For reasons too mundane to mention, I have been very unmotivated and apathetic recently. In the midst of so many horrific tragedies over the past month, I am not going to complain about my silly problems. Everyone in the entire universe has more problems than I do. But I guess you could say that I’ve been feeling a bit sorry for myself. Pity the people with whom I interact every day, they have had to hear my unrelenting tales of woe.
This week, however, I was inspired in a big way. I was lucky enough to attend the 14th annual Pennsylvania Conference for Women at the Philadelphia Convention Center. As soon as I heard that Michelle Obama was the keynote speaker, I was all in. There were also a number of other star speakers on the slate, including Shonda Rhimes, Carla Harris, Shawn Achor and Dr. Brene Brown. I was not familiar with all of these people, but Oprah sure is, and maybe you are too. Each one of them was amazing in his or her own way. If you are in need of inspiration and/or motivation, I encourage you to Google the names you’re not familiar with and check out their TED talks.
The former First Lady
Of course the highlight of the day was the hour or so that Shonda Rhimes and Michelle Obama sat down to discuss some of the top issues and challenges that women face these days. The former FLOTUS was so down to earth and talked about many things that I, as a mother of young adults, could relate to. She encouraged every woman in the room (there were 12,000 of us!) to speak up and “Don’t waste your seat at the table.”
I am still on a bit of a high three days after the conference. I am determined to internalize some of the lessons I learned and make some changes based on what I took away from the conference. I’m hoping my malaise is on the way out.
I’ve also wondered what type of cocktail Michelle would enjoy if she just happened to stop over for an impromptu cocktail party at my house. Hey, she said she is still decompressing from eight years in the White House, she has time to drive up from Washington D.C. and make some new friends!
I looked online to get an idea of what types of drinks Michelle enjoys. Aside from water, I didn’t get a sense that she has a signature drink. I read that people have seen her imbibe a martini or two, Margaritas with Barack, and champagne here and there. That just tells me that she hasn’t found the proper drink to call her own. That is, until now.
This may sound like a cop-out, but I really think Michelle would like a classic Cosmopolitan. It’s not too sweet and she could sip it slowly while simultaneously drinking her water and confiding in me about all the funny and adorable things her hubby says. If she stops by, I will make one for her using this recipe:
Michelle’s Classic Cosmopolitan
2 ounces good quality vodka (Grey Goose or Ketel One are good choices)
1/2 ounce Cointreau or triple sec
1 ounce cranberry juice
Juice of half a lime
Splash Rose’s lime juice
Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a martini glass and add a wedge of lime.
I realize the chances of drinking Cosmos with Michelle Obama are remote, so until that day comes, I will enjoy this cocktail with one of my strong-willed gal pals. You should too!
If you want to read a review of Ms. Obama’s appearance, check it out here http://www.phillymag.com/business/2017/10/04/michelle-obama-next-president-conference-for-women/
Photo of Michelle Obama courtesy of phillymag.com
