In the hearts and minds of all cosplayers, there is one thing that holds true: the sheer panic of being convention ready, especially when making sure that all your cosplays are ready, wigs groomed, money saved up, hotel room booked and all your other obligations taken care of. Despite having all of your affairs in order...sometimes things slip through the cracks...like your cosplays, money, hotels, jobs, etc. In any case, this has been the thoughts running through my head as I prepare for Anime Milwaukee next weekend.

1. Why did I wait this long to get my cosplay done, let alone start it?

It truly amazes me when I think about how much time I did have to get working on my cosplay, but here I am...a week before hand, finally putting everything together. This should be exciting, honestly, if I didn't have my mom to help, me I wouldn't get anything done.

2. What other details am I missing?

If I don't have the same wig color as my character, then what is the point? Everything needs to be perfect and spot on! I usually become so paranoid about having every little detail perfect -- down to the stitching.

3. Please don't come apart on me.

How many more safety pins do I need to add to this?

4. I wonder if someone will have a better cosplay than mine?

"I want to be the very best...like no one every was."

5. Will people recognize who I am?

Do you think others will recognize me as that side quest character? He was so great that I had to cosplay him! For real though, one time I cosplayed as a desk fan from "Five Nights at Freddy's," but I was glorious.

6. I need to make sure I get to that artist's table again, I need more buttons!

Why do I need all the buttons? I could get more productive things like glow in the dark figurines or more pocky. Goodness I'm such trash. Regardless I love all the things I come home with.

7. Why did I have to get paid the week beforehand?

By that next weekend I might have $100. Maybe? Who pays bills, that's a ridiculous concept.

8. I'm so excited!

It's getting to the point where I can't sleep at night because I'm too excited! The atmosphere, the cosplays, the relentless hugs -- I need it all!

9. Will those people I met last year be there?

I'll never forget the people I played "Ultimate Werewolf" with until 4 a.m. the next day. I hope they had a good con!

10. If the fire alarm goes off again, I'm just going to stay up.

I shudder at the mention of the 2014 Geek.Kon. Why did it have to go off twice?

11. Why does this keep coming apart?

I'm seriously about to glue everything together and just got as a giant glue ball.

12. Why did I do this to myself?

How did I let this become my life? (I love it so much.)

Going to conventions takes more effort, time, patience and passion than some may think, but for myself and for so many others it is only a small sacrifice. For that one weekend of seeing your favorite characters, attending or being a part of panels, seeing 'con' friends and so much more, it makes all the panic and frustration so worth it. See y'all at Anime Milwaukee 2016!