Lent is upon us. Fat Tuesday was yesterday, and I indulged. Starbucks and paczkis and Buffalo Wild Wings and Classic Slice Pizza in between kids' conferences and extra soda and...it was a bit much, but it was an enjoyable day with my husband and good reminder that not all of this needs to be part of my life.
Every year I give up soda for Lent. I hope that by the end of Lent, I will have broken my desire for it and I have to have that happen. This year, instead of just soda, I also decided to give up caffeinated beverages of all kinds. Which means no more Starbucks, along with my no more Coke. I am also going to fast M-F and share my evening meal with my family. I am finding that I am turning to food for comfort and solace when things get insane instead of to my people. That needs to change.
I am giving up all of my lunch hours, as well. This time can be used for studying, make up work, help with an assignment. I will check on co-workers if there is no one in my room - be an ear or a sassy joke or just an adult face. It all helps at some point.
Last year, I made a pledge during Lent to share with the Muppets, everyday, why I was blessed to have them in my life. I failed miserably because my broken ankle impeded my ability to get up the stairs to their rooms. I will probably revisit that again the future, before my oldest leaves the nest. So this year, I decided, after reading a friend's post, that I will give up complaining for Lent.
Truth and accuracy department - I goofed up within an hour of making my declaration - about gas prices of all things. BUT, like I preach to the kids. Falling down is okay, staying down is not. As of this moment I have made it a whole 3 hours and 18 minutes!! It will be tough because my department (of males) tends to turn our department meeting into a bit of a b*&$# fest, but I got this.
So, even if you are not Catholic, perhaps this could be a time of self reflection and self improvement. What can you do to make a better YOU?
Lent is upon us. I have helped my kids, both at home and at work, decide what they are willing to sacrifice to help prepare them for the celebrations of the Resurrection. We have discussed the 40 days of fasting and meditation that took place in the desert. We also discussed the temptations of Christ while on that very spiritual journey. I met mine head-on today...and succeeded!
We are in the midst of finals week. Ash Wednesday being yesterday, makes it very difficult for me to get through the stress of this week. My Lenten sacrifices, while trivial, are very real sacrifices for me. I am giving up soda and sugary food - candy, sweets, cereal with anything other than grains, you get the idea. I am a sugar junkie. I can moderate, beautifully. But, Cold Turkey, that's rough. I am also sticking VERY true to the 2 small meals (protein shakes), less than a full meal combined, and a full meal. I am pretty proud of that on Day 2 of Lent. (Don't make fun of my small milestones.)
Another teacher came to me this AM, absolutely in tears over a very sensitive issue. So, after exams, I invited her to lunch. I figured since my FF was on shift today and my nerves are shot after the events of his last shift, I would not be hungry tonight. We visited the Golden Arches, N picked. I ordered my quarter pounder with cheese meal, ketchup only. Shamrock shakes are upon us, yum, but my waistline does not need them. Got my cup and my fries. Went to full up my cup with some ice-cold Coca-Cola and I remembered. <sigh> I filled my cup with water, as Ms. M and N filled theirs with sweet yummy pop. As we left, I filled it up again - with water. <double sigh> Totally worth it, but still so hard. I think I know how smokers must feel when they are stressed and longing for a cigarette. It is a sacrifice and it is good for my health. I can make it the next 45 days. But...wow.
What are you giving up this Lent?
