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Volunteering at an Event of a different kind - Queer Expo. 2018

Having not volunteered to work an event in over a year I decided it was time to get back into the volunteer game and why not start off with something different, so I put my hand up to work this year’s Queer Expo which was held at St. Kilda Town Hall over last weekend. Queer Expo started with it's very first show last year in Melbourne and unlike previous shows I have worked which have all been Pop Culture events this event involves the Queer and LGBTI+ Community. For more information regarding Queer Expo and any future shows please visit their website.

"A Celebration of Diversity in all its forms, Queer Expo brings VIP Celebrity Guests and Ticket Holders together to Celebrate Hope and Love, equally and without discrimination"

I'm so pleased that I was able to volunteer at this year’s show as I had a blast, it was so much fun... there were times when I felt so far out of my element I had no idea what was happening and other times where I felt perfectly suited for the environment. One of the first questions I was asked on the weekend was what pronoun I preferred, and I really had to think about what that meant, given the event I completely understand why the question was asked but definitely made me realise just how out of my element I was but then as the weekend went on that feeling went away.

This was the first time I had ever really done anything involving the LGBTI+ Community - which in a sense I am kind of a part of being an Asexual, but then that is something I only really figured out in the last two years so it's all still so very new to me and I'm figuring things out as I go... This makes the experience of this show and being able to work it mean that little bit more to me and probably why taking in this part of the Community was so incredible. The atmosphere for this show was amazing, everyone was really friendly guests, attendees and staff alike. There were some staff and volunteers I had worked with at previous events but there were more whom I hadn't worked with before and some I hadn't even met before but we all got along and worked well together, helping each other out when necessary. It definitely brought back all those feelings of being a family like the other shows and I especially loved that.

When I write these blogs after shows I generally write a little review of them, but as this show I volunteered it’s hard to do that as I had a different perspective than anyone who attended, I will comment that the show was good but there are some improvements that could be made in the future, but that could be said about any events - improvements are always a constant from show to show... The venue was fantastic and made the event intimate and enjoyable, I'm not sure what the show was like the previous year at the Showgrounds, but I think it was a good decision to bring the show to a smaller venue. It was great that everyone was able to watch the stage during the competition and performances guests, volunteers and exhibitors were all watching and that was great to see, that everyone was really getting into the whole vibe of the show.

I started off without an allocated job but then got given one that kind of turned into something else and then basically ended up running around doing a bit of everything, which I didn't really have a problem with - I like being kept busy! At the start I was on the front desk checking tickets and putting on wristbands, I was setting up tables and chairs on the stage when needed and the job that kept be the busiest was keeping the guests hydrating with alcoholic beverages from the outside bar - because yep there was a bar and it was pretty sweet... not that I drink and would never whilst working but the way they were making cocktails was super awesome to watch - They filled from the bottom!!

The show started off with little Pink Sasss doing her first performance with all the guests watching and they loved it, she put on a great show and it was the perfect way to start off the show. The guests had all brought their own merchandise with them to sell and it was great to see them all on display around their tables, it brought a lot of colour and there were some amazing designs especially some of the shirts/tanks - There were also a lot of fans, keyrings, stickers and more. Mariah Balenciaga had some amazing tank designs and I loved them, but I don't really wear tanks so I decided on the bright pink 'Bitch Unbothered' cap instead and I love it even wore it on and off over the weekend.

There were panels held throughout the weekend where the guests would speak about their experiences and tips on how to do Drag etc... I didn't really get to hear much of the panels but what I did hear was fairly entertaining and I did manage to snap a few photos in the quieter moments.

I had some great chats with some of the show guests over the weekend, especially Mariah and Vivacious… Mariah who is a stunning Drag Queen was absolutely lovely to chat to and like all the other guests she was great with her fans as well. Vivacious is incredible, out of all of the Drag Queens at the show she was the only one that was constantly at her table and interacting with fans. I had a great chat to her on Sunday where she spoke to me about her costumes and all her different headpieces and their names – Ornacia was with her and fans could get a photo with Vivacious wearing Ornacia and Vivacious was wearing Prideacia (I think?) on the Sunday. She has amazing stories to tell and I’m honoured to have had the chance to chat with her the way I did.

It was the afternoon performances for the Drag Competition that really stood out the most though, they were amazing to watch. As someone whose idea of drag had come from movies such as Priscilla Queen of the Desert and The Birdcage it was fantastic to actually watch these performances, it has given me a new perspective of drag and makes me want to watch more and get into the scene a bit more. The lip-sync battles were great and fun to watch, I loved the camaraderie between contestants and that the judges always gave advice to better performances in the future.

I loved watching the winner of last years Drag Competition Bebe Gunn preform, she was amazing and I loved how quick she was able to flick from hosting the competition to performing and she does it so well and brings a comedy element to it which made it that much more entertaining. All the performances were amazing to watch though, the talent of these people is incredible from the make-up and costumes to the actual performances one who competitor even sang the song during their turn which was pretty awesome.

The winner of the competition was announced on the Sunday night before the show closed and it was a lot of fun to be involved with, I got to spray the winner with confetti from a giant party popper which was pretty awesome and led to some pretty cool photos of the winner – Drag King Mr. Justin Teliqure! Who was absolutely amazing and definitely deserved to win and take home the crown.

I learnt a hell of a lot over this weekend, especially about Drag… like I mentioned earlier my only idea of Drag had been from movies so it was just so great to see what it was all really like… I learnt that there aren’t just Drag Queens, but also Drag Kings as well as Bio Queens when a woman drags as a woman – these things I never knew but now I do so I’ll be more informed for next time.

All in all I had an amazing time, I feel a little more connected with the Queer and LGBTI+ Community and hope I get the chance to work another event like this in the future. The Queens were all amazing to work with - keeping me busy with those trips to the bar and back! They were so friendly and kind and there was a lot of laughter and the friendship between them all was great to see and experience as well.

The show ended with all the guests getting up on stage and the crowd applauding and the owner thanking them for coming and once they had left it was then following by a thank you to the volunteers and staff and we all had to get up on the stage - first time for everything but it was nice to be acknowledged in such a way for helping out plus it was a bit of fun!

Here are all the goodies I brought over the weekend, there were a few more things I was interested in that places had unfortunately run out of - There were also some guest merchandise shirts I would have loved but because I left buying to the end of the day there were none available in my size.

I thought up a good Drag name for me if I were to ever try my hand at being a Drag King, not that that is ever going to happen... as much as I love to dance and act a fool I don't really wear make-up and well that is a HUGE part of Drag... but anyway, you never know! Here is the name I think would be perfect for me as a Drag King though... (think many people will agree) ;)

ABE NOXIOUS!!

As another use for this website is a place to share some of the different creative works I have done I wanted to share a new artwork I created in the lead up to Queer Expo. not only did I do it in preparation for the show but because June was also Pride month... and even though I'm still only figuring things out and putting myself out there in the community I still love the culture and have many friends within the community. I will always support Pride and Equality.

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Wellness Walk for Charity

On Sunday I had the opportunity to spend the day with over a thousand other people at the Wellness Walk and Research Run walking to raise money for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre. Everyone has been touched by cancer in one way or another and this is just one small way of helping... I may not have raised as much as others but every little bit counts and I'm just glad to have had the opportunity. Visit my page to see how I went with donations: Janelle aka Smiley And if you're feeling generous donations are still accepted until the end of September! This is the fifth year the event has been run and this was the biggest year yet, I'm so glad to have had the opportunity to join in. The event was held at the La Trobe University Bundoora Campus and the weather was incredible for it! The scenery in this location is beautiful, fortunately I work there and get to experience this on a regular basis but the atmosphere of this event brought another element and was fantastic to experience.

I first heard about the event through work where I was asked to join a team and walk with colleagues. To get right into the spirit of it all I also decked myself out with some of the Wellness Walk gear a T-Shirt and. Cap, plus I brought a Clapper for the noise factor and for a bit of fun!

After some before the walk entertainment Olivia got up on stage for a little pre-walk chat, during this time the owners of the gym Curves got on stage with Olivia and presented her with a check for a 250,000 donation, which was pretty amazing! ‪

The walk was then started of by Olivia herself ‬who unfortunately was unable to complete the entire walk this year due to her current cancer battle. Olivia was still there to cheer everyone on as they made their way around the 5km track, seeing her there clapper in one hand and bubble maker in the other definitely but a smile on my face and many other faces too I'm sure.

Olivia is an inspiration, she's a fighter and she has done so much for the cancer community. Almost everyone has been touched by cancer in some way be it themselves, a family member or friend. You have to appreciate and respect the work Olivia has done with her Wellness Centre and also the research they do. It's amazing what one person can do for such a large community and to see so many people come out on Sunday in support of Olivia and other cancer suffers was amazing. As you walk through the university grounds there is a statue of three rhinoceros' and there were people getting photos on and with the Rhino's so of course I had to join in on the fun... and so did some police officers who were also doing the walk with us - this was definitely entertaining and a great bit of fun along the walk.

It was the first time I had ever done anything like this before, walking for charity and I'm so glad that I got the chance. On a personal note this walk is what pushed me into get back to walking again, which I had to stop after a recent injury to my foot... unfortunately it is still not 100% but I managed to walk the 5km without too much pain so it's a start and now I'm going to push myself to walk a little bit every day... and hopefully I can join in the walk again next year!

As I mentioned at the start of this post this is something a little different to my usual posts but it was such a great event and experience to be apart of I just wanted to share it with you. I also want to take a moment to thank all those who sponsors me on this walk, your donations mean a lot and all of to helping this amazing charity.

If you would like to learn more about this event you can visit the website here. You can also read more about the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre here.

View original post including photos of the event by clicking on the source link below.

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A Day of Friendship and Reflection – MelbNova 2017

On Saturday the 29th April 2017 I attended Supanova Melbourne, although no longer just called Supanova I noticed that the name had changed to ‘Supanova comic-con & gaming' another of the many changes within the industry. Supanova has always been the first event of its size to run in Melbourne each calendar year and for me it has always been an event that I go to more to catch up with friends and enjoy the atmosphere. For the last few years there have not really been any Supanova guests that I have really wanted to meet, they are starting to get bigger and bigger guests that tend to bring in a bigger than usual crowd, but unfortunately they haven’t really been guests that I have any interest in, I guess the good thing about that is that I save my money and get to enjoy the atmosphere and friendships more.

This year I attended alongside one of my best friends Jodie, we always have a good time together no matter what and this year we both had reasons to celebrate so this day was just a genuine fun enjoyable day. As we carpooled in for the day Jodie made a comment along the lines of ‘I wonder how different life would be if we had never attended that first event 12 years ago?’ this one comment seemed to stick with both of us and turned our day into one of reflection – reminiscing good times and thinking about all the amazing friendships that have come from attending events such as this.

Anyone who has ever attended an event like this knows that if you are after photographs or autographs with the guests you spend the majority of your time queuing up, as annoying as it can be I know of a lot of friendships that started that way, you line up and whilst standing there you chat to the others around you and alas friendships are formed. This event was no different we saw many friends, there was lots of hugging, catching up and just general fun between friends – friends that only really get to see each other at events like this.

Jodie and I have our system when queuing up, as she tends to end up getting more photos or autographs than I do I generally just call myself her ‘Bag Bitch’ and hold her bag and whatever other stuff she has as she gets what she is after. I’ll always remember our conversation with George Takei and his husband Brad when they were out with Supernova a few years prior – Jodie goes up for he Autograph as George signs I comment “I’m just her bag bitch” and Brad responds with “That’s okay, I’m his” and we all had a bit of a laugh. Queuing up with friends like this is just a part of the whole experience, not only do you get to keep a friend company you might get to meet a celebrity you might not normally have thought to see or speak to, I have plenty of encounters like this I’m so glad happened. Our system is not one sided though, Jodie is sometimes my ‘bag bitch’ too!

The set-up of the event this year was very different to last, it was much bigger not only taking up three building of the showgrounds like previous years but also sprouting out to a Third. The biggest building held all the Exhibitors stalls, the one size down from that held Artists Alley and the areas for Photographs and Autographs, the building used for Photos and Autos in previous years was changed to a big hall for panels – though I didn’t attend any myself. As previous years I still thought it unfortunate that the main areas for guests were away from Exhibitors so not as many people walk through there, in previous years Supanova has always been the one event that was more about the cosplaying, the actors/panels, the photographs and the autographs and people didn’t seem to spend as much at Exhibitor Stores but from what I saw this year the Exhibitor Hall was actually quite busy and I think I saw more people browsing and shopping than I have in previous years, I don’t know if this is a fact or if it was just the times I was in there, but I would like to think for the exhibitors that this was the case. Personally I have never been a big spender in Event stores but I did pay my good friend Jeff at Go Figure Collectables a visit and brought myself a Pop Figure of Slimer in the Ghostbuster Car.

Check out the Go Figure Website for more Pop Culture and Wrestling Collectables.

All round, Saturday was a pretty great day – we only had a few issues with Staff here and there and that was it and it was mostly actual staff not the volunteers, although they could possibly still just be volunteers they just have an attitude that seems to show that they are just more important than everyone else. Both Jodie and I have been attending Supanova since it first began in Melbourne in 2008 only missing maybe one or two shows, this year they changed the system slightly. We commented to a friend who was a volunteer that it would be nice if we’d been told of the change and when she spoke to a ‘staff’ member about it the response was rather rude and definitely condescending, she basically said they’d been doing it for years and everyone should know the system I couldn’t help but reply with the fact that new people would come each year and not know ‘the system’ at all. Thankfully this was the only real downside of the day.

Since I was there I did decided to get a photo with Luke Mitchell and satisfy the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. fangirl in me, he was quite nice – went in for my photo and asked him if he’d pull a silly face, after the photo was taken he had me wait with him for it show on the screen and goes “Nailed it!” – I just love to do something different in my photos, after many years of just smiling in photos I needed a change and now I love my silly photos and they just that little bit different, funny and memorable!

I didn’t actually get any general event photos this year, I was too busy spending time with my amazing friends/family and just having an enjoyable time. In our day of reflection we were reminded just how amazing our friendships there and we reminisced over what we have done, there have been many things in my life I have done that I never would have thought possible back in my school days. I have such amazing friends, who love me for who I am – I learnt a long time ago that there is no reason to ever not be yourself, even if people dislike you for it, this was the case in my youth, but now I have found the most amazing family of friends to be a part of and I couldn’t be happier… we’ve had ups and downs and we might not all get to see each other as much as we’d like but when we do it’s like nothing changes we’ll always be there for each other because that is what friendship is about. There are so many friends out there that I have met through this incredible community that I am forever grateful for.

Back on to the actual event… I got to chat with my good mate Scotty at First Contact Conventions and because Jodie loves Deadpool and Scotty had a Deadpool aka Ryan Reynolds Autograph I went halves with her so she could have it. We also caught up with friends from interstate including the amazing Eugenia one of the two ladies from Women Talk Sci-Fi.

At one stage of the day whilst Jodie was queuing up for her photograph with David Boreanaz I was just wandering around having a look at the event in general when a volunteer friend of mine saw me and told me that Hunter Page-Lochard was there doing free signing for Cleverman having met Hunter at AMCE the previous year I couldn’t help by head over to say a quick hello, so I went and grabbed my friend Clare whose a big Hunter fan and we went over – Hunter is an absolute gentleman, what a sweetheart. As he got up to get a photo with someone he then stuck out from behind the table to give Clare and I hugs. Then I asked for a photo because I never got one last year and so I did and I just love Hunter, just a nice guy! He also signed a Cleverman photo for me!

All up is was a pretty great day, in fact it was kind of Amazing… the day was mostly about friendship our big dysfunctional family that we love. Reminiscing over what attending events like these mean to us and reflecting on where our lives would have been if we’d never have attended that first event over a decade ago. There are so many things to be thankful for but more than anything I am thankful for the friendships – and the memories! On a side night to top this day off perfectly Jodie and I went out for dinner after the show to celebrate things finally looking up for both of us, an interstate friend joined us and we had a great evening on top of a great day.

As posted on my website: https://smileygidget.wixsite.com/smileymcleod

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I love how Ming-Na Wen & I did unintentional before and after shots! Before I called her the Cavalry and then afterwards... agentsofshield​ #DontCallMayTheCavalry

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FRIENDSHIP!

Sometimes there is a moment in your life when a friend says something to you that brings everything into perspective and you realise just how lucky you are to have the friends you have, friends that stick by you, friends you can always count on, friends who always know the right thing to say, even when you don't.

I have some of the most amazing friends and I feel honoured for their friendship, friendship is one of the most important things in the world and something that should NEVER be taken for granted, friends can be rare... never EVER take advantage of them!

This is my way of saying thank you to all those people that mean so much to me, you keep me going, keep me smiling even when I want to cry, you make me who I am and I appreciate all your friendships more then you probably realise... THANK YOU!!

Love you all, you're the best!

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Hey All!

Check out the #CriminalMinds video I made for the CM_SetReport FanVid Competition, all a bit of fun! Here is my goofy impersonation of the brilliant Agent Emily Prentiss – believe me I know I have nothing on Paget Brewster she is just incredible but this is all for fun and entertaining purposes!

The above embed is YouTube, but you can watch it on Vimeo too if you prefer: https://vimeo.com/39033132

Make sure you leave me a comment and tell me what you think, hope it makes you smile and laugh, that’s what it's there for!

You can also check out my Bloopers Video at:  http://youtu.be/756bY0w8Ohw

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My @pagetpaget DVDs arrived 2day so now I can get an @amandatapping & Paget fix! HAPPY Smiley :D (Taken with instagram)

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#CriminalMinds #FanVid Garcia Spoof!

"Practicing and Experimenting for my Criminal Minds CM_SetReport Competition Video, this is just me mucking around as Garcia, not using it in my actual entry so figured why not throw it together and post it up. Hope you find it entertaining! Also... I know Garcia is Left-Handed but I'm Right-Handed and its all a big SPOOF anyway :) Special thanks to my mate RJ for the song suggestion! :)"

Please watch and comment, opinions mean the world... Still working on my ACTUAL entry for the competition! :)

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Heeheee.... Too much giggling... :P

“Okay, I’m Stargate Barbie and we’re dead!”

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@pagetpaget says Goodbye to #CriminalMinds

Paget Brewster announced today that she will not be returning to Criminal Minds after the ending of Season Seven: http://www.deadline.com/2012/02/paget-brewster-criminal-minds-leaving-cbs-drama/

On Twitter there has been several negative responses to this, Paget is an amazing actress and will succeed in ANYTHING she wants to do next, I have respect for her for making such a tough decision and wish her nothing but the best of luck in the future.

If you are a Paget fan and have Twitter then help show your love and support to her by Spreading Love... #PagetFansUnite is the hashtag and please Retweet my tweets... https://twitter.com/#!/SmileyGidget/status/169959189177839616 Lets remind Paget how much she means to us all.

Thank you all so much, this is an amazing woman and we need to support her like we always have and will... bring on Paget's next big adventure! :)

No Hate... Just Love!!! :D

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I love you too @CunninghamColin!! Colin is amazing, thanks so much for my Christmas message!!!

"Raising some money this year for SANCTUARY FOR KIDS. http:// www.sanctuaryforkids.org/ If you'd like a signed headshot and photo taken with your own personal message for Christmas! Please e-mail me at theskitterthatstolechristmas@gmail.com with your name, message and e-mail address. It's 20 bucks and will really help some kids. Thanks again everyone!

Sanctuary for Kids : Sanctuary for Kids www.sanctuaryforkids.org"

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My Autographed box of #CriminalMinds bobbleheads arrived today, am absolutely extastic, they are amazing. Plus I got a extra special autographed photo and a little Christmas message.... Feeling incredibly Fangirly and special now!!! Thanks so much to Anna Fleiner for the items, much much muchly appreciated! Plus thanks to... Matthew Gray Grubler, Paget Brewster, Shemar Moore, Thomas Gibson, Joe Mantegna, AJ Cook and Kirsten Vangsness for their autographs!!

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I just absolutely love this version of this song, such an amazing talent RyRo! :)

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ellie5192:

Amanda Tapping: Best Stargate Convention Moments (by sam1Helen)

Be more awesome. Oh that’s right… you can’t. 

This is why I am an Amanda Tapping Fan... heehee, she so much AWESOME!!!

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Seriously love this photo, Thomas totally has a 'Whats with the hair?' look on his face - LOVE it.

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Criminal Minds S07E03 "Dorado Falls" Episode Review

My new Review for the Criminal Minds Season Seven episode "Dorado Falls"

http://www.primefocus.tv/2011/10/12/criminal-minds-s07e03-dorado-falls-spoiler-alert/

This was once again a FANTASTIC episode and I can't wait to see more of Season 7 - BRING it ON!!!!

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Completed my FBI Criminal Minds ID Badge!!! Couldn't get it printed onto a PVC card so did my best at faking it... cardboard and contact FTW!! :) Getting ready for Armageddon!!