Keeping my can of worms closed - FYOB Friday

Last night I did something I've never done before.  I went to watch a taping of a TV show.  My main motivation was seeing Chrissie Swan in all her glory, hosting Can of Worms.

My guest was my favourite little sister in law, Moo and Chrissie's guests were Julie Goodwin, Matt Okine and John Safran.  I've been a fan of John Safran's documentaries for years and Julie Goodwin seemed to be a good egg.  I'd only seen Matt Okine on a comedy show once before so did not recognise his name, but kinda knew his face when he came out.

I knew that taped shows had a bit of warming up beforehand and fixing up after so was kind of looking forward to that.  I've always had a bit of interest in the way TV works behind the scenes and I ended up watching the woman who was directing everything (maybe the director?) and wondering if I could do that.  Bit late to be thinking of a total career change, but we can dream, eh?

She was everywhere at once and controlling everything, all with a casual air and a bit of fun.  Reminded me of when I was doing event management roles and being in the thick of organising a conference.  Was a real buzz when it all came together and people ended up enjoying themselves.

Another bit of very important glue who was pulling it all together was Dan Ilic who had us cacking ourselves before the show started and all through the breaks.

Now I can't let you know too much about the content of that show as they made us promise not to tell, but if you're watching it on Monday night (and I recommend you do), look out for the red cardigan behind the blonde audience member who talked about being brought up by fundamentalist Christians. That was me!  Not the blonde, the red cardi woman, frozen as I've realised I may be popping up in people's lounge rooms next week. Suddenly I'm stressing out about my spare tyre and many chins. And the impressive cleavage beside me? That was Moo. Her boobs are legendary.

After the show we were waiting in the foyer of the ABC building (yes, even though it's on Channel Ten, it's filmed in the ABC because they have the right size studio) for my chauffeur (i.e. husband) to come pick us up and we happened to see Chrissie coming out.  Of course I had to stop and ask for a photo which she graciously did even though it may have made her miss her plane. She didn't miss her plane (thanks for letting me know @ChrissieSwan. We also got to meet the beautiful Julie Goodwin, who was lovely and interesting on the show too.

Moo and Julie (they could be sisters!)      A couple of Swans (not related unfortunately)

But once again, when actually meeting someone I admire from afar, I lost all my brains and blurted out "Hi, I'm Becci Swan" as if that would impress her and stuck my hand out. I then had nothing further to contribute except a goofy smile.  Doh!

So will someone please tell me how to meet someone famous, in a way that will either impress or at least so they don't think I'm some random, crazy stalker!  And it seems I only do this with people who write stuff I really, really like (hello Nikki Gemmell, Kerri Sackville, Eden Riley, Mrs Woog, etc).

Joining up with Grace for FYBF!

The Void between Christmas and New Year

As with most other bloggers lately, I've been way too busy shopping, wrapping, decorating, visiting and UNwrapping for Christmas to put aside time to publish a post.  If I was a more experienced and professional blogger I would have had prepared posts to carry me over the busy period.

I've also got the usual frozen writers block where I consider anything I write not worth publishing (I've started this post three times now).  I just deleted several paragraphs which sounded like a big whinge about not enjoying Christmas as an adult.  You might agree it's just not the same as when you're a kid. Presents are few and sometimes they are known before the unveiling. As partners you usually know how much you've spent on each other. Some married couples don't even bother buying for each other. They might have realised the credit card is going to have a hard time recovering from the onslaught from Santa as it is and decided that they really don't want to lose sleep over two gifts they really didn't want. But where's the romance in that?

Our series of anniversaries starts on the 19th December (when we met), then the 24th December (our first date) and 4 years later, 17th February (wedding).  I usually get told we have too many anniversaries but this year marked 15 years together. We managed to get out on our traditional Boxing night to the movies (War Horse, very good English war movie with added much loved horsies!). And I did receive jewellery for Christmas, so I shouldn't complain.  Even got the next Mia Freedman book and a Rolling Stones calendar from the kids.  This year we told the in-laws not to buy anything for us, they spend enough on the kids - and guess what? They didn't get us anything. First time, not even the usual exchange of gift cards.  I think they finally realise we're all grown up, bugger it!

I think the thing is when you're a kid, after the initial excitement of Christmas is over, you've got new stuff to play with.  I think I just want to play with something. 

Last year I got my iPhone which even though I knew I was getting it for weeks beforehand, it was as exciting as when I was 13 and I got my first bike on Christmas morning (which I paid half of).  And it's kept me entertained for a whole year and counting (the phone, not the bike).  To be honest, this year I hadn't requested anything except the seemingly impossible, an iPad.  I was able to borrow one from work for the holidays and as it's not 3G I've not used it outside the house. I'm also limited as I need to keep it free from any non-educational apps (boring!).  So then Mr Moneymaker asks me about it and I say I would definitely need one with 3G not knowing he was thinking of getting me one without it. So I blew that!

Anyhoo, my Christmas is about to get better. My sister and BIL is coming to stay for a week, which includes a New Years Eve and Mr Moneymaker's 40th - a huge do with dress ups!  And I just know she's going to love the furry leopard skin stiletto short boots I just bought from the op shop.  I may have to dangle them tauntingly in front of her before letting her wear them.  Just have to find an outfit that will match them and fit into the 70's movies theme. What am I going to wear?!?!?!?

One lovely present I did receive this year was from my Social Media Secret Santa, Melissa from Suger Coat It, was Nikki Gemmell's book, With My Body, which I've already finished (along with the goodies) and a bottle of something I can't remember that will make my hair beautiful (I'll let you know what it is and how it goes another time).

But now I better go to bed as I've got a house to clean tomorrow for my visitors. And a costume to figure out.