a day at the races

The Melbourne Cup last year was conveniently on my birthday, so Warren took myself and my parents to a lovely race luncheon where we placed bets, ate a 3 course gourment meal, and watched the races on a very large screen TV. It was quite a lovely day, but I felt it wouldn't be proper for me to leave Australia without seeing the real thing.

These are the things that I've learned are essential to a great time at the races.

1. You look good, you feel good, you bet good?
I dusted off the hat I wore for the Cup and put my handsome husband on my arm (I always look better when wearing him). It was just an average, autumn day at the races, but loads of people were dressed very nicely and wearing all varieties of hats and fascinators. Betting may claim to be the most important, but it's a fashion show if you ask me. And I do mean show, modesty isn't really encouraged.

2. A fun loving, group of people.
Our day at the races was part of a dear friend's birthday celebration. These are some of our favorite people in Sydney.

3. Champagne.
There are several varities of beer and wine available, but champagne really abounds. Horse races are sort of a pretentious, spectator sport and champagne just really adds to the mood. I'm into it!

4. A horse, of course!
Well, actually you will need quite a few. There were eight races throughout the afternoon with anything from 8 or so horses up to about 18. Simultaneously, there are horse races all over the country broadcast on televisions. You can bet on these races as well, if you are an expert or have a gambling problem or both.

We won a grand total of $2 or so, but it sure is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. ;)

Family Neilson

(my husband, myself, and our dog)

After a whirlwind month and a half full of wedding and honeymooning, we are back at our home in Sydney. There is no greater feeling than the three of us, cozy in our home at night. We are finally, officially a family!

our name is our virtue

I've been asked this question several times in the past couple of weeks: "So, what feels different now that you're married." My response is generally...well nothing feels different really. We have been living together for several years and dating for seven, so how could much really change? This is true on most levels but a few things have changed:

1. We can shack, shower, etc under my parents roof (this one is HUGE!!!)

2. I get to call him my husband and he calls me his wife. This makes me so warm and fuzzy
inside. ;)

3. They will call me Liz Neilson or Mrs. Neilson. This hasn't exactly changed fully (except for the
officialness of facebook) until we are settled back in the U.S. but here and there I experience it
and I'm enjoying it already.

4. Permanence. I'm not one to usually enjoy this feeling. When it comes to my geographical
location, career choice, and overall tastes in general I seem to enjoy the fresh and new, but
when it comes to my love, you can tattoo his name on my heart for all I care. It will never
change.

5. Our relationship makes sense to the greater world. Unfortunately, saying "this is my boyfriend of 7 years" doesn't really translate the same to most people.

6. We are a real family.

7. Now people have stopped pestering us about getting married and started asking when we'll
have a baby.