Cool that you are participating

May has been awake for months about this

‘Cool that you are participating.’ Those were the last words of Bart Molsbergen, editor of De Slimste Mens to whom I had just confirmed my candidacy for De Slimste Mens.

This spring I was already asked to sit opposite Philip Freriks and Maarten van Rossem, but at that time I could indulge my vanity in thanking for the invitation and ducking away from this challenge. Exactly during that period, the recordings for Holland’s Next Top Model were scheduled, so I got away with that quite easily.

The editor on duty tried once more. If I could squeeze in on the very last recording day. But even then I could use my jetlag (I would land from LA the day before) and the reunion with my three lovely children to dodge this recording.

But I was in the database, so a few months later I was emailed again. By a very nice guy (Bart, that is) whom I simply could not refuse. I think De Slimste Mens is a really fun program and I also find it a shame that so few women dare to participate. I mean; it is called De Slimste, but it is actually about who knows the most about the most diverse topics. The nicknames of the Spice Girls and the ten most dangerous addictive substances according to the Jellinek clinic are a piece of cake. All the countries bordering China were just a bit trickier.

Anyway, I say all this to cover my own back. Just like I have gathered a group around me of people who were eliminated after one round. Michiel van Erp, Cornald Maas, and even Matthijs van Nieuwkerk were out after one round. If that happens, then I am in good company.

Meanwhile, my life consists of playing the app of De Slimste (I play an average of seven games simultaneously with different types) and waking up at night and thinking: ’There was something important. Oh god, De Slimste.‘ After that, I always ask my partner if I can cancel. This happens every night again.

And now it’s almost time. Tomorrow I’m going to the slaughterhouse. I’m actually almost looking forward to it. Even if it’s just because then it will be over. At least, if I get kicked out after one round. Otherwise, it could easily take another two weeks. ‘Cool that you are participating.’ I believe that is the euphemism of the year.

Oh guys. What have I gotten myself into?