It’s been awhile since updating this thing… so here’s a little something to tide you over until the next post…

Albers Wedding from Michael Farmer Photography on Vimeo.

As Lent begins (last week) a lot of people are giving up certain things during this time. I think the idea of fasting/giving certain items/activities up varies among the participants… some use it for religious reasons, some use it for personal issues/growth, and some are doing it because everyone else is. With the 3rd group probably giving Lent the New Year’s Resolution commitment (good intentions, but short-lived).

I, for one, have not really participated in Lent in many years. This year I decided to change that up. With joining a new church, and trying to be more active, I think it made sense.  Justin Rudd, who also runs Long Beach Losers competition, started a 40-Day Challenge. In this challenge, you give up 4 things… which can be as specific as Lo-Carb Monster Energy Drinks… or as a grouping, “Energy Drinks.”

I decided my four things would be:

1) Energy Drinks

2) Soda pop

3) Chocolate

4) Fast Food (besides Subway)

I have grown accustomed to drinking Lo-Carb Monster as my daily fix, but have since gone about a month without one. I wanted to continue that trend for another 40 days. Although the lack of Monster has then contributed a rise in soda consumption.  Needless to say I can’t quite quit the caffeine fix cold-turkey, so I’m using tea, etc. for some daily “pep.”

Chocolate is something that I don’t often crave, but yet seem to enjoy quite a bit. It has been awhile since buying an actual candy bar in the store, but with Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and soon to be Easter, there is usually not a shortage of it around. Funny how when you decide not to eat something, that even though you normally wouldn’t crave that particular food… you soon find your mouth watering over it.

The first big test was this weekend for Mariam’s mom’s birthday. We got a Rossmoor Pastries birthday cake, which was chocolate cake, mandarin-orange creme filling with chocolate ganache frosting.  I made it through without having any, not even a bite, although I did have a bite of the creme filling.

The last item is really not a huge part of my daily routine, but it will help to stop any of the bad influences that are fast-food. I’ve gotten away from the fast food burger cravings, but sometimes will hit El Pollo Loco, Del Taco, etc. for a quick fix. I think I’d tell myself that it isn’t as bad as BK, Carl’s etc. but I’m not sure if the difference is negligible. Either way, I want to ward off any future cravings of the stuff… so on the list it goes.

Overall, it should be a challenge, which is what this time is all about. Although our Pastor told us on Ash Wednesday that you are supposed to fast, but not let anyone know that your fasting/sacrificing… so this will be my one and only post (and twitter/facebook/etc), until the end so I can report how I did.

A side goal of this is hoping to lose about 12 lbs. in the process… definitely would be a good thing and hopefully living a “cleaner” lifestyle I’ll see a change for the better.

If you’d like to share your Lent experience(s), feel free to post a comment below.

 

Yellow Ostrich -”Whale”

Their song “Whale” isn’t new, but every time I hear it I re-fall in love with it (not to say I ever fall out of love for it!). The drums, the change of pace, the slight distortion… all gets me every time.

 

The Dodos – “No Cover”

A band I’ve heard of before, but probably couldn’t recall any particular song.  NPR currently has a stream of their new album “No Cover” up on their website: here.  The new album comes out next week (3/15). Take a listen I think you’ll like the indie/folk rock sound.

TV on the Radio – “Will Do”

TV on the Radio is finally releasing their 4th studio album, following the great “Return to Cookie Mountain” & “Dear Science.” Their new album, “Nine Types of Light”, comes out in about a month (4/12). The first track released, “Will Do”, is solid and makes me want to hear the rest of the album.

Eventually, I’ll try to write more… but with work, wedding planning tasks, etc. it is usually the quick-type of posts that seem the most manageable.  I’m also thinking of moving the music posts over to a different blog, and keep the two worlds from colliding… although the Garfield post keeps people coming back day after day!

The latest event to get my attention (and my hard earned $$$) is the Railroad Revival Tour. Three kick-arse bands are playing a few shows along the railway in the U.S. southwest. Mumford & Sons, Old Crow Medicine Show & Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros. They’re playing close to home, in San Pedro, along the port… should be an incredible show!

“This April, Mumford & Sons, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, and Old Crow Medicine Show will embark on a tour unlike any in recent memory. Traveling exclusively in vintage rail cars, the three bands will journey across the American Southwest over the course of a week. The aptly titled Railroad Revival Tour will feature the three bands playing concerts at six unique outdoor locations along the route, beginning April 21st in Oakland, California.”

http://railroadrevivaltour.com/

I got two tickets through the presale this morning… regular tickets go on sale tomorrow (9am PST).

Catch them if you can!