Just Me, Some Carob Balls, and My Snow White Lunch Box

I only attended public school for a couple of years. We moved overseas in the middle of second grade and I attended a private international school (read: a bunch of rich spoiled brats). But those short years in grade school were some of my favorite memories.

It's amazing how vividly I remember my first grade class. I peed on the floor in gifted and talented music because I was scared to ask to go to the bathroom. I used to envy the "special" kids that got to leave with their "trays" full of books and pencils (they were headed to remedial reading class). And I loved it when our art teacher would come to our room with his cart full of fun activities.

But really, I remember lunch time the best. I was never allowed to buy lunch. My mother was an uber organic "make your own yogurt" kind of lady and so I'd sit with my meatless whole wheat sandwich and carob balls and envy the bologna and cheese surprise that my friend Brian was devouring next to me.

And wouldn't you know, he'd envy the little balls of carob that tasted like a poor man's chocolate. A poor man who had forgotten sugar and liked eating balls of wax.

Honestly. Carob? ICK.

But the best part was the lunch boxes. Those metal lunch boxes with the matching thermoses were the best. And I happened to own a super cool Snow White lunch box with a GAME on the back. Yes. A spin the wheel game that entertained us for many a day. People would gather around, eat my carob balls, and play my Snow White game.

I think often of how it will be for my daughter in school. Times have certainly changed. And while school is much more than just those small moments in the cafeteria, sometimes that's what school is about. Meeting friends over food (or a sorry excuse for food), playing games, and just being kids.

This post is part of a group writing project in conjunction with School Menu and it's parental counterpart Family Everyday. Both sites work together with School Food Service Directors to bring healthy lunches to kids -- as well as educate them about nutrition and fitness. Check them out!

Comments

[Dawn]

awwww, too cute

[jaelithe]

I never understood the carob thing, either. I mean, what the heck is wrong with chocolate? Most carob snacks wind up with added fat and sugar in them, anyway.

Stupid carob.

[Heather]

I agree about the carob. Ick.

I don't know how it will be for you daughter, but I'm sure it will be carob-less, right?

Lunch was fun for me as a kid too. I wish it were for my boy.