Planet Lazenby: Yesterday was the earliest I've gotten up all summer

I took the girls to see Barack Obama speak yesterday. More specifically, I went with a powerful posse of girlfriends and their daughters. It’s not every day that the President of the United States, the First Lady and The Vice Pres come to town. It was an event that I wanted to take my girls to and that I was very excited to attend.

I mean - we made t-shirts for the event!

I knew it was going to be a long day, with a fair amount of jostling for position and waiting in crowds in the hot sun – but I have years of practice from waiting overnight in line for concert tickets or attending many concerts and music festivals.

You talkin' to me

I was getting a little loopy from the sun and sweaty bodies

I was proud of my city – this massive event went smoothly, with no crazies, and the crowd maintained a respectful and easy atmosphere, despite the sweltering heat . There was airport –like security and we weren’t able to bring in anything – no food or drinks. Although I did manage to smuggle in pretzels, which I doled out as if we were on Survivor and I kept telling all the girls that they needed the salt because we were sweating out our body weight. And there was water handed out constantly, which we drank and poured over our heads and down our backs.

This was the point that my upper arm strength was in full-effect

I felt so gratified from our day – from the girl power company, to attending this huge event - I mean I took my daughters to see the President and Vice President speak in our own city! Yowza! But there was more to my satisfaction - I realized I have had this same feeling when I take a road trip with my daughters - solo. At some point during every trip I think to myself, “ I’m in charge of these little creatures – I am completely responsible for their safety and well-being. Wow! I’m in charge? How can that be?” I usually have a moment of complete wonderment and holy-shit at the fact that I am adult enough to do this herculean task of being a parent. The feeling quickly passes, and I think , “Well, frick yeah I can do this – I’m Stephanie! I kick-ass, I’m a damn good mom, and I never leave the house without a snack!” And I feel sure of myself and my ability and dexterity to navigate traveling and parenting together – successfully.

I had that same feeling of parental confidence after our experience at the Obama event. I felt such pride - in raising girls, speaking honestly with my daughters about what I believe in and why, and including them in this event. Watching my daughters and her friends I appreciated this deeply responsible moment. Hopefully, these girls will remember this day (well, maybe not one friend’s daughter who is four and she was kinda falling asleep). As parents, we are building memories that are shaping the narrative of who they are and the people they become. And I love that part of being a mother.

And Michelle Obama is just gorgeous in person - when she stepped on stage, the crowd roared. I screamed like I was at a rock concert.