Last night I attended the Speaker’s Ball with my Senator. This is an annual tradition that takes place at the beginning of the legislative session and is hosted by the Speaker of the House. When my Senator was first elected I actually looked forward to attending our first Speaker’s Ball, because the word Speaker was followed by the word Ball, I thought that meant a very nice party where one was expected to dress accordingly. I mean, my Senator was expected to wear a tuxedo, and doesn’t “Ball” mean ballgown? At least, a nice formal dress, right?

Not at my first Speaker’s Ball. It was a geography lesson in fashion. Yes, Mrs. Senator, people dress differently depending on what part of the state they are from. No biggie, I can get over that. In fact, it was fun to learn where people shop in Beaver, Le Flore and Roger Mills county. This was important stuff and I am always looking for the opportunity to learn something.

Let’s just say that the Legislative wives have come a long way since that first Speaker’s Ball seven years ago. The fashion on display last night was just down right lovely. There were so many beautiful people and gorgeous dresses. And, the hair! Seriously, I need to know where these women went to have their hair done. The magnitude of style that permeated the room was certainly new to this venue. Even the flower arrangements on the tables were spectacular. One would never know we are supposed to be in a recession. The proceeds from this event will benefit the Oklahoma Arts Institute and there will be proceeds. Oh yes, the numerous sponsors and underwriters combined with a silent and live auction most assuredly raked in a sizable donation.

I told you I liked the Speaker’s wife. She knows how to throw a nice party and it definitely set a good tone for the upcoming weeks ahead.

The Governor and First Lady were in attendance as were the Lt. Governor, Attorney General, a Congressman and woman along with countless other dignitaries including members of the Legislature. The President and First Lady of Oklahoma State University were also present. I snapped a photo of my Senator with the First Lady of OSU because she was wearing a black cowboy hat and because she is a super neat lady and I have known her for most of my life.

We also took a photo with some of our Senator friends.

I knew this Senator before I knew my Senator because we both worked for the same United States Senator a long time ago.

Now, let me be clear that the Speaker’s Ball is not all fun and games. There is a lot of networking going on and hand shaking and politicking ,and did I mention it is best to wash your hands because they have traveled around the world by the time you are seated for dinner?

This photo just sings ‘oh, the farmer and the cowman can be friends’!

That is the head of AT&T on the left, conversing with the top guy at Cox Communications. I’m thinking team of rivals… ebony and ivory….there are people who would pay to be a fly on that wall. One thing’s for certain, they were both with women who made them look good! In fact, here I am with the better half of Cox Communications….

Actually, she runs the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority and worked the room better than any politician. Members, take note!

After that round of photo taking opportunities, I held the camera in my hand like it was a glass of wine and enjoyed the rest of the evening.

And, if I told you I was at home and in bed by ten would you believe me? Well, maybe it was more like eleven.

Love, the Senator’s Wife

Yes, I belong to a club called Ohoyahoma! So did my great aunt. This club was organized in 1915 as a way for legislative wives to become better acquainted with one another. Ohoyahoma is actually a Choctaw word meaning “Band of Red Women”…which doesn’t really describe this group, but it is definitely large enough to be considered a band. In fact, yesterday at the Capitol, every county was represented with a member from Ohoyahoma.

This group of legislative wives really does not meet that often. Locally, a handful get together for a Tuesday morning Bible study, and in April there is a luncheon for Secretary’s Day which honors their legislator’s assistant. Ohoyahoma members also volunteer for a day at the Decorator’s Show House in the Capitol City and they manage to make a nice contribution to the Ronald McDonald House. So, to say this is a purely social group is not accurate, although, for me that is what makes this worthwhile. It is also a club of women who know what it is like to be married to an elected official and that is cheaper than any therapy!

Yesterday, I saw some of my favorite legislative spouses and met new ones. I so enjoyed meeting the Speaker’s wife. She is from Tulsa and just a lovely lady. She is busy planning the Speaker’s Ball which is this weekend. I took a poll on what to wear to that event, long or short? She is wearing long as are most members of Ohoyahoma. My Senator will be so thrilled that I felt inclined to ask the dress code as I have a real phobia for not being appropriately dressed at these political events. He lives in fear of the conversation that will take place in the car if I have on a short dress and see women walking in wearing long ball gowns. It is a problem. So, long it will be this weekend. Check that one off the list and consider it done!

I also spoke with the Lt. Governor. She is living part time in my Senator’s District, and she knows he is watching her back. Actually, we walk by her hacienda a lot and my Senator, who notices everything, keeps good tabs on her busy schedule! She is a great lady. ( She was also listening in on the short vs. long conversation….bet she wears long too!)

After the business meeting, we took a group photo as we have done every year and then typically, most spouses head up to the House Gallery and listen to the Governor’s State of the State address. It is just fun for me to watch my Senator doing what he does best, and that is serve.

Naturally, I brought my camera so I could take tons of photos and I held it in my hand like it was a cup of coffee!

Oops.

Love, the Senator’s Wife

One of the perks of public service is the people you meet, from all walks of life, all different cultures and faiths, and from all across the state who make life so much more interesting.

This picture was taken at the Capitol right before the swearing in ceremony last November. I am with one of my favorite legislative wife friends and we were waving to our men down below. Her husband is the Senate Minority Leader. Had his party stayed in charge, he would be the Senate Majority Leader. BIG difference. I know he is not real thrilled with the demotion.

She has a PhD, a real job and an interesting perspective on things. Did I mention she is tons of fun? Did I mention that she and her husband have seen Jimmy Buffett in concert more times than is humanly possible? They also have children about the same age as ours and she taught our son to water ski. Yep, we like her alot!

We are having lunch tomorrow after the hoopla at the Capitol calms down and I can’t wait.

19 Hours until the Legislative Session officially convenes. My Senator is fired up and ready. Actually, he is taking a nap on the couch and I don’t blame him one bit!

Let the games begin!

The Senator’s wife