The consequences of living well…

You know how I can tell that I've put on a little extra weight? You may think it's because the pants don't fit the way they used to, and that may be so to a degree. But, no, I notice weight-gain when my sunglasses hug my temples just a little tighter, almost as if the frame of the glasses squeezes my face ever so slightly. I felt that squeeze on my face this morning after dropping off my older daughter at high school, so she can rehearse with all the choirs for next week's big concert. At home, I stepped on the scale, and confirmed what the fit of my sunglasses had already told me: I had lived a little too well the last couple of months.

Time to get back in shape. With spring and Lent fast approaching, I'm wondering if I should try something new this year and actually give up something for the time of Lent. I've thought about the concept of giving up something during Lent for several years, but have never had the discipline or will-power to do anything. I have yet to decide, but here's my list of things that I could be challenged with giving up:

1. Late nights up. (That'll be a tough one, since I got a double-whammy to be a night-owl from both sides of my family…)

2. Coffee. (I've heard people who gave up coffee actually start feeling better. Mmh.)

3. Sugar. (Chocolate is one of my favorite food groups…)

4. Meat. (Giving up meat wouldn't be a problem for me, but since I'm cooking for the family, it could be a serious problem. Got to think about that one.)