In honor of Lent, Jamie Reidy pledges to give up the same thing he does every year: Nada.
Fat Tuesday marks the end of Mardi Gras and represents the last chance for fun before the start of Lent, the forty days leading up to Easter.
And just in case you were looking for a single phrase that will effectively alienate you from your mother for the entire season of Lent, I’m the man for you.
Earlier today I had this nice, telephonic exchange with my Mom.
Mom: So, James, what are you giving up for Lent this year?
Me: Are they doing that again this year?
Hopefully, she will be over her anger by the time she starts shopping for Christmas presents.
Self-denial is a major portion of Lenten observance. Accordingly, many Christians and Catholics give up something important to them, i.e. alcohol, candy, etc. (Several of my buddies have claimed they’ve gave up sex for Lent, but these are just pathetic attempts to rationalize their lack of success with the ladies.)
This year, I’m giving up the same thing I’ve given up for the past fifteen years: nada.
I’ve considered following my Catholic requirements and denying myself something that gives me emjoyment, really I have… But Lent falls at a really awkward time for me.
For instance, if I gave up alcohol, I’d be forced to watch the NCAA men’s basketball tournament without beer. Now, that’s Madness! Similarly, my birthday is March 31st; you think I’m gonna turn 42 and not have a bourbon and water or ten to drown my sorrows?
I could always give up candy or chocolate, but I don’t have a sweet tooth, so that would be a hollow gesture. Which just doesn’t seem proper.
My mother is undoubtedly praying I give up wiseassness.
Photo Courtesy of Mark Gstohl
I just tell people “I gave up Catholicism for Lent.”
Plus, there’s an even more important holiday that would conflict with Lent: March 14th (SABJD–look it up).
I hope you let me join the McTavish wake this year again. So fun! Somehow I get tongue tied just reading the verse. Did I mention – I uncovered my tin whistle (with song book & cd) recently. …oh my!
Jamo – I tell my mom I am giving up lipstick. Rick
Less than a month away! And St. Patrick’s Day is on a Saturday this year. I am sure the bosses of America appreciate that.
OOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH…………
McTavish is dead and his brother don’t know it
His brother is dead and McTavish don’t know it
Oh both of ’em dead and in the same bed
Neither of ’em know that the other is dead
OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, jeez. I might hafta spend this St. Patrick’s Day in church, atoning for that unforgivable gaffe! I just KNEW there was something I was forgetting.
Thanks so much for the reminder. I hope the McTavish’s still let me join them this year!
Jamie,
You forgot 3/17. The holiest of holies. 🙂 The world would be a must less festive place that day without you to celebrate McTavish and his brother via song!
Oh, but the Irish have a special dispensation from the Church allowing them to eat corned-beef and cabbage and to revel in all sorts of misdeeds on St. Patty’s day, haven’t you heard?