Category Archives: The Senator’s Wife

What to Wear

It’s that time of year again when the Oklahoma Legislature heads back into session and the Senator becomes a POW of sorts. By that, I mean he typically spends most of his time down at the marble palace, also known as our State Capitol…as opposed to his regular business office….or hanging out here at home.  And, I like to think he is being held prisoner down there because maybe I’m attempting to fool myself in that way.
All kidding aside, with the upcoming legislative session there are many events, meetings and dinners that take place.  In fact, this evening there are seven, separate political fundraisers happening at the same time.  All this political activity keeps the Senator busy and sometimes, these events include me, the Senator’s wife.  For example, on the docket next week is the first day of the legislative session at which time the legislative wives get together at the capitol.  These are wonderful women and some men, who gather together  just for fun and photos.  Let’s call it group therapy.
Tomorrow evening there is the Speaker’s Ball which is usually held the weekend prior to the opening session.  This is the calm before the storm where all these elected officials are on their best behavior. It could be compared to that first day of school where everyone is still friends… I think.  Even so,  this particular event has me continually perplexed and for a really random etiquette reason.  Because it is called the Speaker’s Ball, (emphasis on the word, Ball) don’t you think it is safe to assume this is a nice, formal event?  I have written about this before. And no one, absolutely NO ONE, ever seems to know what to wear to it.  Further more, according to my etiquette books, a Ball of any sorts would mean that the women wear long and the men are in black tie.  If the word Ball happens to be left off , but the invitation reads: Black Tie, then women should probably wear something nice, probably not long, and the men…well, it is conveniently stated for them if they read the fine print.  Right?
Needless to say, by calling it a Speaker’s Ball the title would indicate long evening gowns and tuxedos, but this particular invitation reads, black tie optional.  And that, my friends is the problem.  On top of not knowing what to wear, long or short, tux or no tux…this year’s event is being held at the State Fairgrounds.  Does this mean we are supposed to wear jeans and boots?  I’m just saying.
I’m thinking it’s time to contact the etiquette police at my local newspaper for their advice…. Parties Extra Helen Wallace...are you reading this?  The Senator’s wife desperately needs your help with what to wear!
SW

Political Photographs

We had a serious dilemma around our house recently. No, there was not a leak in our roof, the dog was alive and well (the last time I checked) and the dish washer was in full working order…maybe.

No, it was much, much more disturbing than that! September had turned into October, and October was…well, almost over and the Senator did not have a current family photograph to use for next year’s re-election campaign.

We are picky about family photos that are used in campaign literature. They have to have that special element. Something that sets it apart, makes that person stand out. These photos have to be real, but at the same time capture the very essence of the candidate while exhibiting some form of positive energy. Personally, I like them to be edgy and unique. There is an art form to this and my BFF, the Pioneer Woman was just the right person to make it all happen this year.

Thank-you PW for alleviating the stress that knocked on my door daily. I have officially checked campaign photo off the ‘to do’ list!

 

Reminiscing…

Seven years ago today the Senator won his party’s nomination for state Senate coming out of a heated six way primary and spirited run-off election.  I really only remember this exact date because we worked like dogs to get him across that finish line, I lost five pounds, and my precious adopted Godson was born.  All on this very day, September 17th back in 2002.
Isn’t it funny what you remember?  People from my parents generation remember where they were when Kennedy was shot or what they were doing when Elvis died.  All of my peers can recall specific details from the morning when the Twin Towers went down.
Me….  I remember elections.

And, of course this little cutie who was born seven years ago today!

He belongs to my BFF Pioneer Woman.

I remember the specific moment she called to tell me he was born. I had spent the entire morning driving to all the polling places in the Senator’s district checking on the voter turn out. Let me explain.  At your polling place, the voting machines have a number on the front that indicates how many people have cast their ballots.  Most campaigns keep track of how many potential voters there are in that precinct, and how many voted in the last election so this information can be extremely helpful.  Anyway, voter turn out is typically low in run-off elections and we were carefully monitoring our get-out-the-vote efforts.
Actually, I just needed a way to pass the time so “I” was carefully monitoring our get-out-the-vote efforts.  The Senator was on the phone actually “getting out the vote”.
I will never forget as I was driving from the north part of town out to the west part of town when PW called to tell me they had just birthed a son.  This was a BIG deal, only because they already had two precious baby girls, they lived on a ranch and her rancholicious-hard working overly loaded with testosterone husband REALLY wanted a boy. You know, to skirt child labor laws and such.  Not really…  and I keep telling her that I am officially, unofficially adopting him as my Godson.
She thinks I’m crazy.  I think he is a heart breaker.
Happy Birthday B-Man!  Come back and see us sometime real soon.