“I torture you.. take my hand through the flames.. I torture you.. I’m a slave to your games.. I’m just a sucker for pain..”

~ Imagine Dragons, “Sucker For Pain”

^ I want to see that movie when it comes out. ^

There was a time in the not too distant past where things were normal (to a degree). There was a time when the future was all but certain and it was just a matter of time before the formalities concluded, things were officially announced and the happily ever after train rolls around this Disney fairy tale.

Funny how life isn’t a fairy tale.

The last couple months have been a bit tumultuous to put it lightly, and while I’ve still been able to go places, it’s definitely put a damper on the parade.. And a parade in the rain is no fun at all.

I wrote about going back east a few weeks ago, and how that experience was in doing so. No sooner do I get off the plane coming back do I realize that another person has passed. You don’t want to question why things happen, for everything happens for a reason.. But seriously? It just gets to a point where it seems that nothing makes sense anymore. Speaking with the families involved, out of respect for their privacy, I won’t disclose the name of the person, but I can say that you will be missed dearly. Life is too short for regret. So, my condolences to the families, I give you my absolute best, and I will help you as much as I possibly can through this trying time.

While all of the services and other arrangements are happening, I try to put it in the back of my mind as I travel to Los Angeles for Anime Expo 2016. Had never been, didn’t think I’d ever see myself going, wasn’t sure what to expect. What it turned out to be was a clusterfuck of confusion, chaos and excitement. I can truly say I’ve never seen anything like it. Then again, there’s nothing like your first, right?

If you ever wondered what it was like when all your favorite anime, manga, and video game characters are in the same place at the same time.. It was pretty awesome, let me tell you. I didn’t realize how much detail went into these costumes and these characters. I do now.

So, trying to fit in as best as possible, I decided to try to give this cosplay the old college try. I will say that I did do my best for such short notice..

So, Whitney and Michelle (aka Juvia Scarlet on your social networks) decided to film their web series, while I decided to take this experience in. While the anime and manga folks were out in full force, I was looking at the video games.

All in all, each day had something different. However, walking through the convention center every day got quite tiresome, so by Day 4, we were all wiped out. So, with it being July 4th, and with us being in Anaheim, might as well head out to Disneyland for the fireworks.

Alas, after the fireworks had concluded, and the crowds had dispersed, the night did not end on the most magical note. The signs were there, but I didn’t listen. The best sports analogy I could give for this (because come on, it’s me) is that I went through the stop sign at third trying to get home, and not only was I out by 20 feet, the catcher ended up railroading me. I can explain that to you privately if you wish. But that’s what it felt like. Hence, game over. Everything ties back to something.

So what do you do? You regroup. You recoup. But the question is, do you spend your quarters trying to play a game that not only changes, but gets harder each time you play? Or do you see that “Game Over” screen, and hesitate to put in (or even worse, run out of) that next quarter while the screen gives you that countdown?

Clock’s ticking.. 9..8..7..

(Feel free to give me your thoughts.. or if you want me to explain this all a bit clearer than the absolute vagueness I just gave you. I keep it vague so you can try to put the pieces together your own way. I’ll tell you if you’re hot or cold.)

Until next time. #overandout