The Cozy Chicks | Cozy Up To Some Killer Books

Deprivation

I’ve gone and done it.

I gave up Dr Pepper for Lent.

All soda, actually, because I know myself well enough to know that I’d substitute something else in the Dr’s place. Not that it would taste as good, but my mind just works that way.

What possessed me, you ask? Well, I couldn’t give up computer games (my usual Lenten sacrifice) because I haven’t been playing them. Last year I gave up the games and also chocolate, because I’d been snarfing down Symphony bars at an alarming rate, but I’m doing okay with the Symphonys this year too.

The decision to give up the Dr actually came back in January. The idea hit one snowy morning when the roads were a mess, accidents left and right. I’d dropped my daughter off at school, safely, thank goodness, and was on my way home (slowly) when I remembered I was out of Dr P. *Gasp.* So I risked life and limb and newly fixed car to stop at the store on the way back home.

I knew, at the time, it was stupid. After all, I’m perfectly capable of drinking water with my lunch, but it wouldn’t have been the same. So, I stopped at the corner store.

Obviously, I had/have issues. If I’d stop in a blizzard to buy Dr Pepper, then I was way too attached to a certain soft drink. Yet, I knew I wasn’t strong enough to give it up on my own. I’m not one to deprive myself of something I love unless it’s a good cause. Lent is perfect.

Well, in theory.

Right now, two days in, I’m not so happy. But maybe in another week or so… And hopefully, in 38 days, I’ll be over my little obsession. Or be drinking Dr P by the liter on Easter. Time will tell.

Until then, a support group would be nice. Did any of you give up something you love? How are you coping?

~heather, who seems to be eating a LOT more chocolate these days.

23 Responses to “Deprivation”

I gave up eating anything I couldn’t recognize . I thought this would be simple enough - milk in the coffee instead of flavored creamer, for example - but it’s turning out to be a real challenge. I really had no concept of how complicated, modified and processed even the basic foodstuffs have become.

by Karen on February 8th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Typically we Congregationalists don’t give up anything for Lent but my daughter has decided to give up bread. I don’t know why she chose that, she just did. Who can figure out a 10 year old’s mind?!?!?

I thought I’d give up bread to, in support of my daughter…BUT….I ate a cheeseburger yesterday because I forgot!

by debbie on February 8th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Karen, that’s a lofty goal! Everything seems to be processed these days. Good luck with it!

Deb, LOL on forgetting. Bread would be just about impossible for me. Pasta too. I’m twitching just thinking about it!

by Heather on February 8th, 2008 at 9:29 am
Theo gave up the cello, slam dunking, and conversational Flemish. Theo was going to give up his natural charm, but too many of the ladies complained.

by Theo Epstein on February 8th, 2008 at 10:17 am
One year, my roommate and I tried to give up complaining for Lent. We lasted three days, then switched to chocolate. Chocolate was hard, but at least we could complain about not being able to have it!

by Laura on February 8th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I’ve given up Tostitos….I realized I may have a problem with them when I asked my daughter to please take the 3 big bags I had in the house….Betty in Springfield, Ma

by Betty Strong on February 8th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
I’m weak. I gave up nothing. But there’s still time right?

by Laura on February 8th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Theo, I’ll miss the cello.

Laura, what’s Lent without complaining? They go hand and hand! Chocolate was hard–even for me, someone who’s not a chocoholic!

Betty, LOLOL on the three bags of Tostitos. I feel your pain, I really do (as I buy Dr Pepper in cases). Good luck! Giving up chips would be even harder for me than the Dr P! Good luck!

Laura, plenty of time!

by Heather on February 8th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
So, how did that late work out today, Heather? So strange to see you without a soda!
Instead of giving up something, I decided to do more. So, I’m participating in a six week Bible study. I seriously thought about giving up computer solitaire…but I couldn’t do it!

Shelley

by Shelley on February 8th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
How does the song go from Grease, “There are worst things you could do than drink a Dr. Pepper or two”.

by Mama-poops on February 8th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
I am giving up sugar for Lent. More specifically, sugar in my coffee - and since I usually get through three or so cups a day, that is something. My mother was pleased to hear this, as she reckoned it would help me lose weight. Sad, but true!
It’s not been so bad so far, but I am sure it will hit me good and proper before not too long…

by Rudolf on February 8th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Heather, I’m not doing anything for Lent - I’m Methodist, and I’ve had too many sick kids lately to even think of depriving myself of anything - but I did cut WAAAAAAAY back on my beloved Diet Pepsi at the beginning of January. I was downing 3 or 4 cans/day. Not right. For the first few days, I also found myself going for more chocolate - but it was also still Christmas break and all the kids are home, so, hard to sort out the cause :-). It was definitely a challenge. Do I still crave it? Oh yeah. But I’m now down to maybe 3 or 4 cans per week, max, which seems like a far better amount.

Take heart. The cravings are killers, but they fade eventually. And it will be good for you, I promise.

by Kris on February 8th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Shelley’s referring to my mocha latte this morning at our critique meeting. Yes, gasp, I was drinking coffee! And it was good! It’s a great way to get some dearly missed caffeine. And that solitaire needs a 12 step program, but a Bible study class is really great, too.

Mama, this is why I love you. A Grease reference and telling me it’s okay to drink Dr Pepper! SWAK.

by Heather on February 8th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Rudolf, good luck with the sugar! And especially when it finally hits that you’ve given it up.

Hi Kris!! I think sick kids allow us to drink whatever we want. And eat as much chocolate as we want, too. I’m holding you to your comment on cravings. They’re killer! Hmm, Killer Cravings. New book, I think!

by Heather on February 8th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
I was going to give up soda this year, but I’m just not ready for the commitment. Sounds silly, I know, but I’m still in a learning to take care of myself mode. And I am WWering so I have to count all my points anyway.

So you go girl. For me, I’d stop for a Coke in the middle of a blizzard.

by Lynn on February 8th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Lord help me, but I’ve given up swearing. Yes, even in the car when I’m by myself. I don’t say a lot of expletives, but there are times when they just fit the bill. Still, I think it’s easier than sugar or chocolate. I’d certainly fall short on those. Good luck Rudolph!

by JB on February 8th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
Hi-I thought I recognized a fellow Ohioan when I read your blog! It’s just the way you talk I guess *gasp* lol. Anyway, I usually give up the same thing every year: all goodies! But did you know that Lent has more than 40 days? From Ash Wed to Easter Sunday there are more than 40 days and that is because SUNDAYS ARE FREE DAY! Back when people had to fast during Lent, Sunday was the only day they could “pig out” . My Mom explained this to me long long ago. So, come Sunday, if you need to, go ahead and invite theDr.lunch ! Gracie~ trying to keep warm in Ohio!

by gracie on February 8th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Heather,

I’m not Catholic, so I don’t do Lent. I’d actually make a terrible Catholic because I have no will power, so Lent would be torture for me. I could give up something I detest like tomato sauce or liver, but that’s not really the point is it? If I did do Lent, though, I could give up wine…but then I’d be afraid I might cause someone bodily harm after a few days.

On the subject of Lent, I saw on our local news that a pizza place around here but not my local area has something called mashed potato pizza. Looks interesting. Wish they’d have it around here so I could try it

by Traci on February 9th, 2008 at 2:53 am
Lynn, it is a huge commitment and I’m glad I’m not the only one who’d brave a blizzard for a soda fix! I’m really hating it today, but am hoping the cravings will stop soon.

LOL, JB! I don’t swear often, either, but you’re right. Sometimes some situations just call for it, even if the words stay in my head. Not sure I have the power to stop myself in those cases.

Hi Gracie! I’ve never heard of free Sundays. Hmmm. I *love* that. Though, at this point, I’m thinking I’ll be good. Or these cravings will never stop. It’s warm here today in SW Ohio–47*, but I hear that’s not going to last long. Boo!

Traci, I don’t think it’s just Catholics who have Lent, but I think we’re most associated with it (and depriving ourselves!). Yeah, I think I could easily give up, oh, broccoli. Or fish. Hmm. Maybe next year… since this year has already been so hard. I love mashed potatoes, but not sure I’d want it on pizza! Suddenly, I’m starving…

by Heather on February 9th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
I’ve heard about a “movement of sorts” that focuses on compaining. They give out little plastic bracelets (like the MIA bracelets) and the goal is not to complian about ANYTHING for 21 days in a row. Even if you stub your toe and say “darn.” If you do, you have to switch the bracelet (to remind you) and start counting again.

People who’ve successfully done it say it’s “life-changing.” I can’t say, since I’ve never tried it. But. . .it’s an interesting concept.

by Maggie on February 10th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Heather,

Thanks for the info. I don’t know why I thought Lent was just for Catholics. In that case, next year I’ll try my best to give something up. I’ll make you a deal…I’ll eat fish for you (I love seafood) if you will eat liver for me. Seems fair.

by Traci on February 11th, 2008 at 5:02 am
Maggie, that is an interesting movement. Though I’m not sure how I’d ever be able to do it. I can only imagine the constant effort it would take. And what truly constitutes a complaint? “I’m so cold.” Is that a complaint? Or simply a statement of fact? Interesting…

Traci, sorry, no-go! Liver. Ewwwww! You can have the seafood, and I’ll take your soda!

by Heather on February 11th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Hi! I’m commenting as myself, not the cat for once. Weird. I gave up sodas for my 2008 goal. Be careful of the caffeine withdrawal. Keep a 6 pack of those mini sodas in the pantry (not cold!) just in case. I got terrible headaches for a while and my doctor said to try this and it worked.
The great thing is I’ve actually lost 2 lbs! It is hard though. I forgive myself the occasional rum and cokes though.
The hardest thing I ever gave up for Lent, and this will sound weird, is swearing. It is amazing how much (especially when driving) those little ones slip out.
Amy

by Hendrix on February 12th, 2008 at 9:44 pm

Deprivation

23 Responses to “Deprivation”

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