Well, I’ve booked my ticket to Perth anyway.  I haven’t yet got a membership – though I’ve sent an e-mail off to the relevant person – and I’ve yet to organise accommodation – though I’m hoping that Mitch whose coming along for the ride will sort that bit out (I should probably mention that to him) –  but for all intents and purposes I’m going to Swancon.

For many years Swancon has fallen over Passover and so I’ve been unable to attend.  When I was in my 20s, this was a constant source of frustration.  Danny would often come back from Swancon and regale me with stories of how bloody brilliant it was.  And I so desperately wanted to be part of the fun.  But, the dates never seemed to work out.

The funny thing is, after organising Continuum 4 with Mitch, I lost my taste for all things convention.  And once I got married, I decided that cons were a thing of my past (though, I’m sure I will go to the next Worldcon in Melbourne, if that eventuates).  So, when I found out that Swancon didn’t coincide with Passover this year, it didn’t really excite me.  The me of my 20s had well and truly grown up.

And then I found out that Rob Shearman would be a guest at this years Swancon.   While he would never admit it in public, for fear of ridicule, Rob and I are very good friends – best mates even.  The only problem is that he lives so far away (although he says it’s my fault for living in Australia).  When Rob came down to Sydney for Whovention in 2005, I was there in a flash.  (It proved to be quite a life changing convention – it’s where I met Sara and Nathal – two very brilliant people).  After the convention, Rob came to Melbourne and stayed with Ori and I, where he had the misfortune of sleeping on my futon with the slightly unclean sheets.  But it was brilliant fun having him around, and it was really sad when he left for London.  At that point, I didn’t expect to see Rob again for at least… well… along time.  

But he’s coming to Swancon!  And, on a year when Easter doesn’t coincide with Passover.  Suddenly the 20 year old Mondy is back with a vengeance.  Not only can’t I wait to see Rob again, but the best thing is I get to also go to the best convention in Australia (or so I’ve been told).  And I get to meet a whole host of people who I’ve only heard about through whispered rumour and innuendo (most of it quite rude).

And, best of all, Mitch is coming along as well.  We get to share rooms and look cool together.

I have to thank my gorgeous, wonderful, special wife Jules for being very understanding and considerate about it all.  We were thinking about going away for the Easter long weekend.  But when I told her that Rob was going to Swancon, she immediately said that I should go.  And after some discussion on the topic, Jules decided that she’d come along to Perth as well.  Not for Swancon (it’s really not her thing), but so she could see her parents, have fun with her Perth mates and finally meet Rob.

I love you Jules!!!!!

And I can’t wait for March!  Swancon, here I come!!!!