I have been going to anime conventions for the last three years. I have learned a lot from these conventions and the communities that are at them. I'm so happy every time I get to go to one. It's something I think everyone should try out. These are nine thoughts I have at anime conventions.

1. I need all these plushies

I have literally teared up looking at the Japanese plushies at anime conventions. They are just so dang cute. Over the last three years I've collected many of these and hope to get a lot more. Anime conventions have amazing merchandise and it's usually my first thing to go look at at conventions. I don't leave a convention without at least one new pastel cutie.

2. Am I going to get pictures?

One thing that is inevitable about cosplay culture is pictures. People that have funny, interesting, or well-done cosplays even to one person will probably get pictures taken of their cosplays. This has been something I've accepted and enjoy. I like wearing popular cosplays, but I've worn ones that got five photos taken at a convention day and I've worn ones that got about a hundred at a convention day. I like to keep count and I'm always flattered when I'm asked for my picture.

3. There's no one I'd rather do this with

I go to anime conventions with friends but every single one I've gone to with my boyfriend at my side. He got me into cosplay and I like to cosplay as a couple with him at conventions. We take the convention by storm together and there's no one I'd rather go to conventions with than him.

4. Could I compete with this?

One of my goals with cosplay is to eventually compete in a cosplay contest where my cosplays can be judged. Most of these contests require cosplayers to make their cosplays by hand. It's something I haven't done much of yet but would like to. Sometimes when I'm at cons I wonder whether my cosplay is competition worthy.

5. Who am I going to meet?

There are so many people at anime conventions. People of all different cultures, identities, and fandoms are there. I never know who I'm going to meet at conventions and I've met so many people. I may meet people with the same interests as me or someone from my own city, I never know.

6. What is this from?

I've only been a part of the anime/cosplay scene for a couple years and I only have a few animes I'm knowledgeable about so I still consider myself a newbie. I see a lot of things that I'm unfamiliar with. Some of the things I see I could ask my friends and they would know, but I still have a lot to learn.

7. I'm so broke

Let's face it, anime conventions are expensive and there are a lot of expenses associated with it. There's the cost of the cosplay, the convention badge, autographs of special guests and celebrities, merchandise, and food if you want to eat during the day. Like all special events, things are overpriced and your wallet can be be emptied quickly. I'm always wishing I had more money at conventions.

8. Where is anything?

Sometimes convention centers (or other places where conventions are held such as colleges and hotel lobbies) can be very confusing. Trying to find bathrooms, places to eat, certain shops, the artist alley, or where autographs take place is challenging, even if you've already been there.

9. I never want to leave

It's all in the experience.