My Challenge for You!

As Lent begins this week, I'd like to issue a challenge to my American friends.

Give up your microwave. 

I won't ask you to give up your car and rely solely on public transportation, just give up your microwave for Lent, or even a week. Can you do it? 

I don't think I realized how much more complicated things are without a microwave. It is, perhaps, one of the most underestimated inventions. 

When I make tea, I have to heat the water in a nice little pan on my stove. I've burnt myself twice in recent weeks. So. Much. Fun. 

When I have leftovers, I must find a way to recook them, and not just reheat them. Hmmmm....this has proven an interesting challenge. 

When you just don't feel like cooking and want to just "throw something in the microwave"...well, there is no such option for me right now.

You say, Carrie, "Go buy a microwave!" 

"Okay!" I reply. "Where should I plug it in when I buy one?" I have no outlet in my kitchen, and the nearest outlet, in the dining room, has the size 10 plugs and I'm guessing most microwaves have the size 16 plugs. The joys of life in Italy. It's not all pretty. So, I suppose I could put it in the bathroom and plug it in there. 

And, a new microwave costs no less than €99, which when I know I can get one in the US for $30 US dollars, I have a hard time paying five times that. 

Anyways, there's my challenge for you. Give up your microwave. Will you take my challenge?

Pic from http://www.universetoday.com/19244/extracting-water-from-the-moon-with-basic-home-appliances/