We intended to go to three parties. We found enough people to talk to that we only made it to two. The Tor party was afflicted with a horrible smell. This was not the fault of Tor or anyone at the party. The entire room smelled like someone had murdered broccoli and left the body to decay. We did not stay long. Instead we camped at the SFWA hosted Analog/Asimov’s party. Larry Niven made an appearance there and Howard got the chance to talk to him for awhile. Larry is not a conversationalist in the same way the Phil Folio is, but he was charming and Howard was able to tell a joke that made Larry laugh out loud. I’m so glad we got a chance to meet him and shake his hand.
I love the conversations I have at this convention. I love being able to talk and listen to other adults who are passionate about the same things that I am passionate about. I love the amazing people we meet. And I can not deny how satisfying it is to watch some people, who looked right past us on the first day, now focus on us with respect for what we’ve accomplished. Howard is not a big fish in this ocean, but he is not a guppy either. That is nice. My position is mostly secured by being Howard’s right hand. But last night I got the chance to talk about my projects and accomplishments that are separate from Howard’s. That was a nice ego boost.
It was past midnight when we returned to our room. I didn’t want to leave the party. It was still in full swing and I was having fun. But I knew that if I did not get sleep today would be miserable. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to settle into sleep, but I crashed quickly once I lay down. In the few quiet minutes before sleep claimed me, I reviewed conversations and events. This has been a marvelous trip. I’ve many many new friends that I’ll need to follow up with after the con is over. But no matter how wonderful all of this is, I’m starting to feel ready to go home. This is beautiful and glorious, but it is not my life. I don’t want to stay here forever. I will enjoy today and tomorrow as much as I can, but I will be glad to get back home.