Personal - Cosplay Day

Hi Blog,

Finally, the day had come... I spent almost two weeks deciding whether I should or not...

Yes, you are looking at it because I am really doing it

The whole emotional journey of getting to this stage was a bit overwhelming.

Where should I start...

Okay, let's start from how it was started. Angel (one of our prettiest ladies in my workplace) told me to help to take pictures at the event, World Books Day when they encouraged the staff and kids to dress up as a character from a book as if they come alive to encourage the kids to read.

Honestly... I wanted to dress up for the event too... But she tasked me to take photos... Then what do I dress up for? But before my disappointment kicked in to paint the situation... I asked Angel whether I can take part too. She replied yes politely and she added, "just remember to take pictures during recess time." so... I felt that She seemed like she doesn't want to reject me but remind me that my task is to take pictures on that day...

Now my brain started to paint frustration as I had to adjust myself that I can't take part or not supposed to take part in such an event... Because have you ever seen a cameraman take part in any event besides showing the event (taking pictures)?

Yes, most people will shoot me with one question/reminder, 'what is my duty in this event? I am supposed to take pictures!!!' to manage my own emotions...

I agreed that they are right... But I also want to take part... Like when is the chance to dress up or do I forget about taking pictures for other events too? I am helping to take pictures (which is neither my core responsibility nor I am good in photography) because everyone is busy with their own duties; most of them claimed they are not good at photography and can't move around as freely as me...

But I reflected on myself... These negative emotions were from how I see of others thinking of me... On one hand, I recognise that there is such a percentage in the whole equation and on another, I also have colleagues and friends who told me to just do it. So I can't amplify certain situations or feedback as the whole thing.

Yes, I have to learn and accept all kinds of feedback from others because that's their perception over certain matters, and understand that one situation can have 101 different views; so I can't just consider some views as truth. Look! I understand and am aware of others have been trying to remind me of it. It just takes the inner voices that are still or were echoing within me.

Anyway, back to the topic of the cosplay. I decided to go for it and wanted to dress up as Captain America. The problems were just not convincing myself and how to bring it over, especially the shield...

So I just heck cared and carried the shield on the train to my workplace. In my mind, I could imagine that I will get a lot of stares and judgement... But, I noticed no one bothers especially when the train was packed at that time. There were definitely people staring at my shield as I believe, my shield is really eye-catching and it's a real deal.

Then followed by my costume... I just left my shield on my seat and let others know that I am ready for that event.

I couldn't believe that I took quite some time to dress up and it was no easy task to zip up my back and needed Auntie S to help me. Now Fat Captain is ready.

(Thanks Gw) My office colleagues and Gw were impressed by the costume (except the shoes which failed) I was shocked that they were very positive towards the whole attire. I strike a pose for her because she wanted to show it to her daughters.

(Credit G) HD and I strike a pose before going up to the hall for the event. Want to guess what he cosplayed as?

(Thanks to one teacher, Sya) Oh, I didn't know I was being shot. Thanks to him, who helped me to cover some photos for that day. Captain nerd was satisfied.

Actually, going up to the stage was also my worry... because we are supposed to dress up as a character from a book, not a comic book. Well, I guess it is no difference... As the teacher announced everyone to come to the stage, I just walked up to the center lane, enjoying and waving to the kids as they were cheering for us. The moment of appreciation and honour. I finally pulled it through and walked out of my shell.

A picture of us on stage!

then the students' turn. So cute, there were a few spidermen and two caps. I handed over my shield to the boy who dressed up and cap. he seemed happy 😀

After that, we returned to our workplace and continued our working routine in our costumes. So let's have a few shots with our school leaders.

One of the most outstanding costumes here. She definitely won if there is an award.

The kids can't help it to want to take pictures with us. There were more but I can't find it from the sharing folder (perhaps it was not shared).

A picture with the ladies. Honestly, the costume looked so good here

Having fun with different colleagues.

(Thanks Mr W) He claimed that he was so close to a superhero.

Look at these boys, were too eager for pictures.

They were impressed with how I can mould my shield behind my back and they wanted to hold my heavy shield.

So I decided to teach them some values when they hold my shield.

I told them that the shield is heavy and it is a responsibility. (not sure whether they got it or not, I just hope they do)

These kids were fighting to take pictures with me. Honestly, I felt so appreciated.

Instead of they addressed me as Mr Jeff, they started to address me as Captain Jeff. LOL!

This student was P6 now. Every year he will want a solo shot of himself so today he will want another one too.

He was so shy and approached me, telling me that he wanted a pic with me, and yes I am here for you.

Most spiderman wanted to join my Avenger team. LOL! They started to show me their skills.

And some just felt proud and not shy for photos.

(Thank you Ms M) A pose for myself

And a little girl who made her own costume. 😊

I realised the gloves started to wear off. It seemed like a cheap costume has its limit...(plus it is not the right type of glove too) Should I sell this one and get a better version? 😔 Honestly... I know it is a want than a must.  I should not waste money on it and stick to this one... yeah, I should and just honour it unless someone sponsors it 😆 which is totally impossible and daydream.

Anyway, After four hours at the canteen taking photos with them, my whole suit was soaked with my smelly sweat but I felt satisfied.

Maybe a simple costume will be the best, but I have no regret today because I made it happen. Got one young teacher told me that she was very impressed with my costume and the shield. Her expression was unforgettable 😊 I thought no teacher will comment anything about it but that was so honourable.

Now... I just carried my shield back and felt absolutely different on the train. It is a shield that I carry and a responsibility of taking care of myself so that I can protect others.

All the best, Captain Nerd. What a journey to pick... I will learn to balance myself and my inner voices.

Jeff