A slow start for Lent

Lent got off to a stumbling start here. We had a snow storm starting Tuesday, and the pancake supper at church was canceled. The snow stopped Wednesday (we got about eight inches), but by the time I figured out that I don't really know how to use our new snowblower, it was to late to make it to the Ash Wednesday service.

At least I came up with a To-Do and Not-Do list for the next six weeks, but even it is in jeopardy.

1. Do not start any new knitting or other crafty projects. This one is already on the ropes. I made a chemo cap for one of T's coworkers, and she asked if she could order another one. She's a sweet lady, one of T's favorites, and this is her second go-round with cancer. How could I say no? I'm pretty sure God will understand if I amend this one to say "No new projects for myself."

2. Avoid entertainment news. Granted, it's hard to avoid it entirely, especially when it's right there on Yahoo News, but I don't have to watch the stuff that is on TV when I get home from work. The last time I tried this, it was a Paris Hilton backlash. Now, it's Britney. I think she's at the point where we all just need to look away.

3. Observe Meatless Friday. Between salad bars and bean burritos, this one is pretty easy.

I wasn't sure about this last one, but T had a meeting tonight, and that convinced me to....

4. Take a Tai Chi class. Our church is offering a six week class during Lent. Tonight was the first class. The instructor started by saying, "First, tai chi should never hurt. Second, the only way to do it wrong is if it hurts." That's my kind of exercise. I like the class, and am looking forward to going next week.

Lent 2007

What I'm giving up: Potatoes. Last year it was potato chips. This year it is potatoes in all forms. This one was an issue even before I got out of bed this morning. A few days ago for breakfast, we had one of those meat - veg - potato things that you scramble up with eggs. It serves 4, and we always have leftovers. I was lying in bed at 5:32 this morning when I thought, "Mmm, that would be good for breakfast." Shortly followed by, "Oh, crap."

For discipline: The Easter Egg socks. Work on them every day. Half an inch a day should be more than enough to have them finished by Easter. Once I realized I couldn't have potatoes for breakfast, I got up and knit.

So far, so good.