Happy Mardi Gras!

Texans clearly don't understand that today is Mardi Gras. *que Bono! Oh wait...that's about Christmas* I shouldn't be at work right now. I should be at a parade, with a fun drink, trying to catch more beads than any one human could ever need in their entire life. If I'm lazy, which is usually the case, I should be at home in my pjs watching trashy tv all day. Both of those options are equally acceptable ways to celebrate Mardi Gras in my world. 

For all of the fun times that will happen today, tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the official start of the Lenten season. Being one of two kids in my class growing up that wasn't Catholic, I was exposed to Lent, but never really participated. When I got older, I decided that I wanted to be like the cool kids and give something up for Lent. I like the idea behind the act of giving something up or doing something more for Lent. I had more of a challenge trying to figure out what I was going to do for Lent this year, but I've finally come up with one big act (well, two in a way ...)  and then 7 smaller acts for the various weeks.

For those playing along at home, I plan to give up my credit and debit cards for Lent. (Yes, you did read that correctly.) For the next 40 days, I plan to spend only cash. At the beginning of each week, I will head to the ATM to get my weekly allowance. That allowance will cover gas, groceries, any other errands, McDoubles, Sonic Happy Hour runs, etc. Of course, I will still have my credit cards in the event that some emergency (knock on wood) happens. The spending cash is strictly for what I can plan for. In a way, I'm using this 40 days to try and not spend all of my money at fast food establishments. 

Also, similar to the Notebook Challenge, there will be a Lent challenge! Yes, you will have a blog post every day over the course of the Lenten season. Some of them will be related to the weekly and overall Lent sacrifices, while others will be just posting something for the hell of posting something each day. 

Now, for the weekly sacrifices. I tried to cater each weekly sacrifice to the events that will occur that week to make them somewhat relevant. I also have them alternating self reflection v. sacrifice. (To exhibit the true balance of the season.) 

Week 1 - Days of Gratitude - 3/5/14 - 3/9/14 

(Not a full week since I want to start something new on Mondays. It's a thing. If I'm starting something new, I feel it has to be on a Monday. Roll with it.) 

Week 2 - Adios Candy Drawer - 3/10/14 - 3/16/14

Week 3 - Life Lessons Reflection - 3/17/14 - 3/23/14

Week 4 - Push Off Pizza - 3/24/14 to 3/30/14 

Week 5 - Week of Charity 1 - 3/31/14 - 4/6/14

Week 6 - Fast Food Fast - 4/7/14 - 4/13/14 

Week 7 - Week of Charity 2 - 4/14/14 - 4/18/14

Of course there will be more details in the blog at the beginning of each week on some of these. Some of these may not seem much of a challenge to do for a week for some of you, but those of you that know me, know that the things I'm giving up will be brutal to me even to give up for a week. (Especially in the middle of our spring sports season!) 

I know it's not really appropriate terminology to wish everyone luck with their choice of Lenten celebration, but for lack of better terms, good luck. I hope that this Lenten season helps all of us re-center our focus, and remind us to appreciate all that we have.