Rubbing Elbows

In a million years I would have never imagined that I would have an evening like last night. My babysitter showed up on time, I did my own hair, which turned out perfectly (a miracle in and of itself),  I mended my own dress (to make it look like I had actually purchased the dress and not received it second hand), and I left my relatively clean house with my handsome Marine all decked out in his Dress Blues! We were headed to our first official DAO function, hosted in the Ambassador's home.

I was slightly nervous to go inside because I feel like the Ambassador giggles on the inside every time she sees me, although she always displays a professional and graceful front. Let me back up a few months. When we first arrived in Yerevan, there was a flurry of activity: meetings with the Regional Security Officer, Meetings with the Community Liaison Office, the Medical Office, the Mail Office; you get the idea. It was a barrage of people, places, and acronyms. Add to that a severe case of sleep deprivation because of 2 kids who, because of the 11 hour time difference thought the middle of the night was play time, and names and faces all started to blur together. Because we were bound and determined to make the most of every opportunity that came our way, we decided to go on an Embassy sponsored trip to Tbilisi, Georgia the weekend after our arrival. (For the story of the trip see blog posted in June titled "Candy from Strangers.")   Again, everyone on the bus introduced themselves and gave me the corresponding acronym that they were associated with at the Embassy. After the first day I thought that I had most of my fellow travelers' names down. Everything was going great! Te next morning as we were waiting for our walking tour to start, a woman came up to me and introduced herself.

Woman: "Hi, I wanted to introduce myself. I'm Marie Yovonovich!"

Me: "Hi, it's really nice to meet you." Her name sounded vaguely familiar, but I couldn't place where I had heard it. I thought about asking her what she did at the Embassy, but quickly realized that her acronym would mean nothing to me. So I moved the conversation to something we both had in common - We were both on the trip. So I continued with something like, "It is beautiful here. Have you been here before?"

Woman: "Yes, a few times" she said with an amused, quizzical look on her face.

I continued to make small talk for a few moments and then the conversation ended. Because I was making a concerted effort to remember names I asked her, "I'm sorry, what did you say your name was?" The same amused look returned to her face and she repeated, "Marie. Marie Yovonovitch." To which I replied, "Great Marie, thank you for introducing yourself." The day continued flawlessly until someone asked if the Ambassador would be joining us for dinner that evening.  In my infinite wisdom I asked, "Oh the Ambassador is here?" All of a sudden the name went through my head like a bulldozer. Marie. Marie Yovonovitch, the Ambassador. Awesome first impression. (Side note: I found out later the story circulated the Embassy. Of course my name was never mentioned, it was told that "someone new" had made the social faux pas. Because, you know, it would be REALLY hard for anyone to know who it was, being that we were the only new family that went on the trip... But that's another story all in itself)

So back to me, dressed in my cocktail dress, being escorted up the stairs to the Ambassadors house.  The door opened, and it was like we stepped into another world. The Ambassador was there at the beginning of the receiving line, welcoming us into her home. I shook her hand, and managed something like, "Good evening Madam Ambassador, thank you for having us in your home." The whole thing lasted about 5 seconds. Then we were shown into the receiving room. The string quartet sat in the corner next to the drink table. Maids passed out hors devours on silver plates, and some of the who's who rubbed elbows and exchanged pleasantries. I loved every minute of it.