gishwhes - the week that was...

[ash48]

I've pinched this from spn_bunker. Seems like a good way of looking back on an amazing week. :) I have to say, it was nothing like I expected.

What was the best part? Seeing the world in a different light - seeing it as a place of possibilities and fun. It took me out of myself for a while and that was rather wonderful. I also loved my team - they were an inspiration. I also loved getting up every morning to discover what everyone had been up to while I was sleeping.

What are you proudest of? Hah - surviving the week? I was pretty proud that I didn't run away from it all and, in fact, embraced it and really enjoyed myself.



What was the worst part? This is perhaps a little controversial but getting a message by an on-line friend that she unfollowed me on Twitter while I was doing this hurt quite a bit. It shouldn't have done, as of course she has every right to do that, but it took the wind out of my sails for a little bit. And believe me - you need the wind! I was also upset to see some SPN fans mocking what people were doing. Finding "negative" moments to re-tweet and scorn at, rather than focussing on the many, many, many positive things happening around the world.

How do you feel now? To be honest, I feel a little flat. It was such an exhilarating week - with so much going on, I now feel a little empty. But I know I will look back on what everyone achieved and it will always bring a smile to my face.

What was your greatest fear, and how did it pan out? Asking a supermarket manager if I could get the cashiers to wear Mishapocalypse masks. The first supermarket said no (and I realised there are just some people who aren't prepared to take a risk) and the second supermarket said yes - and it was a real thrill.

What did you do that you never in your life thought you'd do? The whole thing! But mostly - make pasta with jam sauce and get a published food critic to critique it. While I was making it, I was thinking "what is my life!" and smiling.

What was the hardest thing? Staying motivated towards the end. I was SO exhausted and knew there was still more to achieve. By the last event (the mud wrestling) I nearly cancelled because I was struggling to figure out how to make it work. I'm so glad I didn't as it was one of the most fun events.

What did you think would be hard that really wasn't? Hmmm….putting together the love scene between Larry King and William Shatner. I kept thinking it would be impossible - but I ended up being ok with it in the end. It was fun to make!

What was your favorite thing you did, and why? Probably the mud wrestling one, because the two women who did it were such an inspiration. They are women in their 70s and have a joie de vivre that I hope I have at their age. There was so much laughing, it was a joy to be part of.

What did you learn about yourself? That I know some people. I loved how many people helped me out. And that I'm not afraid to ask for help when I need it.

What did you learn about other people? That people love this kind of stuff. That people like to help and when given a chance to do something different they embrace it. And that there are different types of people in the world. Those who smile and take a chance, and those who frown and stay closed minded.

What did you learn about life? That it's too short to be closed minded and joyless. That it's full of possibilities and you can achieve anything if you really want to. That good can be done to change the world and seeing people be surprised, laugh and smile is the best medicine in the world.

Other thoughts? GISHWHES isn't about being a "misha minion" or being a Cas fan. It's beyond being just about the show (though the show is responsible for actually making this all happen, which is an incredible achievement), it's beyond petty in-fighting and nastiness. It's about bring people together, getting out of a rut, shaking up the world and being kind. It's not easy, but it will change you. Even if only a little bit. ;)

Thanks to amber1960 for inviting me to be part of this wonderful madness. And for giving me the chance to meet some lovely new people. <3

Comments

[growyourwings.livejournal.com]

You made me smile this morning. It's sad how something that has so many giving items on the list sparks such...division. I admit to battling the conflicting feelings myself. However when I read the to-do list for this year I remember thinking how great many of the items were in terms of harmless fun and giving to others. And right then I decided to work to banish some of the fandom baggage that I think was tinging the event within me.

And this --> "That it's too short to be closed minded and joyless. That it's full of possibilities and you can achieve anything if you really want to. That good can be done to change the world and seeing people be surprised, laugh and smile is the best medicine in the world."

Good for all of you. :)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

I think it was the to do list that made me realise what exactly this is all about. So many feel good items - involving the elderly and long lost friends etc, that it became clear that this isn't about annoying people. Sure, there's some of that and I know the Orlando account became pretty annoying! I know some Sci-Fi writers got pretty cranky, but considering there were over 180 items those couple of things weren't too bad. Even NASA played along! I think they realised they can't ignore it and joined in the fun.