The autographs for Emilie Clarke were pre-sold and they sold
out fast. I barely had time to absorb the high price for her autograph before
the decision was taken out of my hands and the ‘sold out’ notice was displayed.
Then there was an announcement that 'some' autographs tickets would be
available the day of the signing. That 'possibility' was why I drove down to Houston the night before. I wanted to be at Comicpalooza
bright eyed and bushy tailed when they opened. I had convinced myself I wanted
that autograph. I spent Friday night in Houston and then I would drive back
Saturday night after the convention. Easy peasy.
When I got to the autograph booth, the first thing I learned
was yes, some autographs MIGHT be sold but that would be decided later.
After ‘later’ arrived, they said the line would form at noon.
One of my collecting buddies helped with his VIP pass. I got to stand in that
line with him which put me ahead of others.
Then they gave you a numbered ticket and those numbers would
be called in order: later. The time was
not set. Just check back ‘later’. I love how specific they were.
My Saturday morning was productive and I got the other autographs
I wanted. The afternoon was spent hoping for Emilia’s. Not as productive.
I went to a late lunch with my friend and as we were eating,
he got a call from another buddy. His number was called and he could now buy an autograph ticket. He left and did that.
When he came back, he actually had his autograph in
hand. The lines were short and he
thought I should go and check my number.
It was now my turn to rush out of the restaurant. (Hmmm, did I ever pay for
lunch?). When I got to the booth to buy
tickets, I was told my number was good. Yeah, me!
I saw a LONG line to buy tickets and I saw a short line to
buy tickets. The difference? The short line was ‘cash’. Yes, of course, I went into the cash line. After
a minute, they went though the cash line and asked for someone that was REALLY
paying with cash. Apparently nowadays ‘cash’ means debit card. When did that happen? I pulled my money out and held it tightly in
my grubby hands. I was then escorted to the front of the cash line. Yeah me,
again!
There was some sticker shock when I had to pay handling fees
for cash. Ugh. That does not seem fair.
I now had my autograph ticket in hand and dashed over to the
very short line to get my signature. Houston
PD stopped me. No, I was not speeding. I showed my badge, my ticket, and asked if
this was the right line. Right line, wrong time. The signing was over for the day.
Oh, so NOT ‘yeah me’…. I explain they just sold me the ticket. They can’t be selling
tickets if she stropped signing. My logic was not strong enough for an appeal. Others
were turned away too.
Even though I was told to ‘move along’ I refused. Not in a
rude way. I just stepped back a few feet to give the Officer some space and I waited.
This could not be the final answer. I waited some more. And I waited some more. It ended up being the final
answer. Emilia had left the building.
My ticket would be good for tomorrow. I was not planning on
staying another night. While I always bring an extra’s day clothes, I really
wanted to get back home. It was a long day. Since I could return the next day, I
wasn’t getting a refund on the ticket. To be truthful, I did not want a refund.
I wanted the autograph. I called The Wife and told her. She didn’t mind me out
of the house for an extra day. She was having quality time with her crafting.
The cost of this auto just got more expensive as I had to
spend another night in Houston. I hung out with my friend and his wife. We had
a good time.
The next morning, I returned to the convention center. I got
there early so I could be near the front of the line. As with other ‘big names’
security was tight. We had to leave out backpacks and packages outside of
the little curtained off signing table. Then go through a metal detector. The
process went smoothly. It was a cattle call, just move through the gates and
get your autograph.
She was smiling and trying to say hello, but they were moving
the crowd quickly. At this point I just wanted to go home. Once she signed my photo,
I picked up my autograph and left the building.
AH
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