Madame Secretary

This week the Pittsburgh Middle East Institute wrapped a conference with keynote speaker Madeleine Albright.  I've admired her for years- probably since I realized how groundbreaking her work, and how inspirational her life have been.  Reggie knows of my love for Madame Secretary and purchased tickets for us to see her speak.  She did not disappoint!  Her insight is really astounding.  She doesn't speak in soundbites (thank goodness) but offered some gems I wish I had written down!
If only Madeleine wasn't in the list of most popular names for 2009, I would consider naming our daughter (if papoose is a girl!) after this American icon.

The night with Madeleine Albright was special for another reason.  She spoke at the Carnegie Music Hall, a part of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.  This is where we got married on Dec 1, 2007.  I had not been back to the music hall since our wedding.  I haven't had the occasion to, but I also have to admit that I was a bit nervous to go back.

I can briefly explain.  Our wedding was stunning.  Our photographer, Melody Farrin, put together a beautiful slideshow of photos from our wedding, set to moving music.  I love looking at it now, even 3 years later.  Really- click on the link- it's like you are there!  We decorated beautifully, but simply- you really don't need much in such a grand space.  It was a great party with all of our friends and family, and we felt so loved.  However the night proved to be a bit too much for me.  I experienced what I can only describe as an out of body experience, and not in a good way.  I panicked.  I missed the entire dinner hour because I felt sick to my stomach and like I was suffocating.  I can only sum it up by saying- it was just too much for me.  I managed to rejoin the group for toasts, cake, dancing, and I had an amazing time.  But those few hours prior are dark ones for me that haven't been fully explained despite a year of counseling.  I was nervous that I'd feel....short of breath, scared, or worse- ashamed, if I went back to the hall.  However, the opportunity to hear Madeleine Albright was a perfect opportunity.  Reg and I went together, holding hands.  Not only did I not feel bad I felt incredible!  We wandered the hall, holding hands, giggling, remembering the wedding only fondly and feeling very in love.  It helped having Papoose along, as well.  I had Reggie take a cell phone photo of my on one of the grand staircases- commemorating what exactly? pride in my sanity perhaps!

And of course, the obligatory bump photo. I took this with my blackberry this week in a Target dressing room because the size of the bump sometimes surprises even me! (Thanks, Krista, for the sweater and jeans- I love all the great hand me down maternity items I've acquired!)

Off to NYC now for a friend's wedding.  It will be a quick turn around but Im looking forward to seeing friends and sharing in the wedding of Bridgette & Ryan.  And I'll be rocking yet another hand-me-down formal maternity dress!