SDCC 2017: Confessions Of A Con Virgin

People always seem really surprised when I tell them I’ve never been to a convention. “Really?! But you’re such a nerd, I thought you’d be a pro!”.

My nerdness does include a lot of nerdy things, but they tend towards science geek and bookworm. I’ve been more inclined to save money to go explore places with history, aquariums and zoos rather than being a sardine in a building. Oh and that’s another thing, I hate crowds.

So why am I at San Diego Comic-Con? Because it makes me uncomfortable.  Because it’s forcing me to do something new. Because, scientifically, if i decide the result before trying the experiment, that’s not really science.

So what new scary things has Courtney faced since landing on Tuesday?

1. New people

I’ve never been to San Diego, and before planning this trip, I didn’t know anyone there. I’ve also never actually met any of the Geekscape crew (other than Shane) other than communicating online. Which totally ramped up my anxiety.

2. Crowds

I grew up in Alaska. We have like 10 square miles per person. If there are more than 3 people in an aisle at Fred Meyer’s, I get panicky and disoriented and end up leaving the store.

Comic con crowds are so much worse. Preview night was just a taste. I bumped into so many people and apologized so often I could give Derek a run for his money. Personal space doesn’t exist.

3. I have no idea what I’m doing

I like having lots of advanced planning and a rough idea of what I’m doing for a trip, and this one just seems like a black hole of unknowns.

4. My handicap

I have a chronic illness that causes a lot of pain and fatigue, which means I usually limit my physical activity. So walking around for 10 hours a day seems super daunting.

Despite all this, I came to Comic-Con. I’m working on overcoming all these crazy things that now seem kinda unimportant. Let’s see where the week takes me.