ConDFW is a smaller Dallas-based con and one that also focuses on science fiction & fantasy writing, which definitely appeals to the husband. It had been several years since we'd last attended, but we'd always enjoyed the event. One of this year's guests of honor was John Scalzi, who we were both excited to see. So the husband and I decided to make a full weekend of it and got rooms at the hotel as well. After a bit of a harrowing drive circling around 635 to figure out how exactly to pull into the hotel parking garage (trying to avoid both Friday night traffic and getting stuck on the Dallas North Tollway), we checked in and made ourselves at home.
After picking up our badges, we caught the opening ceremonies panel, featuring Scalzi and Seanan McGuire. There was a bit of general Con housekeeping, but we got to see Scalzi and McGuire engage in an epic lightsaber battle, as well as McGuire crack everyone up with an extremely well-timed exclamation of "shitballs!"
There was a bit of programming after the opening ceremonies, but the husband and I decided to break out the dice instead! We are actually involved in several Dresden Files RPG campaigns right now, one of which is just a solo adventure that the husband runs for me. We found a nice place to set up, which also included easy access to one of the hotel bars.
Gaming + Old Fashioned cocktails = a happy me!
On Saturday, we went to several panels together (including an excellent one called So You've Decided to Become a Dungeon Master), visited the game room, and shopped in the local artists' marketplace. While I do occasionally dress up for conventions, I decided to not wear anything too complicated!
The husband went to one last panel while I decided to sit in the common area and enjoy bar snacks and another Old Fashioned (or two). Soon after, it was time to head to Arlington for Monster Jam! I figured that the monster truck crowd might also appreciate my Tardis dress (although the petticoat made it interesting!).
I occasionally get strange looks when I talk about my love of Monster Jam. We decided to buy tickets on a bit of a whim four years ago and we've gone every year since then. The excitement of the competition, the noise and massive size of the trucks, the people-watching ... We gather a large group of friends and go in mass, cheering for our favorite trucks & drivers. (Go, El Toro Loco!!) And if a driver pushes his or her truck so hard that it flips or catches on fire, the crowd goes wild!!
We had a great evening of trucks and friends. Afterwards, we headed back to the hotel. Even though it was late, we decided to go back to our Dresden game. Planting ourselves at a semi-private table in the game room, we hung out until the wee hours of the morning and the convention volunteers told us they were closing the room.
We gloriously slept in the next day, which is the best part of staying in hotels. You can laze around and someone else has to pick up your mess. Soon, though, it was time to head back home. While it may not have been everyone's cup of tea, I love that my husband and I both think the same things make an excellent romantic weekend!
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