FROM CHICAGO TO KCON: ZOMBIE’S ADVENTURES IN L.A. – DAY 7

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KCON 2014 102The last day of my trip was by far the most un-adventurous of the week. I woke up, finished packing and very reluctantly Tanya and I checked out of our hotel and trudged across the parking lot to the car in the most unenthusiastic way imaginable. I don’t think either one of us were ready to admit our adventures were coming to an end and I know for a fact that neither one of us wanted to say goodbye. KCON 2014 089Trying not to think of our impending separation, we loaded up our stuff and headed for the airport, trying our best to make light of the fact that once we got there our adventures together would be over and neither one of us had any idea when we’d actually see each other again. (Can I just say that it really sucks to have your BFF living on the OTHER SIDE OF THE COUNTRY? Yes. It does.)

KCON 2014 086Trying to lighten the mood on the way to the airport I started playing B1A4’s “Solo Day” (which had somehow become our theme song for the week) but this time, rather than bringing smiles and cheerful chatter, it brought tears KCON 2014 079(at least on my part because I am a horrible sap) and I found myself wondering if I hadn’t just ruined this song for the rest of eternity. (Which, I’m happy to report, wasn’t the case at all. While it brought tears at the time, it now brings back an entire week’s worth of wonderful memories and I love it just as much, if not more, than ever.)

KCON 2014 585Once we reached the airport it was all rushed hugs and tearful farewells as Tanya dropped me off at my terminal before heading to her own and that was the last I saw of my wonderful friend. The rest of my day was spent in ridiculously long lines waiting to check bags, get through security and board my plane. KCON 2014 1496I did have a bit of an adventure at LAX as my flight back home was overbooked and they were looking for volunteers to stay behind and take a different flight. With nothing better to do and absolutely no desire to leave L.A. anyway, I was one of the first to volunteer and boy was it worth it! Not only did I get the price of my flight refunded, I also got enough money as compensation to completely cover my next trip to L.A. and free lunch. Woo-hoo! (And yes, there will most definitely be a “next time” in L.A. There. has. to. be.)

KCON 2014 6103Hours later than I’d originally intended, I found myself back where I’d started, the glaring looks of disgust and disdain as I passed groups of businessmen and weary families, decked out in my K-Pop finery and purple hair, reassuring me I was most definitely back in the Midwest. (Oh joy!) KCON 2014 5063While the traveling masses around me shot me looks of disapproval, my family was more than happy to welcome me back and I have to admit, having two of my four zombies waiting for me at the airport, bearing signs of “WELCOME HOME MOMMY!” which went flying as soon as they saw me, made me glad I was back. Yes, having your zombies shout  “MOMMY! YOU’RE HOME!” as they run to hug you so hard your spleen ruptures is a good feeling and the perfect way to end my adventures.

KCON 2014 7970Sitting here, more than a week later, recounting all of my adventures, I can look back and tell you that this one week in Los Angeles was one of the most incredible and memorable weeks of my life. I had so many amazing experiences, made so many wonderful friends and had so many of my K-Pop dreams come true. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I just have to thank all of you who were a part of making it so special. I love each and every one of you and I can’t wait to see you again! KCON 2015, perhaps? 😉

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