If I could describe June 2013 in one word, it’d definitely be “frenzied”. Work, my cousin’s high school graduation, The Rolling Stones show, attempting to soak up the sun in between running errands and plotting out plans for July, and a Walking Dead-filled day in NYC (I’ll get to that in a few minutes)- I felt like I rarely held still for more than a couple of hours at a time. As much as I like keeping busy and staying active, I’m looking forward to some rest & relaxation in the coming month. I have a couple of weekend getaways planned with friends that I’m excited for. Of course, I’ll have my camera with me (I always do) to capture all the good stuff.

Frenzy aside, I also took a great personal leap forward in June by choosing to share my story about my struggle with panic attacks & Hyperventilation Syndrome, a disorder I’ve been recovering from and that I’d been keeping mostly to myself for close to two years now. I received feedback: on here, on Twitter, and other forms of social networking- and I’m truly touched by the support and kind words. I feel more in control, stronger, and above all else- hopeful- with every day that passes.

To close out the month of June, I headed to NYC yesterday to participate in the Wizard World Comic Convention, which was going on from Friday ’til tonight. For the past few years, I typically attend Rock & Shock, the horror movie convention held in my hometown every October- but I’ve never been to anything quite like this before. The entire Basketball City Facility in the Lower East Side was filled wall to wall with artists, celebrities, vendors, people in elaborate costumes, and fans. I had met up with my friend Ali who was also attending to spend the day checking things out, and apart from the lack of air conditioning in the building, resulting in uncomfortably stifling, sweaty conditions- we had a good time and met a lot of fun, interesting people:

The highlight of the day was by far being able to hang out and goof off with some of the cast of “The Walking Dead”- Norman Reedus (who took my no-holds-barred personality in stride, made me blush something fierce, and completely cracked me up), Michael Rooker (who only encouraged said no-holds-barred personality and who also completely cracked me up), Danai Gurira (MY GIRL-CRUSH), Laurie Holden (breathtakingly beautiful. Absolutely stunning in person), and Chandler Riggs (total sweetheart.)

Despite the heat and what I can only describe as exhaustion, everyone seemed to be in good spirits and didn’t miss an opportunity to crack jokes or answer questions. Such an amazing group of people who made the day an experience I will cherish forever.

“The Walking Dead” cast weren’t the only people we saw: Stan Lee, Patrick Stewart, James Marsters, and the Fonz himself, Henry Winkler- among a few others- were also milling about:

At the end of the day I was a tired, sweat-covered, frizzy-haired mess- but I couldn’t stop smiling. Even now, 24 hours later, I’m just so grateful (and still a little shocked!) for how wonderful the day turned out.

I also scored some cool stuff to take home, including autographs, a special edition of the first “Walking Dead” comic book, and a dress I’ll be showing off in an entry later on this week.:

After grabbing dinner with Ali, I was walking- with a spring in my step- back to where I’d left my car, and I happened to glance up at the Empire State Building. I had to stop and take a photo. I couldn’t think of a better way to cap off the night than with a beautiful display for marriage equality:

xox