Lent and things I have given up in the past

The 40 days before Easter (strictly around 46 including Sunday and feast days) are the most Catholic of my calendar. Although I never remember to buy an Advent calendar during December, I always manage to forego a vice for the duration of the Lenten period. At 21 I have been doing this for many years. Some years, it has been easier than others. Here is a catalogue of some of the things I have given up over the years:

2007: I gave up being a pescatarian and started eating chicken.

2008: I gave up caffeine. Practically died; spent the entire Lenten period in an almost- hibernating state.

2009: Gave up tea. Drank a lot of coffee. I cannot let my caffeine go.

2010: Gave up bagels. I wanted bagels more during the Lenten period than I ever eat them normally.

2011: Gave up trousers. Pyjamas with some difficulty.

2012: I am giving up alcohol.

See you at the other end.

Love, Eve’s liver.