Gumboots with my business suit?

This might seem like an odd question, until you consider that I’m a personal stylist who lives on a country property. Anyone who lives out of town will understand. Dirt roads, gates, livestock, mud and manure …

So how do I make the ‘gumboots to business suit’ transformation?

Rule 1 - Be prepared

I keep my ‘gumboots to business suits’ kit in my car. The kit contains wet wipes, shoe cleaning wipes, sturdy shoes, riggers’ gloves, drinking water, bottle opener, muesli bars, lint roller, clothes brush, clothes repair kit, raincoat with hood, outdoor-type jacket (winter), sunscreen with insect repellant and a fold-up sun hat (summer), scissors, first aid kit, deodorant, dental floss, foundation and mascara, charging cable/s, a towel or blanket, shopping and produce bags, an Esky.

Make a list of what you need to do while you’re out and what you need to take. It’s probably more than a five-minute trip back home. And if you’re like me, you don’t drive all the way to town every day.

I always allow extra time for travel in case of stock movements on the roads, roadworks (always welcome in the country), fallen trees, trucks blocking the roads, catching up with neighbours at the gates and/or letterbox, assisting other drivers in trouble or injured wildlife.

Rule 2 - Be adaptable

As mentioned above, allow extra time and expect the unexpected. Rural and regional communities are very tight-knit and we’re always ready to lend a hand. Always have a Plan B (and C…) in case you need to re-organise your day. I’ll sometimes give a neighbour a lift, do errands or shop for them. So I always have extra shopping bags, produce bags and a large Esky in the car. Know your alternate routes in case the road is closed or impassable.

Rule 3 - Be philosophical

My dog is pretty philosophical. Some days we don’t walk to the creek crossing because it’s too wet or windy. She doesn’t complain (too much) and comforts herself in front of the fire. I’ve learned that it’s easier and more relaxing to be like my dog; when things don’t go to plan, I do something else. Life is unexpected and sometimes uncontrollable. My response to life is my choice. And I choose philosophical acceptance of those things I can’t control.

So, when I emerge from my car only partially transformed from the gumboots-wearing, mud spattered, fur and straw-coated woman I left home as, I figure that I’ll clean myself up as best as I can and go get ‘em.

Some days, real women wear gumboots with their business suits.