I GAVE MATT LANTER A BOTTLE OF KETCHUP AND THE WHOLE CROWD CHEERED ► galaxycon raleigh 2022
So the weekend of July 29-31, my dad (who recorded the video) and I went to GalaxyCon Raleigh in Raleigh, North Carolina. It was my third time ever going to a con in my entire life, so I'm still pretty new to the scene. And I am not a social person. Like at all. The fact that I could get any words out at all to anyone was a miracle. I think it's because I was having the best time and I felt confident and comfortable. Plus, something about doing cosplay. That was fun.
I had an absolute blast! Because one of my longtime dreams finally came true. I got to meet Ashley Eckstein, Matt Lanter, and James Arnold Taylor. I have wanted to meet them since 2008. I've been a fan of The Clone Wars and of them since the beginning. I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I actually cried when I met Ashley Eckstein (minutes before the events in this video). She was so incredibly wonderful and kind to me. I was so mortified and ashamed for crying in front of her (while dressed like a stupid anime character). I told her I tried so hard not to cry, but I'd been wanting to meet her for sooooo long and that Ahsoka means sooooo much to me. I kept apologizing, but she hugged me and told me there was no need to apologize and that this was a a safe space. Ashley is the absolute sweetest and I am forever grateful that I got the chance to meet her. Matt and James were also incredibly awesome and very nice. I got my Ahsoka, Anakin, and Obi-Wan funko pops signed by them and they are now some of my most cherished possessions.
Ok, so, context. The Ketchup Wars are a long time gag between Ashley and Matt. If you know, you know. She's got everyone in on it. Even before I went to the con, I was planning on giving Matt some ketchup. The night before, my dad and I went out to eat and I was going to smuggle the bottle of ketchup from the restaurant.....but the waitress took it before I could. So, we went to Walmart and I bought Matt the biggest bottle.
When I was in Ashley's line (prior to this moment), I told her I brought some ketchup for Matt. She was so excited. We fist bumped for Team Tano and she said she'd be eyeing over at his table for when I give it to him. Luckily, there were only like 2 people in front of me when I got into Matt's line to give him his present.
And this is how it went down.
Matt was an absolute sweetheart. I'm happy that I remembered to ask him for a hug because the day before, I forgot. I was so nervous the first time I met him. This absolutely redeemed my first meeting with him. This was one of the best things that happened that weekend. I'll cherish these wonderful memories forever. Absolutely worth the 14 year wait.
#mattlanter #ashleyeckstein #galaxycon