Events | CLB Novels

GalaxyCon Raleigh: July 28th – 30th, 2023

2023 GalaxyCon Raleigh: Peter and Carmen Date Night ready!

“It’s Date Night, Peter!” Let’s get convention ready!” I expressed excitedly. He responded, “Buckle up, Sweetie!”.

We paused a moment to get ourselves ready for the GalaxyCon weekend. The convention spanned four days, but Peter and I secured a 3-day pass. Over the weekend, we had stellar moments at the Raleigh Conventions Center. Friday, we took the evening to relax and have our date night while attending the event. Saturday, we celebrated with my friend Dani, and on Sunday, my Mom and sister joined us in the fun. Plus, our Star Trek fan group set up tables and a hand-crafted transporter to help the cosplayers and conventioneers reach for their final frontier.

Peter and I planned to take advantage of celebrity photo opportunities. Phew! An over-zealous goal by the number we tried to make, but we did it all! After a long couple of years, aligning with my fandom and celebrating with others distracted and reminded me that joy still surrounds us; we need to adjust our perceptions.

Check out the sights and images we documented!

The Celebrity Photo Opportunities

Epic does not do this experience justice!

GalaxyCon Raleigh 2023: Christopher Lloyd

Super Bowl: February 13th, 2022

The Super Bowl LVI brought me joy even though my favorite team was absent. The Los Angeles Rams versus The Cincinnati Bengals revealed girth and heart throughout the game. Peter and I hosted my stepdad, Chris Blue. My mom was out of town, aiding to help her sister in recovery from surgery. Between Chris, my dad, and a few friends, the knowledge and intricacies of the sport keep me riveted to the show of the season.

The table was set with fun game day snacks, and we had a ball playing Monopoly, Durham style. With a decent game, fun commercials, and incredible food and company, the highlight stamped in my mind was the halftime show performances.

The collaboration of Hip Hop Legends taking the stage reenergized my spirit for the next half of the game and my nostalgia. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, and Eminem dazzled the field while invoking the joy of great house parties and the incredible music of my young adult life. After the show completed its spectacular celebration, the game and crowd awakened with contagious enthusiasm that compelled me to watch the last two quarters.

The first two quarters felt lackluster to be a super bowl caliber appearance. The players came to play with intention and vigor in the third and fourth quarters. The final score of 23 – 20 sealed the Los Angeles Rams’ fate as the victors.

Always, Keep Pounding, people! My beloved Carolina Panthers have a new level of excellence to strive for this coming season.

Alton Brown: Good Eats Live

I do not consider myself a foodie; however, I love food. Through the years, I have enjoyed many cooking shows, and since being married, my culinary palette has expanded further than I ever thought possible. A favorite personality came to DPAC, and Peter and Carmen had to be there. February 20, 2022, was a clear evening for a fun event.

The date night atmosphere was beautiful, and it was nice that crowds gathered together. The Covid-19 pandemic took a toll on all. While waiting for the show to begin, Peter and I met a lovely couple in the lobby who were Star Trek fans. They noticed Peter’s shirt. I found a cute sundress that would perfectly highlight my new hairdo.

Beyond the Eats was a fantastic show that made me feel we were on Good Eats, the cooking show. From story time to trivia to hot wings, Alton Brown did not disappoint. I adore my long-sleeved shirt commemorating the evening—a perfect way to close out Valentine’s 2022 season.

Beyond The Eats Instagram posting