A Scholar with no Ship

Apparently it's time to start thinking about college. Who knew? My eldest was invited to a college recruiting thing today. It's all about his mean lacrosse skills, see. There were about 75 high school boys from the entire State of Idaho, and only two of those were freshmen. My kid was one. Who is a proud mom? Did I mention that it really was an invite only thing?
My brain is spinning. Michael got to show off his skills this afternoon with the group, and there was a meeting for the parents tonight.
College? It's expensive.
Unless his ship comes in, there is going to be an uphill battle for this scholar. In the entire country, there are, like, 120 scholarships total given out every year. This ain't going to be his ticket to a free education. It's a sport for rich kids. Alas.

While Michael was at the deal this afternoon, the rest of us went to the Boise Art Museum. What ever happened to Art that is nice to look at? Isn't that kind of the point? Apparently not. This was an exhibit about robots, and the theme seemed to be large-breasted robots. I kid you not. There was even an 'adult' film playing featuring animated robots. It had a little sign which cautioned parents that there was 'mature material which may not be suitable for children'. Duh. By the time I noticed the warning sign, the kids and I had seen enough to make our own determination.
Art?

Also, may I just channel my Mother for a moment? What are teenage boys coming to? All of the boys at this college recruiting meeting this evening were wearing ill-fitting clothes and stocking caps. They looked like street urchins. I doubt they had bathed. What are they thinking? Here they were to meet a man who has power to recommend them to college coaches, and they didn't run a comb through their hair? I'm thinking, "Thanks for making it so easy for my kid to stand out." I required Michael to wear a collared shirt. I also insisted that he approach the speaker after to shake his hand and thank him. I did not see any other students who did that. Where are the parents?
If you are a parent....require personal hygeine, and basic good manners from your children. Please. Also, it is not appropriate for a young man to wear a grungy ski hat inside a building. Why do they want to? My boys want to.
What ever happened to good breeding?

I thought my greatest worry was getting this kid through 9th grade. Clearly, I was wrong. Now I have to think about getting him into a dynamite Lacrosse-playing college. I suspect it will take more than a firm handshake, and a clean shirt.