Q: So what exactly can you make with a hot pot and a microwave?

A: Quite a lot, actually.

Now that I've been at school for about a week, I'm starting to hone my hot pot and/or microwave skills. Why not just eat on campus? Well, colleges seem to think that while you can stay here and work or take classes (for a whole lot of money, I'm sure), you do not require food.

To be fair, though, I should mention that at least we do have dining fascilities open and you can purchase a meal plan. Duane cannot even do that. However, don't let this fool you: our options suck. First of all, there is only one place open at a time. The City View Cafe for breakfast and Off Ramp for lunch and dinner, so you don't get much variety. Then there are the hours. Or should I say lack of hours. Breakfast lasts 2.5 hrs, making it 1.5 hrs longer than any of the other meal times. What if I can't get out of my lab between 11:30 and 12:30? No lunch for me, although I did check out the offerings one day-- burgers, a salad or grilled cheese--gee, what a diet. Grr! The worst part, however, is definitely that while you can purchase a meal plan, it can only be the 19 meal option. That's 3 squares a day during the week and two each day of the weekend. Yeah right.

But back to my newly discovered cooking skills. I made Shrek mac & cheese in the hot pot today and it was scrumptious! The character noodle shapes make is much better, I think. Katie was impressed, too. Haha. I've also had a variety of Ready Rice things. They are surprisingly tastey. Next on the cooking agenda: pre-cooked Tyson's chicken pieces and some green beans, corn, etc. Yay, vegetables! Sadly, good vegetables are what I miss eating most at school. Now if only I could reliably open a can...