Pumped Up Circumstances

I kicked off my summer vacation last year at this time by attending commencement ceremonies for both of my kids. Fortunately, the graduation gods smiled on me and they weren’t held on the exact same day (that would have been a particularly tricky proposition as they were taking place in two different time zones).

But thinking back on all that graduation attending and the related festivities has led me to one conclusion: yes, the pomp and circumstance is thrilling and exciting for about a minute-and-a-half, and yes, of course, I couldn’t be happier for all the graduates being sent out on their way to conquer new intellectual and/or beer-soaked horizons.

But when it comes right down to it, couldn’t the people who plan these things skip the fluff (read: all the boring speeches) and get right down to the good part when your graduate crosses the stage and is handed his diploma? Personally, after they got through the “J’s” – and we Yarnells were naturally at the bitter end of the processional – I was about ready to call it a day. I was squinting at the black specs down on the gymnasium stage and/or football field astro-turf, trying to pick out the itsy-bitsy one belonging to me, and it was hot and I was regretting the pantyhose and pointy sling-backs (okay, I’d have killed for flip flops). I remember wishing that I could watch the whole thing on closed-circuit TV from my own family room or three-night-minimum hotel room whose prices had been jacked up for the parents as a special parting gift in honor of Graduation Weekend (at least they both were air conditioned).

This year I will be the proud attendee at another graduation, one for my wonderful niece. And I’ll be thrilled to be there. Fortunately, her last name ends in a letter earlier in the alphabet than “Y.” And here’s something to really celebrate: I didn’t have to pay a dollar of her tuition. All the reflected glory and none of the parental grunt work – now that’s my idea of just the right circumstances.

PS: Congratulations, Marnie! We love you and are so proud of you!

Comments

I know just what you mean about all the waiting around at graduations and endless reading of names. Still they are a thrill. Please give Marnie a big hug from all of us!

As a recent college grad, HAVE HOPE!!! My college, at least, organized us by program, and alphabetically within each program, and the programs where alphabetized within each department. Hence, if your son decides to major in Business, specifically accounting, you'll be done in no time :)

I love reading your blog I'd like to start my own were do I go I cant find it. HOpe you answer me. Thanks

Thanks for the kind words about the blog, Tara! If you'd like to start your own, try blogspot.com or livejournal.com.

Happy blogging and thanks for reading!
Cheers, Laurie

I couldn't agree more about how boring graduation ceremonies are. You'd think that educators would know by now that the best way to maintain the audience's interest is to keep it short and sweet! Graduation ceremonies remind me of the Academy Awards - without the celebrities.