From Dragon Con to Real Life: Reentry Tips After Big Events

Some weeks feel like a tornado, others like a calm breeze. This past one? Somewhere right in between. After the chaos of Dragon Con, I thought things might slow down—but “normal” is never that simple. So here’s the play-by-play of our post-holiday reentry into everyday life: dogs, workouts, good food, and one disappointing cookie run.

Labor Day weekend was all about Dragon Con—Atlanta’s massive sci-fi/fantasy convention. If you’ve never been, picture cosplay on every street corner, panels on everything from Star Wars to steampunk.

This year was different, though. Usually, we meet up with friends, but they were all tied up with work and travel, so it was just me and Holly. And honestly? That was kinda great. No big schedule. No trying to meet up across five hotels. Just the two of us doing our thing. It felt like a throwback—early days energy, where it’s just you and your person soaking it all in.

We did the full weekend: costumes, food stalls, late nights, people-watching, and plenty of walking. We wrapped up Monday night, tired but happy. If you’ve ever been to a con, you know it’s not a vacation—it’s an event marathon. You need a whole day just to recover from walking ten miles a day and standing in lines for everything.

Tuesday was what I’d call a “half-speed” day. Didn’t jump straight into work. Took time to unpack, do some laundry, get the house back in order, and just exist. After a few days of go-go-go, that slower rhythm felt amazing.

Our dogs, Luna and Ted, were ecstatic to see us. Luna was practically vibrating with excitement. Ted was more laid back, but you could tell he was relieved to have the pack back together. He’s been dealing with some eye stuff—had surgery on one eye, and now the other one is acting up. A weak spot in the cornea, so we’re doing eye drops and monitoring it closely. 

By midweek, I was fully back into my workout routine, and honestly, it felt good. After indulging a bit over the holiday, getting back into lifting and sweating it out was the reset I needed.

Had a buddy from one of my business groups swing through town on Thursday. Showed him around Peachtree City, grabbed dinner at Van Sants—which if you haven’t been, is worth a visit. Good vibe, great food. Friday night we upped the game and went to Enzo Steakhouse in Trillith. Now, I hadn’t really explored Trillith before, and it kind of blew me away.

That whole area feels like a little hidden gem—reminded me of Midtown Charlotte with the modern buildings, walkable layout, and cool little spots to eat and hang out. Didn’t expect Fayette County to give off that kind of vibe, but I was impressed. Makes you think about how quickly areas change when creativity and investment collide.

Saturday morning, back in the gym with my dad. It’s our weekend thing, and honestly, one of my favorite parts of the week. We’ve got a good rhythm—work out, catch up, talk about life. But the afternoon brought a different tone.

We went to a memorial service for an older friend of ours. She was in her 80s, someone I knew through the gym. Always there, always showing up. It was touching and sad. You get reminded in those moments how many lives we brush up against in these little spaces—how meaningful something as simple as seeing someone every Saturday can be. She’ll be missed.

Sunday was all about the land—our little slice of calm where the dogs can run free and I can unplug. Took Luna out there and let her go. I mean full sprint, ears back, tearing through a meadow with grass up to your calves. It was like watching pure joy on four legs. I didn’t get any photos or videos this time, but I’ll make sure to get some next time.

That night, we were all set for a little last-hurrah cheat meal before diving back into the nutrition plan. Pizza Hut for dinner—one of my all-time favorites, and it didn’t disappoint. But the real goal was Great American Cookie Company, before getting back on my nutrition plan.

Now, I’ve been thinking about these cookies all weekend. It was gonna be the grand finale. One or two cookies. No guilt. Just a sweet end to a good week.

Except... they were closed.

You ever build up a craving in your mind for three days only to find the store shuttered? Yeah. That. Major letdown. We made do with some Kroger cookie dough baked at home, but come on—it’s not the same. Still good. Just... not that cookie.

All in all, it wasn’t a wild week. But it was full—of people, memories, reflections, and a few small disappointments. Sometimes, those are the best kinds of weeks. The ones where nothing “huge” happens, but life happens anyway. The stuff that matters: time with loved ones, saying goodbye, running through meadows, sharing meals, and remembering that joy isn’t always in the big moments. It’s in the small ones. The quiet ones.

So here’s to “normal” weeks.