2009.02.19
Lent
Tuesday is "Fat Tuesday," the day for gorging on good food and drink before Ash Wednesday ushers in Lent and a 40-day period of deprivation for observing Christians.
As a teenager, I once gave up soda for Lent as an experiment. Didn't make it through. Maybe it was that high fructose corn syrup that hooked me. Ha.
I am always curious about what people choose to give up for Lent and why. Are any of you planning on abandoning a favorite food or a bad habit until Easter? If so, I'd love to hear your plans and your rationale for the item you chose.
Alcohol and soft drinks. Just to do it. I go on a diet during Lent.
Comment by Henry — February 19, 2009 @ 4:04 pm
For Lent, I am giving up going out to eat. (It's gonna be tough!!!) It gives me a chance to try and cook new dishes at home. I got a couple new cookbooks for the Christmas holiday and Lindsey always posts some good recipes- so I am ready. Plus, it is always fun to try new fish dishes on Fridays!
Comment by Amanda — February 20, 2009 @ 8:36 am
I once announced to my daughter, who was 15 at the time, that I was going to try to give up coffee for Lent. With a genuinely panicked expression on her face she asked, "But where am I supposed to live then?"
I saw her point and got myself another cup of French roast.
Comment by Nona — February 20, 2009 @ 9:26 am
As a teenager, I always gave up chocolate or soda for Lent. Now that I am an adult, last year I decided to give up all caffeine for 40 days. The first week was a struggle...I never realized how dependent I had grown on caffeine. I also never realized all the items that contain some form of caffeine. I am proud to say I made it through lent and enjoyed a large ice cold coke on Easter Sunday.
This year I will probably give up caffeine again.
Comment by Tricia — February 20, 2009 @ 10:41 am
I give up newspaper blogs...
Comment by Rich — February 20, 2009 @ 11:31 am
Alright, smarty!
Comment by lindseynair — February 20, 2009 @ 12:23 pm
Rich - you are too funny!
I never practiced lent before, but found myself in a diet - kinda - this past week. I call it the-stomach-bug diet. I had a stomach bug and lost five pounds. So now I'm dieting. Why not? So, I think I'll give up dessert. Or is that too ambiguous? What are the rules?
I have a lunch date with my parents in Roanoke on Fat Tuesday. Does anyone think it'll be a busy restaurant day?
Comment by Amy Hanek — February 20, 2009 @ 3:23 pm
My buddy Big Mike once said, "I'm going to give up picking my belly button for Lent."
Comment by Ralph — February 20, 2009 @ 3:29 pm
Ah, the fish on Fridays! It's a Catholic thing, so maybe non-Catholics don't really understand. But there is nothing like seafood on Fridays during Lent. I know the Lord appreciates my sacrifice with every salmon, crab and lobster dish I make, and eat, during Lent.
Comment by Nona — February 22, 2009 @ 12:06 pm