As it happens, the founder and CEO of the company I work for has two passions:
Wine and horses.
So, it only makes sense that a lady of her caliber, cleverly combines the two with business and schmoozes clients in a corporate suite at Royal Randwick Racecourse.
So, guess where I’ll be tomorrow?
When it comes to punting horses, my level of knowledge is nix.
As a working, single gal, Melbourne Cup was just an excuse to scoot to the pub at lunch time and not come back to the office until the next day. Notwithstanding, hungover. (Damn you Victorians getting the entire day off!)
I’ve never even won a bet. Maybe I have but the winnings would’ve been a pittance.
I just don’t have it in me to take the risk to bet big or against the odds.
I never want to be at a loss, I’m satisfied to end the day breaking even.
There are those who earnestly study the racing guides, precariously picking the right horse, fervently figuring out the odds and calculating the possible winnings in their head.
How do they know? How can they predict? Where’s the guarantee?
Having been to a couple of these corporate functions now, I pretty much stick to what I know best (socializing and schmoozing) and leave the gambling to the experts.
Tomorrow will be my third attendance at the races. I’m nowhere closer to comfortably making a decent sized bet. I just don’t have it in me. I’d rather spend my money on shoes.
Preparing for the event, I briefly toyed with the idea that this time, maybe I should be a little more daring; take on more of a devil may care attitude.
The thing is, there have many instances in my life when I have.
I’ve packed my bags for far off rural Japan, not knowing a single soul let alone speak the local dialect, yet somehow still establishing a new life for myself.
Accepting sales jobs that were way beyond my capacity, making up for the lack of experience with the grand ambition to give it a red hot go.
And let’s not forget marriage. Now, people will say the just know when they’ve met The One. As lovely as that romantic notion is, it’s still just a hunch. A leap in blind faith and unconditional, selfless love.
So, maybe I’m not a party pooper at the races after all. Maybe all the punting I do in life makes up for it.
In life or at the races, do you like to take a punt? What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken? Do you have an unhealthy obsession with shoes too?
1. Follow With Some Grace.
2. Sign up to the awesome Digital Parents community ( if you haven’t already done so). DP was created by Brenda Gaddi who happens to be the creator of FYBF. She’s also created 4 gorgeous kidlets. In case you’d like to know. Or maybe not. But we’ll share that info just the same.
3. Add your post URL to the FYBF linky. Please only link up one post.
4. Grab the funky FYBF button and post it on your sidebar. Help spread the blogfloggin love.
5. Visit the blogs of your fellow FYBF’ers and share the comment love
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit says
Yes re the shoes!
The Husb and I do like to go to the local races. I don’t bet though. Well, I do … because Husband strongly encourages me to make a wager. So I’ll punt $2. BIG gambler.
Loving those red shoes!
I need red shoes. To go with my red lipstick.
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit recently posted..Day 2172 – Misophonia
Amy @ handbagmafia says
I used to have a bet on Cup Day but these days no way- too many unethical practices in racing that I previously didn’t know about. I can’t support it. I don’t judge others who do- but it’s not for me. I do love a good fascinator though!
Amy @ handbagmafia recently posted..A New Minister for Women?
mamagrace71 says
I agree with the unethical practices, Amy. I’ve heard some disgusting stories 🙁
Ingrid @ fabulous and fun life says
I don’t know anything about racing and I’ve never been. I would like to go but I’d be more interested in looking around at the fashion than the horses!
Ingrid @ fabulous and fun life recently posted..BeautyHeaven’s Best In Beauty Market Place Event
Desire Empire says
A great way to do business. I hope you found the GG spot.
Carolyn
Desire Empire recently posted..Bright Star Kids Back Pack Product Review
Haidee@Maybe Baby Brothers says
Melbourne Cup day is the only day I ever take a punt on the horses, I get caught up in the excitement with 3 male workmates! I have yet to win anything though.
Haidee@Maybe Baby Brothers recently posted..The Weekly Sum Up (#4)
JodY At Six Little Hearts says
Back in the company manager days, this was how we entertained clients in the advertising industry. A tad envious Grace but gosh, enjoy the perks and those shoes! X
JodY At Six Little Hearts recently posted..Sweet Elephants Review – Educational Toys for Kids and a Giveaway #SLHFeaturedThursdays
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
I can’t say I know anything about racing Grace, but ……those shoes!! Enjoy x
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen recently posted..how you see you
mamagrace71 says
It ended up being a fun day, Lisa! And I even learned a little about punting 🙂
Caroline raj @ MAMMA RAJ SAS says
Ooooh what a fun day ahead and I just love those shoes. As for punts, dating a man in a different country and then having him move in with you within 6 months was a punt – but it worked out now we are married with 2 kids!
Caroline raj @ MAMMA RAJ SAS recently posted..Dettol and a Housewife with L Plates #ReviewRoundUp
natalie @ Our Parallel Connection says
I love a little floor, especially on the weekend. I am in a betting syndicate with a few friends and we have a great time. Oh, and I love a day at the races but the bubbly always gets to me (maybe one day I will not blame the bubbly).
natalie @ Our Parallel Connection recently posted..I am having an affair â how do I explain the fresh flowers delivered?
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
I’m happy to leave the punts to the pros, I’d rather enjoy the wine time (and the shoes!) I think you’re right, life is full of punts. I’ve taken a few big ones, internet dating, marrying someone I met from internet dating and moving across the world to live in Australia. I’m pleased to say I’ve had more luck in life than I’ve ever had at the races!
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid recently posted..She’s So Inspiring – Emily Hawker
Nelia says
You can always tell an expert! Thanks for coniirbuttng.
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile says
Hahaha a big fat yes to the shoe obsession! I’m really bad at betting – I never put on more than $5 and thats only once a year at the Melbourne Cup lol. I just hate the thought of losing money for nothing!!!! Much rather buy some more shoes! Have a fab day! xx
Zoe Meunier says
I’m all for the shoes… and yours are just beautiful. The only problem with racing is that you wear these gorgeous high heels and then invariably spend the day standing up. Not a good combination for me, especially when combined with bubbles. Such a strong urge to throw them off before the day’s end (and dance around my handbag).
Zoe Meunier recently posted..40 Weeks To A Better Cook: Week 17
Eva @ The Multitasking Mummy says
Those shoes are amazing, I love them…LOTS! In terms of taking a punt on horses, no way..wouldn’t have a clue and wouldn’t want to take the risk. The most I think I’ve ever ‘gambled’ has been about $10 on the pokies yet the most I’ve won has been $50 on a $2 investment and it was all about luck. I just pushed whatever buttons and it just happened to work! As for shoes, I’d love to have heaps of lovely shoes but just don’t have the budget!
Eva @ The Multitasking Mummy recently posted..Toddler Interview: 28 Questions
Vanessa says
I was never a big better but what put me off pretty much forever was entering a melb cup sweeps at a job I was bored at and seeing “my” money go to a person I really didn’t like.
Vanessa recently posted..Why Is There No Life In Our Lifestyle Blogs?
Min@WriteoftheMiddle says
I’d rather buy shoes then put my money on races too! BTW – love those shoes!! You do make up for it in other ways Grace – you’ve had so many fabulous life experiences! 🙂 xo
Min@WriteoftheMiddle recently posted..The story of a sea change
Kaz @ Melting Moments says
Love the shoes! I have been to the races quite a few times and only bet a couple of times. I love the atmosphere at RRC! Enjoy!
Kaz @ Melting Moments recently posted..WWU – Going Bananas (and an egg + dairy free banana bread recipe)
Denyse says
I hope it’s a wonderful day. I haven’t really been a shoe person ..feet are the problem and I would always go comfort over fashion but my mum (and my DD) love(d) shoes. Mum had soooo many! Back to the horsies. I have been to one horse race meeting – the Hillston Picnic Races – and it was B O R I N G. That said, I can see the appeal of the whole ‘going to the races’ thing for socialising, checking out the celebs and all that. Members of my family like to go to the races. I missed that one in my genetic makeup…however I do like a punt and go for names/colours/numbers…but haven’t put a bet on Melb Cup for years. Something to do with no money to ‘waste’. Hope the weather gods are kind tomorrow G enjoy!xx
Denyse recently posted..Small Town Memorial. 260/365.
Raych aka Mystery Case says
We only really have a punt on the Melbourne Cup and even then, I usually need help filling in the form. Strange really given both my mother and grandmother have a real obsession with punting.
Raych aka Mystery Case recently posted..TPFF2015 – Wait a minute let me take you there…
Ashlea @ Glamour Coastal Living says
Those red heels are amazingly, mind blowingly, good!
I am not much of a races fan, never placed a bet or understood it – but I do love any excuse to dress up!
Have fun:)
Ashlea @ Glamour Coastal Living recently posted..Feature Friday:The power of Paint & Natural Light
Ai Sakura says
It’s fun to take a gamble at the races sometimes but important for people to know that it CAN be addictive (even though they think it may not happen to them) and be destructive to their lives and family. But whatever it is, have fun tomorrow and do post your OOTD!! Those are gorgeous shoes!
Ai Sakura recently posted..Weekend Getaway | Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel Anniversary Staycation ♥
Erika @ Ever-changing Life of a Mum says
Love those shoes Grace. I’m not a big fan of horseracing but living in Melbourne I always enjoy having a little flutter on the Melbourne Cup. I even backed the winner a few years in a row there, not that I bet much money 🙂 It’s more of a fun day to relax, have a barbecue and enjoy a few drinks with family and friends 🙂 Have a great day tomorrow!
Erika @ Ever-changing Life of a Mum recently posted..“Mum, I’m not bored”: encouraging unstructured school holiday play
Sally@Toddlers on Tour says
I suppose when you think about it life is just one great bid gamble.
You don’t have to visit the races or casino.
As you mentioned there is marriage, also, the house that you buy, the job that you leave to take another.
As humans we are forever weighing up the risk of the bet.
Obviously you and me too the risk of loosing $100 isn’t worth not having those shoes.
Sally@Toddlers on Tour recently posted..Photo Flashbacks – Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Review
Fairlie says
The races can be a lot of fun – but for me it’s all about the fashion and the theatre of it, less about the horses and the gambling. And I share previous commenters’ concerns about some of the practices, and the fact that gambling can be so addictive and ruin lives. If I’m actually at the races I will usually do some small bets (like $2 small…) and I like to do box quinellas which sound complex, but really aren’t!
Fairlie recently posted..Show the world your home town with the #feetonmyhometown Instagram Challenge
Robyna | The Mummy and the MInX says
I always love a day at the races. It goes like this: Dress Up, Get Pretty, Go to Races and look at everyone else looking pretty, Drink, Drink Some More, Drink Some More, Maybe go see horses in stables, Drink Some More. It doesn’t every seem to involve a lot of betting or actually watching the races 🙂
Robyna | The Mummy and the MInX recently posted..Self Belief: Turning around the things that limit us
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
Gambling is such a throw away, I have give it a go when thrown into the situation but not with big splashes of money. I do ‘gamble’ in real life though, I threw caution to the wind and moved to Thailand for a year on a whim. 🙂
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages recently posted..My Friday Favourites: My Little Adventures
Bec Senyard says
I only bet what I can afford to lose and I only do it on Melbourne Cup Day. And 80% of the time I win. I choose by the sound of the name rather than the form. But after last years race, and two horses dying, I’m not sure I will be placing a bet this year. I mostly enjoy the hype of the fashions on the field. I love seeing women dressed up in their finest at the races.
Bec Senyard recently posted..Learning to be on my own side
EssentiallyJess says
I’ve never understood races but having said that, I’ve never gone to any kind of racing event either.
I do love those shoes though!
EssentiallyJess recently posted..Practically Perfect
Kirsty @ My Home Truths says
I have to confess that I’m not a fan of gambling or going to the races. On the one time that we went to our local track, I was literally bored out of my brain. I have no interest in betting on anything and instead ended up concentrating on the sea of humanity and the increasing craziness I witnessed as the afternoon went on. However I suspect my experience may have been more positive had I been in a corporate box 😉 Have a great day tomorrow!
Kirsty @ My Home Truths recently posted..How to get noticed at a conference
Charlene @ Teacher by trade Mother by nature says
My Papa owned a few racing horses and would often be at the TAB placing bets too. He was very in tune with horses and now that trait has been passed down to my brother. My family used to go to the Boxing Day Races, and me and brothers would place a $1 bet or two. It was always a fun day out. I miss those days. I take part in the Melbourne Cup sweepstakes at work, which is always fun too.
Charlene @ Teacher by trade Mother by nature recently posted..Organising My Home: WEEK TWO #31Days2GetOrganized
Toni @ Finding Myself Young says
I don’t like to bet either because I’m too scared I’ll lose money. Although I will play the free bingo and poker games on facebook lol. I guess I take more risks in life {leaving my controlling ex was a BIG risk and it paid off immensely}.
Toni @ Finding Myself Young recently posted..Dairy free banana muffins
Vicki @ Knocked Up and Abroad says
I’m not much a races kinda gal, nor betting but I’m all about those shoes!! Divine! I used to have a very unhealthy obsession with shoes when I worked in the shoe department at Myer. I spent my pay cheque every time before I even got to see the money!
Vicki @ Knocked Up and Abroad recently posted..The Fourth Trimester
Lisa wielgosz says
I enjoy a good day at the races! Living overseas I miss the Melbourne Cup festival, though Dubai has a good race scene (no betting though). I guess the biggest risk I have ever taken has been moving away from Australia.
Love those shoes!
Lisa wielgosz recently posted..Good Morning Vienna!
Peachy keen mumma says
Mine definitely has to do with travel. When I was 19 I went across Europe by myself, and when I was 20 I moved to Australia. Thankfully they spoke English. Having been to Japan I am more than impressed you were willing to move to a rural area with out the language. Wow. Have fun today.
Peachy keen mumma recently posted..The Impossible Market Newcastle