Tuesday, February 24, 2009

I don't know what I'm giving up for Lent.

Here it is Mardi Gras, also known as Shrove or Pancake Tuesday, and Lent starts tomorrow. February's gotten away from me, but that's just as well (see previous entries on February, Month of Doom).

I don't generally make New Year's resolutions, but I do treat Lent as a season of reform. Rather than giving things up, I usually try to do something positive, start something new, and get myself organized.

No idea what I'm doing this year. I've just acquired two "teach yourself piano" books, and might start keyboard lessons. I'm planning to spend a chunk of March in Washington, DC, where I hope to make some progress on - yes - a book of my own. I desperately need to get my personal belongings in some kind of order, and do a thorough cleaning of my apartment.

Along the way, I could probably drop a bad habit or two. Good thing I've already eaten all those cinnamon jelly hearts from Valentine's Day.

What are you giving up, or taking on, as a Lenten resolution this year?

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

In my background, Lent was not so big. I have thought about trying to change or resolve something during that time but never have. I have a lot of big things I need to do like getting personal effects in order that I may do something like that- I do things in blocks, so nothing will change until this show is over...

RBo

lawlis42 said...

I, too, have had Lent sneak up on me without much thought as to what I'm going to do. I'm glad you wrote about it because just now, as I'm responding to your post, it occurs to me that the thoughts I've been having over and over about how quickly my daughter is growing up should be the inspiration for my Lenten duties. I'm going to spend more time enjoying her instead of worrying over homework and the other mundane parts of her life.
Thanks, Clair and Laissez les bontemps rouler!

Claire said...

I'm going to make an effort to spend less and save more. It's not a very humanitarian or moral resolution for Lent, but it's something I badly need to start doing. I discovered this summer and fall how possible it is to live on very little, so in theory it shouldn't be too hard to not buy lunch every day and not go Amazon shopping on a whim. In theory.

Ellen Clair Lamb said...

If you figure that out, Claire, share your wisdom with me...

Anonymous said...

I second that Claire, I need to do the same things you're aiming for. Amazon and eating out sound their siren calls constantly.

I hadn't even thought about Lent really, I was just disappointed about missing out on the paczykis in MI-yes they're just giant doughnuts, but there is something about them.