Don't forget your toothpaste!

I spent most of yesterday working on several jobs.

One for a photographer, one for a magazine and one for the little boy who lives down the lane (AKA my husband).

I just love having a portable office. All I need is internet access and occasional power to recharge the batteries. Somehow working in Paris is so much more inspiring than when I'm in Tullamarine. I wonder why?

Tullamarine is home to Melbourne's international airport. It's a working class suburb that doesn't raise too much interest - unless of course you're a fan of Hollywood superstar Eric Bana, who grew up there (hopefully there's something in the water and yours truly might be the next big thing).

As a result of spending most of my day working, I really don't have much to tell. Unless of course strolling to one's local organic grocery store to purchase lunch ingredients is deemed worthy blog fodder.

It is?

Okay.

I ditched the Birkenstocks and Puma runners (AKA trainers) for a pair of black Colorado Mary-Jane heels for the excursion (comfortable and stylish). As I walked down the cobbled street (pictured in yesterday's post) I noticed the local market was packing up for the day "Bummer!" I thought, "I didn't know that it was on today".

I ended up consoling myself with a selection of delicious biodynamic produce that included pickled sardines (OMG delicious), the sweetest cherry tomatoes and the most amazing to-die-for Chèvre (goat's cheese). Being in France, I was obligated to wash it all down with a glass of vin rouge. Bliss.

So what's with the toothpaste? I virtually hear you ask. Well this is the funny bit. When I went to brush my teeth after lunch, I had to be sure I grabbed the toothpaste.

What do you mean? I know you're thinking.

Well the first time I went to brush my teeth in Paris, I had the most bizarre experience. I put the paste on the bristles and proceeded to brush my teeth only to have the most disgusting taste permeate throughout my entire mouth.

Baffled by this, I grabbed the tube to investigate further. Turned out I was brushing my teeth with Ayurvedic mosquito repellent - GROSS! My mind raced back to the moment I was packing my toiletries bag. I remember swapping my large tube for this smaller one thinking it would save me weight. Now, after purchasing real toothpaste at an insane $7.87 per tube, I have two tubes, a hole in my budget and no weight saved. Thankfully the mosquito repellent was all natural and non-toxic, but 100% horrible!

Until tomorrow, make sure your substitutions are suitable substitutes.

Grace xx

PS. As for the Mary-Jane heels, it must have been enough to pass as a local. The lady in the store spoke to me in fast and furious French. When I looked puzzled she spoke more slowly asking if I have just moved to Paris (in French). When I shook my head 'no', she continued in English. This local experience is exactly what I was after. Victory!

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High Altitude Training

This morning I found myself doing high altitude training in the urban jungle.

After a hair-raising incident, and a decent chuckle at myself, I knew precisely what to call today's blog.

A few weeks ago I registered for the Adobe Roadshow, which I attend whenever they release a new Creative Suite (mainly in the hope that THIS year, I'll be the lucky winner - not so).

However right before bed last night I (insanely) declared that I wasn't going to go. I have become so enraptured by my new daily routine that I didn't dare risk upsetting it. Could this mean that I'm becoming addicted to the treadmill and weights? [gasp!]

A bit odd really, because ordinarily I'd find any excuse to skip the gym - like, "it's high time I did that basket of last year's hand washing" or, "I need to sew the middle button on that shirt I haven't worn in 18 months" or how about, "I must go to Medicare and queue for three hours so I can claim my $12.13 - every penny counts!"

You know, urgent stuff.

Even MORE odd, is that I LOVE Adobe events. I learn so much and I'm completely fascinating by all the wonderful and 'wow wee' new technology (yes, geek at heart).

So what happened this morning?

The oddness had rectified itself overnight and I woke up with the 'simply must' desire to attend the show. I just could not forgo the opportunity to learn for free. Just. Could. Not. Thus leaving me in a panicked state as I hurriedly prepared for my immediate departure.

Running around the house like a headless chook (Australian for 'chicken'), I quickly put together an ensemble - my 'creative suit' (haha). The look was accentuated by a gorgeous pair of chocolate brown, Italian leather, knee-high lace up boots with killer heels that would have Carrie Bradshaw swooning. Delicious.

En route, I decided that I'd park in my parent's apartment block to;

1. avoid heinous city parking tolls, and
   
   
2. walk several blocks (too many to count), uphill to the venue and make up for lost gym time (I had an appointment in the afternoon, which could jeopardise my attempts to do an evening workout)

It was only after I had embarked on my trek that I realised how the height of my heels, whilst stylish, provided some ludicrous challenges for the half hour hike ahead of me. As I raced along at cracking speed, my pinpoint heel lodged in a cracked cobblestone - thus resulting in an unsightly twisting motion where my knees went in one direction, my hips in another and my arms extending in what must have looked like someone trying to start a Mexican wave.

Had I an easily-bruised ego, it would have definitely been damaged beyond repair. Luckily, with my sense of humour intact, I laughed at the imagined spectacle of myself and mentally assessed the well being of my ankle. Phew, a near miss.

So that my friends, it what I call high altitude training.

Until tomorrow, take a few moments to consider your footwear beyond looking fabulous.

Grace xx

PS. As for my afternoon meeting, it was with a student I'm mentoring. We met at a McDonald's (not my choice) and I decided to stay back and take advantage of their free wifi. In case you're concerned, I haven't eaten a bite. My husband has taken the car and here I am at 8:08pm local time, with 6% battery, freezing (went outside to take the photo of my boot under the ultra-fluorescent lights and I'm still here) and I'm 5km (3mi) from home. Luckily I had the foresight to do my training in the morning - just too bad I didn't extend that vision to influence my choice in footwear.