Thursday

LA in 2006 -- the Space Cadets are at it again with their wacky doorways and their efforts to inveigle members to vote for them. Much as I like their bid, however, I'm much more in favor of. . .

KC in 2006 -- a Worldcon I can drive to. Busy, cheerful, with a nice raffle going and lots of tasty munchies available for the folks. I probably would have enjoyed it much more if I wasn't snarling at my computer going batshit on me. As it was, I kept stomping around swearing under my breath and wishing everyone would just go away and leave me alone with the chocolate.

Friday

Eos publishing party -- hoo, boy, that was nice. Held off-site at the Academy of Spherical Objects (aka a very tony pool hall with antique pool tables and a full bar), I had a most pleasant afternoon eating lovely nibbles like mini quiches, chicken kebabs in peanut sauce and California rolls while getting slightly lit on Bailey's while playing pool with Elizabeth Moon. I also got free books, chatted with various editors and authors, and generally had a whale of a good time.

Tor Party -- hot, crowded and noisy, which is normal. Nice nibbles -- I had a variety of chocolate, followed by a plate of veggies and bread with cheese while chatting with Julie Mandala, a Plano writer, belly dancer and editor of the upcoming Hell anthology. She asked me if I knew about it, and I told her I already had a story in progress and she'd probably get it sometime next week. I also volunteered to come to the slush reading party, so I have now been anointed as a willing slush slave -- whee!

Friends of Liaden party -- much cooler and saner. Plus, I was handed a small hand fan with which to fan myself -- bonzer. Got to chat with a variety of people while sipping a Pepsi, and walked out with a green plastic lizard and a sticker of Neptune.

Circlet Press party -- I ran into Cecilia Tan at the Eos party and she told me about the Circlet Press party. Fairly quiet, mainly in progress to sell books, although I did get an invitation to come to Confusion in Michigan in January. That should be a nice change from Dallas in January.

Toronto TrekCon party -- quite busy and crowded, so I ducked out after getting a sticker and a program book.

SimeGen party -- quite pleasant, and they gave me a new Pepsi. But I was fading fast, so the hotel room beckoned.