2.01.2009

Change I can believe in

Max attended his region's annual conference, the first since becoming its new manager a couple months back. The meeting provided my husband an opportunity to speak to employees from four countries. Needless to say, Max wanted to make a good first impression and not only use the forum to show his support for their work and present his goals for the year to come, but also to connect with people and provide them a more personal introduction to their new leader.

"So, how did it go?" I asked on the evening of his return home.

Max chuckled, "Good, I think. Some of my managers confided that people have started calling me the company's own 'Barack Obama.'"

Funny and flattering at the same time, the thought caused me to laugh out loud and spend the rest of the weekend mocking the compliment by making all the obligatory jokes. Instead of "Honey," I called my husband "Mr. President." Likewise, our bathroom became known as "The Oval Office."

Still, the employees' impressions of my Max got me thinking about the obvious comparison--a young, inspirational leader and Blackberry addict of African descent with an Arabic name, who was officially inaugurated into office the same week the new U.S. president. I suppose using these narrowly defined parameters, I could see the similarity.

But, more importantly, if Max was Barack, did this make me Michelle? As much as I would like to have thought so, reality kept me honest in my assessments. However, it didn't keep me from doing what I have noticed the First Lady does on occasion--finding ways to keep my husband humble in the face of accolades. And so it was in this spirit that I allowed President Max to assume a few household responsibilities-- changing the kitty litter, taking out the trash, and yes, cleaning the Oval Office--before flying off in Air Force One for his meeting in Rome next week.

That's change I can believe in!

15 comments:

Claire said...

Haha! Brilliant, Mrs First Lady.

Cxx

jaded said...

I need a change like that.

Anonymous said...

To quote Germany's top quality newspaper (Bild) from last week: “So sexy ist die neue First Lady”

oreneta said...

Gotta keep perspective, it's good, no?

Dan-E said...

hah "oval office." i love that.

Charlotte said...

Man, you are funny, Michelle.

kenju said...

They need someone to keep them humble, don't they? LOL

Max can be Barack, but you are prettier than Michelle!

Connie said...

You forgot to describe your outfit... isn't that obligatory now?

Sue Jacquette said...

I love that the bathroom became the oval office... I don't beleive the oval office has a throne. That's hysterical.

essie said...

adding to the chain of oval office comments-you are quick on your feet! :)

this also means that the new flat should be stylishly decorated with pottery barn...

;)
heh!

Anonymous said...

I LOVED this! I had to crack up at the *Oval Office* and must admit I smiled when you made him change the kitty litter! Way to keep him humble, Mich....I mean Diane...lol

Anonymous said...

I LOVED this! I had to crack up at the *Oval Office* and must admit I smiled when you made him change the kitty litter! Way to keep him humble, Mich....I mean Diane...lol

meno said...

The oval office even has a throne!

Keepin' it real for Max is an important function. You go Michelle!

Anonymous said...

This is so cute!

Jill said...

Hilarious!!

I'm all about the accolades... especially when it includes the husband doing chores.