Once upon a long time ago in a far more noobish phase of my life (but no less full of strategic safety pins), I met this dude, ngmaster. We decided to do a couple photoshoots at the next convention we were both attending, Katsucon 2004. As for the subjects? Well, you see, at the time I was in a love-hate relationship with the MMORPG Ragnarok Online. To give you a bit of perspective, I've been cosplaying since 2001. I've worn about ... oh, ten costumes? Of those, three have been Ragnarok Online! Predictably, one of the two photoshoots we did at that con was Ragnarok Online. (I would be remiss if I did not mention my mother, without whom this costume would never, ever have gotten off the plate.)

I almost never get rid of old costumes, so when ngmaster wanted to revisit the same costume, I was able to oblige. While he wanted the same exact costume, I could never quite accept that ... since I had never actually completed the damn thing. I therefore added the following: cuffs and collar with pink buttons, new shirt (other one having long been lost), new gloves (I borrowed the original pair from a college roommate), a new wig (I wear that brown wig of mine a lot and I got tired of it, so I said a brief prayer and hacked the ponytail off my Zidane wig), a new headgear (RO is all about the cute hats!), and two petticoats (and yet somehow I still looked so flat ...). I decided to add more hot pink! Alas, my hot pink (priestess) shoes are no longer in existence, so I had to opt for more sensibly-colored footwear. A final note: I love love love cute buttons, as long as I don't actually have to button them.

In 2004, our efforts combined to create something like this:



In 2009, it turned out like this:



You know me, right? You know that if I'm within blocks of an ice cream parlor, especially one that's locally owned, I am gonna be there, especially especially if I'm totally craving a milkshake? We asked if we could take a few photos there, and the family agreed. The kids thought I was cute.





Gettin' ready to go out!




I want ... an apple milkshake.




Ugh, this apple milkshake is so far away! Maybe I should have settled for strawberry? You can get that anywhere ...




Merchants are poor at blending in.




I just like the way my chin looks. Is that weird?




I swear I was wearing two petticoats under this.




I sold this much stuff!




Sometimes, ya just gotta relax.




Nothing remotely cute or clever to say about this one, other than we are heading towards Pittsburgh's open-air market, which was more open earlier. By the time we got there, there wasn't much left.




What will I do when I am not cute?




Another break - I can't tell you how many layers comprise that costume, so although the weather was mild, I was stewing in there.




WHEN DID I GET SO PALE? Maybe my mother is right, I do need more sun ...




A reference to this shot of yore, in which I pondered which book to purchase (and interestingly enough, I bought nothing in both locations).




I couldn't find my jellopies, but I was able to locate several of those gigantic crystals they sold at rest stops on the toll road ... I should know better, but I could not resist them.




Checkin' out the quality. Could be real. Maybe.




Why, I do believe that is another gem!




I wonder how many carats this bugger is.




It is very shiny!




It might not be an apple milkshake, but I'm getting desperate here.




I think I was walking like a duck. It was April. This made sense at the time. I no longer remember.




What is this!? A menu?




Pondering the large selection.




I already know what I'm going for!




I had to move closer to the counter so I could see my apple milkshake being made.




At long last! I finally look fluffy!




Ooh ooh, is that mine?




No, now he's making mine.




Hooray! An apple milkshake!




Am I the only person who will, if necessary, use my teeth to get a straw out of its wrapper?


Note to self for future reference: ivory tights are so not flattering for muscular legs.

Even though it's been years, I'm sure David is still wondering how I pick the photos I post ...

I know nobody gives a damn about Ragnarok Online these days, but it's still just so damn cute ...

Also: OSHIT! It's almost January. I really need to get crackin' on remaking Robin. Other than that, cosplay is on hold at present moment - saving money for a kitty!