Once upon a time this 30-year-old woman was 17. And she went to prom.

Not just went. I was determined to find a date. Many of my friends were going stag but at the tender age of 17, I was convinced that was NOT the way to go. I thought I just had to have a date. I knew this cute guy who was a grade under me but we were cool and had crushes on each other so I asked him.

However, this would prove to be a mistake of the grandest proportions.

After fussing with my hair at the salon, some wardrobe help from mom and some well-placed, let’s just say “support,” I waited for my prince. And he came. He came in an old fashion newly detailed tan Cadillac with a K104 bumper sticker. But he did come with a pretty corsage too, I'll give him that.

When we got to prom, I was so excited. And I think he was too. All my friends looked so lovely and we hugged each other saying so to one another. But I’ll skip ahead to the “best” part. The music started and it was clear that my date had ants in his pants. So much so that he became part of the life of the dance floor. I was pushed aside. I looked around and my friends who went stag were having so much fun that I hung with them for a while. I did some dancing of my own and my "support" actually wiggled out of my dress and I had to quickly retrieve and stuff them in my purse! (Don't ever believe in painted-on adhesives is all I'm going to say.)

Anywho, my date? Well, let’s just say he got the music in him and it never left. By the time we went to our lame-o after party, I was over it. He played every game table and won every weird bauble, stuffed animal and toy. He didn’t share either. He was winning them for himself. So much for chivalry!

Since then, I kind of just wanted a second chance. And now I’ve got it. To raise money for its official prom, the Garland High School Class of 2009 is hosting a second chance prom on Feb. 23 for folks like me! Deejay Sandi Sharp of the local oldies station KLUV will be there spinning hits from the ‘50s to the ‘90s. I’m sure there will be a few I’ll remember from 1996 — graduation year. Stay tuned for the video. Until then, here’s to second chances…