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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Dog rescues dog on highway - or does he?

I came across an extraordinary video today where a superhero of the canine species, risked his life to save a fellow pooch... or so that's what I thought.

When I went to locate the video on YouTube, I came across two conflicting stories.

One documented that the rescued pooch was in fact already dead, whereas another stated that he survived the ordeal.

More than anything, I want to believe the happy ending. However after watching the video several thousand times, I think the lifelessness of the body says it all.

Then it made me wonder - does the ending make any difference to the heroic act of the super pooch? Are we so addicted to happy endings (courtesy of Hollywood blockbuster movies) that we will misconstrue tales, or blatantly lie, in order to make a story worth telling? Is this what we do when we recount stories to our children? And if so, is that okay?

So many questions.

Have a look at the two versions of the story below and let me know what you think on the comments section below. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Video #1 - The first one I saw

Video #2 - The second one I came across on YouTube

Until tomorrow, share your thoughts freely and without the need to lie.

Grace xx

ps. I have no idea whether the dogs are male or female, but saying 'he' sounded so much better than 'it'. The next animal story will be a 'she' (like the cat's mother) to balance the scales.

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Swiss mountain magic

Switzerland is without a doubt quirky. And for that, I love it!

From their Hansel and Gretelesque gingerbread housing to promo graphics depicting hiking pigs, through to their bell-chiming cows and of course, yodelling.

It's all fabulous and completely my cup of chocolat chaud (hot chocolate).

Ever since my arrival, I have felt playful - like a wide-eyed child. You just can't help feeling joyful in this amazing place.

Perhaps this childlike wonder comes from being dwarfed by the spectacular mountains. There's something completely magical about the Swiss alps that words cannot do justice.

These towering majestic beauties are both humbling and empowering, they're calming yet uplifting, their presence can be felt even with your eyes closed. This is what I call Swiss mountain magic.

I've attempted to capture this awe on video, but alas it is only a mere sample of the overall wonderment. For your convenience, I've embedded the video below for blog visitors whereas email subscribers can click here to view (don't you just love how I do things for your convenience? I ought to be an informercial).

Until tomorrow, find the magic that has you feeling like a playful child.

Grace xx

PS. A big happy 40th birthday to my cousin Danni. We had many magical, playful-child moments growing up together.

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All My Paris Videos

Just in case you missed any, here are all my Paris YouTube videos in one spot - for your convenience of course.

Until tomorrow, remember that batching and putting things into one place is as much for sanity as it is for convenience.

Grace xx

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Le Tour de Paris avec la Musique

Last night we celebrated la Fête de la Musique (music festival) which, as I mentioned in yesterday's post, marks the beginning of summer.

I was invited by my host, and now very good friend, Adélia to join her and her friends at an intimate bar in the south of Paris.

I accepted.

The evening was a blast and words cannot aptly describe the magnitude of fun-ness. So where words fail, images and music prevail.

I've compiled a sample of the evening's joyfulness in a YouTube video embedded below for your convenience. So if you can grab yourself a glass of vin rouge, or a beverage of your choice, sip a little and enjoy.

So how do you think we managed to finish off this fabulous evening?

Well it wasn't a drunken ride slumped in the back of a cab, in case you're wondering. Instead, Adélia had to cycle home and I joined her on one of Paris' rent-a-bike-by-the-side-of-the-road deals.

Not sure if you know, but Paris is full of Velib velos (bikes) that you can pick up and drop off at any of their gazillion brilliantly located depots. Usually nearby a Metro station or out the front of a cafe so you have to be super careful not to make a spectacle of yourself.

After a quick lesson on how the hiring process works, I mounted my stead and we were off - sans helmet and avec high heeled Mary Janes. Very Paris. Very Chic.

For the record I'd prefer to ride with a helmet, but that was not an option last night.

We took over an hour cycling home so I imagine we covered most music genres (and departments of Paris), everything from jazz and world music to hard rock and doof doof. Tunes were beating out at bars, restaurants and outdoor concert arenas. Man, Parisians sure do take this Fête de la Musique seriously. It had the same vibe as New Years Eve - buzzing!

Until tomorrow, uplift your spirit and play some tunes.

Grace xx

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Summer in Paris

Today marks the first day of Summer in Paris.

The entire city is alive with music from sunup to sundown, and beyond.

So what am I doing here writing this?

Well firstly, there's not much sun about, it's very chilly outside and I'm allowing my hair to dry naturally (no hairdryer, and I don't want to get head freeze by going out prematurely).

Secondly, I have a big night ahead so I'm pacing myself.

Thirdly, I want you to virtually be a part of this magical experience with me so I've gone and found the perfect YouTube video to get you in the Parisian summer spirit.

So without further ado I bid you un bon été... now put on your dancing shoes and join me for a fabulous first day of summer in Paris.

Until tomorrow, may it always be summer where there's music playing - even if there's no sun about and it's freezing!

Grace xx

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Happy 100th Blog Post!

This is my 100th post - can you believe that?

Today also marks 101 days since embarking on Project Grace 2010, which I think is equal cause for celebration, albeit a virtual one.

In case you're thinking this doesn't add up, you might recall I took the first weekend off, then did a catch up post called The Polyfilla.

So how do we virtually celebrate?

We could eat virtual cake and not have to worry about sugar, wheat, gluten, fat, dairy or how high's the GI (Glycemic Index).

We could virtually drink the finest French Champagne - how about Krug? or Louis Cristal? Why not both? We don't have to worry about the price, getting tipsy or waking up with a hangover.

Sometimes it's nice living in this virtual world. Perhaps that's one of the reasons I love blogging so much. Right now you're in my world and I'm in yours. Physically, we could be a gazillion miles away and yet virtually, we couldn't be any closer.

As with all celebrations, it's time to say thank you speeches at the end. I'm all for short speeches, so here goes...

Thank you for joining me on my journey. Thank you for being by my side. Thank you for standing up for me when I was beating myself up. Thank you for showing compassion and love when I was going through hardship. Thank you for your suggestions and ideas. Thank you for contributing and allowing me to realise I am not alone... and that I'm not crazy.

Most of all, thank you for allowing me to be the full spectrum that makes me - Me.

Until tomorrow, and the next hundredth post, thank you for being You.

Grace xx

PS. Since starting Project Grace 2010 I've completed a web design course, studied French level one and two, learnt Bollywood dancing, attained my First Aid certificate and lost over 22cms (8.8inches) from my body. All in all, a great result from such an inspiring project. I leave for France next Monday, which I'm sure will launch an exciting start to the next chapter - the second 100 days.

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Monday Monday

At last, the moment you've all been waiting for...

Today I launched MONDAY MEASURES!

Okay, if you weren't waiting for it and have no idea what I'm taking about - I am committed to changing the mindset of those battling the bulge to shift our focus from weight loss to measurement reduction.

On the first Monday of each month, I'll be taking measures... of my waist, chest, hips and thighs. My aim is to demonstrate that measuring oneself is a more rewarding and accurate way of tracking fat loss. It opposes popular culture that obsesses over weight loss.

I've embedded my first Monday Measures YouTube video below for your convenience (aren't I thoughtful?)

In keeping with the Monday theme, it's time I tell you that I leave for Paris next Monday. Yes you read correctly, Paris. I'll be there one week from today - woohoo! You may or may not know that I'm hosting a tour of non-riders for Le Tour de France next month and I am soooooo excited I can hardly breathe.

I've got a tonne of work to complete between now and then, so my posts are likely to be brief. But don't worry, I'll more than make up for it by sharing my French and Swiss adventures with you - deal?

I have to go to bed now. I'm in the midst of a St. John's First Aid course, which is totally fascinating as well as brain draining.

I'm sure you'd be delighted to know that if you ever lost a limb in my presence, and I managed to save it from the jaws of a pet, I can competently wrap it in plastic and keep it chilled (not iced) until medical help arrives. At this point I should warn you that if I'm required to pop it in the refrigerator, I'll have to write 'Limb in fridge' on your forehead so the ambulance officers don't leave without it. Thought that'd make you sleep easier tonight. Fabulous.

Without further ado, I must retire and recharge my batteries.

Until tomorrow, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

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Turning Into a Pumpkin

Today was massive.

After dropping our interstate visitor off at the airport, I went to the gym and ran 6km (woohoo!).

I then did some errands before filming my Weigh-In Wednesday YouTube video (embedded below for your convenience).

Despite it being Thursday at the time of filming, I knew it was Wednesday in some part of the world, so I was okay with that.

Next thing I knew, I found myself squeezing in last minute 'must do's' before racing out the door to do my Bollywood dancing class (which by the way, I LOOOOOOOVE!).

Après, I caught up with some more Adelaidean friends who flew into town this afternoon to work at the Food and Wine Show. In the spirit of all things food and wine, we indulged.

After a delicious meal (don't panic, I was good), some gorgeous wine (don't panic, I was good - is there an echo in here here here?) and a great chin-wag (Aussie for conversation), we made our way home via their hotel - the fancy new Hilton by Jeff's Shed (colloquial term for Melbourne's Exhibition Building). More chin-wagging ensued. Thankfully the wine didn't.

A great night has culminated in me sitting here in front of my laptop after having climbed up our stairs thinking, 'I have to post my blog before midnight' - but too late - I've already turned into a pumpkin! My consolation is that it's still Thursday in some parts of the world right now and I am... okay with that.

What I am finding most fascinating about Project Grace 2010 is my unwavering commitment to this blog. I simply cannot say "that's enough for today". My husband's in bed snoozing while I'm tapping away on the keyboard, and yet that somehow feels perfect.

Am I crazy?

I cannot deny that my daily blogging has helped me through some really tough moments. I've dug up and healed old hurts, progressed though blocks, had a few laughs and even managed to inspire myself along the way. I'm scared that if I stop, I may not start again. So, I keep going come rain, hail or shine - or a plane load of Adelaideans!

Until tomorrow, if you have a commitment, stick to it - even if you've turned into a pumpkin.

Grace xx

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Change in focus, not intention

As you may know, I created 'Wednesday Weigh-In' to keep me on track.

I thought a weekly check in would keep me focused, knowing I'd have something to report.

However something wasn't right.

I decided many years ago that weighing oneself weekly was not always helpful in ones quest to trimming down. Contending with the psychological blows that accompany the inevitable fluctuations, often does more harm than good.

Scales are an inaccurate measure of one's true progress. This is because they do not measure fat, they measure weight... and weight is made up of a number of things, such as bodily fluids, muscles, bones, organs, skin, hair, nails - even un-excreted faeces! (not to mention clothes).

A true measure of fat loss is how your clothes fit and how your body feels. If you want measurements - look at centimetres and inches instead of kilo's, stones and pounds.

So with all this in mind, I had to do something that still kept me in check with weekly reporting, but was more in line with what I believe. So, I created Wednesday Wake Up!

Right now, I'm finding out why my body is resistant in burning fat (high insulin and under-active thyroid are major contributors) and learning how I can make adjustments to resolve these issues. I was instructed today to focus on stabilising my insulin first and foremost, then work on fat loss. But you know me, I love a challenge and to multi task ;-)

Until tomorrow, if something isn't working for you - change it!

Grace xx

Email subscribers, click here to view Wednesday Wake Up! video

Time Out

My husband invited me to join him on an overnight trip down the coast while he conducted some private MTB coaching.

He took one look at my grey-ghost complexion this morning and thought the fresh sea and mountain air would do me the world of good.

He was right.

I am taking time out to recharge and re-invigorate myself.

• First stop: Geelong foreshore to film today's Wednesday Weigh-In (done - though still waiting for it to upload to YouTube)
  
  
• Second Stop (depart in 5 minutes): You Yangs National Park (near Lara) to pick up Patrick, his client and their bikes
  
  
• Third Stop: Scotchman's Hill Winery (don't worry, I have a former life in the wine industry and spitting is the order of the day)
  
  
• Forth Stop: Forrest overnight (near Apollo Bay) via the Great Ocean Road
  

Until tomorrow, remember to give yourself permission for time out whenever necessary.

Grace xx

Bali Reflections

I love this photo.

It was taken in Bali last October while Patrick and I were cruising the island on a scooter. So much fun.

This photo reminds me of life, only I am soooooo tired after a massive day that I simply cannot conjure up words to do it any justice.

So I'm asking you to contribute... what does it symbolise to you? I'd love to hear your thoughts, ideas, feelings and so on.

Until tomorrow, remember that it's okay to ask others to assist when you're feeling tired.

Grace xx

PS. Made a video of my Power Smoothie this morning. Click here if you'd like to see what I look like when I get out of bed - fuzzy head!

Which weight will it be? (There's always an alternative)

I came across these photos the other day and I just love them! Obviously I want to share them with you, but feel they need to be accompanied by either a humorous story (lightweight) or life enhancing message (heavyweight).

So now you know how I come up with some of my posts - love a picture, then tell a story. It also goes the other way - love a story, then find (or create) a picture. I find this way (photo first) infinitely more intriguing (and challenging) as even I don't know where it's going.

So which weight will it be today? Hmmm, let's see...

The main photo was taken in January 2009, when I was snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Port Douglas. The stylish all-in-one Lycra outfit I'm donning is called a stinger suit, and is mandatory sea attire during 'stinger season' (October - April).

Stinger is the colloquial name for the potentially lethal Box Jellyfish that inhabit the reef. Their excruciating venom can kill victims if they're not immediately treated after being stung.

The smaller (round) photo was taken in 1998 when I was learning to SCUBA dive in our Fijian resort swimming pool. As it turned out, I wasn't able to equalise in one of my ears and consequently was never given the green light to dive (I have since discovered ear candling and plan to have another go).

Whilst I was frustrated over not being able to SCUBA dive, I realised there are other ways to explore the beauty of our underworld. Glass bottomed boats, underwater scooters and snorkeling are just some of the alternatives one can choose from.

I fell in love with snorkeling over coral reefs, which I'm fortunate to have experienced in Fiji, Jamaica, Thailand and of course, our great Great Barrier Reef. Despite the odd duck dive or three, I particularly like floating above the reef and colourful fish. When I'm totally relaxed I go into a meditative state, giving me an odd sense of flying. I could do it for hours, days and quite possibly weeks.

Finding alternatives is how we appease ourselves (lightweight) or conquer the limitations we face in our lives (heavyweight). Some of the most inspiring stories I have seen are of people with disabilities, disfigurements and disadvantages who have done the seemingly impossible by employing alternative means. For those of you who are up for a bit of heavyweight inspiration, please see the video below. Amazing.

Looks like my photos became lightweight approach in sending a heavyweight message.

Until tomorrow, may you find an alternative to whatever is limiting you - no matter whether it's lightweight, heavyweight or a little bit of both.

Grace xx

PS. This video makes my inability to equalise seem somewhat insignificant, yet the point remains the same - there's always an alternative.

Wednesday Weigh-In

If life begins at 40, then I guess you can say that this is my first ultrasound!

I'm starting something new...

I am venturing into the land of YouTube, and posting a video every Wednesday to track my progress.

The video says it all, so I'll stop typing now.

Until tomorrow... the video says it all (is there an echo in here... here... ere... ere...ere... )

Grace xx

Please note: No radio stars were killed during the making of this video ;-)

A picture tells a thousand words

Sometimes you come across something so funny, you simply can't keep it to yourself.

I laughed so hard when I saw this video (below) that I just had to show you.

I'm currently busy working on a 'beginner' website, which will be assessed next week as part of my web design course, so excuse me for today's brief post. Hopefully the hilarity will more than make up for it.

As you know, I tend to follow up light blogs with juicy ones to keep the overall balance - so stay tuned and watch this space!

Until tomorrow, may you continue to see the funny side of things - especially when they look like a sausage and two meatballs.

Grace xx

PS. I discovered how to create a search button AND a form where you can subscribe by email - woohoo! So, if you're looking for something I posted a while ago or would like to receive my blog posts in your inbox, go right ahead and use the new features (top left). Feeling very clever right now.