On Friday, my daughter talked me into going to her school for lunch. She's asked me to do this a bunch of times, and I finally agreed to go on Friday.

I was a little nervous, since I hadn't eaten in a school cafeteria for about 22 years. That was a stressful time; peer pressure, getting good grades, going to the Valentine's Day Dance...

Anyway, I arrived early and went to the office to pay for the lunch. You have to bring cash if you're a guest. Well, after paying my $1.25, I walked over to the cafeteria where my daughter was waiting for me (rather enthusiastically I might add.) From what I know, as she gets older, she'll probably not want me anywhere near the cafeteria:)

We walked together to the entry door and grabbed a milk (first.) Yep, those same little tiny versions that come in white or chocolate. We also had a choice of orange juice. Then, we grabbed our trays and headed down the line. We were served pizza, chips, applesauce, and a cookie for dessert. Pushing the cart down the line brought back a lot of memories of when I was in school. The same sounds. The same smells, and the same noises. Hustling and bustling, kids talking, laughing. The staff talking and keeping the kids in line.

We finished in-line (I had to hand the cafeteria person my slip showing I'd paid, and she scanned my daughters lunch card (another thing we didn't have back in the day.) And we then proceeded out into the jungle of kids in the main area (you know, with the little tables and the big stage with curtains. This is also where they have movie night and music shows- just like when I was in school.)

We sat down with my daughters group of friends and I was introduced to her friends (several I knew, a couple I hadn't met before,) and for a short time I was the featured guest, the "cool-Dad." Again, I'm sure this will change as she gets older, but for now, I'll enjoy the celebrity.

We sat and ate. I thought I was in trouble, because I'm a big eater and the portions are rather small, albeit designed for grade schoolers, and my daughter pointed-out that I might be able to get seconds. Believe it or not, I finished my serving and was completely full. That was my first lesson: I eat too much when I can have as much as I want. I also pay about $6 to $10 for a single lunch anywhere, so this $1.25 was a pretty good deal.

I listened to the important talk; the gossip, the big news ("Sherry got an A on her spelling test") type stuff, and took it all in. It was such a nice break and way to revisit my childhood, when different things were important, and the servings were smaller!

We finished our lunch and waited to be excused. They flick the lights and let the most quiet tables leave first, where we were able to head-out to the playground.

I said goodbye to my daughter, and on the way back to the car I was so happy I went to lunch with her. It kind of "shocks" you back into life before money, pressure, keeping-up, etc. It was a great break and a great way to spend time with my girl. I'd recommend going to lunch wih your child at least once a year. I'm looking forward to my next trip, and I'm going to make sure my wife goes with us this time!

Chris/Edserv