So today is the first Friday of Lent. I am not in any way, shape, or form, particularly religious, but I think, out of habit and eight years of Catholic schooling, there are some tenants of semi-religion that I tend to gravitate towards. It’s not like I go to church on any sort of regular basis, or even pray that often, but still, at certain times, my inherent catholicism pops up. Mostly when I’m flying somewhere – I tend to mutter Hail Marys almost involuntarily when I’m taking off and landing.

Lent is another one of those weird things that I take part in. I’m not sure why – maybe it’s just habit? Maybe residual Catholic guilt? Anyway, I wasn’t really sure what to give up this year – until I looked at my bank account balance and realized I’m not even sure if I can pay rent for March. So I gave up spending money.

I couldn’t believe how little money I actually have. I mean, it’s not like I go out to the bars every weekend like some people I go to school with, or even go out to eat all that often. I tend to have (a bit) of a problem buying things compulsively, especially when it comes to books and music. I can’t bring myself to download music illegally, and I’m always finding new things I want to listen to. I also can’t go into B&N or Half-Price books and not buy something. It’s terrible, I know.

Apparently, it takes 21 days – three weeks – to break a habit. I’m using Lent as an excuse to break this compulsive shopping habit. I mean – 40 days is almost six weeks. That’s enough time to break a habit twice over! I’ll be cured!

I hope.

PS – I am so sick of winter, and snow, and cold. My house is freezing and I’m sick of sliding on the sidewalks all the way to class. Maybe I’ll give up winter for lent, too?

ETA: I just wanted to clarify that while I was raised catholic and all, there are certain, fundamental problems that I have with Catholicism, Christianity, and any sort religion in general. Today, this reminded me of some of the problems I have with religion. I mean, what the HELL? It really seems like a good idea to abandon the children who depend on you just because you don’t agree with the politics.