Sadness.

I missed Otakon last year, and I was looking to go this year, without the need for a wheelchair.

And LUCK! I was invited to join a room in the Days Inn, the closest and cheapest hotel!

...but... I have a deadline at the computer store I'm working at. This Friday. It's highly unlikely I'll make it, but I should at least try. So no Thursday Night adventures, no Friday day wanders.

I have a room at the Days Inn. The best place to stay. But I may not be able to take advantage of it. And if I stay home, I'm still responsible for my share. There are two possible escapes from this, either a friend stays in my place and pays my share (AND I reimburse her) Or other friends who need a place to stay so they'll get the staff repayments. I'm currently trying to get one side to talk to the other.

And then, as I've also mentioned earlier, my brother and his family have returned from Israel to spend the summer here. I'm eager and excited to see my nephews and nieces, and the one brief time I saw them was not nearly enough..

Additionally, my nephew Aryah (My Sister Penina's second son) has arrived too, and is partially my responsibility.

And so, my parents have planned a big family get together, with lots of relatives - for this Shabbos, same as Otakon. And only told me last week, once everything was planned and the more distant people invited.

SO.... Many family members I only see rarely, or convention friends and randomness that I only experience rarely?

And my aunt and uncle and their children and their grandchildren will be there Saturday night.

Everyone except I, who longs to be swimming in a sweaty sea of Otaku this weekend.

But family pressure is strong and not safely resisted. And Job pressure and the lure of bonus money is enticing.

Which should I choose?