My Idol Amanda Tapping
This event was a moment that I had been looking forward to since I first started attending events. Being able to meet Amanda Tapping, my idol the person who makes me want to be a better person. She made me fall in love with her, just for being who she is. Through that love came my fandom for Stargate and attending events, everything started with her. She is the reason that my life took the path it has, and I’m so thankful for that.
As the event neared, I worried that maybe Amanda would not live up to my expectations. Spent a fair amount of time trying to hype myself down a little about Amanda. I was afraid that I had out her on too high of a pedestal and I didn’t want to be disappointed. I was anything but disappointed.
Gate to the Sanctuary
This event was called Gate to the Sanctuary and I had brought a VIP ticket which included breakfast with the guests. Plus photos and autographs, closer seats in the panels and a cocktail party after the event. Amanda wasn’t the only guest in attendance, the event also had Robin Dunne, Chuck Campbell and Carmen Argenziano. I decided since I’d recently completed my Stargate costume, that I had to wear it to the event.
Since I had recently completed my Stargate costume I had to wear it to the event. The event started off with the photo sessions, I remember sitting to the side watching the photos get taken. Chilling with friends and often getting asked for photos in my costume. Deb the photographer also kept turning the camera on me to get photos of me. I got all of my photos with the different guests, including a second with Amanda and good friend Sarah. I also asked Eileen to jump in on my photo with Carmen, I wanted a photo with the both of them. They are both amazing and they remembered me from meeting at a convention in 2007.
Panels a Plenty
The panels were all fun, I’ve never been good at remembering specific conversations from panels, only what stands out. Such as at this event each of the guests were given a plain white t-shirt to draw all over. They would then be auctioned off for charity after the event. Robin did end up topless during his panel as he was drawing on his shirt.
I remember sitting in on Amanda’s panel; she was talking and sharing her stories, being herself. I clearly remember the moment when I realised that she really was as amazing as I’d imagined. Maybe even more amazing than I’d imagined, there was definitely not disappointment here. In fact I felt the complete opposite, I felt like my fandom for her had been rejuvenated.
All the guests were amazing, they shared brilliant stories and were hilarious as they did so.
Autographs
Whilst getting my autographs I handed Amanda a tube of Vegemite. I had to continue the tradition even though I wasn’t allowed to hand it to her on stage. Amanda was amazing and I enjoyed meeting her at this event, it meant a lot. It was an important part of my convention journey. Many years ago I had written a fan letter to Amanda and I wanted to ask if she had ever gotten it, but I didn’t. Part of the VIP ticket was first in line for autographs so I got mine done pretty quickly. But I hung around with friends who were lining up, it’s always a good time to catch up with friends, queues.
Cocktail Party and Amanda
Ended up having to rush off in the end, after friends told me I couldn’t stay with them in their hotel anymore. I was upset and I wanted to get out of there without anyone, especially Amanda, seeing me upset. Had to pack up my things and get ready for the cocktail party, and I knew I needed time to pull myself together. I was also feeling exhausted, my excitement to meet Amanda meant I hadn’t slept well.
Unfortunately the issues with my friend had really flattened my mood, so at the cocktail party I was feeling low. I didn’t feel like talking much and my nerves were getting the best of me. I wanted to talk to Amanda and ask her a question but I just couldn’t bring myself to ask. Thankfully Eileen was sitting next to me at the table and we were chatting. It helped to settle my nerves and she ended up being the one to introduce me to Amanda, Then I got to have a chat with her and it made everything worth while.
Even though there were issues and I’d change some things if I had the chance. It was still a great event and I had a memorable time. Meeting Amanda is a moment that I will never forget.
COMPLETE GUEST LIST |
AMANDA TAPPING, Carmen Argenziano, Eileen Grubba, Robin Dunne and Chuck Champbell. |
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