I don't think I am over reacting.  I think this guy is a lefty teacher who likely thinks it's OK for the school/state to dictate what is and isn't healthy.

A couple of years ago this same teacher broke up groups of girls, telling them that they had to be doing something other than talking in groups during recess . 

A few days later I asked the principal what that was all about.  She replied that they were trying to discourage girls from forming groups in order to head off potential drama/gossip.  After suggesting that her policy was a possible infringement of the freedom to associate, she backed off.

Aside from the freedom of association issue, this is what girls have always done, so it seemed like a bit of social engineering to boot.

Nutritional needs are not one size fits all and the teacher's comments regarding the unsuitability of my daughter's snack placed him squarely between me and my daughter.  How did he think she came to have that Clif Bar in the first place? That, more than anything, is what I won't tolerate. 

A.W.S.O.M.E.

You didn't warn the reader at the beginning that a box of tissues might be needed.  What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing!

This woman was a family friend:

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Shark-kills-woman-in-Central-Coast-attack-2560673.php

It was quite shocking.  My husband works near Avila Beach and called to tell me there was a shark attack.  I turned on the local news and almost fell out of my chair when I realized it was our friend.

Dear Zachary.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtyY0CXdiNo

(Sorry, I don't know how to make clicking on Dear Zachary take you to the youtube video and I'm on the way out the door so don't have time to figure it out at the moment.)

"Jeff PetraskaI come here dailyfor just two purposes: to read the Main Feed and to download the latest podcasts. I have very little interest in posting, or even commenting on posts. That's just a reflection of my personality, I'm far more a listener than a talker."

This is me, although I have posted comments 3 or 4 times in the ~ 18 months that I have been a member.  I joined when the Ricochet podcast was free simply because being a freeloader nags at my conscience.  But, I don't think I'd be willing to pay much more than the current rate. 

As a 53 year old former marathon runner and double plantar fasciitis victim (mended via surgery), when not in athletic shoes I'm wearing a pair of Danskos.  While not that easy on the pocket book, the Danskos at least seem to last forever so I've got a pair of black and a pair of brown.  The shoe section of my closet is sparse, but my feet are happy.

With our daughter, my husband and I half heartedly acted like Santa Clause brought presents on Christmas Eve.  It was kind of fun to play the game, but when she was 5 years old she asked me if there really was a Santa Clause.  Not wanting to come right out with a "no" and not wanting to tell her a flat out lie,  I asked her if she thought whether there is a man living in the North Pole with little elves making toys all year and who then flew around the world in one night delivering them.  Her response made me feel all warm and fuzzy.  Afer thinking for a few seconds she came to the conclusion that there is no Santa Clause and that people really do need to think about what they believe.  She's my little conservative girl. 

For reasons I won't bother going into, I am taking a required Health Class at a community college.  I am at least 30 years older than most of the other students. Last week, a twentysomething girl employed by a free clinic gave a presentation to the class.  Next class session the teacher lit into the students because when asked by the guest speaker whether girls should carry condoms some students maintained that to do so might cause the girl to appear "skanky".  The teacher said that she was embarrassed by that answer and that the speaker told her it was the first time she had ever heard that response.  You know what?  I was embarrassed by the presentation and the notion that girls should always be at the ready in case the opportunity to have sex suddenly presents itself.  These days I'm really feeling as if we are doomed.

I just remember silly lines like "Shakin' the tree, boss" from Cool Hand Luke and "Looking good, Billy Ray", "Feeling good, Lewis" from Trading Places. Oh, and "You'd dig it the most" from Pulp Fiction.

I can't understand how any self respecting woman willingly participates in the hookup culture. In my mind it's not a matter of setting the terms, but realizing that it is in their best interest to insist on being treated as if they have more to offer than a one night stand. If this behavior is really the norm, then I must conclude that the public school's are doing a terrible job at imparting self esteem. Or maybe this is the anticipated result.

The Human Centipede.

I agree. I assume your niece is a straight A student in a public school. That's not necessarily an indication of stellar intellect. Plus, what 16 year old would voluntarily read Thomas Sowell? Questioning her in a way that will cause her to believe that she can sway you as she explains herself might make lights go on, but probably not in front of you.

At least she has someone like you in her life, so there is hope. There is always hope.....

God works in His own way. Personally, Tuesdays's election has caused me to seek Him more. When I consider this, I realize that what I will find when I lean on Him will benefit my family more than a Romnry presidency would.

I also hardly slept last night.  Texted a good friend in Ohio who got about 3 hours.  It was just so shocking!  I have to admit that I'm in CA and did not get to the polls until about 7.  At that point it was clear that Romney was in trouble.  I was so angry that I cast a vote for Gary Johnson.  What happened should not have.

To me there is a generic hotel/motel smell, from Hilton to Motel 6. I notice it when I first walk in the door and again when I am home unpacking my bags. 

Kind of off topic....Remember that Office episode when Michael and Dwight planned to have a party in their hotel room?  Michael's black light revealed glowing spots on the bedspread.   When Dwight told Michael that it was either blood, urine or semen Michaeal replied "I hope it's urine." I loved that show.