Cooking woes

Why did high school stop offering home ec classes?
Just saying that it would have been very beneficial to know some of these things.
Namely, cooking. I don't know what the heck I'm doing half the time and have made some pretty atrocious meals which I still eat just because of the fact that I want my money's worth of all the groceries I just wasted. There is an endless cycle of pasta - tacos - pizza because those are about the only things I know how to make.
Any tips? Any favorite recipes? I'll take 'em. :)

I've been thinking a lot about Lent, which is creeping around the corner. Thinking of what I should "give up" but I read an article from the UCC about it that was really interesting.
"So Lent is a time of “turning.” The season gives us an opportunity to turn our lives
around. We let go of practices and habits that separate us from God and distort our
relationship with others. We open our minds and hearts to God’s love. We listen to God’s
word. We ask God to show us what is really important. We turn toward God."

It's January 29 already. I look back on what all I've accomplished and wonder how on earth I did it all. Essays, assignments, exams, applications - yuck. I hate that this part of my life is all about that stuff. I envy those non-students I pass on the street that can go home and not have to worry about homework, assignments, etc. (I know adults have their own work issues and deadlines, but don't ruin my fantasy...I need something to look forward to!) At the same time though, I love being here. I love the academic community. If only we could scratch the whole grading/assignment thing, and the whole $35,000 a year. I wouldn't mind never leaving.