Lenten Challenge

I know it isn't Lent yet, and I know I am not the most practicing of Catholics.  But to celebrate my 10th year being Catholic (so to speak) I have decided I need a Lenten challenge as big as my RCIA year.

In 2001 I gave up chocolate for Lent.  I was working full time, volunteering, and going through RCIA.  I had a boyfriend and was living with my cat Rascal in a nice flat in Worcester, MA.  I had a good job and car.  And as I approached Lent, I chose the biggest thing to give up that I could.  Chocolate.

Now I know that there are some of you out there who do not like chocolate or are allergic to it, just as there are many of you who can't go a day without it.  (me) But this was (to me) the big sacrifice.  So I did it.

On Holy Thursday I had gone with some work colleagues to check out venues for the holiday party for 2001 (which never happened).  At one hotel we were given complimentary bottles of champagne and a HUGE box of chocolate covered strawberries.  THE TEMPTATION.  It was terrible.  But I managed not to eat any until after midnight on Easter Sunday morning.  It was a long 40 days, but I managed.

So.  This year I will giving up soda.***  Yup.  You heard me.  Soda.  I love me some diet coke/pepsi/coke zero.  I could LIVE on it.  Which is why it is going down.

I am also beginning my challenge early, on March 1st.  This gives me a week leeway to mess up and not have it count.  I have classes Tuesday  night and it is possible I could forget and have a coke zero in my gob before I even remember what I am doing before a long class on a Tuesday evening.  But starting Ash Wednesday- it is for real.

This is pretty hard core (for me).  I am nowhere as hardcore as Fat Bridesmaid, who is giving up TV!  Now that is seriously hardcore.  I could NOT do that.  I love tv more than diet soda!  And I can't imagine how long it would take me to catch up on what I missed.  And I would miss Spring Training games and I need me some ST NOW!

So, there you have it.  in 10 days and change, no more soda.  Pray for me.

 

 

 

(***the exception to this rule is ginger ale if I have a tummy bug or issue, as it settles my stomach and isn't diet, and is only purchased in tiny can quantities)