Holy Mother of Cows

<<<<<<<<< What's your opinion?

Lint.

Not to be confused with Lent, which started two days ago.

I've always wanted to participate in Lent. The idea of giving up something so I can focus on what's important is romantic and interesting. However, I usually miss Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, and figure, "Aw dang. Well, there's always next year."

The years I HAVE noticed Ash Wednesday, I usually give up something relatively small, or with conditions. One year I gave up "books, before reading the Bible." That was hardly any sacrifice at all. I could pick up my Bible, read a few random words, and proceed as usual.

Once I tried to give up "computer before doing school work." That didn't last in any way, shape or form.

This year, I saw Ash Wednesday coming, and decided what to do ahead of time.

The idea occurred to me as Sarah and I were coming home from dance one night. I had forgotten my phone at home, and was going through some withdrawals XD I'd reach for my phone to see the time, to check for texts, or just to hold it over and over. I couldn't get it into my head that MY PHONE WASN'T WITH ME, and I started to notice how attached and dependent I was on it.

So I decided to give up my phone, except for between the hours of 9 and 11 at night. Two hours for checking and sending messages etc.

Then I found out that one of my friends is giving up bread for Lent. {Holy mother of cows. How??}

And then that another is giving up MUSIC. {I would literally not be able to do this. I think I would actually become ill. Or do something terrible.}

And then there's me. "Yeah, I'm giving up my phone, except for between the house of 9 and 11 at night :D"

So far, I've been two days phoneless-during-the-day. It's been mildly difficult, but actually not bad. Not bad at all.

And some people are giving up BREAD.

So I'm starting to rethink the boundaries I set.

Giving up "texting, except between 9 and 11 at night"? Isn't that a lot like giving up "books, before reading the Bible"? Am I really giving up anything at all? Most of the texting I do anyway happens between 9pm and 11pm.

So I think I'm going to take this a step farther. I think I'm going to cut out texting entirely. Until April 8. For 46 days.

I've read that sentence six times now. And I'm not sure if I can do it. I'm really not sure. It's a terrifying, lonely, boring, tragic thought. FORTY-SIX DAYS? WHAT? It makes me slightly panicked. I'm really not sure if I can do it. The more I think about it, the less sure I am. Holy...mother of cows.

But I'm sort of tired of mediocrity. I'm tired of doing things "good enough." I'm tired of taking easy roads that I pretend are risks.

Can I do this?

For the last time, I really don't know XD

~Stephanie