A new grade three teacher in the small West Australian town of Merriden changed Nelly Thomas’ life – simply by telling her students they could be anything they wanted to be. Up until then, says Thomas, she didn’t know of anyone with “options”.

In an exploration of her identity, of how she ended up the person she is today, Thomas regales with tales of her family and background, her various recreations of choice, and her variety of jobs (there’s been thirty-six of them so far). There’s stacks on the BMX track, wool that needs to be picked from dead sheep, truckies expert in French deconstructionism, chicken costumes, a life at sea, and prank calls at the Gay and Lesbian Helpline.

With so many options, how is anyone supposed to know what choices to make? Sometimes, bamboozled by choice, we find it too easy to coast along, or to stare into the oncoming headlights. As Thomas points out, “Options can fuck with your head.” But giving it a go – attempting that last BMX hurdle, putting on that chicken costume, encountering that donkey on the fourteenth floor – is half the fun.

Nelly’s got a nicely laid-back and gracious style, with the girl from the country still present in her manner despite years in the city. There’s a knowing smile and at times rather droll delivery (“That wasn’t a joke, it was some information for you.”) that makes me wonder how she did so badly in those numerous sales jobs. I’d probably let Thomas sell me insulation.