Well, I've been thinking and planning to go to Anthrocon for a long time, but right now the circumstances and the 'talks' going on have reached something of a low point. A lot of factors are working against my visit to Pittsburgh this year, including parents, school, and money, but since I've gone for the past consecutive three years, I suppose it's okay to take a break.

I'd first like to apologize to people that I promised would be coming, especially Aelius, Josh, and so on. I figure that the trip, room expenses, and commodities of this shindig would set me back a cool $500 that I simply can't afford now that I'm staring down tuition that I have to pay out of my own pocket as well as looming housing fees and a new laptop purchase. I'm not in dire financial straits, but if I take this trip I'll have to take out a loan, and I'd rather not do that.

Basically, I'm gonna be on my own in the coming months. I have a lot saved up over the years, which will help since my internship is unpaid and my part-time job won't cover my immediate expenses.

While I'd like to blame this entirely on the money, I hate to admit that my parents, God bless 'em all things aside, influence some of the decisions I still make and question the validity of venturing far afield to drink and talk trash and doodle for a weekend while I'm taking classes. I suppose, when the ceremony is put in such a context, it's really not a good investment right now.

Therefore, I hereby resign my plans to attend AnthroCon. I did look forward to meeting fellow readers and JV enthusiasts, but the way I see it, another year of growth and improvement can only help. I wish a bountiful and blissful time to everyone who can still make it!