What was expected to be a typical mundane school pick up, I took my seat in my usual spot under the tree as I waited for my boys to come out of class.
I found myself joining in the conversation a mummy acquaintance was having with another mum who was sitting on the other side.
“So, yes…we were 3 rows behind Mark Ruffalo…” while swiping through photos of red carpets and fancy golden gowns.
Not your usual name drop. Or photo sharing.
Later discovering that this mum was actually jet lagged because she had just arrived back from the OSCARS as her husband was up for a nomination in the Best Producer category.
He didn’t win.
I can’t begin to imagine the pressure. Do you prepare an acceptance speech?
What about that the crucial nano second where the camera pans in on all the nominees, zooming in on subdued faces who are trying to be happy for the winner.
Do you practice your “Oh well, never mind…Next time” face?
And what does that actually look like?
At least Leo doesn’t need his anymore…
A couple of days later, our school had its own little Oscar ceremony – the very first school assembly for the year.
Potential earworm songs about recycling (to the tune of “We’ve Got The Whole World In Our Hands”), Grade 2 presentations on snails. Snails *yawn*
Merit awards handed out.
Parents waiting in anticipation to see if their child makes the cut.
Each time another child’s name is called out, there is that similar Oscars moment of disappointment but still offering a good natured hand clap.
Admittedly, I had my camera ready to capture that proud moment that never came. Quietly, I put it back in my bag along with my high expectations.
Alas, I think I have little Leo’s. Maybe it’ll take another 6 nominations. And that’s okay.
Did you follow the Oscars? Seen any of the movies that won awards? Are your school assemblies as riveting as ours?

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Snails, bahaha! As an ex primary school teacher can you imagine how many assemblies I have had to sit through?! There’s always next time for your Little Leo’s and you know what they say, all good things come to those who wait! As for the Oscars, I’m well out of the loop. so thanks for filling me in! Have an ace weekend x
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid recently posted..She’s So Inspiring – Belinda Burford
Julie Christie wasn’t playing the game. I think it;s totally mean and I reckon jack had the right idea with the sunglasses….
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..First of the Month Fiction – March
You’re so clever Grace! I love this comparison. I am also one of those parents who get their camera out and then quietly pack it away along with my expectations, LOL. Yay for LEO!!!!
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit recently posted..Day 2331 – Covergirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm – Product Review #Covergirl
Presentation days at the end of the year are worse than assemblies!
Ingrid @ fabulous and fun life recently posted..Rimmel The Only 1 Lipstick Range – Review & Swatches
Snails! Goodness. You just never know. My kids are sporadic achievers- sometimes they get awards, sometimes they just show up but that’s okay 🙂
Amy @ handbagmafia recently posted..Don’t Squander Your Fucks
I never watch the Oscars as I just don’t care. I was happy to hear Leonardo scored his Oscar though. He’s the best actor in Hollywood these days.
JodY At Six Little Hearts recently posted..Kelapa Organics Review Plus Win a Luxury Mum and Baby Hamper Worth $100! #SLHFeaturedThursdays
Oh how I understand this post…but, hey, more and more these days parents are sent a ‘secret note/email’ these days when your child/ren is/are up for awards….that is the civilised way to go. I hope your school does something sensible like these..eventually…as school assemblies can be P A I N F U L unless you have a ‘reason’ to be there. Take it from me! I “know”. Denyse xx PS Gosh I hate it when kids/parents have an expectation for an award and then it doesn’t happen. Come on, schools we are better than this.
Denyse whelan blogs recently posted..Last Sunset of Summer. 366/64.
It would be hard to not crack under the pressure of the camera. I suppose they are actors but I would need to practise in from of the mirror.
Natalie @ Our parallel connection recently posted..You can do this
I didn’t really need to watch the Oscars, I was updated on social media instead! I haven’t had the pleasure of attending a school assembly just yet, maybe next year. Sounds..um.,.exciting!
Eva @ The Multitasking Woman recently posted..Moving House With A Toddler: How To Avoid A Meltdown
I didn’t watch it but I was so please to see Leo win FINALLY! I love Leo, have done since the Titanic where he stole mine and every other girls teenage heart! Haha.
Haidee@Maybe Baby Brothers recently posted..It’s My Birthday (And I’ll Cry Before The Day Is Done)
Didn’t manage to catch it and haven’t had time to watch any replays but yes.. along with the REST OF THE WORLD I’m so glad Leo won!! And I’m still so amazed how much star power he has to have so many people all around rooting for him!! Definitely shows how deserving he is of the win 🙂
Ai Sakura recently posted..Bub & Me: Singapore’s First My Little Pony Run!
We have our first assembly on Monday. Should be interesting. They’re announcing the SRC reps. They’ve already told the parents but it’ll be a surprise for the kids.
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Our school kindly lets parents in on the surprise if their kid is up for an award. But you still see the kids eyes light up when their first name is called and slump when they realise that the second name called is not their own.
Robyna | The Mummy and the MInX recently posted..Big Magic & Little Interruptions: Elizabeth Gilbert live
I rarely attend assemblies because they are so boring. I also avoid presentation days too unless my kids are going to be awarded something, which happens very occasionally. Otherwise they surprise me with their award when they get home and then we all move on!
Kirsty @ My Home Truths recently posted..Special needs parents: it’s okay to admit things are hard
Never follow them and this year the bits I did see looked like rich privileged people telling everyone else how to think.
Somuch crap.
Hahaha I missed the Oscars this time. Usually I love to watch the beginning to see who is wearing what, then watch bits and pieces of it, but thanks to social media I get to see it all plastered on FB before we have it on our TV, which is a shame. The kids and I watched Inside Out over the holidays, which we loved. I hope the twinions receive an award soon, it makes them excited and eager to try harder when they receive recognition from their teachers. x
Julie @ Off to the park recently posted..Living with fear
Little Leos, I think that’s cool, he’s deserved one for such a long time.
I bet your twinons get one next round,
….if not they’re in good company
Happy weekend xx
Sarah @ Tomfo recently posted..DIY wire mesh memo board
I was at the gym watching the oscars with subtitles. It wasn’t the same. BUT…. omg after far too long of no exercise following my popped shoulder… I WAS AT THE GYM. I can hardly walk or lift my arms now.
Raych aka Mystery Case recently posted..Worth Casing Wednesday | Siss On Bare Runway Event
I missed the Oscars this time, but did manage to catch snippets on the news. I was so glad Leo finally won! wait for the school presentation days and the school captain announcements, now they are stressful! I just said to my girls. 10 years from now, no one will ever remember who got the academic award in year 5, or who was primary school captain. There are some parents who thrive on awards days, there is a lot more in life to look forward to.
Mandy @ barbie bieberand beyond recently posted..Why I’m Teaching My Girls How To Be Housewives
At my old school the principal rang parents to let them know if their child was going to win an award. They weren’t allowed to tell their kids though. I’ve often wondered about if the actors practise faces too. I’d give away my disappointment for sure.
We always get a phone call to tell us if our kids are getting something, maybe it’s the same, worth asking! I hope you’re well loveyl xx
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