Ten Years Ago - RonO's Ramblings

Just about ten years ago, I had begun to really get involved in Fandom. I had also started a relationship with Tara (that would, oddly enough, restrengthen over 1998 when I lived in San Diego and result in our marriage in 2000). As Labor Day weekend approached, I remember thinking that maybe I should look at seeing if I could get cheep last minute tickets to San Antonio and make a near-impulse trip down to my first Worldcon. However, I soon decided that I couldn't afford to try (I don't think I even got as far as checking for fares on Southwest, the airline I figured I might be able to afford for that trip).

Unfortunately, this left me with a long weekend where most of the people I knew were elsewhere doing other things (not uncommon during those days).

Then in the middle of the weekend, a news even occurred which had me regretting not finding a way to get to San Antonio. As soon as a traffic accident claimed the life of the Princess of Wales, the TVs, and even much of the other talk around, became obsessed with talking about this accident and death, and the life that ended. Very quickly, I found myself completely sick of the whole affair, which left me with even less to do and feeling more isolated.

Now as the anniversary approaches and TV again becomes obsessed with the story, I'm remembering how annoyed I felt then, and how much I'd wanted to spend that weekend with friends who didn't give a darn about it.

At least now, it isn't quite as overwhelming, and I've got my family to spend time with.