#conji2011

The War Room: PC Setup Before Anime Conji 2011

This photo was taken right before we headed out for Day 1 of Anime Conji 2011. My friend is on my original PC, probably doing last-minute cosplay intelligence—securing reference images, checking con maps, or figuring out a final makeup detail.

This desk was my HQ in San Diego; I practically lived here. And I think this is the only picture of this whole setup that still exists.

Check out the detail next to the keyboard: that is a Microsoft Trackball Explorer. It was a cult classic—extremely rare and highly sought-after even by 2011. Unfortunately, mine got sticky and I had to retire it, but for a short time, it was the best pointing device I ever used.

Pillow Fight at Liberty Station: The Afterparty Vibe

This image was taken right after Anime Conji 2011 concluded, during a pillow fight gathering held at Liberty Station. The organizer wanted to keep the good times rolling and encourage more casual socializing, even though the con itself was over.

I showed up ready to rumble in my pajamas with a pillow, but the truth is, most of us were really just chilling, laughing, and sharing our passions with each other. It was a perfect, low-key decompression session. I remember meeting a few great new people at this event for the very first time, which was really nice.