Spoilers: I'm actually not a good Catholic

Lent is officially upon us as of yesterday.

Even as a kid I think I liked this season a lot. Christmas time is wonderful and everything but lent made me feel special. It's kind of a weird feeling. Special because I need to give up something I like, because I was one of very few kids at school who did. I remember getting lots of questions. Mostly about why I can't eat candy or have a stick of gum. (Mom always decided that was what I was giving up.)

I think most people expected there to be a long list of complicated rules all about what I can and can't eat on what days. It's pretty simple though. No meat on Fridays or Ash Wednesday (or you could just fast.) In addition you give something up until Easter. It should be something you like or something that will better you in some way.

Last year I gave up soda because I was running to McDonald's for a large every day. It was so big and so cheep I craved that sweet coke. I realized that was super unhealthy and needed to stop. After lent I went to McDonald's much less often.


The point is to suffer (quietly, just a little) and come out of the season a better person for having realized you can live without this thing you like or changed you perspective a little. This year again I'm giving up soda because having access to free soda is worse than over-sized $1 soda. Also trying to give up "negativity" It's important to be positive in such uncertain times.

Tomorrow is Friday. I don't know what I'm going to do for dinner but I'm looking forward to making everyone else's.