Had a great time at Arisia. I've been feeling a little isolated lately, what with not working and all the nasty weather, so it was really nice to have so much quality time with so many great people -- not to mention all the cuddles!.

I ended up wearing six different costumes over the weekend*, and every one of them was much admired, often by strangers. I got to perform with the Naughty Nurses and PMRP, and the audiences loved them both (thanks to derspatchel for giving the Narrator such a great chance to ham it up!). I got be one of the hosts of an amazing party, spend hours at said party cuddling and catching up with an old friend, get some much-needed backrubs, and eat cotton candy at the Skank circus party. I danced my feet off at the Steampunk Vintage Dance, stayed up until 4:30am drinking amazing whiskeys with technofandom, and walked the labyrinth. I sang along with Doctor Horrible and Buffy, and had my voice appear at the masquerade without me even having to be there. And I even made it to a panel for a change!

Sorry I didn't get to see everyone I would have liked, or make it to all the readings and parties, but man, it was a full weekend. Hope everyone else had fun too!

*In case you're curious: union suit for the children's hour pajama party, silk chemise and satin robe for the adult hour, naughty nurse outfit, sexy witch for Zig Labs Hallween party, Red Shift tux and mustache, and steampunk outfit complete with mini-top hat for the dance. That's not including the carefully-chosen geeky t-shirts I wore the rest of the time. Now I just hope some of the pictures people took turn out well!

[reposted from zigguratlabs]

Yes, folks, it's less than one week until the festivities begin at the Ziggurat Labs Halloween staff retreat. New harvests from our Cucurbita pepo Hydroponics Lab are nearly ripe, renovation of the Hall of Failed Experiments is nearly complete, and we have just received shipment of 50 nearly dead base products for re-animation. We should have quite a show for you all!

Last year, investors in Ziggurat Labs contributed nearly one third of our operating capital to the great success of our Opening Reception. While we realize that the state of the world's (and our own) economies is somewhat more dire this year, the outpouring of support from our community seems as strong as ever. Like last year, we will have a collection jar happily accepting donations at our Halloween Party, with our thanks.

Once again, we are also offering incentives for early investors, at the following levels:

* A $10 donation will earn you a snazzy Ziggurat Labs pin (with our logo and "2009" -- they'll be collector's items!)

* For a $25 donation, your name will be featured on a tombstone of honored guests in our Re-Animation Supply Depot (and you get the snazzy pin)

* If anyone is so generous as to contribute $100 or more, we will give you pride of place in our Re-Animation Depot with a personalized and customized tombstone of your very own!!! (and, of course, there's that pin...)

Please make all online donations no later than 6pm on Thursday, January 16th if you'd like to be on one of our tombstones. Pin donations can be made at any time.

Please go here for more information and to contribute.

I'll be performing in a live radio drama, penned by derspatchel (so you know it'll be good!), at Arisia on Sunday. 1pm in Presidential Ballroom D.

Bits for those who aren't already registered:
The convention is being held at the Cambridge Hyatt. If you're not going for the whole con, the day rate for Sunday is $25. That will let you in to any programming, the dealer's room, the art show, etc. There's a membership cap, and they're getting pretty close to it now, but they expect that some people will be leaving before Sunday so they'll be able to let in some day-registrants. (And if you are planning to come for the whole con, you should really register now! In fact, if you're only planning to come for Saturday, your best bet is still to register for the whole con now.)