   Current Post On Trae’s Blog:
My grandmother died last night. This wasn't a shock or a surprise. Her health has been on the decline, and she's been in hospice for the last month. She lived a long life, and in her final days she was surrounded by her three adult children.
My grandma was a kind woman. She wasn't perfect, but I always felt loved in her presence. She was a retired kindergarten teacher, and was still working when I was a kid. I have so many happy memories sitting at her kitchen table, and I'm going to carry those with me for the rest of my life. She was also proof that anyone who claims that you get more conservative as you get older is full of shit, because she certainly didn't.
I think it's interesting how the body processes grief sometimes. I don't know that I'll cry, but over the past month, knowing this was coming, I've felt a tension in my gut. Now that she's passed, instead of relief that tension is replaced by a sense of emptiness. That something is missing that should still be there. Something has been taken away, and I feel it.
Of course, as I wrote that, I immediately started crying... so I guess my body processes grief in pretty ordinary ways too.
I wanted to come up with something profound linking this to Beltane, which we sit in the middle of right now, but it just seemed hackneyed. Like I was trying to dig out some greater significance when the truth is death comes whenever it wants. The only predictable thing about it is that it's the end of all of our journeys. I hope that when I pass I'm so lucky to have lived such a long life with people that I love around me in my final days.
For the record, I will be fine. I just needed to get these words out while they were still in my head. I don't have some rousing conclusion or deep insight to tack on here at the end, just that gut feeling that something is missing.
Because it is.
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I’m hearing a certain Danny Elfman TV theme from the early 90’s in my head right now…
The only Danny Elfman themes I can think of are Beetlejuice and Batman, which both come from the 80s, so you’re going to have to help me on this one. 😛
Although if you just got your decade slightly off, either of those work… 😛
Here’s a hint: the property for which said theme was written is being adapted into a new TV series this fall, and the star of the earlier version will play a recurring role in it.
Another hint: it does not contain the Third Doctor’s son… 😉
I never thought the theme to Sleepy Hollow was that notable…
(Kidding, I have figured it out – I just hate Barry Allen too much on principle to acknowledge reality)
Badge Numbers?
Many cons number badges. It helps with keeping accurate counts, along with giving you something to use as a primary key in a registration system.
Indeed. When you have two Emily Smiths[*1], the badge number tells you who’s who. When costumers want a blank badge so their cosplay/new fursuit can be secret, the badge number gives you positive info. You can auction the right to badge #1 for charity, too!
I’m badge #2 at Anthrocon, and have been for 5 years. Our chairman is #0.
[*1] They’re both dealers, too.