Tuesday, January 26

Let's Do Lunch

Today, I did not have PB&J crusts for lunch. Today, I actually sat down to eat my lunch. Today, my lunch actually required utensils and was served on a plate. Today, I did not have lunch with my toddlers. Today, I had lunch with Michelle Obama.


Last night, I received a phone call about attending a lunch with some other military spouses. I originally RSVPd for the luncheon in early January, but was told the spots were taken. Apparently, someone cancelled and I was a last minute addition. Neal took the day off work (and hosted playgroup for me!) so that I could drop everything to go to DC for lunch with the First Lady.

I should stop here to clarify that it wasn't just the two of us. I was joined by a room full of people, but I was close enough to notice that Mrs Obama was not a fan of the overcooked chicken breast but she did enjoy her roasted potatoes.


I was a little nervous that I would be accidentally "left off the list" since I was such a late addition. That wasn't the case! Instead, I took the spot of someone who was much more important that I am. I sat 6 people away from the First Lady at a table with some very interesting military spouses. Before the luncheon began, our table was informed that at the conclusion of the speech, we were to go to the front of the room to greet Mrs Obama. Right after that announcement, a woman approached me and informed me that she had an embarrassing question to ask me. I just knew she was going to ask me to move, but instead she asked me about Neal's rank and branch of service. Yep, I just knew I was moving...especially when she asked me to come with her. Apparently, Mrs Obama's staff wanted to interview a "younger" military spouse about the event. I was the youngest they could find! For once, being young earned me some credibility. They were curious to know what I thought about the Obama/Biden efforts to support military families. After my interview (where I hope I said at least one intelligible thing...), I went back to my seat.

We were instructed by Secret Service to stay in our seats AT ALL TIMES. No flash photography and basically stay out of their way. Her speech basically summed up her first year in the White House and all of the military family initiatives she has been involved with. More importantly, she highlighted some things to come in 2010/2011. She was very engaging and genuine. After the speech, I went to the roped off area to greet Mrs Obama. I was able to take one picture before they asked us to put away the cameras. Then, she shook my hand. I thanked her for coming and showing an interest in military families. She thanked me for my service. I think we're BFFs now and I expect her to show up on my friends list on facebook. Seriously though, I had her undivided attention for at least a minute. It was pretty neat.

It was pretty surreal. She is very tall and I love her new 'do. I made sure to wear sleeves because I sure didn't want to intimidate the First Lady with my rockin' biceps. If only...

All in all, it was a great day. One for the record books for sure. I'll be looking for her as I set my dinner table tonight.





And this would be the guy who asked me to put my camera away. She shook my hand next.



10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Awesome! Misha

Unknown said...

Meredith! I'm so jealous! Glad you had a good time!

Angel said...

I love it!!! I am so happy you got the opportunity to do this.

riorita said...

How great! I'm so proud of you. I know you represented military wives well.

J,K&C said...

I agree, Rita! Meredith, of all the people I know, you are the best choice to represent our generation to the First Lady!

Bri said...

That's so awesome!

Anonymous said...

Way to go super star friend! Julie

Leslie said...

I love your pictures, Mer :) How amazingly cool - sooo jealous!

rlrlrfamily said...

So fun for me to read and see the pictures. I'm sure you had a great time. What a wonderful life experience.

Aunt DRT said...

Meredith! WOW how cool to have lunch with the First Lady