<p>Well I spent last night with my very happy daughter after her scholarship news. On more than one occasion she would just start giggling. I’d look at her and she’d say “I’m smart. They think I’m really smart.” Grinning ear to ear.</p>
<p>Validation. An unexpected secondary benefit to merit scholarships. And silly dad. Here I was thinking it was all about the cash.</p>
<p>It’s always beneficial to receive that kind of validation from someone other than a parent.</p>
<p>Now, can I say, “Nyaah, nyaah, told you she’d get scholarships!”? On second thought, that’s probably too juvenile. Suffice it to say that I’m delighted for y’all, and I think it’s just the beginning of celebrations at the curmudgeon ranch (are the goats dancing?). With all these good news you may need to change your screen name.</p>
<p>Somehow I am reminded of Sally Field…</p>
<p>“You like me, you really like me.”</p>
<p>Of course but I am relatively sure my kid doesn’t know Sally Field from Wrigley Field.</p>
<p>Tell her that Sally is Forrest Gump’s mother, or Maggie on E.R., and she’ll know. 
Congrats to your D!</p>
<p>GREAT News, cur. A big CONGRATS to 'mudgette.</p>
<p>btw: I’m with you – Show me the MONEY!</p>
<p>Cur,</p>
<p>I second fireflyscout’s sentiments - only sorry that he beat me to it - besides I was not sure how to spell it:</p>
<p>“Nyaah, nyaah, told you she’d get scholarships!”</p>
<p>Just want to add that this is only the start - there are many more on the way. You thought waiting is tough - wait till you get to the making a final decision part. Then you know it is for keeps and like they said in the Indiana Jones movie - “choose wisely”. Congratulations and hope you had a joyous Christmas.</p>