Lent: Day I don't know...!!!!

It's been more days than I can count. I've had a few close encounters (unbenknownst to me), but I think I've been red meat free.

It's been hard mostly at the tournaments and travel, but I'll manage.

Almost there...

Lent: Day 21

Ahh, going without that wonderful carne during the week has become an almost thoughtless process. Amidst all the hungry meat devouring folk, I stand out with my unslaked appetite for those wonderful nuggest of flesh. Eww, that was almost disgusting.

I had a bit of meat this weekend. Sunday, that glorious day of days, was a time for celebration. As Renee and I talked about what to make for dinner, we happened upon the meat aisle in H.E.B. and I could almost hear that angleic music playing: seasoned riblets. Yummy!

Grilled and accompanied with au gratin spuds, we had good eats homecooked and enjoyed in the company of loved ones. For the left overs, I devoured the spuds last night. The riblets? Those righteous little succulent strips were relegated to the freezer, to be enjoyed a week later.

The cruise control has been set; half way there and no real problems. It's difficult most when I'm at a tournament and the provided lunch is hamburgers or some other meat products. I can make due, but eating out some sort of fish or veggie plate gets pricey, even for my cheap arse.

Spring Break cannot get here soon enough.

Lent: Day 12

What a week. No cheating, no beef or chicken or pork. Land animals rejoice (fowl too!), for I have been a good and devout sacrificer for the week. No crazy dreams, but damn if it wasn't difficult. Our Texas culture doesn't appreciate the typical vegetarian. In two days, I was offered a free lunch, but both were typical Lone Star fare: carne guisada (Mexican stewed meat and gravy; quite tasty!) and barbecue hoagies. I had to settle for rice and beans on Monday, and a barbecue hoage without meat (bread, onions, tomato sauce, pickles, and a smile; thanks to Mr. Harmon). The rest of the week strolled through without incident, but Friday and Saturday are probably the toughest, looking to eat out with family or friends but maintain the current dietary standard. Today we celebrated a nephew's birthday early, so steaks galore. I ate my fill and packed a Lupe plate for later. Amidst the struggles during the week, it's hard to stay humble and not be proud of what I'm doing. Everyone who knows says they couldn't do it, and I want to finish this right. My body is changing ever so slowly, but I imagine my heart is appreciative of the meat fasting right now.

For all this, life for me and mine is truly good. Perhaps an elaboration will follow later, but with good living comes goodness. Thanks to the Big Guy; he is my Superman. Cheers...

Picture courtesy of those wonderful artists at Worth1000.com. Man, those folks are really creative and talented.

Lent: Day 5

Whew! So far so good, but it's been challenging.

It's amazing how much of my diet consists of meat or meat-derived products (think broth or soup here). As much as I like to dine on beef, pork and chicken, this change has been one filled with constant thought and reminder.

Two nights ago, I dreamed I was at a party and filled my plate with various foods: burger, pork riblets, slabs of brisket, and wings galore. As soon as I took a bite of a riblet, Renee reminded me in the dream, "David, it's not Sunday; why are you eating that?" Damnit! I woke up smacking my lips, but realizing it was just a dream.

Been tempted a few times, but not to the point of wanting to cheat. I'd like to be able to say that I've kept up the willpower to complete this task.

I've got a few golf tournaments coming up. Usually, they feed the coaches and athletes at these functions. This may be difficult in the upcoming weeks, but I shall try to stay the course.

I better make sure that I have something beefy for dinner.

Lent: Sacrifices

Day 1 - It's been a tough twenty-four hours. I thought long and hard about it, and decided to go ahead and give up meat for forty days. Almost. It's allowed on Sundays. It's old school, but I figured that this is something that forces me to truly consider each and every meal, be thankful for what I do have, and remember the sacrifice that He made for man.

Can it be done? We shall see. I had a co-worker who actually did it in 1996. He did eat two porterhouses each Sunday, but the rest of the week was sans beef or chicken. Lots of grains and veggies. Now I have to plan on how to accomplish this without breaking the bank. $5 a day eating out is not something She Who Must Be Obeyed (SWMBO) would be down with.

Participating in Lenten traditions? Want to share? Leave a comment!