Enforcing at PAX, PPC, and PPD
This was a strange show for me. Strange because I went into it a little unsure of where I was gong to be (and this was of no one's fault but my own), a breakdown a week prior to the show, and not all the usual days off to participate fully into the show. It really felt like a 3-day show instead of the full 4 days, because I wasn't on site in full on Friday - the anticipation, the anxiety, the rush of everyone pouring into day 1 of this epic weekend. But I was given a position back in Merch, where they could accommodate my weird scheduling, and I knew the staff. People think you're just selling all the things. But no, its as LightShadow said, we are there to have the attendee take a piece of the show home with them to make them happy. I didn't really have anything happen to me last year that stood out, but this year I had one sale that epitomizes what I do in the Merch booth at Main.
I had two young ladies come up, requesting to purchase the Pinny Starter Set and then, a little hesitantly, said they didn't know anything about pin trading. I beamed with enthusiasm and went into some details about the show, the history of pins, what to expect, handed them a colorful guide of all the available pins for the show (Thank you Pinny Pals!), and proceeded to show them were they could commence their first trades WITH PA STAFF, no less. They were incredibly happy that I took so much time to get them started. Most people (myself included) just buy their pins and rush off to the melee. We forget we all had to start somewhere.
I was off later that day, and this little kid, no older than 7 I think, was just starting his trades. He outreached for my lanyard while I was in passing, but his dad graciously said he had to ask permission first. So he turned back to me and asked, "May I see your pins, please?" "Of course, let's look at them one at a time and see if there is anything you'd like to trade." He went through them one by one, and I realized too late I actually had all the pins he had. He was interested in the PAX AUS Panda 2016, and, instead of a trade, I just gave it to him. "I hope this helps you with your trading." He was so excited to be given a pin. I remember that joy, the first time I got into pin trading. What more could I do than pass the joy of the experience with a complete stranger? He and his father were both very thankful, and the boy continued on exploring pins with many others in the area (being mindful to ask before reaching). I walked away, knowing that he may not have the pin by the end of the show, but he would have found a bridge to connect with many others, and to be able to share it with strangers who may become friends in the future. I know there was one other kid who wanted a pin while at the staff table trade by Merch, so I did a trade and handed him a pin. Sometimes acting like I'm made of money makes me give away things without thinking ;)
As for Enforcers, I hugged so many old friends, made some new ones. I've begun to accept that I'm changing, and that includes how I see myself engaged in the show, going forward. My health really isn't what it used to be, even with me working out. More healing has to take place. Despite my well intentions, I got sick. My body and voice were shot by the end of the show, and of course, I come done with a case of PPC, the post PAX crud. It was never this bad in years past, usually just a sore throat and runny nose, but never the fever. Talk about being thrown a 1-2 KO. I didn't break my fever until this evening (thank you anime for all your healing powers). I am much better now, and definitely will be in office tomorrow. I feel disappointed in myself for being sick an extra day, but the fact that I even contested going into the office with a fever said something of my own worth. Because damn, I wasn't going to heal by starting 8hrs into a computer, cough and sneezing and potentially making the office catch what I caught from the show. Nope. I just sucked it up, said SCREW YOU FEVER and let my body do its magic. You just have to surrender sometimes.
In light of that, the depression... hasn't hit yet? I think with the foundation of a new home in the show and still connected to all my other friends from XQ, I'll be fine. I'll make do. I've already put my PAX playmate down as a keyboard mat at work. A bit of home away from home, although I need to put my Enforcer scarf up in my station as well. Let's face it, I love the Enforcers. I love PAX. I love the community and how it outreaches to so many people on so many walks of life. I hardly call myself a gamer now, but I'm so fascinated by tabletop and D&D, the content creation and how it connects the audience to the product. How something as simple as "let's play a game together!" can make all the difference in someone's life.
So, really, how can I be depressed when I'm so lucky to have been home all this time? People are shifting and changing - several friends won't be around for a year or so because of life changing events (yay! babies I can spoil!), but there will always be new kids who want to come in, like my cousin who wants to try his hand at working a convention. PAX is a great show because of the people I work with and have established friendships with. Enforcers enforce what the show stands for: coming together, working together, playing together.
I know there's more I want to say, and I can honestly go on, but I need to get to actual bed and do my best. Thanks for reading. Until we're home again, see you later~