Fat Tuesday

Today is one of my favorite holidays, Fat Tuesday. 

In high school Mom, Joe, and I would all pick our poison [fast food] of choice for dinner with paczkis from Publix for dessert. In college it was trips to the Cupcakery and Chipotle and Froyo. And now in post grad life it's Mexican rep dinners, full size order of mixed fajitas please. But after you've consumed enough calories to play the fat suit in Shallow Hal it's time to reflect on Lent and your plans and goals for the next 40 days. This year I knew exactly what I wanted to give up, eating out. No more Zaxby's, Sonic, Soccer Taco, brunch, soft pretzels at trivia Tuesdays, or random Insomnia Cookie orders on Friday afternoons at the office. Any and all money I save from strictly brown bagging it will go directly into savings. 

The other side of this Lenten promise is cooking more at home, trying new recipes, and eating healthy. I had always complained that by the time I got home from work and a run I didn't want to take the time to cook, so much easier to microwave I would claim. This week I proved myself wrong, 10 minutes of "meal prep" [defrosting and marinating chicken] on Sunday and not even five minutes on the stove last night and I had lemon pepper chicken and rice. My own "I don't have time" myth debunked. 

Every year I feel like my "take on" for Lent is going to mass. But this year my "take on" has an after Lent goal: a daily devotional, mass on Sundays, and continuing going to mass after Easter. I have always shy'd away from small group bible studies because my faith and time with God was very personal. I used to think the same about running, and then I tried a running group. So why not take Lent as an opportunity to try a small group study every week, led by a friend so no fear of being awkward and crying. 

I have always viewed Lent as a time to better yourself to prepare for the salvation that comes with Christ's death. I want to really take the time this Lenten season to better myself as a daughter, sister, friend, co-worker, and person. 

"Behold, I am making all things new." 

Revelation 21:5