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The first step is …

The first step is … Posted on February 25, 200916 Comments

Another year, another last-minute decision as to what I’m giving up for Lent. I need to think about these things a little bit harder before Fat Tuesday.

After an extra-indulgent Fat Tuesday lunch at the local soul food restaurant, I’d prefer to just give up food altogether. I’m thinking that’s probably not a great idea. I really don’t have any particular food- or beverage-related vices that would constitute a sacrifice were I to give them up. All in moderation.

The thing is, I know exactly what I should give up, and that is Facebook, Twitter or (GASP!) blogging. Or get rid of my Treo.

I just don’t know if I can.

The Treo is here to stay because I need it for work. Blogging is my hobby. Twitter and Facebook are my connection to the outside world (and often how I manage to make plans for the weekend). But they all eat up a larger chunk of my time than they should because I’m addicted to them like crack.

So here’s what I’m thinking: I either limit my Facebook time to an hour window every night. Or I stop using my Treo to Twitter or access Facebook and e-mail.

What do you think, Modern Friends?

16 comments

  1. I’d give up facebook if you have other ways of keeping in touch with the people you are friends with on it…i’m thinking of doing the same thing myself

  2. I have mixed feelings about giving things up for Lent. I know it’s about sacrifice, and I respect that. I grew up in a Catholic household in which my mother asked that my brothers and I DO things for Lent, instead of giving them up. So we always spent Lent doing charity, writing letters to the elderly, visiting nursing homes, that sort of thing. Now that’s just my personal spin and you and I am certainly not “knocking” people for giving things up because sacrifice can be a powerful thing. My only question is, what do you gain by giving up Facebook? How much of a true sacrifice is it? If it will make you a better person – in your mind – then by all means do it. If it’s just something that’s hard to give up because it’s a fun time-suck, I might consider something else. Don’t give up Blogging! I think that’s something that enhances you and is a gift to the rest of us!

  3. there’s a typo in there right around “personal spin.” omit the “and you.” sorry. I am a little sloshy this morning.

  4. i always give up food. i’m a foodie. i’ve given up gum, chocolate, cokes…this year, chips. i know it doesn’t seem like that big of a deal, but i have a sandwhich every day and what comes with a sandwhich but chips. what goes great with March Madness? chips and dip. going out to eat Mexican will be torture. i say give up Twitter. also remember, Lent doesn’t have to be something you give up – it could be something you make an effort to do every day!

  5. I really like Em’s idea about DOING rather than GIVING UP.

    But I don’t understand the whole Lent thing anyway.

  6. I’ve eaten there, it’s pretty delish, although I felt rather…heavy…afterward. Just wondered if there was a new place I hadn’t heard about.

    By the way, we should go to Sassy Ann’s sometime soon. I love that place, and it’s hard to find the “right” people to go there with. I’ll have my people call your people.

  7. I am seriously considering giving up chocolate again for Lent. It’s a good test of my strength. Make it something easy to give up without torturing yourself too much.

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