90.5 out of 100

That's what my niece scored at the statewide culinary competition. That highly respectable point total won her a medal for individual achievement. I am so very proud of her, even though I don't much understand what all she did to win it.

I'm also pleased and proud that she was away for two nights, staying with other young chefs from across the state at a hotel/convention center, without incident. I am hoping that she has turned a corner and that she is on her way to showing everyone what a kick-ass girl she can be.