Things are in the pipeline

You've probably guessed that I've had a fair bit on my plate if you were to judge by my last few posts. Not wanting to abandon my blog when times get busy, I thought a simple photo with a little blurb is enough to know that I am still committed to this project. It's just my way to say "I'm not abandoning you". By 'you' I mean you the reader, me in the mirror and my blog personified.

As for what's been keeping me busy, I am delighted to say that I have a few things in the pipeline - all of which are terribly exciting.

Firstly, I approached the owners of my gym and proposed that I run a women's 'fitness support group' for want of a better term (I've got my marketing cap on to come up with a more apt and inspiring term). The idea is to run weekly meetings where I start by sharing my journey and what I've learned. Then I'll invite others to share their stories, triumphs and tribulations. The objective is to create a supportive, informative and inspiring environment for women to strive for and achieve their fitness goals, which I hope will extend to their life goals.

Secondly, I've been actively practicing a number of Thermomix recipes in preparation for officially launching my Thermomix Queen Blog and YouTube Channel in 2011. The objective is to provide delicious, educational and inspiring recipes and tips for those who own or aspire to own a Thermomix.

Since becoming a consultant a few weeks ago, I have fallen into deeper love with my Thermomix. In the name of research and development, I have ventured into fields I have long been afraid of. I have become the Nigella of my own kitchen and have been whipping up bread, the best home made ice cream (OMG to die for), whole egg mayonnaise, real choc-orange custard and today I made my first ever chocolate mousse (divine).

Don't panic, I've been using low GI sugar to minimise the impact on my insulin levels - very cool and let's be honest, empowering.

I've also been answering a number of couch-surfing requests, which has been so fascinating. People from all around the world wanting to sleep on my couch. We have a few in the pipeline with an Italian Stallion, a French Femme Fatale and a very cool Aussie couple who read my blog, so a big g'day to them!

There are also a lot of other little things on the go, too many to mention - but all exciting and potentially opening new doors. I'll let you know if any of them open. I'm also getting closer to making the phone call I've avoided for over two years. My fear of the word 'no' has prevented me from taking the step. But with my confidence rising, I'm feeling that I'm getting ready to take the plunge and dial the number that could potentially turn my lyrics into a No.1 dance hit.

Jaala, I know you'll be happy about that - I'm getting closer.

So now you're up to date.

Saturday Quiz No.11 is still up for grabs. Garrie has left a really good clue. Have a go. The prize is VIP tickets to my song launch. Yep, that song is really going to happen - just haven't set the date yet.

Until tomorrow, keep working away at things and add them in your pipeline.

Grace xx

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The Climax Scene Really Got To Me

Last week I was introduced to Zuiikin' English, a Japanese television series launched in 1992.

This quirky program combines English lessons with tragic, not-quite-aerobic, exercises to repetitive hypnotic synthesised tunes (if you can call them that).

What I found most interesting was the bizarre choice of phrases.

Unlike Coffee Break French lessons that are full of practical questions and statements, Zuiikin' English will have you saying things like,

• Spare me my life (you'd hope you'd never have to say that)
• I was robbed by 2 men (too bad if you're robbed by 3 women)
• How dare you say such a thing to me (useful)
• Leave me alone (somewhat useful)
• It's your fault that this happened (very useful)
• I can't stand the sight of you (most useful)
• You drive me crazy (imperative)
• Let's go Dutch (no comment)
• I have a bad case of diarrhea (oh dear)
• Hasta la vista, baby (what the?)

The one that completely fascinated me (and had me perplexed as to why I was never taught this in French class) was, "The climax scene really got to me." Yes you read it correctly, the climax scene really got to me. And you know what? IT DID.

Since that fateful day, I have not been able eliminate those words from my vocabulary. You can hear me sing them in the shower, as I prepare meals, during trips to the water closet and when I ready myself for bed. In truth, I have been singing them in almost every waking moment.

I have now reached a point where I am bordering insanity. In such trying times I turn to Kylie Minogue for answers and the words 'I can't get you out of my head' came to me. The solution became clear - I had to get these words out of my head and onto paper (or in this case, my blog).

I trust the healing process has begun and I can get on with my life without climax scenes (or that friggin' song) ever getting to me again.

Until tomorrow, learn to get things out of your head and onto paper (or into a computer) to save yourself from going insane.

Grace xx

ps. I have embedded the infectious video below for those who are daring enough to watch it (email subscribers, click here).

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A rewind moment

Have you ever had a rewind moment?

It's like time stands still while a whole bunch of memories are played back in slow motion. You observe happenings of the past as though you're watching a flashback movie montage. Only this time, you know the ending.

You notice all the little details that you missed the first time. It all becomes clear. A bit like gazing at those magic pictures and all of a sudden you have a separation between the crazy pattern and the 3D picture. Once you've seen it, you can't believe that it took you so long to 'get' something that's so obvious. You have what I call, an 'aha' moment.

Well THAT'S exactly what happened to me today...

Saturday mornings, an hour before my French class, I go to a local café to do my homework and practice ordering breakfast with the lovely French waitress (is 'waitress' politically correct nowadays...?)

This morning I bumped into someone whom I haven't seen in eight months. Needless to say, we had a lot to catch up on. She asked what I was up to and I naturally progressed to talking about Project Grace 2010. The conversation turned out to be like a 'best of' compilation album that got stuck on track No. 48, 'When 99% equals FAIL'... and then it happened - the 'aha' moment.

I had a flood of memories, which felt like watching reruns of Count Down (Australia's MTV of the 70's and 80's) where I reminisced the many renditions of the aforementioned popular tune. I could see cover versions of the original (being the 99% maths test) that played out in different scenarios - a bit like having a different band, different film clip, but essentially the same song.

Not only had this song been playing in my life over and over again like a friggin' broken record (or skipping CD for you young bucks), it's been in the Top 10 for nearly 40 years - holy poop! (word 'poop' courtesy of Christy's comments - cheers)

Just as I went from 99% in maths to chronically failing, I could clearly see scenarios where the dreaded '99% equals FAIL' had contaminated specific areas of my life - which to this day, is still a problem. It's that bloomin' song again, playing in the background like drab, hypnotic ambient music.

THIS IS HUGE!!!

My weight issues and frustration over Nubsy (my abbreviation for 'Nubsy McNoodle Wanted A Poodle', the children's book I wrote and published in 2007) are two major sticking points in my life right now - and I can pinpoint the actual moment when a pivotal conversation took place that popped my happiness balloon. Essentially, it was the precise moment that DJ Poop started spinning that cruddy song, "99% equals FAIL" - and I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW IT!!!

Wow.

With this insight, I feel like 'I've seen the magic trick' (thanks for that metaphor Gaz). What opens up is possibility and freedom. I have taken over as DJ and am tossing out that outdated track. I am choosing what songs I want to play and when.

Until tomorrow, be your own DJ and play the songs you choose.

Grace xx