The Pico Day New Jersey Meetup
It was an ABSOLUTE BLAST!! I was the girl in the plaid orange/blue plaid and black bow. I probably looked a little something like my page doll.
Before The Event
When me and my group arrived at the venue, we got there around 11am to noon. We were out to meet @CarterSterling for lunch before the setup crew arrived. So we walked about 10 minutes down the street for pizza!
The pizza place was closed sadly, so we waited at the ice cream shop. When I saw Carter for the first time, I gave him a huge hug and a little gift; a small bedtime bear since he SLEEPS ALL THE TIME heehee. All was well because we went to this really fancy Italian place. It was a bit expensive so we all kinda ate small, but I remember carter got this really good lookin' parm sandwich while me and my boyfriend got stuffed mushrooms. I was also traveling with @Ramen-Noodiles and he got fried calamari.
(that banana plays a crucial role in our trip. We got it from the hotel breakfast the morning of and my boyfriend carried it in his pocket all day)
I forgot to mention, before the event started, We met up with my boyfriend's long lost brother @Droid and his friend @Jack which I'll show pictures of in a bit as well as @GoodBoyEthan!
All three of them were really friendly and before we walked off to go to the pizza place, the trio went to go get some coffee to wait on the venue to open.
The Event Itself And People We Met
When we got back to the venue, we all went inside and waited for the setup crew to finish. It was so impressive, massive props to the helpers and especially @BrandyBuizel for the organization. After everything was set up, we went to go mingle about.
Me and my boyfriend sat outside for a little bit while people started to show up. At one point there was a pushup contest and I believe my boyfriend came into second place by nailing 62 pushups! We collected stickers, traded cards, and even checked out the record store on the top floor. We bought 4 cassette tapes from there, which was pretty sick. Then I visited cones and bought a group of friends some ice cream.
Me and my bf snuck off to the hotpot place right across from the venue for sustenance instead of filling up on soda and chips. They had the most DELICIOUS spicy broth and beef strips. I even got to try enoki mushrooms for the first time.
My bf got @CapTim (spiderman) himself to eat a whole banana on the livestream in front of everyone. So that was PRETTY sick. I wish I had a photo. perhaps I'll update this post with addition photos. At around 6:30 there was a screening for animations. There were some serious technical difficulties with the audio, but all went well because it was funny! While waiting for the screening, everyone chanted "SHIT YOUR PANTS!" at Brandy, to which he responded with pretending to poop out a glowstick. That is pertinent information for this meetup.
When all was done, the screenings were shown, the playtest games were packed up, and everyone was heading out, so did we. I gave everyone I could a hug goodbye and woke up at 2 to catch our flight back home.
@Droid (Kuya Aaron) - You were one of the first people we spoke to, and your kindness and warmth stood out throughout the entire meetup. You and my boyfriend connected really well, and I was delighted to see how well you two got along! He’s especially happy to have found a perfect "peen" to his "oy." Thank you for all the hugs and for spending so much time talking with us. You are truly one of the most kindhearted people I’ve ever met. We're gonna be on the lookout for you at future meetups, so we hope to hang out with you even more!
@ninjamuffin99 - was a surprise visitor! We thought you were all the way in Dublin dude! It's awesome you didn't miss out, and I really enjoyed talking about programming for a moment with you. I think it's cool that even though you go through so much shit online, you still have the willpower and want to make stuff, whether it be dope ass raps or your cool ass game. I hope we can talk again, yous a real one. smoke up, homie
@TomFulp -I was really nervous to approach you because I didn’t want to be a bother. I figured you’d be more comfortable talking to people you knew rather than having a girl in a bow ask for a signature and picture. But you were incredibly kind, and I’m so glad I got the chance to talk to you, even if it was brief! My boyfriend enjoyed speaking with you too—he was thrilled that you referred to him by name. It made him feel so honored.
@sereneFalconer - Girl, embracing you in that warm hug was an absolute joy! Your heartfelt note touched me deeply; it's rare to see such genuine kindness expressed so beautifully in a letter. Your thoughtfulness overwhelms me. Rest assured, the bag you made will accompany me to future meetups, and I'll cherish the cozy slippers you gave me during many peaceful nights ahead. I love you so much!!
@Mindchamber - I was bursting with excitement when I heard you were inside the venue. Ray came out while I was sitting with my friend @BlitzTheKyd and proudly showed off the awesome Pico pin you were giving out. "OMG WHERE IS HE?!" and he replied, "I'm not allowed to tell you what he looks like." So, I went searching.
Then, I spotted you in the back, wearing that badass light-up satchel and robot mask. As you took off your mask and glanced at me, I approached to shake your hand, but you enveloped me in a warm hug! I had lost my pico pin back while visiting Times Square the day before the meetup. Not only did you give me a NJ meetup pin, but you also kindly provided a replacement pin with a locking back for the one I lost. (@TheDyingSun also gave me some extra lockbacks for Hanzou who fell off, but I managed to catch him and put him in my bag!! Thank you so much!!)
Your thoughtfulness touched my heart; meeting you in person was truly delightful, and I felt immensely accepted. Your work and encouragement mean the world to me, and I cannot thank you enough for the overwhelming kindness you showed.
@RavioliBox - I think you were probably the second most talked to person at the meetup, other than Carter and Droid. Me and my boyfriend kinda flocked over to you because we were so comfortable around you! Your presence was one of acceptance and you didn't really shy away at all. You were open and happy the whole time, and I felt like I could truly be myself around you! It was nice talking to someone so understanding and friendly!!
@Ramen-Noodiles - Im happy to have been able to share this meetup experience with you in person. Despite any differences of opinion we might have online (your twitter takes are SHITT!! DIEEE!) , getting to know you face-to-face has shown me the depth of your character beyond the confines of social media. You exude kindness, intelligence, and authenticity, qualities that shine brightly.
Inviting you to join this community was a heartfelt desire of mine because I believe in your artistic potential and your capacity to thrive. Your ability to forgive is balanced with a strength that commands respect. I'm happy to be your friend, and I want to continue to help you create and become a better version of ourselves.
Also I loved doing your makeup. Idk how someone can be so handsome and beautiful at the same time.
@BlitzTheKyd - I know you've had your differences with people, and we didn't talk TOO much because you were busy hanging with your other friends and father, but meeting you was such a treat. I'm so glad we were able to extend our friendship to beyond CoD and Roblox. You've been there for me through thick and thin and I'm honored to call myself your friend. You're important to me. I hope we can get the gang back together and do stuff again some day.
@CarterSterling - Meeting you was a long time coming, and when I ran to you for that hug, your excitement overwhelmed me in the best way possible. Your vibrant personality shines so brightly. You have a way of being kind and considerate to everyone you come across, and you truly deserve all the respect and admiration from the community and beyond. Your friendship is a treasure. Your support and talents go above and beyond, and spending time with you was truly special. Thank you for being there, my friend. It means everything to me.
Theres so many more people and moments I want to mention, but only so many characters I can use in one newgrounds news post...you know who you are. And you were delightful!
I love you newgrounds. Thank you for being a kind community. MY community.
