Melbourne Cup Day. It’s the biggest day in Australian horse racing, and for many of us the only time we go trackside and frock up for a punt. For those working today, there will still be some excitement about the office. Fascinators may be worn, sweeps may be organised. So what about us lonesome work-at-homers? Never fear, I have five ways to help you get in the spirit and enjoy Melbourne Cup from your home office. *Guaranteed to have you feeling like you’re really there amongst the excitement.
ONE
Wear a fascinator while you work. There is nothing stopping you from frocking up at home! While I could not locate my trusty fascinator from many a Melbourne Cup past, I donned my sparkly ears from my goodie bag I received at The Blogcademy in Brisbane over the weekend. They do the trick!
TWO
Scrap your Brita filtered water bottle, and spiff up your 2-litres-a-day by drinking it from a champagne flute or wine glass. Of course you could fill it with actual champagne or wine, but that’s your own quality-of-work-and-productivity vs stimulants internal argument to be had. In your own head, in your own time, thanks.
THREE
A well-dressed pal never goes astray. Not even a dingo in her finest, trust me.
FOUR
Create a bathroom line and make yourself wait at least twenty minutes. Consider having a painful conversation with a handsome, but leering, punting **know-it-all while you wait.
FIVE
Pick your winners! Go all out and select a trifecta, and be sure to take your lunch break at 2 o’clock and watch the magic happen. Just make sure if you do actually pick the winner that you have placed a real bet beforehand. Disclaimer: Of course gambling to the point of addiction is not recommended, but a punt on Melbourne Cup Day is patriotic, don’t you think?
Extra Credit
For those wanting to really do a good job of this, wear your heels under your desk all day, and you may like to go for a wander in the backyard to make some divets. That way you get an authentic long-lasting experience of getting to scrub the dirt and grass from your heels later tonight.
Best of luck to you all. Hope you have a win!
*This really depends on your definition of “guaranteed.” I’ve always believed it meant “fairly unlikely.”
**The part of the leering know-it-all is played by my pup, Mr. Darcy, who while convincingly pulls off the air of arrogance required for the role, is actually the sweetest, most perfect furry man I know.
