Julie Barrett is a freelance writer and photographer based in Plano, TX.

Weekend Assignment: Giving It Up

Fresh when it gets here from Julie Barrett
Friday, February 27, 2009


Have you ever given up anything for Lent - and if you have, what was it? Did you make it stick for the whole forty days?

I don't observe Lent, but as Karen said, for those of us who don't, have we ever given something up?

Well, never for that long. I gave up carbs for two weeks as part of a diet. I lost some serious weight, but it all bounced back when I had the last round of health issues. Grr.

I gave up sugar in tea and coffee, but not out of any particular conviction. One day we were out of the stuff, and I discovered I liked the taste better. The fact that it's probably better for me anyway is a bonus, but there ya go.

Now Chris jokes that he gives up lint for Lent. As alliterative as it is, I wish he would. That means he'd have to clean his room!

Bonus: Have you ever given up eating meat, either as a fast observance or as an ongoing change?

Nope. At the advice of one doctor I cut out red meat for over a year. It wasn't a complete break; sometimes I didn't have a choice, and then I'd try to go for the leanest cuts possible. At the advice of my new primary care physician I've added red meat back, but I'm very careful to use the leanest cuts. It costs a little more to buy the lean stuff, but it's better for me. I'm frugal, but I'd like to think I'm not stupid. Some people may disagree with that, though! ;-)

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MV said:

As a Catholic School lifer and now parent of Catholic School students, giving up something for Lent is an annual tradition.  The most difficult thing I ever gave up was beer about 5 years ago.  By day 25 it seemed that every other commercial on the radio, on television and every other billboard on the road was for Beer.  Beer - beer - everywhere!  This year I've given up desserts, my 6 year old has given up candy, my wife ice cream and my 13 year old opted out (he says he was given dispensation by his teacher) and says a rosary every week instead.   I will admit that since I am watching my weight my sacrifice is fairly self serving, but I forsee dreams of cheesecake in my near future...


Date: 2/27/2009 9:58:20 AM Date: 2/27/2009 9:58:20 AM

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Karen Funk Blocher said:
Speaking of alliteration, did you miss the meat much?

Date: 3/2/2009 9:56:37 PM Date: 3/2/2009 9:56:37 PM

Gravatar
MV said:

As a Catholic School lifer and now parent of Catholic School students, giving up something for Lent is an annual tradition.  The most difficult thing I ever gave up was beer about 5 years ago.  By day 25 it seemed that every other commercial on the radio, on television and every other billboard on the road was for Beer.  Beer - beer - everywhere!  This year I've given up desserts, my 6 year old has given up candy, my wife ice cream and my 13 year old opted out (he says he was given dispensation by his teacher) and says a rosary every week instead.   I will admit that since I am watching my weight my sacrifice is fairly self serving, but I forsee dreams of cheesecake in my near future...


Date: 2/27/2009 9:58:20 AM Date: 2/27/2009 9:58:20 AM

Gravatar
Karen Funk Blocher said:
Speaking of alliteration, did you miss the meat much?

Date: 3/2/2009 9:56:37 PM Date: 3/2/2009 9:56:37 PM





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