I got into cosplay after going into hospital for spinal surgery (scoliosis, major points if you know what that is)! I met a girl who lived nearby who had the same operation in the same ward and we kept in touch; I met her group of friends and in there discovered MrsChumphy who was also an avid anime/manga fan. We found out about MCM back in 2006, went to that (I borrowed her Princess Mononoke cosplay) and since then it's only got worse (in my family's opinion)/better.
Due to time and financial constraints, Clara is being pushed back until Fushicon. On the plus side, the wig arrived today and feels really nice. Just needs the fringe styled in!