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Supernatural - The Chicago 2008 Con - Light It Up! |
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What a happy time this Convention was. A real life elixir. One of the best parts of any Con is seeing friends again and meeting new ones that you have corresponded with via the Internet. It was great seeing Erica (Idahogirl), Jaimie (Rap), Amy (Metalligirl) and meeting Cindy Rose, Whimsy, Sarie, DemonKoosh, Lainey, Robin and HeartStealer. It was also wonderful seeing Joanne, Amanda, Lynn, Kathy, Sue and Lynda from the Something Wicked group. I know that there were others in attendance from these two groups and I feel bad that our paths did not cross, but I hope they will at the next Con. There were so many other friends in attendance as well, that the whole time was overflowing with warmth, hugs, love and laughter. I had been monitoring the weather for days before my flight and everything was going along perfectly, until the evening before I was to leave and Environment Canada issued a severe freezing rain warning for my region. I did not get much sleep that night, it was almost a precursor of what was to come. I think I beat my personal best record of not sleeping due to excitement by having at most fifteen hours sleep from Wednesday night until Monday evening. A really nice surprise was waiting for me at the airport, in the form of a free manicure. What a lovely way to start things out. The turbulence down to Chicago was incredible. I was so glad to disembark. To give you an idea of the size of O’Hare, I landed in the international section of the airport and had to take the airport train to Terminal Five to pick-up the hotel shuttle. The train ride alone was five minutes. It’s a massive complex, but very well run and the attending staff were very friendly. I was not overly impressed with the hotel. The heat was almost unbearable at some points and being told to open a window just didn’t work. The bathrooms left a lot to be desired. It’s pretty bad, when you have even guys talking about their condition. One poor attendee thought it was blood coming out of her tap, that’s how bad the rust build up was when she turned the facet on. The pool was lovely and as luck would have it, I had it all to myself during my whole stay. It was nice, as was the toiletries being from Bath and Body Works (gotta love that). It was fun hanging out on Supernatural Thursday, on the evening before the start of the Con with fellow fan girls and guys. It was also great to watch the episode I Know What you Did Last Summer from there. We sort of all split off into groups to watch it and then reconnected later to discuss the episode. It had so much food for thought in it and certainly set straight a few issues. Throughout the Con, there were lovely suppers and drinks and hanging out, packed full of good times. Amy gave us all these really cool Winchester Speak stickers. Friday was the official start of the Convention and the realization that there was a Starbucks down the street. I love Starbucks. I was sitting in the lobby watching everyone when the TV Guide group walked up. I hadn’t yet been formally introduced to Koosh, but there was a discussion going on about Koosh going to Starbucks. I rocketed off my chair, introduced myself and over we went. It was a really pleasant time. Gabriel Tigerman was on stage first. He is such a lovely person, very genuine and funny. He was telling us a funny story about being in the back of the pick-up van, being driven to the set and how Jared was sitting up front, but Harley and Sadie were sitting in the back, helping Gabe drink his coffee. Steve Carlson made two appearances on Friday, on-stage for a Q and A and then later for his concert. His Q and A was really good. We learned he likes to cook steaks and sing songs for potential girlfriends and that he has to have blueberries in his life every day. His concert that evening was great. Some of Steve’s family was in attendance and that was really nice. Rap was able to score us front row seats and it was beyond awesome. To be that close was pretty amazing. He played all the old favourites and some new ones, all to a very appreciative crowd. Richard Speight, Jr. was awesome. He was right on the mark every time and had some great stories to share. I particularly loved the one about knocking on the wrong trailer thinking and hearing what he thought was “Come In”. As it turns out, it was Jared’s dogs. OMG – too funny. The photo-op and autograph session was alot of fun. [url http:/ A word about the Supernatural themed drinks  The hotel was good enough to put on a special Supernatural related food and drinks menu. Items included The Jared Burger, the Evil Demon Corned Beef Panini, the Mysterious Lilith Primavera and the very popular Jensen Ackles Filet (Kooshie very much enjoyed her cut of Jensen – lol). The drinks list included Purple Nurples, Winchester Mai Thais, the Sam-Tini and the Dean-a-Rita. So here we go with my official review. (Please note that I didn’t have them all at one time – I think – just kidding). The Purple Nurples and Winchester Mai Thais were good. The Sam-Tini was the absolute best. It went down nice and slow – real slow and real fine. The Dean-a-Rita packed one heck of a punch – wow! You really needed to hold onto your seat after having one of those. *giggles* After Steve’s concert, there was Karoke going on in the bar. A group of us pulled up chairs and sat down to watch the entertainment and to watch Steve and Jason play pool. It was fun. On my way out, I hooked up with Amy, Rap and Ericia and Amy’s husband, Dakota came over to pay us a visit. Well, if the truth be told, it was more Amy he was looking for. The man lived up to his word, he is one heck of a dancer. The lap dance he did for his wife was truly awe inspiring. Holy mackerel. Then, just to finish off a really fun evening, Rap’s husband, Steve, got up on the floor and sang “Feel Like Making Love.” Rap’s rapture was a wonderful thing to behold. xoxoxoxoxoxo Saturday was packed from morning until past midnight. Samantha Smith is a real sweetheart. She was very impressive on stage and in person. She gave a lovely shout-out to Jeffrey Dean Morgan. I thought of Famin when she mentioned that Nathan Fillon is one of her husband’s best friends. Jason Manns was up next. I almost didn’t recognize him when I saw him the evening before. He had shaved off his beard and his longer hair. He was really good. He relayed one of the funniest stories about a group of them, including Jensen, shooting each other with BB guns. It was a really good moment. Anyone I spoke to after Charles Malik Whitfield’s onstage Q and A had fallen in love with him. This man totally rocks in every way. From my point of view, I love someone who tells it like it is and doesn’t try to gloss over or misrepresent their own personal reality. Charles is honest, direct and really gets what’s important in life. I was truly impressed. Albeit, I did almost fall off my chair when he said his favourite curse word without hesitation, but he was being honest. This led to a really interesting discussion in the photo-op line-up for Charles about cuss words. I learned a lot in those few moments and now know what some of the abbreviations mean that I’ve seen around. Chad Lindberg’s photo op was before his Q and A. I have a deep and abiding affection for Chad. He has the most wonderful and giving spirit and it was so wonderful to see him again. The photo-op was simply delightful and fun filled.  Chad’s Q and A went really well. I even asked a question. It was regarding whether the name Ash was used in the original script reading he did. He didn’t feel it was. I’m hoping that this has importance, because the word Ash can mean an unexpected saviour. It would be so great to have him back. Here’s my photo-op pictures. [url http:/ [url http:/ [url http:/ The autographs with Chad, Samantha and Charles were great – very easy going and lots of fun. Jason was on the other side and he was awesome. Jason’s concert on Saturday night was great. He really brought it home and it was a shame when it all seemed to end too soon, so that the dessert party could get started. Joanne and Amanda were able to get us a table for the dessert party, which was great, as they really filled up fast. The desserts and fruits were really good, although, Rap did get short-changed on her cannoili, with only the ends being filled. It made for part of our lovely and dare I say unique centre piece. Then, who knew, but Kathy can actually twirl a cherry stem into a knot with her tongue. Now that was something to see. Our table was rolling, there was no doubt about it. It was lots of fun, full of laughter, one-liners and some great comebacks. Richard, Samantha, Chad, Gabe, Charles and Jason were all in attendance and circulated around to each table. Creation had advised them that they couldn’t sit down (how crazy is that), so our table stood for each of the guests. It went over well. Some actually ended up sitting down and that was cool. Creation was making announcements during the course of the evening and the acoustics in the room were really bad. It was difficult to hear some of the guests, even though they were right there with us. Samantha did an impression of me that got us all laughing. Her leprechaun handler was pretty funny – right bbf’s? *giggles* On Jason’s upcoming movie, one of the actors he worked with was Eric Roberts, who happens to be one of my favourite actors. It was extra nice to find out that Eric is as nice a guy in real life as he appears to be on screen. One poor girl fainted during the party and the paramedics were called. The next day at the breakfast the guys asked after her and we found out she was doing good. xoxoxoxoxoxo Sunday was all about Jared and Jensen and it was one for the memory books. The breakfast started about 8:45 am and a lot earlier I hooked up with Amanda and Joanne on the stairs and we hung out and shared stories. Eventually, we were allowed in and went for tables. I had one of the best surprises of my life, when Lynda came looking for me and invited me up to sit at the VIP table, which was located at the front of stage and literally steps from J and J. I know when Lynda asked me she had to ask more than once, because I had heard her initially, but I just couldn’t believe it. It was beyond excellent. The Silent Auction raised a lot of money for good causes and the breakfast buffet was really good, as was the entertaining company. As 10 o’clock loomed closer you could feel the excitement rising in the room. Then, when the five bodyguards appeared we all knew for sure who was there. The amount of flashes going off when the guys entered was practically blinding – wow! Both Jared and Jensen were wonderful and it was fantastic to be so close to them without any obstructions. It was one of the gals at the VIP table that presented Lilith’s head to Jared on a plate – bloodied, along with the ice packs. Their interaction with each other and with the crowd was great, as always. General conversation in the line-ups after seemed to center around Jensen’s ring finger having a bandage on it. It turned out to be a cut from a broken glass. It was such a good time and didn’t seem to fly by – it was just right. Interestingly though, there weren’t the usual number of questions about SN that usually happens at the breakfast. Jared’s new laugh was priceless. To give you an idea of the amount of photo-ops Creation was putting through that day, there was an estimated 900 of them, between the advertised singles and duo one. It kind of boggles the mind. Chris, Creation’s greatest asset and wonder photographer implemented a new way for the lining up of the photos, mainly sitting in the main auditorium on a first come, first served basis and then being taken over to line up outside the room. I found it worked well. Laniey and I had time together and that was very enjoyable.Jared was first up and he was adorable. When I went up to him he pulled me into a hug and said “Hey Sandra”. It was a warm and friendly exchange. He asked me what my t-shirt meant. The shirt reads Amor et Risio (thanks again Diana for the translation). I explained it stands for Love and Laughter in Latin. Jared pronounced Risio a few times – he liked that. Overall, Jared was his kind and sweet self, but there was a tinge of sadness to him too. I hope everything works out. The duo sandwich photo op came next. Jensen was in top form and he was first when you walked up. I received a great greeting and a nice hug. I then stepped between the boys for the op. I had a carved piece of real rock salt with me – in the form of a heart. When I showed it to the guys, it was the three of us looking at it in my hand. They then each held it and we all said how cold it is to the touch. They asked me about the heart shape and I said “Well, I’m more a heart kind of girl then a bullet one.” This got a good laugh. It was great being squished between the guys discussing the merits of rock salt hearts. Jensen then asked his “little brother” to hold the heart for the photo, being the “girl” and such. Take a look at each of their faces, it’s such an honest portrayal of a fun moment. They’ve taken the heart home with them. They have something planned with it. I can only imagine. *giggles*  The last photo-op of the day was with Jensen. There were so many people for his that the schedule was set-out differently. In Dallas, I had gotten photos with the pink feather boa with all the actors and at this one, I particularly wanted to get Jensen with it. The look on the faces of the bodyguards, Chris and Jensen were a myriad of delight to observe. I went up to Jensen and he was watching me with the boa and I showed him my picture of Jared and I in the boa from Dallas. I said to him "You're counterpart was so much fun with this and your Mom was even playing with the pink boa feathers when she was in the room talking to Jared. Jensen, would you be willing to please do this, so I could have a complete set?" He looked at me, then out at the room and he was so good about it "Sure, anything for the cause". Between the both of us, we got it wrapped around ourselves and Chris snapped the picture. Jensen let me take the boa off of him and both Chris and I brushed off any excessive feathers from Jensen. And then, I couldn't believe that I said "Thank you Jared so much for doing this." He looked at me and smiled, a full mega watt one and said "Would Jensen work too?" The whole room roared. I blushed and he says to me "Aww...someone's blushing". It was just a truly wonderful and heartfelt and happy moment. It was also, without a doubt, one of the best shared moments with Jensen – ever. What a great sport! Here are my photo-op pictures with the guys. [url http:/ [url http:/ [url http:/ Jared and Jensen on-stage were fantastic, both together and separately. Jared completely endeared himself to many fans when he came off the stage and went to the young girl who was crying so hard and unable to speak from being so overwhelmed in his presence. The look on her face when he hugged her was wonderful. Jensen telling the story about the BB gun incident was hysterical. I hope Jared follows through and posts the picture of Jensen sleeping with Harley and Sadie. I found it interesting that this was supposed to be the last season for SN. It’s amazing how these things all come around and the puzzle pieces fit together eventually. Creation had indicated in one of their e-mails that the LA Con in March 2009 was to be the last one as they didn’t have any future SN Cons upcoming. That, coupled with the fact of random comments from Jared and Jensen had me wondering if this was the last season. When Jensen discussed it on stage and confirmed that in fact it was supposed to be, because they had reached their syndication required levels, but when Kripke saw the ratings coming in and according to Jensen went “Oh crap”, the decision was made to go for Season Five. I had understood from the onset that Eric had a five year story arc plan for the show. Perhaps it was just the way it was relayed in the storytelling, but the syndication levels seemed to be the important thing here and not the five year plan. It bothered me that once again, it all comes down to money, money, money. However, I’m very, very glad that Season Five will proceed as had been originally intended. The official ending of the Con was the autograph sessions with Jensen and Jared. Whether it is by luck or divine intervention, I’m not sure, but this is the one part, where luck seems to be my friend and extra moments of time happen. Only two attendees were allowed in at a time to the area. Jensen was first and Jared was second. Jensen’s handler was busy boxing things away and Jared had asked for a beverage. One bodyguard let you into the curtained area, one let you out and the others, including Tiny, were at the end of the table conversing amongst themselves. The lull happened with Jensen’s handler doing what she was doing and Jared waiting for his drink. They weren’t allowing anyone else in besides me and the person behind me at the time. Vickie, a major SN fan, friend and wonderful crocheter had made beautiful gifts for Jensen’s nephews and Jared’s niece and asked me to give them to the guys. For Jensen’s nephews, it was a beautiful turtle blanket and a mobile. When I went up I presented the gifts to Jensen, explained who they were for and who they were from. He was genuinely touched and ever so pleased. He was rubbing the blanket when he asked me to thank Vickie very much for her kindness and thoughtfulness. It went so excellent. I received my autograph and thanked Jensen and then asked him if he had read the book Choke. He said he hadn’t. He asked me about it. I explained a bit about it to him and said if there was ever going to be a movie made based on it I thought he would be awesome in the part. I asked him if he would like a copy and he said sure. If anyone wants a really unique read, this would be my recommendation. Then came Jared. He was just beyond, beyond pleased. For Jared’s niece, Vickie made the most awesome little dress, complete with tiny pearl buttons. I held up the dress for Jared and his eyes sparkled. He ran his hands over it and in particular the pearl buttons. I explained who it was from and that it came right from the heart. Jared asked me to convey to Vickie that she had a real talent and that it was beautiful and that he was going to take full credit for the design and making it. It was such a Jared moment. We both had such a good laugh over that. He took it and held it and asked me to thank Vickie so, so much for thinking of him and his family and that it was beautiful. So, my dear friend, you made two guys extremely happy with your kindness of spirit and thoughtfulness and one friend over the moon happy by being able to give your gifts to them. I received my autograph, thanked Jared and left. All in all, a wonderful and happy and well spent Sunday in November in Chicago. Once all the official festivities were over and the long wait for the jpegs was completed, a group of us hooked up for supper in the restaurant. We had so much fun recounting the Con events and comparing notes. The hardcopy of the photos came in about 8:45 pm and I made my way over to pick them up. Jensen’s was missing, but thanks to Amanda and Lynda, the day was saved and it was found. All ended well. Saying goodbyes on Sunday and Monday were hard, they always are, after such fun and sharing times. This one was no different. Hugs and promises to keep in touch were exchanged and all too soon it ended. I was fortunate enough to share the ride and the flight to Toronto with Lynda and it was truly lovely to have the company. We parted in Toronto and I connected to my flight home. I had one final surprise waiting for me, in the form of a special cooking candle that I just love and is next to impossible to get anymore. I was walking through the airport and I recognized the scent immediately (Espresso Chocolate) and flew into the store. They had one left and I purchased it. It might sound a bit crazy, but it just made a really nice ending to a wonderfully marvellous time. Thank you for allowing me to share my wonderful journey with you. Wishing you all happy blessings.
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Posted by
Nov 21, 2008 3:39 PM
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Posted by
Nov 21, 2008 4:11 PM
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Hi Whimsy, It was fantastic meeting you too. I'm so glad we had this opportunity. I'm glad you liked the photos. I'm really happy with them too. 
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Posted by
Nov 21, 2008 4:28 PM
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Posted by
Nov 21, 2008 5:06 PM
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Wow Sandra!!!!! What a weekend you had!! As you know I am so jealous but happy for you...and as per your request here is an update of our weekend...So Jeni is on her way (I hope) haven't heard from her since noon..can't believe that she is riding with a complete stranger... WOW brave girl anyway before she left she informed us that her cell phone will not work in Salina, the town that we are picking her up in, so yeah, I don't know this city, Cassie doesn't know this city so we know there is a Target there (hopefully only one) and we told her to have her ride drop her there. I really hope thats where she is because it would be like finding a needle in a hay stack if she isn't She said she would call when she was close, I just hope her phone holds out I wonder if she is dressed as Alice (from Twilight) the people in Target may be in for a treat if she is lol... Well, Cassie is bringing her laptop so we will keep you posted on what is going on!!! Wish you were going to be here too!!!! Wichita isn't near as exciting as Dallas, but would be cool to all be together again!!!! Later Sweetie |
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Posted by
Nov 21, 2008 5:19 PM
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Sandra! What a perfectly wonderful recap - thank you so much! it's sounds like a great time was had by all. Your pictures are so fun. Thank you for sharing everything with us.
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Posted by
Nov 21, 2008 6:14 PM
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Posted by
Nov 21, 2008 7:09 PM
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Hi ya Cassie, It was truly wonderful, in every regard. I sure hope we can all get together at one in the future. You guys are going to have such an awesome time this weekend. I truly, truly wish I could have been there. I really look forward to the updates. Have a fantastic time.
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Posted by
Nov 21, 2008 7:22 PM
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Hey doll, "Wow Sandra!!!!! What a weekend you had!! As you know I am so jealous but happy for you..."It was a weekend to remember in the best possible way and your darling was Mr. Adorable in every sense of the word. What a sweetheart! I hope that Jeni arrives safe and sound. If an apb is put out looking for an Alice look alike in Salina, I'll know who to think of. Seriously though, I wish so much that I could be with the three of you this weekend, I really do. Next time, I'm fully committed to making it happen. I'd love to hit Lawrence. I'm glad Cassie is bringing her laptop. Have loads and loads of fun, my dear friend. I'll be thinking of the three of you. Party on!!!
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Posted by
Nov 21, 2008 7:34 PM
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Happy Friday Coug and thank you ever so much. I'm glad you enjoyed the recap and the photos. It was loads of fun and truly enjoyable. Everyone was great. Take care and have a wonderful weekend. |
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Posted by
Nov 21, 2008 7:37 PM
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"Thanks for sharing, SJ! It sounded like you had an awesome time (as always) and the "boa" picture with Jensen is a priceless addition to your "collection"! Great job, as always!!" Thanks so much, Panns. It was truly enjoyable and lots and lots of fun. I'm ever so glad Jensen went along with the boa photo. He was great fun. We truly missed you at this Convention. I know you were with us in spirit. I did my best to keep Amy in line with Dakota, but I wasn't half as good as you were in Dallas at keeping things under control.
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Posted by
Nov 21, 2008 7:42 PM
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Hi Sandra, it was so nice to meet you and spend a little time chatting at the convention. Here is a picture of you and I. 
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Posted by
Nov 21, 2008 9:10 PM
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Hello Lainey It was so wonderful meeting you also and I very much enjoyed our time spent together. I'm glad to know you got home safely. Thank you ever so much for posting the photo. What a lovely keepsake. It will also be extra specially treasured, as I found out today, that many of my own photos taken at the event did not process correctly, so I doubly appreciate this. Take care Lainey and thanks again for making last weekend so special.
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Posted by
Nov 21, 2008 9:32 PM
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Posted by
Nov 21, 2008 9:50 PM
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Babe, thanks for the great Sunday!!! It was special. Loved your recap, loved the rock salt heart. That could go alot of places. The feather boa - awesome!!! Keep on rock'in, Sample. |
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Posted by
Nov 21, 2008 10:05 PM
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