Well, it's that time of the year again. And since I'm blogging ithis year I might as well give you a warning of the roller coaster ride that's to come for the next six weeks.
Yes, I'm talking about Lent.
See, Mardi Gras is the fun part of the Easter season, the last hurrah, so to speak. The rest is work.
Problem is, I haven't come up with a decent item to give up this year and Lent starts tomorrow.
When I was a kid I always used to give up chocolate and would end up either a) cheating or b) conveniently forgetting about it when the Hershey bar was being divvied up. When my brother Andy and I were kids we didn't eat meat on Fridays during Lent. One week we rode our bikes all the way to Long John Silver's (which is one of those fast food seafood places where if they can't batter and fry it in oil they don't serve it), we ordered our dinners and sat down. We were halfway through our meal when we both realized we ordered the chicken. And no, we didn't tell our mother.
I've tried to give up more difficult things as the years have gone on. I figure if people can survive the South Beach and Atkins Diets, I can give up something as simple as burgers for a month and a half. Here's a little history of what I've given up in chronological order (for reference only):
1) Meat
2) Television (eventually went away entirely)
3) The LA Times Food Section
4) Alcohol (2 years in a row)
5) Videos/DVDs
6) Coffee
7) Caffeine
8) Music
9) Music, Talk Radio, Streaming Media, Books on CD/Tape, etc.
I think that last one was the worst on Lauren, my old office mate, who heard me grumble for six weeks straight and didn't punch me once.
So, no, you don't get to vote on whether I give something up or not, but what it is I'm giving up.
I could give up yelling at other commuters on the road, though I'm not sure that's entirely doable. Chocolate's still a good one and exceptionally hard in this office.
If anyone suggests giving up blogging, you're in for it (Drea...)
And there is no wagering whether I make it through or not. (You know who you are.)
Um, talking out loud in the office when you're not talking to anyone in particular and no one is listening. That's what I vote for.
Anything but music! - How about book club? just kidding.
Sharon - Talking to myself if one of the few forms of entertainment I still enjoy thoroughly. It's so unpredictable what I'll say to myself. So... no.
Lauren - Okay, no music. I think I gave up Book Club in November. But I think everyone kind of gave it up in November.
man, i was going to suggest Sharon's idea!!!! i've sat next to you for a week...it will be a good challenge for you. and sharon, $20 says he doesnt last 3 weeks.
Leigh - That's what I get for letting anyone post here. It's my mother's fault, really. She's Italian and no one can stop an Italian from swearing, speaking with their hands, or talking to themselves. (Please notice all are related to talking.)
I gave up caffeine, Leigh, and I am going all the way!
Hmmm. How about giving up Typing? Or Email? Telephones. Driving. Liquids of any kind. Shoes???? Marshall would LOVE that one!
Drea - I could give all those things up, but I'm pretty sure I'd be out of a job by Easter. Which I'm not sure is the point. I'll have to look into it. Maybe I missed something.