Before I start to forget what this day feels like, I’m going to try and write it all down. This was one of the most surreal and exhilarating days I’ve ever experienced, and frankly I’m still part pinching myself and part inhaling a beer to relax from it. (Both are pretty pleasant.)
I was honored beyond belief to be asked by Michelle Obama to be a part of a performance and luncheon she was hosting in Pittsburgh this morning for the G20 Summit. For those of you that aren’t up on the political happenings, this is a conference that is held for the leaders of the top 20 wealthiest nations in the world to get together and discuss global economics and ways to improve our struggling world-wide economy.
I’m going on a little tangent here. Wanna join?
I’m not going to lie, I admit to historically being desperately confused by politics and economics. At the risk of sounding moronic, it can be boring. I feel like I can’t trust any stories I read, see, or hear because it all feels like somebody’s opinion and not fact. That, in addition to the constant bickering and sensationalistic journalism that’s out there makes me so irritated. I want to shake people’s heads off. Not to mention the fact that I can’t keep anybody’s name straight.
“Excuse me, what’s your name? I’d like to shake your head off.”
I promise I have a point.
This experience has reminded me how important it is to do your best to muddle through the bullshit, people. Whatever your view may be on the political spectrum, it’s so vital to have one. I’m not going to claim that everybody needs to hole up and learn the names of ALL the states, (just kidding, PLEASE know that) but to be involved and to educate your self is so powerful. We can’t forget that.
Definitely hard to forget the power of politics on the streets of Pittsburgh this morning, that’s for sure. There was more law enforcement than I’ve ever seen in every Harrison Ford movie combined. Maybe even every Will Smith movie too. The city felt eerie in that way. Hardly any citizens anywhere in a city that’s usually bustling. Yeah. I said it. Bustling.
We made our way through the deserted streets and check points and arrived at the CAPA school for the arts and basically just hung out until all the really important people got there. The venue was in an intimate auditorium that seated not only the First Lady of the United States, but the first ladies of the other 19 countries at the G20 Summit, plus about 100 students from the school. I thought I was shaking because it was really cold backstage, but I was actually just ragingly nervous. I did squats and punches in the air to warm up. I stopped when secret service gave me the stink eye. Note to self: don’t punch the air when the First Lady is around. It freaks people out.
The show was lovely and I got to make two new buddies in the lovely and talented Trisha Yearwood and the absolutely infectiously joyful Yo-Yo Ma. We high fived. I felt good about that. The students were articulate and interesting, and so sweet in a Q & A session post-performance. And yes, I said the word “ass” and everyone gasped. I will forever go down with a potty-mouth. Even if it’s presidential.
Off to lunch at the Andy Warhol Museum. We dined beneath Warhol’s portrait of Jackie Kennedy Onassis, and ate fancy pumpkin soup with bacon in it, and an entrée that I thought was a second appetizer, and probably the nicest champagne I’ll ever taste.
And I sat next to the First Lady.
Fuh Real.
I couldn’t believe they said I would be at her table, but then they said I’d be right next to her….. oh em gee 20. She is so kind and warm and I literally watched her put everyone in the room at ease, myself included. Her grace is effortless, and she made me feel welcomed as a guest and not a tag along. (although I’d have settled for tag along) Being in the company of all these incredible women was a peek into a world that I’ve never seen before, and it was fascinating. Differences of opinion or policy aside, it’s a group of women who share a very unique experience as First Ladies. Its not an easy position to be in, and they seem to do it with such poise and dignity. I felt like I got to see that they have frustrations and aspirations and faults like every last one of us.
For me, they all became human.
I was deeply inspired by that.
My gratitude goes out to every last person that made this day possible. I will most definitely never forget this experience.
And to Mrs. Obama, you are my hero.
MY Placecard!!
My false eyelashes on my invitation!!
