40 days and 40 nights

Today is the first day of Lent. That means the Mardi Gras partying is done, everyone has eaten as much meat as they could on Fat Tuesday, and the 40 days and 40 nights of penance has begun. When I was younger, I always tried to give something up for Lent, and I usually succeeded. Even in college, I gave up drinking for Lent and succeeded...THAT took dedication. But in the past few years, I have chosen to replace giving things up for 40 days with taking something up for 40 days.

I feel that this year has already been one of huge change for me, and although giving something up could show my dedication to my religion...I honestly can't think of anything to give up. So I am opting to take something up that I believe will make me happier in the long run. I started working out over 2 weeks ago, and I plan to continue that routine throughout Lent and up until the wedding. This is not just to make me happy by fitting into my wedding dress, but also because I am happier when I work out. And Clint and I both love to spend time outdoors...I figure the better shape I am in, the more I will enjoy it this summer. Another thing that I am taking up is working harder to adjust to life here in Siskiyou County. It is no secret that I am having a tough time adjusting and getting into a routine. This is probably compounded by the fact that I have no true home right now, and my belongings are spread between Katie's, Clint's, and my parents' house. But moving home has proven to be more of a challenge than I thought, and I was expecting a big challenge, and I feel that I need some extra help. What better time for extra help in this department than Lent?

So those are my plans for the next 40 days, but I hope they will last longer than that. Check in periodically to see how they're coming along...I'll be giving updates!