Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Ash Wednesday

Today is the beginning of Lent.  It is the 46 days before Easter (the six Sundays do not count in the '40 day' equation).   I am going to mass this morning at 6:30.   This year I am giving up beef for lent.  Anyone who has even shared a meal with me probably knows what a big deal this is.  One of my daughters is strongly cautioning me against it, but I don't think she understands the concept of lent.  It is not about giving up something superfluous that is bad for us.  It is about self-denial.  I think I can live without my favorite food for 46 days.  

I am utterly and completely exhausted.  I think this is my 6th day of being up at 4:30 a.m.  I need a good sleep.  

Yesterday my neighbors dropped in after I got home from work to see the progress on the floors.  It is really a beautiful thing.  The floors are beautiful.  My sponsee and friend J. is beautiful.  My neighbors are beautiful.  It is so nice to be a part of a community.  (Until it is time to go to the monthly HOA meeting - which I did later.  I think it is really time to quit that, even without fulfilling my 2 year commitment.  I am 5 months short.)

Let's all stay sober today, OK?

9 comments:

Pammie said...

I'm loving you getting new floors! That's a HUGE deal.
HOA's are the hardest of all organizations to deal with. I don't know why.

Scott W said...

Even our Dave couldn't survive an HOA.

Trailboss said...

For someone who is really tired you are full of happiness! That is great. Can't wait to see the floors.

A friend of mine in Texas used to give up sweets for Lent. She always ordered tons of Girl Scout cookies and had to freeze them. It just about killed her to not eat them but she didn't.

dAAve said...

Don't let people walk on your floor.
Scott's right about my HOA experience. I lasted about 3 or 4 months.

steveroni said...

Years ago I used to quit smoking for Lent--and boy, I lived for 12 noon Saturday until 12 midnight Sunday. That was the "no-man's land" and we could "cheat".

This year, to do something positive, I've committed to attend daily mass. This morning was beautiful, with children's choir, packed church (SRO) of about 1,500. Father made me a first-time usher, because they didn't show up, and I felt guilty (again) for 'having fun' at mass--just like at meetings!

steveroni said...

Whenever I go into a house with beautiful wood floors, I take off my shoes--always, even when they tell me, "Oh, no." (I wear clean socks every day now--or none!)

I'm sure your floors, Mary, are like those. I also like to slide a bit when it seems appropriate--like any time!

Congratulations. Enjoy!

Syd said...

Can't wait to see the new floors. Are you staining them?

Laura H. said...

okay. :)

Unknown said...

This year for me it's sugar...we'll see. I have given up red meat,, tv, etc...but this year I went spiritual and material with my Lent...keep me posted on your Lent.