First thing I want to say is the parade was AWESOME!! Even though I didn't get to see me on TV or anything I got to meet so many people that are now friends. And that is what truly matters to me.

I guess I will recap the day of parade experience. The night of the 31st I could not drag myself out of the lobby of the Sheraton because I was having so much fun hanging out with the storm troopers and other various characters...(Maul and Anakin!) I got to get a peek at a replica trooper blaster made from some sort of foam..(I want my toy back...) I added a few more 501st cards to my collection. I finally went to bed and tried to sleep before my alarm went off. At 1:30 AM I wandered down to the meeting place to get on the bus for the parade. There were still people in the lobby that were coming home from the parties. That was a weird feeling.

After we got down to the parade site I was the first shuffled into make-up and the first finished. The guys that were in Ewok costumes were hanging out until their call time which was a mood booster. At around 7:00AM we all got into the under layers of our costumes and then sent to hair. Part way through getting my hair put on I noticed that Ashley's hair was being put on backwards. She was wearing the packing dress. If you look at some of the judging day pictures it's on backwards. What would they do with out a fan around to see the mistakes? I got my makeup retouched...again. And we were parade ready. The handles grabbed our cloaks and we grabbed our dresses and made our way out to the floats. But then I was getting nervous and excited, I had not had anything to eat or drink because there is no bathroom stops on the parade route. I was helped by Debby into my perch and my over cloak was attached and I was ready to roll. The Rose Parade staff kept checking on me and updated me on the status when we would roll. The only thing that I could smell was the exhaust fumes from the engine that was right below me. I was assured once the parade was moving the fumes would not affect me. So, I waved at people walking by and posed for pictures.

Everyone stared running down the street as the band and Storm troopers came around the corner to join the floats. I couldn't see it but I bet it was Spectacular. Matt (JediRacer) joined me we took pictures of each other since we were just waiting to move again. The fist group of people we drove by were so excited to wave and be waved at really made the nerves disappear (or maybe it was the fumes..) James who was portraying Mace did a fantastic job of keeping the crowd motivated and the energy of the walkers high. I wanted to thank him for that. Matt kept the door of my perch closed because it wanted to pop open. I saw Mary Franklin run by a few times, she would tell me if my hair was crooked or not. Every time we would hit a bump I would leave the ground a little and my hair would bounce around. It was very amusing.

We passed under the bridge and all of the Rebel Legion or Heroes left me and went down a different street. This confused me a little because I didn't think the parade was over. We made a hard left into a parking lot with the engine still running for a while. Soon the engine was off and everything was quiet. For a while I watched the floats passing by wondering where everyone was. Jack the driver of the float came around the back checking out the float and asked me why i was still up there. I explained that I couldn't get down from my perch alone. He ran to get help and I was helped off the float. We stood around for a while waiting for someone to come pick us up. At that point I didn't feel very good at all and was taken to the medical station for exhaust poisoning. I drank a bunch of water and sat until things weren't spinning.

Traffic going back to the makeup trailers was crazy. But we finally made it and a I got to take the makeup and costume off. Took a few group photos then headed back to the hotel. It takes a long time to get the makeup out of your hair, which surprised me. Everyone was back in the lobby hanging out and exchanging contacts before the last dinner. Matt and I made our way to Ventura that night and back to San Francisco the next afternoon. I have a few pictures and will post them when I get a chance.

I wanted to thank my parents (Jack and Kathy) for coming out to the parade to cheer me on and for helping on judging day with photo taking. I really appreciate the support.

A few more shout outs...

Shawn and Shane...You guys are so great. And I cant wait we hang out again. Maybe Cel 4?
Ian..It was great to meet you I I hope you can help with my armor...hehe
Bryan...the Great Anakin. What more can I say except that I love your hair!
John "Butcha"...Best tattoos EVER!! I still want to see the Quiddich costume.
Bonnie... thanks for doing everything that you do. I appreciate the hard work and dedication you give everyday with out being asked. You are my Queen!
Trent...you scare me sometimes. But in a cute fuzzy way.
HazardThree..great job on the logo. And we will see you soon.
Matt..sorry about being grumpy sometimes...thanks for the love.
501st Golden Gate Garrison...You guys are the best and made Matt and I feel welcome. Thank you for everything!

And everyone else involved...*group hug!!*

http://www.badfeelingaboutthis.com/photos/rose_parade/