Growing up, I was raised Catholic. Traditionally, Catholics give up something for Lent. Oddly enough, I think I was/am the only one in the family who ever gave anything up. I really liked this concept because it made me feel like I was actually doing something religious. I never did bible study or Sunday School, I tried out for chorus once but, oh yeah, I can't sing.
Even though I don't go to church anymore, I still always give something up for Lent. And by give something up for Lent, I mean give something up for the first 2-6 hours, accidentally eat or do that thing I gave up, then remember, oh crap, I gave that up. Darn. Whelp, there is always next year.
If I'm feeling particularly dedicated that year, but screw up on the first day, I rack my brain to think of something I hadn't had that day then decide to give that up instead. I think I'm missing the point of Lent.....
Any who, here are my Lent hits and misses... (I think you're really going to be impressed with one of them)
1. Wine (Miss) - I think I made it to 7pm on the first night. "Oh, Champagne is wine?! Crap."
2. Diet Coke (Miss) - "Oh, even if I mix it with whiskey, it still counts as having a diet coke??" Crap.
3. Popcorn (Hit) - One day during the 40 days and 40 nights, the cracker jacks that crossed my path at a gas station in Bucksnort, Tennessee almost got me. Almost. I'm too smart for you, cracker jacks, I know you're popcorn under that molasses flavored candy-coated disguise! Popcorn for the Lent WIN!
4. Elevators (Miss) - I was a kiddo in college when I tried this. I lived on the 4th floor. I figured it would be challenging but doable. I think I may have forgotten the challenges of coming home drunk at 3am and forgetting that elevators are forbidden. Lent Miss.
5. Beer (Hit) - I'm serious. I made it! I said beer, I didn't say vodka or gin or vino... or jack or johnny or jose.... Hell no H20! Lent Win!
6. Public Transportation (Hit) - Ok, so this may sound like one of those, "I'm giving up being an Underground Drug Lord for Lent" kind of scenarios. But I was in college and I took the campus bus everywhere. I took it to class, I took it home, I took it to bars. So I put my walkin' shoes on for 40 dang days! Go me, and go my much-stronger-for-the-experience legs!
7. Pizza (Miss) - I'm sorry. I just couldn't do it. Say no to drugs say yes to pizza. Lent miss.
8. Texting (HIT) - YES. I. GAVE. UP. TEXTING. FOR. LENT. My friends were so PISSED. They had to call me on the Zach Morris contraption. I think several friends are still angry with me over that. And guess what, I made the entire 40 days. Can you believe it? How impressed are you right now?!
And for this year's challenge?
I love love love Starbucks and I go every day on my way into work. So I stopped today on my way in this morning and it will be the last time until Easter Sunday. It is a good thing I didn't ask General to give it up with me...
Are you giving anything up this year for Lent?
Interesting to see what made it and what didn't. The first year we were together my husband gave up chocolate for Lent--and he was missing it bad!! The churches I've always gone to haven't been the kind with very formal Lenten observations so I can't remember ever fasting at this time of year.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could ever commit for 40 days straight I most certainly would end up forgetting like you!
ReplyDeletexx
http://www.analeote.blogspot.com
When I was younger I used to try giving up something for lent. Now I'm not exactly a religious person, but I still love seeing what people try to give up! hah.
ReplyDeleteTV! I have no idea how I'm going to survive it.
ReplyDeleteOohhh good luck! one year I tried to give up carbs. Miss. x
ReplyDeleteYou've given up some great things! I've never been good at giving things up or even thinking of things to give up. I really like that elevator one! Hmmmm now, since it's Fat Tuesday, I better decide what to give up!
ReplyDeleteGeneral is the best!!! lol Good luck! I couldn't do it. I need Starbucks like I need a shower.
ReplyDeleteOh, you are a brave girl! Those are some bold choices, but I don't think I could do Starbucks! It makes it even worse since my new job has one (with a drive thru) right next door!
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
HAHA General. I get you. My friend's giving up "excessive amounts of sugar" - how arbitrary is that?!
ReplyDeleteI could never give up pizza. Or beer. Or texting (love the Zach Morris reference… per usual). And I'm terrible, I don't even know when Lent starts this year. And I should probably give up cursing but I don't even know I do it that much until my kid starts repeating me in public. Of course :)
ReplyDeleteOh wow 40 days without texting thats awesome!
ReplyDeleteyou gave up texting for lent?! and i was going to post about lent tomorrow DANGIT. this is hilarious since I always give something up too- usually sweets, it doesnt work out so well.
ReplyDeleteYup, suuuper impressed by no texting. Not sure how you pulled that off. I'd love to try no elevators, but I work on the 14th floor, and I don't think I'd make it past floor 5.
ReplyDeleteHOOOOLLYYYY CRAP. Yeah, there would be no way. You'd get to work sweating your booty off!
DeleteWow, texting? That is awesome. I am still debating about giving something up for lent. I want to give up wine/beer because those are normally my week day drinks (and my excess pounds probably) but am I setting myself up for failure.
ReplyDeleteI am also not catholic but I like the challenge. GOod luck!
HOW did you give up texting?? Surely someone texted you during that time and you REALLY wanted/needed to answer.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely go all out (texting, WOW!) when you give something up! I haven't decided if or what I'm going to give up.
ReplyDeletegood luck. Starbucks would be easy for me b/c I can't find any around here.
ReplyDeleteI typically give up different foods for Lent. I've done pizza, fries, and even sour gummy worms when they were my favorite snack of choice (college, of course). I still haven't made a final decision for this year! Good luck with Starbucks! I think that's something I could definitely do but it really wouldn't be much of a sacrifice since I'm not a big coffee drinker!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with that one! I am impressed with the texting. Yeah I don't think it counts if the dog does it for you so he can drink your Starbucks lol
ReplyDeleteI told myself no beer when I started this diet. Sooooooo I used the whisky.
ReplyDeleteI be been off Starbucks since Feb 2nd. It's hard, but doable!!!
ReplyDeleteI just have to say that I love the picture of you outside of the pizzeria! You look great!
ReplyDeletewow! Those are all pretty good. I think I'd have to give up shopping for clothes & shoes. I'm really bad at that & I my wallet could also use a break.
ReplyDeleteHaha I love this, and definitely would not be able to go without Starbucks, especially since it's across the street from my apartment. temptation at its worst.
ReplyDeleteThere is no way I'd be able to give up texting so I am so super impressed!! I"m giving up sweets - like I have the last few years (it's always either sweets or salt!) I just finished with a clean eating/Paleo challenge so this year should be a breeze :)
ReplyDeleteThat's like my all time favorite photo of the General. Love it. I don't know what I'm giving up. But, Jesus and I are also in a fight and we have been for like 5 or 6 years now so I'm not sure I even want to give anything up. I'd probably fail at it anyway.
ReplyDeleteI am not catholic so I never gave anything up but I always, always celebrated Shroud Tuesday more commonly known to me as " Pancake Day".
ReplyDeleteWow. Texting is intense. I don't think I could ever do that and I really don't text *that* much. I've given up Coke a couple of times. Actually, I gave it up last year and have yet to have one since! Extreme Lent, hahaha.
ReplyDeleteI decided on no sweets (candy, soda, etc.) :/ but you totally made me laugh with yours.
ReplyDeleteOMG!! You gave up beer?!?! Get it girl!! I always fail, too. And I'm not Catholic I just like to see if I can succeed at something. The answer is usually no.
ReplyDeleteOne of my friends has been giving up Facebook the last couple of years. I think I could do it. Texting though? Absolutely not!
ReplyDeleteYOU GAVE UP TEXTING. You cray. I'm not even remotely Catholic but I was going to give up booze until I remembered that St. Patricks Day and Opening Day both fall during Lent soooo I think it's going to be cancer sticks (I know, grossss) and caffeine (which now that I'm thinking about it includes Starbucks. Shit!)
ReplyDeleteI'm really impressed by the 40 days without texting!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with no Starbucks! I have faith in you! :)
My standard in high school was chocolate - which wasn't too bad (my birthday almost always is during lent, so I've gotten used to lemon cakes). One year I tried processed flour. I made it about 30 days.
ReplyDeleteThe big debate for me is Sundays: The 40 days of Lent are not counting Sundays (I think there are about 47 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter), so do I have to?
I think this year I might go with Diet Ginger Ale, an occasional habit that has turned into an almost daily one.
Growing up my family never did lent but my a gave up sodas successfully one year in high school. Then last year (my senior year of college) I tried for about a week and failed. This year I'm thinking of adding something everyday instead of taking something away--who knew that was possible?!
ReplyDeleteOh, my...You gave up texting and wine?! Your hardcore, I always give up something that wouldn't make me a nut job if I didn't have it! :)
ReplyDeleteSome years I consider giving something up for Lent, and then I remember I'm a Mormon. I already gave up ALL THE THINGS.
ReplyDeleteOk first of all, that picture of General is WAY TOO CUTE! I haven't given up anything for lent in a long, long time. Like I am fairly certain it was in elementary school. Maybe I should get back in to it. It would be a great reason to kick something that I need to do anyways! Mad props to giving up beer and texting. Those two would be quite challenging for me!
ReplyDeleteYOU GAVE UP TEXTING FOR LENT?! I'm just so, so impressed by this. I don't even think I could give it up for a day.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed by the fact that giving up texting was a hit. I'd last for maybe 12 minutes, but would snapchat count? because then I could do it for maybe a week! I'm going to try to give up gum... this is a huge challenge.
ReplyDeleteI am IMPRESSED - no texting? And now no Starbucks?
ReplyDeleteIt's times like Lent that I'm thankful I'm Jewish.
Gahhh... good luck! You can totally do it. I believe in you. And clearly if you slip up, General will be there to snatch it away from you!
ReplyDeleteMy boss asked me what was I giving up for lent, and I hadn't even thought about it, but I guess giving up my snooze button would be a lovely one, I might actually be able to go for a run or eat breakfast at home. So I promise not to set up my alarm 20-30 later if you promise not to cheat with DD, or something like that..... :)
ReplyDeleteYou gave up texting and wine, and now you're giving up STARBUCKS!?! What is wrong with you!? I could never do that, that is just not going to happen.
ReplyDeleteI was raised Catholic too, but have pretty much the same tendencies you described above. Sadly, I don't think I've ever given up something for the entire duration of Lent. Oops.
ReplyDeletethe real question is, would you be able to give up twitter ?!
ReplyDeleteOhhhh General is going to be so pissed at you!!!! I don't think I ever made it through Lent successfully. I am thinking I need to give up coffee but I don't think I could function.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe you gave up texting for Lent! Amazing!
ReplyDeleteI love that you gave up (er, tried to give up) elevators...LOL! So random! Also, I could NEVER give up texting!! You are a strong woman!! Hahaha!
ReplyDeleteO man those are all such hard ones. I'm giving up pasta, bread, and beer this year. Let's see how I do :/
ReplyDeleteGiving up texting would be an interesting challenge! Go back to the days when you called your friends to ask them a question instead of instantaneously messaging them. Definitely worth a shot!
ReplyDeleteSuper interesting to see what succeeded and what didn't! I haven't attempted to give too many things up. But I did give up all alcohol one year and made it the whole time. I felt super healthy by the time it was over.
ReplyDeleteYou survived the two hardest by far beer and texting!
ReplyDeleteI gave up Starbucks in college one time. Yikes!! But I made it!! Good luck to you. :)
ReplyDeleteI also have a lot of misses. I feel like I try to give up sodas every single year and don't make it past day 2. I would have a hard time giving up the green lady. She just seems to brighten my bad days and I depend on her. But good luck to you!!
ReplyDeleteI went to catholic middle school but I actually don't think I ever gave anything up for lent. Texting!?! Say whaa???!! That's amazing.
ReplyDeleteDoes it still count if I make the Starbucks coffee at home?
ReplyDeleteI'm seriously cracking up that you made it 40 days with no texting but couldn't do the elevators. Loved this post!
ReplyDeleteHey Sarah! Good luck! :)
ReplyDeleteLove this post! At least you try every year! haha. I haven't given up anything for Lent before, but I should probably give up biting my nails. If I succeed, I think hell would freeze over. Let's do this!
ReplyDeleteEva Marie Taylor
I LOVE that picture of your dog! So adorbs!
ReplyDeleteDanielle @ Allusional
I have tried to quit Starbucks so many times and I always fail!! I don't know what they put in those beverages but it is dangerous stuff!
ReplyDeleteLoved this post. Hilarious. Good luck with Starbucks. If you make it, you'll probably save millions!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking maybe pasta or sugar in my tea (I drink multiple cups a day) this year, but idk. I havent done it in a couple years, but mine is always food of some sort, being as obsessed with it as i am it's kind of a big deal for me.
ReplyDeleteTexting is seriously impressive. I think my thumbs would disown me if I did that.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had Starbucks all year, you can do it!!
TExTING!?!! Holy hell I am so impressed. I am giving up sugar AND alcohol. I also think I have never completed a Lent, but I am doing it with my boyfriend as alcohol will be easy for him to give up and so rough for me and sugar is easy for me and terrible for him. Is it wrong that I'm already making exceptions (e.g., St. Patty's Day)?
ReplyDeleteI loved this post! It was fun reading about your hits and misses. You go girl on not texting, I know I couldn't do it. That is impressive. I am thinking about giving up swearing, junk food, and negativity.
ReplyDeleteDuring my middle/high school years I STAYED grounded/in trouble. First thing taken away....dun dun dun......my laptop.....#Torture. Also, I HAD to be at church everytime the doors were open #Punishment to a 14yr old wild one. Every year for Lent I gave up My Laptop. LOL Silly me. I'm thrilled to say I was #Winning every year! I did it! (Only because I was grounded from my laptop anyways and my parents had hid it in a new strange place I couldn't find it) But that's neither here nor there, right? :) Good luck on the Starbucks i'm slurpin' down some Passion Tea as I type this! #SorryNotSorry
ReplyDeleteAlso, I am apparently EXTREMELY exhausted because i'm forgetting what social media i'm on. Yes I #Hashtagged my blogger comment.....kill me for it. I need my bed! LOL
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I gave up tv! ahhh what was I thinking! I like the texting one too !
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of giving things up for lent before. It sounds interesting. Do you just give something up for 40 days and that's it?
ReplyDeleteTexting is awesome! I've heard of people giving that up and I am in awe that it can actually happen. Go you!
ReplyDeleteTexting? Seriously??? I could never. I HATE talking on the phone. I don't practice or observe Lent but I figured what the hay, I'll give it a try. I'm giving up fried foods!
ReplyDeleteI could NEVER give up texting! Kudos!
ReplyDeleteHaha this is awesome!! You can do no starbucks!! I did really well with this as a teenager, but now that I don't regularly go to a catholic church anymore I tend to forget lent is happening. Last year, I spent lent cleaning out my life. I used it as spring cleaning. Gave away 40 pieces of clothing I no longer wore, spent 40 minutes everyday cleaning or organizing a different area of my room/ apartment/ life. The plan is to do that again this year, except the closet cleaning out part... I do not have 40 pieces of clothes I can give away right now. Maybe next year I'll do 40 good deeds... or 40 hours of volunteer work?
ReplyDeletehttp://amylynscarano.blogspot.com
I don't practice Lent, but I did give up Facebook a couple months ago and I have no intention on going back. It has been hard to be out of touch with certain family members, but the productivity that I have gained from not being on facebook has made it so worth it. I can't believe you didn't text for 40 days! haha
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm shocked about the beer! Good job!! Last year I gave up Facebook, and I totally made it! This year, I gave up shopping! Clothes/accessories/shoes for myself...with the exception that I could buy a bathing suit for my vacation in 2 weeks. I shop WAY too much, so this is going to be quite the challenge!
ReplyDelete-AJ
OccasionallyAJ.com
This is funny! And I echo the masses here...texting?! I'm fairly certain I would have no friends after Easter if I ever tried that!
ReplyDeleteI gave up ice cream.....that was my only cheat treat so it's going to be tough but my lent choices are usually "wins." I'm also not Catholic but my church still participated in Lent and now I still do... Most people think that's weird.
ReplyDelete