🐾 Relaxing After Fan Expo: Big Adventures, Soft Landings

If there’s ever a weekend that deserves its own time to rest and reflect—it’s this one.

After two incredible (and slightly chaotic) days at Calgary Fan Expo, I’m finally curled up, feet up, Diet Pepsi in hand, and Diana snuggled nearby. And let’s be honest: I need it.

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🚂 Friday Highlights: Detours, Cosplay, and Marty McFly

The weekend started with a literal detour (thanks to a highway accident), but luckily I still made it just in time for the cosplay parade, where Peggy the Dogpool stole the show as parade marshal.

Inside the massive BMO Centre (where getting lost was practically guaranteed), I kicked off my geek shopping spree with a Sting replica and The One Ring—sparking a new cosplay idea: a purple Hobbit.

I caught amazing panels: the voice actors from Avatar: The Last Airbender, Helen Hunt, Peggy’s heartwarming session, and of course—the Main Event with Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd.

Meeting Marty and Doc was surreal. But between tech hiccups, long waits, and some stress, I realized:

While it’s cool to meet your heroes, sometimes the experience doesn’t live up to the idea—and that’s okay.

Beyond shopping and panels, I had two main goals this year:

• Find new communities (because friends = life)
• Build a Hobbit costume, piece by piece

And I’m happy to say: I made progress on both! I discovered two groups that might be a great fit—one for Star Trek fans and another for Star Wars enthusiasts. Nothing’s official yet, but just knowing those opportunities exist made Friday feel even more like a personal win.

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✨ Saturday: Shifting Gears and Finding My Path

Saturday I took it easier—focusing on Hobbit gear-hunting. I found a beautiful purple Hobbit vest and a shimmering grey cape, perfect for my evolving cosplay idea. I even chatted with a costumer who worked on The Hobbit films!

Throughout the day, I continued to get compliments on my Meg Griffin cosplay—including a few “Shut up, Meg!” greetings. One was respectful, the other… not so much. But honestly?

Stepping into character and taking it all in stride was part of the fun. Even better? A few people even asked to take selfies with me—something that rarely happens and absolutely made my day.

I also got to meet Peggy again and snag her adorable paw-tograph, caught Adam Savage’s hilarious panel, enjoyed Jennifer Beals, and laughed with a Star Trek improv group.

And when my energy hit empty? I honored that. I skipped Frank Miller’s panel and chose home instead.

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🛋️ Now: Rest, Reflection, and a Little Anxiety Ahead

Today’s about slowing way down.

I’m allowing myself to rest, recharge, and savor the memories from this weekend—knowing that soon, I’ll be heading into a different kind of adventure: my carpal tunnel surgery on May 1.

Truthfully, I’m feeling a little anxious. But I’m reminding myself that:

• Rest is part of progress
• Preparation makes hard things a little easier
• And having a good support system (even if it’s a napping cat!) makes all the difference

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🧘‍♀️ My Favorite Tips for Calming Post-Event Anxiety:

• Create a cozy environment (blankets, snacks, favorite shows)
• Write it out (brain-dump style, no judgment)
• Focus on breath or gentle movement
• Connect with small joys—like Diana purring on my lap
• Give yourself permission to do absolutely nothing

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Final Thought:

Big adventures need soft landings.

This weekend gave me incredible memories, new dreams (hello, purple Hobbit cosplay!), and even the possibility of finding new communities where I truly belong.

Now it’s time to rest, recover, and look ahead—with Diana by my side, a quiet heart, and a spark of hope for all the adventures still waiting for me.

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Mell