Monday, September 22, 2008

Oatmeal and the economic crisis

Every time I read another story about the dire economic situation, I think about instant oatmeal and then throw up a little inside my mouth.

(cue transition music going into hilarious personal story)

Some months ago, I found myself in my own economic downfall. Not a crisis--there was never a danger that I wouldn't be able to pay my bills (as long as there weren't any expensive emergencies in my life)--but I was trying to save up money for a couple of things important to me. But the saving was going slowly. Awfully slowly.

So one night I was shopping for food at Wal-Mart, which I believe is the grocery store of Satan, and saw these boxes of "Great Value" brand instant oatmeal in a shopping cart. A box of 10 (assorted flavors) for $1!

"You know," I told myself, "if I ate this oatmeal instead of a regular lunch or dinner, I could save a lot of money!"

(In my mind, because I'm tiny, food is obviously where I should be cutting back on spending. I mean, I'm not eating that much anyway. Why should I splurge?)

So I grabbed two boxes. I felt like a genius. I had a plan to save tens of dollars!

And I did it, because I'm not a quitter. I finished the whole box in about eight days. I think I skipped a day, and none of my oatmeal meals were breakfast, FYI. Only lunch or dinner. I usually skip breakfast.

I've since reverted back to normal eating habits: Lean Cuisines, sandwiches, canned fruit and carb-y snacks for me!

But let me just give some advice about oatmeal in these hard economic times: Instant oatmeal is not that great after the third day in a row, even if you still have three more flavors to try. Eating it two meals in a row will make you sad. It's pretty unappealing by day seven, especially if you had Goldfish crackers and Pepsi for lunch.

Things that taste bad on top of oatmeal: Chocolate syrup (on the maple syrup flavor), shredded cheese (on the plain flavor), peanuts (on any flavor).

I still have the second box of oatmeal. I'm ready at a moment's notice for Instant Oatmeal Feast: Part II.

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