Megaplex was quite a con this year! Not always in the best way, but I’m going to avoid going too explicitly into everything because frankly the negatives reflect more upon myself and minor issues than anything to do with the con itself.

The main con days ran from Saturday to Monday this year, which seemed to throw people off far more than anticipated, myself included. My partner and I arrived on Thursday. This was my first year trying out being on staff for the con, and I wanted to be rested and already in place, unpacked, and not worrying about all of that for setup on Friday.

Friday itself was a bit frustrating, and I think that a good portion of that was a buildup of things that took place prior to the con. There was a lack of communication about key information, which I personally have ideas as to why it happened, and how it could be addressed in the future. I admit, I spent a bit more time than I wanted that day dwelling on negative feelings, especially personal feelings.

Saturday was simply too busy to think too hard, which was probably a good thing. I had a staffing shift, and ended up helping earlier and later than my shift as well, as there was a need for hands. The registration team was working hard, and doing everything that could be done, but a record breaking 10k+ attendance make the line to check in go long on Friday and Saturday.

Sunday was to be my busiest day of the con. I had the Crafter Meetup to run first thing in the morning. After that, I had my Artist Alley slot, which I had to wait a bit to get into. Finally, I had a staffing shift on Sunday night, which would have gone well past my normal bed time.

It was on Sunday night, around 10pm, that I made a seemingly unimportant decision. While I was doing some room checking/counting (to ensure that folks showed govt IDs to get in, and ensured that the rooms didn’t hit capacity), I was asked by someone if I wanted a hug. I said sure, as the furry fandom is very physically affectionate, and hugs are the main currency.

Unfortunately, this person chose to lift me up and squeeze me as well. I was not prepared for this, and he is incredibly strong. After five or six pops on my spine, which normally would be helpful, I felt and heard a pop on my lower right ribs. He set me down, and I had trouble catching my breath. I immediately went to a private room that I thankfully had access to as staff and sat down. I then laid on the floor, trying to calm down and catch my breath past the pain.

When trying to express the seriousness later, and that I wasn’t simply trying to skip out on work, I mentioned that this was the first time that I can remember in quite a long time that I cried due to physical pain. It simply hurt and while I could tell I would be fine, I did not know how serious it was.

I still don’t know, as I’m awaiting X-ray results this week. There is a chance that there is a rib fracture, but my doctor thinks that it could likely be a cartilage tear, in addition to obvious muscle strain in the area. I’m still in pain, but thankfully not as much as a week ago.

Monday was comparably quiet. I actually was fine sitting at my Artist Alley table, which was basically the only thing that I had that day. After that closed, I went home with my friends, skipping the closing ceremony and final night dances, not that they were on my list prior anyway

I am still a bit “on” with visitors in town for the con and theme parks. I’m mainly glad that the months of stress prior to the con are behind me. They’ll come again, but next time I hope to be more ready.

As usual, here’s a big photo dump! As not usual, I’m gonna start just putting all pictures together, regardless of ratio or subject matter.