Kay Lekk

This is going to be an entry entirely related to food...since that seems to be a common question/concern. Also anyone that knows me knows that I really like my food and in the states tended to spend a good amount of my day thinking about my upcoming meals.
That being said I think I am going to have to do something about my food situation here. I eat the same everyday Ceeb u jenn with some variation of startchy meal for dinner. This sounds really boring and miserable, especially to us americans who eat such an array of things, however the food is actually pretty good tasting. However, my beef lies with the time of day we eat and the lack of veggies at night. No matter how much rice I eat I am still hungry 20 mins later. Which is usually why i have various foods squirrel away in my room. I even made ramen a few nights without boiling water...which I now really enjoy and will probably continue to do.

Anyways, today I didn't eat till 3:30 after having breakfast at 7:30. (hence why I am probably all geared up about food right now). This is a little late even for my family but it doesn't help dinner doesn't happen till at least 8:30. I know it's an adjustment and I think I've done pretty well adjusting to things here, but my stomach just can't seem to get with the program.
I have made the grand decision that I will speak with my mother, once she returns from Mecca, and start making my own dinners. This way I get more protein and veggies in my belly. Also, I can eat the ripe old hour of 7PM!!!!! I also am going to heed my predecessor's advice and start eating lunch at the campement. The women usually eat much earlier, since they feed the reserve employees, and thier food is just as good. The only reason I haven't done this yet is that I pay the family a lump sum for being and eating here. I feel really uncomfortable changing what I give them but I also don't want to start paying for meals at the campement.

All this can't help but make me think of my freinds (PCVs) who are in actual remote places and food is scarce so they just do without. A lot of us take to the squirreling food away strategy, but honestly it makes you feel really guilty. However in a culture that is so open with sharing, it's impossible to have food last if it's not hidden.
So for those who asked...that's my food situation. Don't worry I AM getting enough food, and can always run to one of the local restaurant if i get really hungry. It just about me figuring out my schedule here and how I'm going to manage things.