MUSINGS FROM THE MIND OF AMANDA

Last night was Scholarship Night – Hudson grads earned over four million dollars in scholarship dollars and the whole ceremony took two hours. And, you guessed it, I have thoughts.

First of all, congratulations to these kids. In a time where parents worry about money and student loans are practically a political weapon, these kids went out and earned some money to get them started. Some of the earned A LOT of it. Good for them.

Secondly, I was very pleasantly surprised to find that there’s a scholarship especially for kids going to trade schools. Hunter was able to get that one, as was another student who wants to be a firefighter. A local truck driving academy also gave out a very generous scholarship. These kids are doing very important things and it was so nice to see that recognized.

Third, Mrs Alexander and my bestie T are top notch. Neither of them had kids lining up for scholarships but both were there. Mrs. Alexander came to celebrate the kids she’d taught when they were much younger, and T came because she loves my goofy kid, even when he’s not very lovable.

Fourth, Hudson has some of the highest property taxes in the county and they are not using them for parking places. I practically had to park at my house and walk. They’re also not using it for comfortable seats in the auditorium. I can tell you that for a fact.

Finally, let’s do a fashion rundown. I like to call my fashion sense “All My Jiggly Bits Are Covered and America Thanks Me,” but I am old and flabby and nobody cares. I would encourage, nay, implore some of these children to adopt a similar point of view. Some of those girls were showing more than just their brains when they walked across that stage. One girl even wore a strapless jumpsuit. There’s not enough money in Texas for me to try that. I’m afraid it would violate one of the key tenets of my dress code: Covered Up. I realize I’m old and cranky, but let’s leave just a little mystery.

I noticed that flat platform sandals with the scratchy jute straps are back in. Poor girls were walking around on three inch boards strapped to their feet with burlap straps. But they looked cute! Some girls wore heels. Some wore really really heely heels. They are braver than I will ever be, but also more likely to fall and break a leg than I am, even at my advanced age. All the same, my arches wept for those brave souls…or soles.

I’m sure at my own scholarship night, back in 1492, many of the older peeps said the same thing about how we were dressed. (Not me, I practically wore a nun’s habit, as all good girls do.). They all survived, and we all survived, and I’m sure I’ll survive this and these girls will go on to wonder why their kids are dressed the way they are. (Prairie dresses? Really?).

The Peavy Walk is coming up, where seniors march through the elementary with a kindergarten graduate. After that, it’s the last day of school, and then graduation. As I like to be prepared, I’ve already ordered water proof mascara and am hoping that my husband (an EMT-P) can start an iv or something so I don’t dehydrate from crying (but my lashes will be STELLAR).