Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Awkward


So, yesterday evening we got the opportunity to attend the "Literary Voices 2011," dinner and the Special Guest Speaker was none other than Mrs. Laura Bush. We also were invited to a special reception before the dinner where we were able to meet the Former First Lady herself and get a picture with her and the other people at our table for the night.


And you know I screwed that one up. :)


I am not sure if you know this or not, but in the dictionary next to the word AWKWARD is a picture of me. True statment. Look it up. See me in there? That's me.


So knowing my awkwardness, in advance I had prepared a short speech before we walked into the room where Mrs. Bush was. I was going to say something profound like, "Thank you Mrs. Bush for all that you do for promoting literacy. My son and I love the library and I am so honored to be a part of this night."


I practiced this statement in my head over and over again. I was ready. I was going to "wow" her.


So, one of the Secret Service men opened the door and we were ushered into the room. And there she was. She was dressed in a stunning turquoise suit and she just looked perfect. I was about third in line in our group so when it was my turn to shake her hand this is what I said....


"HHHHEEEEYYYYYYYY!!! I'm Lee Anne Stone! Are you tired?"


Wiggity wiggity wiggity what????? Are you tired? Where did that come from????


She, of course, was as gracious and as poised as you would think she would be. She replied, "No, Lee Anne, I am not tired. But thank you for asking."


Renzi then swooped in to help me out and thanked her for her service with helping Afghan women. She really seemed to like that.


I, of course, was mortified.


We took our picture and she waved us all out the door.


Renzi and I got the giggles when we went out the door. Couldn't stop laughing. And we are still laughing about it today.


I think my picture is now listed under a different word in the dictionary after last night. SMOOTH OPERATOR. That's me! :)

3 comments:

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

I am dying. That is too funny.

The "Burbwalds" said...

That is too funny! I'm so glad Renzi was there to share that moment with you :)

Unknown said...

Well, I will help you know that right next to your photo by "Awkward" is another little thumbnail of yours truly. Once I met Governor Frank Keating. This was the FIRST and only time I had met him. I was going to say, "Thank you so much for your support with the development of the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative." Instead, I shook his hand and said, "Hello, Frank! Great to see you!"

Wha??? Hello, FRANK? WHAT CAME OVER ME! The worst thing was, he hesitated because then it was one of those things where perhaps he thought he should know my name but didn't...and did I provide my name? Noooooooo.

Just sharing. Have a good day. Hope you're not TIRED!

Red Dirt Kelly