish, doors opened at 7pm but I don't think we missed too much. Saw Jess (Mocara) at the entrance and had a brief chat, I hadn't see her in so long! Dumped off my coat in the cloakroom then we grabbed a drink from the upstairs bar and sat on the balcony for a bit. Came back down and mingled in the main area of the theatre. Johnny Lazor was back again this year and he introduced special guest Giorgia Vecchini, an Italian cosplayer. She had some very pretty wings on... Chevi (Angel Aiko) came over dressed as Neo Queen Serenity (of course) and introduced us to her new bf Ant who was very fittingly dressed as Tuxedo Mask lol Me and Ben spent most of the evening leaning against the railings behind the dance floor so we had a good view of the stage, Mike was usually in this area also. The next performance was an aerial act "Chilli Boom" which was beautiful to watch and I thought rather fitting for the ball. I filmed most of the performance and you can hear Ben in the background being amazed by some of her "falls" from the ceiling lol More music was played and then there was a lolita fashion show by "LoliGothUK". Me and Ben then went in search for the photography area and after climbing many stairs we found it. There didn't seem to be much of a que but after a while realised it didn't seem to be moving... and throughout the waiting we were missing the Disney performance which dissapointed me very much =( We gave up in the end and came down in time to at least catch the ending song "Under the Sea" in multiple languages which I think was a very nice touch. And whoop for bubbles =D On our way back into the main part fo the theatre we bumped into Sean (sjbonnar), Harriet (Manga Girl) and Asten (AngelEatos). Larissa (majinmarron) was nearby but chatting to other people and sadly I didn't see her again throughout the evening. After the Disney performance ended we mingled again and saw more people including Leena (Lunar_Kitten), James (Ilpala), Joe (Granny Gertrude), Ailsa (Ailsa-chan) and Louise (Gunstar Vixen) who I congratulated on her part in the Disney group as Cinderella. Although I did have to ask Leena if that was James she was standing next to due to him being un-recognisable in his awesome devil/ Satan costume complete with formal bow tie XD I think the Steampunk band "Tough Love" was next to perform. They weren't quite what I was expecting but made me tap my toes to the beat anyway. Nick came over for a chat and asked why we weren't dancing and I said I was waiting for the waltz or a song I recognised lol I did get excited when I heard a song from FF8 though =D Even if it wasn't "Waltz for the Moon" haha! Giorgia Vecchini sang a few songs and during one she had an Umbrella umbrella! (Resident Evil fans will understand). Saw Rach (Arkayen) and Mark (Ishino) later in the evening and when I was sitting down for a bit to rest my poor feet (worn out boots) Jess came over and introduced me to Yaya Han. She seems such a lovely person and it was great to see her Mulan costume up close after admiring it online. I danced the delayed midnight waltz with Ben although it's meant to be a dance with someone you only met that night but I did that last year and haven't ever danced with a bf before so let me off =p Trixie Malicious was another repeat guest from last year with a new burlesque performance although yet again I felt it would be pervy to take photos XD Some non-ball-esque music was played next for the last half hour or so of the evening and I danced with Sean and a few others while Ben took his turn sitting down for a bit although he joined in to belt out Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer" (which I found a photo of!). Then it was time for the last dance of the evening which was Chococat singing "Sudeki Da Ne" from FFX. I love this song and loved even more having a wonderful slow dance with my handsome man <3 Found Jack and Liz and tried to sort out taxi shares back to the hotel but then remembered I had to fetch my coat from upstairs. On the way I chatted to Leadmill for a bit before realising there was a que growing for the cloakroom so I had better get a move on. Back downstairs Ben informs me Nert was looking for me but has now dissapeared, darn. I had been looking for him all evening =( Ben then decides he wants to walk back to the hotel which involved getting lost, soaked and Leonie being very grumpy but hey ho I won't go into that lol

Overall I had a good evening and it was really nice to be able to have a date this time ^-^ I'm not sure my costume was recognised much which was fine as it's an altered version and there's nothing about it that stands out really. Although one person did ask if I was Jill Valentine from Silent Hill... 0_o That was amusing. People who saw the virus vials loved them however so I'm glad I took those with me =) I just wish I saw the whole of the Disney act but I'm sure I'll find a video on Youtube somewhere even if it's not the same.

Sorry if I've forgotten to mention anyone!

My photos: www.facebook.com/home.php#/album.php
s4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/Andserkiel/The%20Grand%20International%20Cosplay%20Ball%2009/
viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm
My video of the Chilli Boom aerial performance: www.youtube.com/watch

For lunarkittenlj

Jill Valentine- Resident Evil


~Saturday 24th~

Had a 5am start ugh -_- I really don't do mornings lol Especially since I didn't go to bed until gone 1am due to finishing Jill's shoulder pads (I hate them). Anyway got the 8am train and was at ExCel around 9.15 where I joined the early entry que. Was only queing for about 20 minutes when I reached the entrance to the main hall where Ben (RisingPheonix) found me and I squealed and squished him XD Jill had her Chris yay! We went straight to the cosplay desk where I checked with Joe (Granny Gertrude) that Ben had signed us in properly for the masquerade and did some repairs to my costume. Saw James (Ilpala), Beks (Silver) and Louise (Gunstar Vixen) also. Then me and Ben had a bit of a wander around before the Resident Evil photoshoot at 11.30. We found Luke (DjCloudo) and Stacey (Stacey-Marie) and had a chat with them, Luke was boiling in his Warhammer costume whilst poor Stacey was freezing her butt off as slave girl Princess Leia lol We also saw Marc (Ishino) and reminded him about the shoot, I wanted his S.T.A.R.S. bag lol



 The Resi group all gathered around the statue at the bottom of the stairs outside, it had been raining so no-one could sit down and I struggled to find somewhere to put my bag without it getting soaked. Not as many people as in May but still a decent enough turn-out. Will (T-Virus/Alinthea) looked smexy as Leon and he let me borrow his knife for a photo, I dropped it >_< Ooops.



Ben spent half the time standing on the statue itself, such a show-off =p I re-created the ending photo from Resi one Re-make with another Chris cosplayer Kyle (Kylmar) which he seemed very thankful for bless him.


Louis (lhead) was also outside having his Bleach group photoshoot so he wandered over for a bit to say hi and give hugs. We demanded he cosplay as Wesker the next day for the photoshoot which he said he would.

Jill sandwich!

 At 12 I left the guys for my photoshoot with Beks. Whilst waiting for her I saw Jem (Littlemisschikorita), Chris and Jem's mum dressed as character's from Tsubasa then I spotted Bek's Celine hat over the crowds and went to meet her. We found a spot where ivy was growing up the wall which made a pretty cool setting as Jill wanders the over-grown gardens of the mansion in Resi Evil. There were some taxis lined up along the road and Beks asked one driver if he wouldn't mind us getting some shots of me shooting over his bonnet lol He agreed but prob thought it was a rather random request! Got some more shots in the area during which we were approched by a guy who thought Beks was cosplaying Sailor Moon (it was actually Celine from Star Ocean...). When my half hour was up so we made our way back where we bumped into one of the photographers for CosplayFever and he asked to get some shots of us. So there could be a chance I'll be in the next book =) I mentioned my bf was cosplaying as Chris and he asked if I could go grab him to poss be in the book also so I went and dragged Ben over lol He got some shots by himself and then we got some together also.
 By this time I needed food so we went inside to grab a panini and then came back out to eat. Ben got his beef jerkey and Mountain Dew as promised and we shared Pringles om nom. We sat and munched with Luke and Stacey and talked about possibly meeting for dinner that night and getting some Chinese or something.
Wasn't long before we had to go backstage for the masquerade. I left my bag at the Cosplay Desk and chatted to Angela (Angelphie) who looked awesome as Fleur from Harry Potter. Ben also made me take a photo of the Halo Warthog thingy while I was there... eww Halo. Ailsa (Ailsa-chan) and Leena (Lunar_Kitten) were organising us backstage and Chevi (AngelAiko) was also helping out handing out water ect. Obviously all 3 were busy so didn't get to chat much sadly. Me and Ben were behind Louis in the running order and before Mike (Shenny) so we still had people to chat with whilst waiting. Although Ben ended up snoozing on my lap bless him, wish my camera wasn't behind the desk at the time! I hated to move him as he looked so cute but after some time my legs went dead so had to wake him up which was when he started to get really nervous about going on-stage nawww! I've been in the masquerade before but Ben hadn't you see.



I think the masq went well, I enjoyed being up there more than usual as I wasn't too focused on being nervous. We got a huge cheer for our fan-service woo XD On one of the vids on youtube I can clearly hear someone going "Awww" haha. I would like to see more cute and semi-cannon pairings during the masq rather than most of them being overly sexual Yaoi based or mass Organisation 13 orgies -_- After the masq finished I collected my bag from the desk and chatted to Nert who confirmed he got some photos of us =3
 Then me and Ben went to Louis' room in the Novotel to get Ben's stuff (he stayed there Friday night) before making our way to our own hotel in Barking. We sadly didn't meet up with Stacey and Luke for dinner as it would be getting late by the time we dropped out stuff off then went back on the train to meet them. It's a shame as I was looking forward to that =( Instead we grabbed some KFC just outside Barking station where I had the amusement of the lady serving me asking if I worked for the police! I was confused for a minute then she pointed to my S.T.A.R.S. beret and I started laughing "Oh  no it's fancy dress!" XD Ben cracked up also when I told him. Maybe if I said yes I would of got discount? lol We asked the actual police outside the station for directions to the Travelodge but they made no comment. It was easy enough to find the hotel and so ended day one of Expo.

~Sunday 25th~

Me and Ben were up around 7.30-ish to get ready for the day. The journey back to ExCel was nice, simple and quick despite it being Sunday which was good as Ben was twitching to get there lol Got there a bit after 10 and nearly walked right in, lovely lack of a que. Today was our day to chill out and actually look around the dealers tables properly but once we were in I was moaning about wanting a bacon roll so we went in search of one. I just got a bacon breakfast panini instead which was rubbish and a waste of £3. Oh well, more Pringles and fruit pastils then XD We bumped into Kyle and spent most the day wandering around with him as he was a cool guy to hang out with. Nert came across us and took some photos and then we stopped by a weapon stall and Ben drooled over a hunting knife which was advertised as being the same make used by the S.T.A.R.S. team in Resident Evil. It was only a tenner so I got it for him and he told me he loved me lol



We chilled out in the Capcom area for a bit before more shopping where we found a stall that sold some Resi film merchandise but were told they had sold out of the T-Virus and anti-virus keyrings T_T They would of been perfect for my Alice cosplay.
 The photoshoot was at 1.30pm today just outside the entrance, thankfully it was a lot dryer. Not many people showed and Nert was going to come back to take some shots but then dissapeared... then we couldn't get ahold of Rach (Arkayen) who was cosplaying a licker, we needed our licker! Also Louis didn't wear Wesker as promised, me and Ben were rather annoyed by this as he told us only that morning he would be there. Some passers by took some photos and then some of the group left and we were just about giving up ourselves when Rach and Marc finally showed yay! We got some funny shots and she deff generated interest from people around us.



 After that we went back inside and we passed by Wesker and Barry drinking coffee! We had to ask to join them and created some S.T.A.R.S. coffee break photos lol "So Jill, how's the sandwich?" XD



Checked out the rest of the stalls which included the Team Giblets table. I pointed it out to Ben and said "Look it's the guys who made the Resident Fantasy skit I showed you" and he just walked up to Keith and said "I have a lifetime membership to the SquareEnix pornotorium, so screw you!" Apparently he made Keith's day lol I once again pondered getting a Genki Gear t-shirt with one of Hel's (tigerangel) designs on but I had already brought a few other bits ^^' During our wandering we kept bumping into Luke and Stacey again, she claimed we were stalking them haha.
 The day seemed over way too soon when we had to go and get Ben's stuff as he had to get the coach home with his mate James =( I had a bit of a cry 'cause I'm a soppy cow lol We met up with Jem and Chris and they were thinking of leaving also so that meant I could travel back with them. Got on the DLR together and then me, Jem and Chris had to change stops, I was rather mopey lol



Overall I had a great weekend, some people I wish I could of spoke to more and other's I missed entirely but as usual Expo was made great by the people who attend it. It made a nice change to be able to spend it with a bf who is into cosplay also =) I just hope to have 2 costumes for May as although my Jill got lots of positive attention I like being able to have a different costume each day, means more opportunity for photos ect.
See you in May!

My photos can be viewed at~
Myspace & Facebook for those on here who have me added or
Photobucket: s4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/Andserkiel/London%20MCM%20Expo%20Oct%2009/


Videos of me and Ben in the masquerade: www.youtube.com/watch
www.youtube.com/watch

Soooo sorry it's so late >_< Just personal issues and upsets kept distracting me and I wasn't in the mood to do this. Hopefully I won't be so late with my Expo and Ball reports lol I still wanted to write this anyway for my own reference and memory if nothing else. Sorry if I've forgotten to mention anyone, you're all amazing <3

~Friday 14th August~
Selphie Tilmitt- Final Fantasy VIII



Got the 9am train from Braintree with my stupidly heavy and bulky suitcase, I had already blistered my hands by having them pull too much weight >_< Relaxed journey into London where I watched Saw 2 on my psp lol (I hope people couldn't hear the screaming coming out of my headphones...). Then came the hard part- escalators. I really hate the things and it's even worse when I've got a suitcase with me. On one of them a couple noticed I was looking a bit panicy/stressed out and offered to hold my case for me bless them. A few underground changes later and I was on the main line again on the train to Coventry where I met Mosey and her bf (I think it was her bf?) in my carriage and shared a taxi with them to the Warwick Arts Centre. Naturally we knew we were in the right place straight away when we spotted cosplayers, horray! Got directed to the Rootes building to get resgistered and there wasn't even a que! I walked right up, flashed my ID and got my convention badge and bag with con guide stuff in. As this was my first proper con (only been to London Expo & Grand Cosplay Ball before) I found the whole concept of badges and things very exciting haha I'm easily pleased. I left the guys there and went in seach of a bus to take me to my hotel, I had been told there was a 801 service that goes past it. Lo and behold the 801 was waiting at the bus stop and I had a convo with the driver to confirm he passes my hotel. There was some confusion at first as the hotel used to be called Premier Travel Inn, Coventry Airport but now it's Coventry South. The moment I mentioned it was next to a Harvester he knew where I was on about though. £2.90 for an all-day saver and it stops right outside. Awesome.
 Got to the hotel just before 2pm which was checking in time, met Al (Death-May-Die) and his gf (sorry I really need to remember your name!) on the way in, it's nice to know others are staying there. My room was really nice, just a bit lonely on my own but hey I would only be changing and sleeping in it. Un-packed necessary stuff from my suitcase then got into my Selphie cosplay, thankfully the contacts didn't give me too much grief. Went to the bus stop to check what time my bus back to the Arts Centre was then I waited in the hotel lobby where I saw Sean (sjbonnar) briefly.
 Back on-site sometime past 3pm. I had something to eat in the Butterworth Hall cafe by myself, how sad lol Texting a few people to come find me but no-one did =( Not long after I spied Becks (Silver) as Feena however and Louise (Gunstar Vixen) as Aurora. Nert wandered by also. Yay people! XD They had to go off for a shoot but then I met with Liz (SephNoir) and Jack (Captain) =3 Liz repaired my Selphie wig for me as I had attempted to re-wax the flicks myself and somehow screwed it up, the wax turned it white 0_o After that was sorted I went to meet up with Al for a photo shoot. After being really pleased with the shots he took of me as Jill at May Expo I booked a half-hour slot this time and we wandered around to a few different locations. Even had an asian guy take photos in the background then come up and ask what it was for and if I was a cosplayer. The shoot was fun (Selphie gets to jump around like a hyper child) and I look foward to getting the photos =3 It's just a shame I couldn't make her nunchuku in time but Al tells me he might be planning some big photo shoots of particular game series ect so we'll see! Went back into the Rootes building with him where he told me Sean was upstairs in the Cosplay HQ so I went to have a chat with him and met his gf Sasha (roguearcanis). I had checked out the Cosplay HQ earlier and was happy to see the photos I submitted for the Cosplay Island gallery were all on display on boards in the room with other cosplayers, I thought this was a really nice touch =)
 Then I hopped back on the bus to go get changed into my evening outfit which was 80's themed to celebrate Chevi's (Angel Aiko) birthday. Wasn't at my hotel long before returning on-site again and met with Chevi, who looked pretty awesome. Nina (Uni) and other peeps were there also inluding Carrie (seraphim_cry) who looked great (and rather woah in your face pink!) as Jem. After trying and failing to get Chev some food we went to the Rootes bar where we met up with Becks (as Alex from Flashdance), Louise (as Rainbow Brite) and Mark (Princess Mark).
Chevi, Carrie, Me & Louise. Taken by Chevi

I also finally got to meet Emma (Sephirayne) in person after talking to her on various sites online for quite a while so that was nice =) She was dressed as Indiana Jones! We went to the Student Union building where there was Karaoke upstairs and Momoi Haruko's concert on the ground floor followed by the party. Everyone just chilled out chatting and drinking, Kaka borrowed Nert's camera for some photos lol Beck's and Louise brought out a little cake for Chev complete with a candle which was sweet then me and Louise plotted to get Chevi to sing the Sailor Moon theme song with us in the karaoke mwahaha! Me, Chev, Louise and Beck's went up to sing and it wasn't until I saw the photos Nert took after that I realised Matt Mercer had joined in behind us also XD
Me, Chevi, Beks, Matt & Louise. Taken by Nert

Had some fun group photos and then I had to leave early so I could share a taxi back to my hotel with Sean and his mate. That's the only problem with being off-site, obviously staying at the con late means the buses have stopped so unless you drive taxis are the only (expensive) option. And thus ended day one of Ayacon.
  Minami face! Taken by Nert

~Saturday 15th August~
Kairi- Kingdom Hearts II



Day 2 of Aya saw me being Kairi for the day, I was still a little gutted I didn't get her keyblade done for this though =( Think I arrived on-site between 10 and 11-ish and I wandered to the Cosplay HQ.
One of my photos as part of the Cosplay Island Gallery.

There I found Becks (as Xianghua), Louise (Setsuka), Chevi (Eudial) and Leena (Lunar Kitten) as Kiki. We hanged out and took photos, Leena was happy I was the first to ask her for one bless. After a while some of us were eager to check out the dealer's room (it wasn't open Friday) so we went to the Arts Centre to find the goodies! Had some of the usual stalls you find at Expo but there was also a bring and buy so more chance of finding something rare! I managed to pick up a mint first volume of Saint Tail for £1! I've already got it but I've put it on ebay XD Finding a US copy of Final Fantasy VIII to add to my collection for £6 made me happy =3 Then I got some bits for Ben also- a Biohazard (Resident Evil) Leon figure for a £1 and a Biohazard art book for £25 (but this one he's not getting till Xmas). I spent more on him than me...
  Me & Chevi in the dealers room. Taken by Stafen Chau

I can't remember if we ate before or after the Masquerade rehearsal (this is what I get for leaving my report so late) but I'll say we ate first lol Ate in the Butterworth Hall cafe again but this time with Becks, Louise, Ailsa (Ailsa-chan) and Joe (Granny Gertrude). We had an interesting talk comparing big cons to the Expos.
 At 1pm those taking part in the masquerade had a rehearsal to go over how the event would run and where we pose ect as well as confirming our details and any last minute changes. Liz and Jack were there also and Jack looked amazing in the Rain Clow Card cosplay Liz had made. While queing to confirm details I chatted to Nina and a pretty Zelda cosplayer and Chevi and Minxie (I think it was Minxie... cosplaying as PGSM Venus) came over also. I can't actually remember what I did between finishing the rehearsal and the actual masquerade... Fail.
Some of us at the masq rehearsal. Taken by Stafen Chau

 The masquerade started at 5pm and those taking part had to be backstage just after 4 to get organised. We were lined up in these tiny corridors which was not helpful for those with wide costumes or large props/wings. Joe came round with fruit, nuts and sweets to keep us going however and water was always being offered. Although I've had him on facebook and other sites for a while I spoke to Jacob (White Leviathan) for the first time. It wasn't a very long or interesting convo (just asking about my Kairi zips) but ah well XD He was cosplaying Cao Pi. The masquerade itself started on time I believe! Or if it was late only slighty, not used to this at other events/cons. It ran smoothly and finished on time and I didn't get as nervous as I did at the May Expo masquerade which was nice. After I had my turn I got to go sit in the audience to watch the others.There was a break twice during the masq, first for a performance by the amazing Taiko drummers and then Momoi Haruko gave a final performance before she had to leave, she was sooo kawaii! I thought these broke up the long parade of cosplayers quite nicely and kept the audience's attention.
 After the masq I went back to my hotel to change for the evening although I kept on my wig. I got back on-site before anyone else so had to hang around on my own like a muppet for quite a while. Finally Chevi arrived and we went to the J-Pop party in the Student Union. We stood chatting to a really nice guy for a while and it wasn't till people kept asking for photos that it dawned on me...
"Chevi who is that guy we've just been talking to?"
Chev: "Matt".
Me: "As in Matt Mercer?"
Chev: "Yup".
I had no idea! lol I ended up embarrassingly asking him for a photo saying my mate Louis was a big fan of Star Ocean XD He happilly posed with me though, nice man.
Me & Matt Mercer

We also spent some time in the Rootes bar where I chatted to Mike (Shenny) for quite a bit. I got a lift back to my hotel in Louise's car (thank you hun). I felt a bit out of place at times that night, got a bit down although it got better as the evening went on. Just wished Ben was there with me really.
Me & Chevi in Rootes bar. Taken by Chevi

~Sunday 16th August~
Sailor Jupiter- Sailor Moon
Rinoa Heartilly- Final Fantasy VIII



Was up early to wash my hair as Jupiter was my only cosplay all weekend that didn't require a wig, my head was grateful of the break! Was ready an hour before I was finally picked up to share a taxi with Liz, Jack, Mike and Lucy (Chibi). The buses didn't start running till gone 1pm as it was Sunday you see. Got on-site about 11.30-ish I think and went to join the massive Sailor Moon group that had gathered. It was mainly for the Eternal versions (my Jupiter is from the original series and R) but there were those from other series there also. There was at least 5 Jupiter's! Woah overload XD
Sailor Jupiter Overload! Taken by Minotaur

A lot of photographer's gathered but it took some time organising the mass load of senshi, I sadly wasn't about for the group shots that included all series but I got some shots with the other Jupiters. Nert also snapped a few shots for me that came out really well =3
 Went back to my hotel between 1 and 2pm to change into Rinoa, the buses were running at this point so it was easy to get back and forth. Rinoa is still my fav cosplay, I love it so much ^-^ Although I didn't love my new boots, too small ouch! But more accurate, the pains we go through for cosplay XD Again Nert took a few shots and then I had my official shoot with Al. We found a lovely pond area to get some shots and tried to recreate the petals in the breeze from the opening of the game but the sun and wind just wasn't on our side >_< Also went up to Cosplay HQ to use their photography studio area but we couldn't get the lights working how he wanted them, ah well. Walking around outside after my shoot I spotted a group of fellow FF8 cosplayers and ran over to see if they wouldn't mind me having some photos with them. They didn't mind and we had a laugh, even re-created the cheesey in-game running of the characters which I filmed and put on youtube XD
Me with FF8 cosplayers

 At 6pm went to watch the Sunday Night Live and the Closing Ceremony and Auction where I sat next to Liz and Jack. Matt Mercer and Mark hosted the SNL and kept us all amused. I filmed some of the acts (again on youtube). Team Giblits "Resident Fantasy: Aeries Rising" skit has got to be the funniest thing I've seen in ages, I laughed so much and wished Ben could of been there as I know he would of loved it too. Much amusement again during the charity auction as a giant plush Pikachu was up for sale and a bidding war started with the Team Rocket group desperate to finally catch Pikachu XD They won lol
Team Rocket finally get Pikachu

The Cosplay Island cosplay competition winners were announded which included Louise, Nina and Liz =3 And during the closing ceremony it was announced that Amecon will be back next year! I hope to go with Ben depending on what he's doing with the Army.
 All that ended around 9-ish I think. Outside I saw Emily (Orihime) advertising the Grand International Cosplay Ball and I asked where Jess (Raven Mocara) was as I had been looking out for her all weekend but it seems she had to pull out of Aya last minute =( Everyone was a rather hungry at this point so a big group of us ordered Dominos including Beks, Louise, Leena, James (Ilpala), Ailsa, Joe, Amber (HelloKitty) and Mike (MangaChild). Omnomnom food!
The Dominos group gathering. Taken on Beks camera.

After we all had some sorta private invite thing to hang out with Matt Mercer and JoEllen Elam with a bunch of other people in a building I hadn't been in before. I just got dragged along with the others as Louise was kindly driving me back to my hotel again. Nert, Kelly and Mark were also there. I wasn't paying much attention to the convo though I'm afraid as by this point I was sooo shattered. Finally got taken back to get some sleep though (and get those damn boots off!)

~Monday 17th August~
Home time

Checked out my hotel and managed to share a taxi with Al, his gf and Leadmill. Sean and Sasha got in a taxi just before us also. At the station we parted ways and I got on a train back into London with Sean, Sasha and two Belgium cosplayers Asten (AngelEatos) and Larissa (majinmarron). Sean and Sasha got seats but we had to sit in the corridor, we joked it was like having our own little camp and we should start a fire and sing lol I really enjoyed chatting with these lovely people and we swapped DeviantArt usernames to find each other when we got home.
 Once in London I left the guys to get back to Liverpool Street for my connecting train home. Overall a very enjoyable if tiring weekend and I can finally say I've been to a proper convention! I will be seeing a lot of you guys again at MCM Expo but I hope we can attend Amecon together also =3 Maybe I'll actually attend some of the panels and events >_< Something I missed out on at Aya oopss...

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I fail. It's been like 3 weeks since an entry... and my Aya report STILL isn't done 0_o I'm putting off writing anything else till that's up so I have like a backlog of entries I want to do building up... oh dear.

But yes I am alive and I *hope* to get writing again once I kick my butt into gear ^^' sorry guys.

Went the rents returned home on Monday from their 2 weeks in Turkey they also went and picked up our new puppy who was ready to be away from his mum. He's 8 weeks old and is a Jack Russel.
 His name is Diesel and he's a cute bundle of energy with sharp baby teeth lol

Well I'm not longer single x3 Woooo! *dances* I am so fucking happy right now, damn I missed this feeling.
So yeah Ben arrived yesterday and it was instant clickage =3 He asked me out just before midnight squeeee. I love his cuddles ^-^

Okay soppy Leo out before I make you all sick haha

Get a fucking life and stop wasting it snooping on me.
Don't you realise how pathetic it is?
She left him. Her loss. End off.
Now go interfere in someone else's life.

Have a nice day.

PS. I would give up with here anyway as nearly all my entries are set to friends only. This one's public just for you ;)

Chevi had the obvious answer. I have a massive new suitcase so I simply will take BOTH Sailor Jupiter and Rinoa. What I'll do is prob wear Jupiter Sunday till mid-afternoon then change into Rinoa for the rest of the day and the evening. It will be easy to switch unlike if I did Kairi- Rinoa for example.

Sorted =3

Right well sadly I'm having to realise that PGSM Sailor Moon will not be ready in time for Ayacon, I'm hoping to have her complete for October Expo however.
So I'm now a cosplay short. I originally had Rinoa and Jill as backups and I decided that as I wore Jill recently and I have some awesome shots of her already (and a possible shoot with a Chris Redfield and Albert Wesker in 2 weeks time) I would take Rinoa as she's never been to a major convention and I could do with some more photos. And simply because I love her x3

But this means I miss out on the awesome Sailor Moon group =( I know I wasn't a Stars version but I would still be involved as some other non-stars characters are and the huge Sailor Moon picnic sounded fun also. If I take Rinoa I can't be a part of that. So now I'm pondering if I should take Sailor Jupiter instead. I'm not as fond of her as my other cosplays but I've only worn her to expo and a photo shoot so maybe I should get more use of her, she wasn't cheap! And I did tell Becky I would get some photos with her Jupiter one day.

*ponders*

I really need to get the materials together for Sailor Moon's fuku and shoulder armour.... and Kairi's keyblade.
But I'm into my overdraft (as usual) and my credit card is starting to build up...

Bum.

I still can't believe after 3 years of saying I would go to Amecon and failing I'm finally on my way to my first major convention. My hotels booked now and it's a no-cancellation offer so it seems more final! I'm staying in the Premier Travel Inn (Coventry Airport) Friday- Sunday. I need to sort out my travel, think I need to get into London first then hop on another train to go back out. Anyone travelling from London on the Friday lemmie know and maybe we can be travel buddies =3

Cosplays~

Friday~ Selphie Tilmitt- Final Fantasy VIII
Saturday~ Kairi- Kingdom Hearts II
Sunday~ Sailor Moon- PGSM (Live Action)
Evening/ party~ Rinoa Heartilly (SeeD Ball)- Final Fantasy VIII

Back up cosplay~ Rinoa Heartilly- Final Fantasy VIII
                                 Jill Valentine- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis

Sailor Moon is my only new cosplay and I've got most the accessories for it now it's just the main costume to be made which the lovely Chevi-chan shall be helping me with =3 Been told there will be no formal ball so Andserkiel shall be staying at home and I might get SeeD ball Rinoa done finally for the evening's entertainment.

Things to do~

* Repair Selphie cosplay including re-waxing flicks on wig and getting green contacts.
* Possibly re-make the halter neck and hood on Kairi and re-inforce the belt.
* Make Kairi's keyblade!!!
* Complete Sailor Moon
* Buy a larger suitcase & new toiletry bag
* Make sure everything can fit in said larger suitcase
* Buy larger memory card for digital camera
* Make a list of everything I have to take

Uploaded a load of Expo photos onto Myspace today including my shots of Jill Valentine. Few hours later I check the site and my main photo has changed to a really old one and I have a message...

"We had to remove an image (or images) from your account because they violated our Terms of Use. Our site is for people as young as 13, so we can't have certain kinds of pics (nude/sexually explicit, violence)."

My default photo was me pointing a fake plastic gun with a bright orange tip at the camera. In costume. Seemed a bit daft to me but double checking my gallery and that isn't the one they deleted (so I switched it back to deafault lol rebel) but the one of me lying on an obviously fake and dried out patch of blood on the ground with the words "GAME OVER" above my head.

Maybe I should of put a caption "No cosplayer was harmed during the creation of this foolery"