Lent?

I grew up observing Lent in the most half-assed of ways. I was the seven year old who declared she was giving up smoking or the drink. I haven't given anything up for Lent in years. I have been thinking today it might be kind of nice to do that again.

So I've decided to do the Compact for Lent. For those of you not familiar with the concept, Compacters pledge to not buy anything new for one year. Food and other necessary nouns are OK, as are experiences. But non-consumable nouns are out unless they are obtained used.

I am not in this for a year. I am in this from Ash Wednesday until Easter. I would love to be in it for a year, but I suspect I might not be up to it, especially since Shiner will not be Compacting along with me.

And I am declaring the following exceptions:

- I reserve the right to buy a new bathing suit, pair of shorts, and rash guard for the upcoming beachy trip, which falls smack in the middle of Lent. With work insanity and the caucus it was simply not possible to get those items before Lent started. I may not need to use this get out of jail free card, but I have not idea whether I fit my existing bathing suit, or whether it's in decent shape anymore. I will not be buying a used bathing suit because, well, ew. I probably also don't have shorts that fit (I am not a shorts wearer in my climate) and I know I don't have a rash guard but I don't want to start sizzling when we're snorkling. Work is taking me out at the knees, so I don't have time to go to two different stores for this stuff, much less hunt for those items used. New it will be. Plus, I've had an REI gift certificate for going on a year now, which is what I'll use for this stuff.

- I buy jewelry when I travel, some substance or technique indigenous to where I'm traveling. Not very Lent-y of me, but hey.

So let the Compacting begin. Er, this morning.