Hi, I'm Tanya.
I was able to go to four Gatecons (2003, 2004, 2008, 2010). I purchased a ticket to the first one while under the influence of medication (don't ask), and once I was thinking clearly again and confirmed I'd really done that (which took a few days), and realized the ticket was non-refundable, I reviewed my finances and decided I could afford it so, okay, let's do this. I'd never been to a real con before, and I kept thinking I was crazy to be going all the way to Canada to attend a convention (even if I did love Stargate!), but I nervously bought a plane ticket and nervously connected with other GateGoers to split hotel costs, and nervously made plans to see Vancouver (because if I was going that far, I wanted to see more than the hotel). And then I had pretty much the best time I'd ever had in my life!
For the 2008 Gatecon, I ended up getting a new job and moving across the country about 2 weeks before the con. When I got the job offer, I accepted it only on the condition I could take a week off pretty much immediately after starting the job. Honestly, had they said no, I planned to turn down the job. But they agreed to it (though a bit reluctantly...) and my 2008 Gatecon plans went forward
So, yeah... totally excited for Gatecon 2016!!
