Phoenix Comic Con: Day 4 - Levar Burton is my Enemy

Day 4:
     Geek shirts worn: Parrises Squares, Warden of the North
     Nerdlacquer: Don't Panic
  
Somehow, we survived. I must admit that by the last day of Phoenix Comic Con, we were all a bit "nerded out." I had purposely planned a pretty light day, for this reason.

However, this was also an important day, as it was the day of my photo op with the  Star Trek: The Next Generation cast. (Just the ones that were at Phoenix Comic Con, obviously.)

My friend Data had purchased each of the individual shots. So, he has a picture with him and Marina Sirtis, and then another of him and Brent Spiner, etc. etc. He spent a lot of time running back and forth to the photo booth to get all of his photo ops in. I just had one shot, which means I had one shot to NOT look like an idiot. I felt this was the better way to go, so I could focus on experiencing the event, and not worry about always being photo-ready.

However, I'd been working since February to make sure I looked awesome. I even stuck to my Weight Watchers for two whole weeks without cheating. (Of course I gained it all back the first night we were in Phoenix, when we went to the Tilted Kilt.) I did a pre-con haircut to increase my odds of having a good hair day, (of course I didn't) and I coordinated my Nerdlacquer with my top. I even wore fancy shoes.

Data had coached me that they cranked everyone through so fast, that you didn't get talk to any of them, and they were really there as "set dressing." So, when the time came, I felt I had done all the prep work I could, and I was ready and focused. While in line, I practiced my pose: shoulders back, chin up, smile, and 3of8 did a last minute check before he got out of line and I went "behind the curtain" for my photo op.

Full of confidence from not embarrassing myself earlier in the week, and from convincing Brent Spiner to write the word "penis," I knew I had this in the bag. I was going to have the best picture of anyone else at the con, and possibly the entire world. There was a volunteer near the front of the line coaching everyone, "Stand there, smile, leave that way. Stand there, smile, leave that way." There was even a big square marked on the floor, so that you wouldn't miss your mark. 
As it got closer to my turn, I kept saying under my breath, "Stand there, shoulders back, chin up, smile, leave that way. Stand there, shoulders back, chin up, smile, leave that way." I could see everyone else getting their pictures, and with the exception of Brent Spiner chatting with Michael Dorn, pausing only long enough in his story to smile for each picture, no one else was speaking.Then, it was my turn. As I walked up chanting to myself "Stand there, shoulders back, chin up, smile, leave that way" Levar Burton looked right at me and said "Good Morning!" What. The. Hell?!?!? This was not expected. He had not said anything to anyone else, so why would he single me out to say "Good Morning?" It freaked me out, and my focus was gone. The only thought I could muster was a vague memory of Friday's panel where he reprimanded the audience for not saying "good morning" back. Of course, I could not have Levar Burton think I was being rude, so as I took my spot, and tried to remember what I should be focusing on, I said "Good mor.." CLICK!!!! That was it. It was over. Levar Burton sabotaged my photo op! I would expect something like that from Wil Wheaton or Brent Spiner, but LEVAR BURTON!?!?!? WHAT. THE. HELL!?!?!?

Here's the end result:

3of8 said it looks fine, but I think I look like some confused, insane person that wandered into the shot. All because Levar Burton had to be nice to me, and say "Good Morning."

If you ever get the chance to meet Levar Burton, please tell him that he is now my mortal enemy. But also tell him not to worry, it won't take up much of his time.