I am not funny, China is funny.: Melbourne Cup

Tuesday was the day of the much anticipated Melbourne Cup. I should give you a preview of the activities leading up to the festivities, though.

On Monday, after a restless night of sleep due to the pool pump, I decided to treat myself to a manicure. I should have known everyone in town would be doing the same thing due to the Cup being the very next day! After touring the mall, I decided to find the shortest line to get my nails done. Note to self: Do not find the shortest line! Nyenahjsuang (I am sure that is not how you spell it) went straight to work on my nails. She talked (in a language I didn’t understand) the whole time and ripped away at my cuticles. I was prepared to put Neosporin on my fingers, straight away! I was pretty certain whatever she was saying in her language was naughty as the “head lady” kept giving her the evil eye. At one point the head lady said, “Nyenahjsuang, you take lunch?!” All I could think was, “Wait, My nails aren’t painted yet!” No worries, my nails were finished. The only problem was getting in the car. I carefully found my keys in my purse and clicked the unlock button. As I opened the door, I realized (ONCE AGAIN) that I was on the wrong side of the car. In an instant, my newly polished nails were ruined. I didn’t squeal, but I flicked my hand around so quickly to shut the door that I ruined my perfectly manicured left hand. One day, I will master my friend Janelle’s maneuver of calmly placing her bags down in the passenger seat! I decided to call it a day after that!

On Tuesday, the festivities began! I met up with Amy and Erica so that we could walk to the party together. I should mention that the party we went to was another fundraiser held by the school. I love these fundraisers! Before heading to Ahmet’s (the place for the party), we popped into the TAB. I have walked by this place numerous times, but never realized what it was. The TAB was a happening place on Tuesday because this is where some serious bets are placed. I was the big spender, betting a whopping $10 on “Americain” (I had to choose that horse) to win, place, or show. He didn’t do either of those! We walked on to Ahmets and were greeted with a glass of champagne. The day was full of laughter, door prizes, good food, and of course the race! We stayed until it was time to pick up the children. I should add that, after walking around town in my heels all day, my feet were ruined! My sweet friend, Julie, dropped everything to come and pick us up and carry us home! Thank you, Julie!