finding contentment in oatmeal

second post, an example of short-term contentment i find on a workday morning basis in something as simple (yet, ever so complex if made correctly) as oatmeal.  over my working years, i have perfected the technique of making the Perfect oatmeal.  starbucks may claim theirs is perfect, but i have news for them - while tasty, the form in which they deliver it to you is only in the first stage of true perfect oatmeal development.

texture is of the utmost importance, as is the vessel in which the oatmeal is ultimately to be consumed.  my preference: a small coffee mug.  key ingredient: effin' patience.  warning: oatmeal will not hesitate to explode all over your microwave.  not pretty, and such a waste.

while instant oatmeal gets a bad rep, this is only because the novice oatmeal maker underestimates the importance of careful preparation.  i recommend disregarding the instructions on oatmeal packets and relying on your senses...sight, primarily, as well as touch.  below is my time-tested, patiently perfected, oatmeal optimizing daily procedure:

1.  empty contents of one instant oatmeal packet into coffee mug
2.  fill with water (any temp) about 3/4 inch above the settled oatmeal
3.  mix.  consistency should be that of a watery soup.  if it's thicker, add more water.
4.  pop into microwave and heat on high for 1 minute, 10 seconds.  you don't need to keep an eye on it at this point.
5.  let it rest for 2 minutes.  seriously.  let the thing sit in there to chill out for a few and distract yourself with something else.
6.  temporarily remove the mug from microwave, mixing the partially cooked oatmeal until it's all settled back into the center and bottom of the mug.
7.  pop back into the microwave for 45 seconds - and KEEP AN EYE ON IT.
8.  as soon as it comes to either (a) the end of 45 seconds or (b) the inner rim of the mug, take it out of the microwave and scoop it back down to settle in the center bottom of the mug.
9.  let it rest again - give it about 2-5 minutes to cool down.

your result should be a thick, stick-to-your-ribs concoction of morning (or afternoon snack) goodness.  savor it.

i find a serious sense of satisfaction and temporary contentment in my routine consumption of a perfect oatmeal.  sometimes, i make two.