I first met Samuel Johnson last year, after enrolling in the Howard Fine Acting Studio master class. World-renowned teacher Howard Fine was himself visiting Australia to teach this course and it seemed like an incredible opportunity to hone my rather limited acting skills. Sam was assigned as my ‘scene partner’ and knowing his enormous talent from watching him for years on the hit TV show ‘The Secret Life of Us’, I was a tad daunted at the prospect of working with him.
Luckily for me, Sam has an extremely generous spirit, and was patient and encouraging with my lack of expertise. It was an absolute delight working with him and I’ll be forever grateful for his support. Getting up in front of an audience, knowing your performance is to be critiqued shortly afterwards, is terrifying and I was reassured that Sam also found the experience, not only rewarding, but nerve-wracking.
But if you think that sounds challenging, wait till you hear about Sam’s next project. It is truly inspirational.
Tragically, Sam’s sister Connie is dying of breast cancer. In a bid to raise awareness and ONE MILLION DOLLARS for the Garvan Institute to conduct research, Sam is going to set a new world record – riding around Australia on a unicycle. You’d think riding a bike alone would be tough enough – but on such an ungainly contraption? Sam’s aim is to break the Guinness Book of Records world record for the longest distance covered on a unicycle.
The launch is going to be massive and you’re all invited. It’s kicking off just after midday in Federation Square in Melbourne, on Friday, February 15th. Put it in your diary now! Sam wants as many people as possible to turn up, to form a human corridor for him to ride through and cheer him on his way for the start of his epic journey.
It will be a stirring event, with a 40-strong drumming band from Mornington High School beating out their support as well as other entertainment. And while the drums beat louder and louder and the cheering from the crowds reaches a crescendo, Sam will ride off the stage, through the human corridor, to begin a ride that may take the entire year.
Channel Ten’s The Project is also supporting Sam’s ride and will be covering the launch with a feature piece that evening, as well as stories during the course of Sam’s ride. Sam’s thrilled to have the program’s backing, knowing how important it is to raise national awareness for his mission to be a success.
There’ll also be a one-hour program on Network Ten, documenting his ride when he finishes. Sam’s first port of call is Melton, before heading off to Adelaide and then Darwin.
It’s taken a long time for the ride to become a reality. Much planning and sponsorship sourcing has been taking place, ever since Sam and Connie came up with the idea.
‘My sister, Connie, was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago,’ he said. ‘As often happens, this brought us all closer and we were keen to find a way to turn the negative into a positive. In facing her own mortality, my sister was forced to confront the issue of her legacy. She’s determined to leave a large one. And she’s desperate to prevent even just one other young mother from befalling the same fate.’
Connie has two young boys – Willoughby and Hamilton – aged five and six years old.
‘Not being able to see that through is obviously a cause of great pain and sorrow for her,’ said Sam. ‘In a way, this event we’ve hatched together serves as a way to show the kids the kind of spirit she encompasses. It’s not just something to keep her ‘up’ as she goes down… It’s not just an appeal for every woman in the land to be breast aware. It’s a chance for us to prove together to our families that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. No matter how bad the situation is.’
I was curious as to why Sam chose a unicycle as his form of transport. Turns out he’s already taken a long trip on a unicycle – riding from Sydney to Melbourne to raise money for the children’s cancer charity, Canteen, which helped Connie in her early years. Connie is not only battling breast cancer now – she survived two earlier bouts of cancer when a child. On that ride alone, Sam raised half a million dollars.
‘Obviously, with her diagnosis being so grim, we needed a concept that gave us the best way to remind every mum in the land to be breast aware. One of the best ways we could think of to do that was to go around the country and engage directly with communities.’
For Sam, the unicycle gives him a point of difference and attracts a lot of media interest. ‘I had to find something that hadn’t been done before,’ he said. ‘Otherwise I’m just another charity gig.’
The unicycle itself poses many difficult challenges. It’s much slower than a regular bike, so Sam will be in the saddle for up to EIGHT HOURS A DAY. Sam admits he prefers riding a bicycle but is willing to do it tough if it makes his mission a success. ‘There’s a greater margin for error with a unicycle and it requires an enormous amount of concentration and physical aptitude,’ he said.
A good point, I thought. So what happens when the going gets rough – when he’s faced with rocky dirt roads – and God knows, there are plenty of those circling our sunburnt country. Sam just smiled.’ Well of course they’ll hurt the ball-ios a bit more. And it sounds strange, but you get used to the pain.’
Ouch. Doesn’t sound like fun… I’m just starting to get a sense of how physically testing this journey is actually going to be. Sam though, is well aware of what he’s in for. ‘It’s going to be extremely painful and painfully extreme,’ he said. ‘But I won’t be enduring half of what my sister is going through.’
Sam’s training schedule has been arduous. He’s had to achieve an almost professional level of fitness to be able to conduct the ride over the distance he’s planning. ‘It sounds incredibly simple, but in amongst all the madness of putting my life on hold to organise this event, I’ve got to constantly remind myself that fitness is paramount. I cannot condition my body enough for this task. But I’ve got to be sure that on Day One, I’m the fittest I can be. As well, psychologically it’s going to be an amazing test.’
For this purpose, Sam gave up smoking and drinking several months ago, and says he’s enjoying his fitter lifestyle. Lunching at Riva, there wasn’t a ciggie in sight, nor did a drop of alcohol pass his lips.
I asked Sam if he’d miss acting while taking a year off and would he return to it when the ride was done. ‘Who knows what I’ll want at the end of this crazy thing?’ he said. ‘I imagine I’ll essentially stay the same person. After all, I don’t know how to do anything else, so I don’t know what else I’d go back to. But I can only think of the bike ride right now.’
So is he confident he’ll actually make it around Australia? Does he hold any doubts? ‘Healthy doubt, yes. True doubt – no,’ he said firmly. I believe him.
It’s a delicate question, but I asked Sam if time is of essence – given Connie’s condition. ‘I’d like Connie to be there at the finish line,’ he said.’The fantasy for me is that I cross the finish line in to her arms and she’s crying with pride and she’s still alive. As most people if professional sport will tell you, fairytales rarely happen, and I certainly don’t expect her to be there at the finish line, but we can hope.’
Sam’s hope stems from the fact that Connie has already defied medical predictions for her health. ‘But once she goes downhill, I suspect it will happen within weeks. Should she die while I’m doing the ride, I’d fly back for her funeral then fly straight back to continue on the road an push even harder. We’ve talked about that. Either way, she knows I’ll finish it.’
As I said, Sam’s mission and attitude are truly inspirational. I know I’ll be there cheering him on when he heads off from Federation Square. I’ll hope you’ll join me.
————————————————————————————————
If you’d like to donate to support Sam, visit his website, Love Your Sister at http://loveyoursister.org
And to keep up-to-date with all the news about Sam’s epic journey, check his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/loveyoursister
I blame that seductive Gold Class cinema. How dare it be such a perfect host – wrapping me up in the comfort of those cushioning lounges, dim lights, luscious food and wine, transporting me to another world of cinematic fantasy – no wonder my defences were down!
For twenty-six days, I stuck firmly to the NO SUGAR – ONE LINE RULE diet, but an evening at the movies last night defeated me…
Knowing I was going out with friends, I’d deliberately stuck to a healthy diet all day. Muesli and yoghurt for breakfast, a can of tuna and Cruskits for lunch, cashews for a snack, plus homemade protein balls – making sure I ate nothing containing more than five per cent sugar.
I’d had an alcohol-free day, the day before, so was delighted when I spied a bottle of one of my favourite chardonnays – Shaw and Smith – on the Gold Class menu. Wine doesn’t come into my version of a sugar-free diet, so I thought I’d treat myself while watching the movie. And Gold Class is like flying first-class on an airline – just as comfy and uber-indulgent, but much more affordable…
Sucked into a world of make-believe and happily scoffing back my wine, it didn’t take long to forget about my sugar-free diet. Now I know I’ve had wine on many occasions while sticking to this diet, but I think it’s the combination of wine and being IN THE DARK and watching a movie, that led to my next mistake.
Towards the end of the movie, a friend passed along a box of another of my favourite treats – CHOC TOP ICE-CREAMS!! Without thinking, eyes still glued to the screen, I reached out and grabbed one, whipped off the cellophane and chomped away. After the first mouthful, the realisation hit me.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING????? DAMN! Too late. So of course, I finished it.
So there you have it. I will never be like Emma the Guru who hasn’t had a lolly for seven years. (see Friday’s blog) She has the resolve of a nun. But I DID last TWENTY-SIX DAYS!! I shouldn’t be too hard on myself. I knew I’d have to break sooner or later. And you know what, that Choc Top was the best Choc Top I’ve ever eaten in my life. Bloody well worth it.
Back on sugar-free band wagon today. Will keep you posted.
Christmas is barely done and dusted and already the shops are over-flowing with chocolate hearts and mushy greeting cards. I’ve always loved Valentine’s Day. Despite so many people whinging that it’s a load of commercial claptrap, I think if you’re given half a reason to celebrate a loving relationship with one of your nearest and dearest, then why the hell not?
But I’m well aware there are many cynics out there who despise the date and loathe doing ANYTHING to celebrate. It can be particularly problematical if you’re in a relationship where one partner WANTS to do something and the other doesn’t. Well guys, HERE’S THE SOLUTION!!
Make your Valentine’s Day about giving to a good cause – raising funds for heart research – and what more appropriate a charity for Valentine’s Day? To raise funds for St Vincent’s Hospital.
Rather than forking out for an expensive dinner and gifts, but two tickets to this wonderful cocktail party – jam-packed with prizes and an amazing goodie bag – and your problems are solved. Morally, you’re doing the ‘right thing’ and at the same time, indulging your partner’s need for a romantic night out. And there will be romance – don’t worry – I’m part of the organising committee.
Just some of The Sisterhood committee – Jill McKenna, Rachel Holland, Kristen Kennedy, Kate McGrath, Suzy Harris, me, Amber Petty and Karen Grigg at The Long Room, 162 Collins Street, Melbourne
Formed more than a year ago, The Sisterhood is made up of a bunch of dynamic Melbourne women who want to ‘make a difference’. I was chuffed to be asked to join them. (when I say dynamic – I mean them, not me – I just write a Blog) Last year we held our inaugural ‘girls only’ cocktail party that was a smashing success and a ripper of a night. It was limited in numbers though and tickets sold out very quickly.
This time we’re including blokes, so all couples can come along. Plus it’s going to be held at The Deck, at The Prince in St Kilda – arguably Melbourne’s coolest function venue. But again, we are limited in numbers, so if you want to come along, get on-line quick and purchase a couple of tickets. There are a few surprises in store in terms of entertainment, and there will be a DJ at the end of the evening so you can work up a sweat on the dance floor.
I met with the girls this week on Wednesday night to thrash out the nuts and bolts of the night and I know it’s going to be amazing. We met at The Long Room in the city and I’ve got to say, what a fabulous venue THAT is! Because we had a long list of business items to address, it was great to be at a restaurant that can serve up plates of sensational finger food – SO much easier to manage with a group – so we weren’t too distracted by food from the tasks at hand. We had a great night – which is why I know the Valentine’s Party will be huge – get this group cracking with a guest list and watch out! There’s already a huge buzz about the night and it’s wonderful to know people are right behind the cause.
Heart disease is still the biggest killer (medically speaking) in Australia, but there’s not much fund-raising or attention to the issue out there, so we’re hoping to address that. Just about everyone on the committee has a family member affected by heart issues. For me, my Dad had a pace-maker fitted last year, then complications meant further surgery this year.
I really hope you’ll join us on Valentine’s Day to support this fantastic and extremely worthwhile cause, as well as being able to have a brilliant night. See you at The Deck!
The more I talk with Emma Dumas about the sugar-free ONE LINE RULE diet, the more respect I have for her knowledge and advice. Henceforth, from here on, I will refer to Emma only as Emma the Guru. (and for newbies, the ONE LINE RULE diet means you can only eat products that contain five per cent or less sugar -always check the nutrition label on all products!)
I’ve been trying to stick to the ONE LINE RULE diet since New Year’s Eve. I’ve only broken it once – inadvertently – but it is tough. I REALLY miss my chocolate and cakes. And ice-cream. Another reason I call Emma – Emma the Guru – is that she hasn’t eaten ONE lolly or chocolate in seven years. Which is quite phenomenal. In a bow-down-and-scrape-WOW kinda way. Because I am a serious sugar addict.
Emma also sells one of the only breakfast cereals on the market, THE MUESLI, which is practically sugar-free. It’s mostly sold at exclusive health stores. You can find your nearest stockist by going to The Muesli’s website at http://themuesli.com.au Emma the Guru’s range is spreading far and wide. From this summer, you can now find The Muesli -even as far away as Lorne at a super cute health shop called Lorne Greens. Yep, I was there and saw it on the shelf. Very impressed!
And no, I am not paid to write this. I bought my own The Muesli at a local health shop yesterday. Emma is a friend, and I am supporting her product because I believe in it and I don’t ask for freebies. And it tastes bloody good. I can’t find anything else that comes close. If you can – let me know.
But it’s now 24 days into this ONE LINE RULE diet and it’s getting a bit boring. I’m also a bit worried that in order to compensate for the lack of sugary treats in my life, I’m over-indulging in every protein bar under five per cent sugar on the planet. This can’t be good – can it? I decided I needed to talk with Emma the Guru for some more advice – and hopefully inspiration – to keep me on the straight and narrow.
Here’s how our chat went:
Jen: So I suppose it’s not good that I’m eating so many protein bars and sugar substitute treats, is it? Emma: My belief is that the sugar addiction is very much based on that sweet taste which is what you crave. So if you can, try and get away from needing to supplement that sweet taste and ultimately that craving should go away. But in the beginning, particularly if you have been quite addicted, definitely take the odd substitute and have a couple of Jols or something.
Jen: Are protein balls okay? Emma: I think so. But I also make some great protein balls that have chocolate protein powder and raspberries in them. The kids love them in school lunches.
I had to interrupt our interview at this point, because the instant I heard about these protein balls, I just had to have the recipe. (That magic word ‘chocolate’ did the trick) Especially knowing what a good cook Emma the Guru is…
Ingredients: The Muesli (of course..) -2 cups
Fresh raspberries – 1 cup
Tahini – 3 to 4 tablespoons
Protein powder – 2 to 3 tablespoons (like Donna Aston’s Protein Supreme chocolate flavour)
Cocoa – a tablespooon
Sweetener – optional
If you’re a really big sweet tooth (like me) you may also want to throw in a spoonful of a sweetener like Stevia. Emma says you mix the whole lot up in a big bowl. The tahini makes everything stick, so you can then roll it up into small balls and place on a tray in the fridge to set.
It’s messy to make and you’ll start to feel like a mud wrestler, but on the upside, you get to lick your fingers.
Jen: I’ve given up so much. Why aren’t I losing weight? What am I doing wrong? Too much alcohol? Too many protein bars? Emma: I firmly believe that over time, you will absolutely lose weight. You will see it happen. It may just be a slower progression for some.
Jen: Well I suppose I have lost half a kilo. Emma: Well half a kilo is good! And you really haven’t had to put yourself out too much to lose it.
Jen: What else could I do to help? Emma: The other thing would be to cut out processed carbs. Anything white really. Processed breads, any processed foods. And generally the ONE LINE RULE cuts out loads of processed foods anyway. But if you do want to accelerate your weight loss a little bit, just cut out processed foods and anything white – potato, rice, pastry and definitely avoid pasta.
Jen: Generally speaking, what is your diet? Do you eat The Muesli for breakfast all the time? Emma: I do! I eat The Muesli every day.
Jen: What about morning tea? Emma: No. I find myself sitting at my desk and find myself thinking, “God, I’m starving!” but by then it’s one o’clock in the afternoon and time for lunch. And that is the first time I’ve thought about food because The Muesli seriously fills me up. I might think to have a cup of tea, but I really never eat anything till lunchtime.
Jen: So what do you have for lunch? Emma: Lunch for me would be something from the fridge – mix up a whole lot of rocket with tuna or salmon and avocado. Or leftovers. I’m a big fan of leftovers. But I think if you’re modifying your diet and avoiding processed foods, then as long as you have a serve of protein and a big serve of salad, you’ll be fine and you will eventually lose weight. And cook a bit extra for dinner – like a bit of extra chicken of fillet and then you can eat that for lunch the next day.
Jen: How important is exercise?
Emma: Oh, I ‘m a big believer in exercise – as much for your mind as anything else. But while exercise helps, I think we lose sight of the fact that losing weight and keeping your body the way you want it is 95% about what you put into your mouth. So yes, I exercise most days – walking and pilates – but first and foremost, I watch what goes into my mouth.
Jen: I love snacks though. So any tips for that problem? Emma: Well the protein balls we just talked about are good. Or some cheese. And blinis. (small pancakes) Make these with rolled oats or oat bran – I even grind up some of The Muesli – mix that with some egg and yoghurt, salt and pepper and make little blinis. These are divine with smoked salmon, cream cheese and capers.
Jen: What advice can you give me to keep going and stick with this sugar free mission? Emma: It always depends on just how bad your addiction is. You’ve just got to keep telling yourself that it is an addiction and that it is something inflicted on us by a food industry that will keep on doing it. Everywhere you go, we have sweet treats on shelves in shops, shoved in our faces. It is tough. But the health benefits are massive and you will feel so much better.
Okay. I’m convinced. I’m going to stick with this sugar free mission for a bit longer. Especially now I have the recipe for those chocolate protein balls!! I’ve got a whole tray of them in the fridge now. Enough writing – time for a snack!
(p.s. For the recipe, Emma the Guru recommends using Donna Aston’s chocolate protein powder called ‘Protein Supreme’ as others on the market are loaded with sugar. Donna’s on-line store is at http://www.donnaaston.com/store/index.php?category=3)
I declared myself a vegetarian when I was nine. It all stemmed from a bad case of food poisoning. I was convinced the cause was ‘bad meat’, so went off it for a bit. Then I decided it was ‘cool’ to tell everyone I was a vegetarian. Which led to much scoffing and disbelief – especially from my older brothers. Determined to prove them wrong, I stuck to my guns and didn’t eat the stuff till I moved out of home into a shared house NINE YEARS LATER where it was easier to feast with the tribe.
Australia Day Lamb Dinner at Breezes, Crown (photo by Michael Tan)
Truth be told, I’d been craving red meat all those years I lived at home. BBQs were hell. I secretly salivated over the aroma, wishing I’d never been so loud with my vegetarian boast. These days I don’t need to pretend anymore, so was delighted to be invited to the annual Australia Day Dinner hosted by the nation’s lamb ambassador, the inimitable Sam Kekovich.
Being a balmy evening, the crowd gathered in the courtyard to soak up some Aussie sun, sipping pre-dinner drinks and devouring lamb nibbles before being invited into the marquee. Here are a few of the lucky ones invited along:
Magali and Brad Nonnenmacher (photo by Michael Tan)
Guests were then ushered into a beautifully decked out marquee, lined with Aussie flags. Sam’s voice could be heard above all, welcoming his special guests and telling everyone how he’d cut short his holiday in New York to make sure he could be at the dinner. It couldn’t be an official lamb occasion without the man – he’s been the face of Aussie lamb for years – known for his signature rants and politically incorrect sense of humour.
Not long into the function Sam introduced his latest lamb campaign – LAMBNESIA. He’s calling on all Australians to take the test and see how ‘Australian’ you really are. Just click on to the Lamnesia website at http://lambnesia.com.au to take the test – it only takes a minute or two and is a bit of fun.
There were games to be had on the night too – ‘Celebrity Head’ where ‘real’ celebrity guests were invited on to the stage and take part – Stephen Quartermain one of the quickest to spot his alter ego was none other than our Grand-Dame Edna Everage.
Although normally a chardonnay fan, I found the Shiraz complimented the lamb perfectly. And if you peer closely enough through the glass, you can see the little fella on the other side that I took home as my souvenir from a highly entertaining evening. Happy Australia Day!
(p.s. Yes, I KNOW Australia Day is in 3 days time – just kicking off festivities early!)
