Well friends, the time is finally almost upon us! In just a few days, I will be flying to Vancouver for the fourth Unity Days event! I wanted to post a few days early, in case any of you lovelies (especially those in the Pacific Northwest [Especially Beth]) decide you don’t want to be left out- you can buy tickets online until January 20th!

Beyond Grateful to be Going!

I truly never thought I’d end up getting this opportunity, so I want to share for a hot second how the stars aligned and led to me being able to go. The past few years have been… A Time™, as most of you know.  And I genuinely didn’t think I’d be able to fund it this year, which really devastated me.  Then, two things happened, on the same weekend: First, I was graciously and gloriously approved as Presskru. This, as I’ll get to later, is a literal dream come true, and I cannot express how grateful I am for this opportunity. Second, and this one is less pleasant, but it’s important, my parents gave me  and my brother my mom’s portion of my grandmother’s money.

For a bit, I thought I should do the “responsible” stuff with the money: put it away, pay bills, etc. But then, I had a moment of clarity. My grandma and I used to travel all over together. We both had an insatiable wanderlust, and would use every free moment to just… traipse around, usually wherever her car could carry us. Ironically, the first time I ever went to Canada was with her- we drove there, from Pennsylvania. For lunch. Because that is how we rolled. And thinking of this, and how much she had always cared for my happiness, I knew that I had to make this happen. That she would want me to make this happen. So, here we are!

And now, let us talk about the why I am so thrilled to be going!

Things I am Excited For

Panels! So much info! Nerd time!

I mean, I actively seek out literally any and all information about The 100 every day of my life, no? So having the ability to hear non-stop The 100 talk? Um, yeah count me in! I have heard details from panels in the past, to actually be there and hear all the tea up close and personal? So much yay!

Meeting people who might actually be as obsessed with this show as I am

Look, in every day life, I am the nerdiest superfan ever. Family/friends/acquaintances/randos on the street all have to deal with me spewing lines from episodes, comparing anything and everything to themes from the show, and so forth. But at Unity Days, I bet I’ll find people even more enamored (actually is that possible? No? Fine, equally enamored) and this is so exciting! I have never been in the presence of true, rabid The 100 fans before. Sure, I’ve got friends (many of you reading this now among them!) who are fans and enjoy chatting about the show, but this… well, this is going to be next level and I am so here for it!

Presskru is the Dream!

Gosh, I am so excited to be Presskru! I know just going would be awesome but you have no idea. Since I have started recapping, I have kind of lived for the hope of this. Left room in my Twitter bio on the off chance, even. Here’s the thing: I love writing about The 100. More than literally anything else I have ever written about.  My weekly episode posts take me ages (look, GIF-making is no quick task, I’m afraid!) but I adore every minute. My wrap-up and more creative-type posts take… well, that one where I made them all Sims took actual years, so.

And, extra fun-fact: I am going to be involved in a Reviewer Panel! So that ought to be a trip, and I am nervous, and excited, and basically thrilled. I will, of course, be recapping everything, so no worries. But it would be more fun to be there with me!

Seeing actual Vancouver

You might have gathered this, but in case you missed it, I love the hell out of traveling and seeing new places. And guess what place is new to Shannon? Vancouver! I want to see all the things! Seems like a pretty scenic place, plus The 100 isn’t the only great sci-fi show to film there! It’s like some kind of mecca! Like the Clexa City of Light Steps? Those bad boys were in Travelers, too!

(Oddly enough, the Travelers scene included Maya’s Dad, so.)

I’ve not been anywhere in the Pacific Northwest, so I think that adds an extra layer of excitement too! I am high-key tempted to find a way to get to Washington state just because, well, it’s so close!

Meeting this incredible cast

They just seem like the nicest, most genuine cast, right? I’ve never been the type to get excited about meeting actors/celebrities, but they just have always seemed like the loveliest bunch that clearly I have a different opinion! In the case of The 100, I enjoy the cast just as much as I enjoy the actual show, and frankly, that’s a first for me!

I have bought a few photo ops and autographs and such, because of course I did. I am a little nervous, mostly excited, and a good percent worried that I will hate all my clothes (and hair, of course) when they day comes ?‍♀️

Who doesn’t love a vacation?

Guys, I need a break, You know, just some time where I do stuff I enjoy. And is there anything I enjoy more than The 100? I daresay not. I am excited to not be at work, and take a plane ride (I mean, ask me this again a few hours in and I’m sure I’ll be singing a different tune, but you know how fun the anticipation is!) and just be… elsewhere!

What would you be excited for at Unity Days 4? And hey, if you have any pressing questions, let me know in the comments, and I’ll see what I can do! ?