what to do? what to do?

Since I always seem to need to have some sort of problem to deal with, real or imagined, I figured I'd get feedback this time to determine whether or not it's actually a problem. Here's my current issue (realising, of course, that it's hard to pinpoint just one, but still...):

My school works in a PC environment, so some of my classes specifically require the use of a PC and PC-only programs (like Access). You may recall that I bought a Mac Mini earlier this year, which I love... seriously, I can't believe that little box treats me so good. But I must use PC programs... This seems like a problem.

I know you can get Microsoft Office for Mac now... Is it worth it to go get it when I can, in theory, get a relatively cheap notebook that will likely have it included already, knowing that my classes are PC-based? Can you actually run Access on a Mac with Virtual PC? Has anyone ever tried Virtual PC and, if so, what would be the cost differential to just getting a notebook?

Seriously, I don't want to buy another computer. I love my Mac. But I also want to get through this Masters without having to spend a lot of time at the school because I don't have the programs at home to work in the middle of the night when I work best (MP, we should talk). So... do I just buy a new notebook (which I'm sorta leaning towards anyway. Might as well dip into that credit line while there's still loads of room on it) or see if maybe Virtual PC is going to work and/or buy Microsoft Office for Mac, even though I'd still have to use Virtual PC because Access is seperate anyway and it's really the most pressing program to have right now, since I kinda want to see if I really like databases as much as I think I do? Does that make sense?

The summarise: buy a notebook or struggle with the possibility that I won't have any frickin' idea what to do with Virtual PC on my Mac?

Additional: if the notebook is the answer, who wants to go shopping with me?

Has anyone ever signed up with FreePay? I'm wondering if my friends would stop talking to me if I sent out the request for them to join so I could get a new free notebook.

Also, I picked up my David Sedaris ticket on the weekend and got my Bumbershoot ticket on Tuesday. I am looking forward to the distractions.