What are you giving up…

By Michelle Malkin  •  February 5, 2008 11:25 PM

…for Lent? It’s my overnight question for readers of faith who observe the season.

I’m thinking caffeine. Which means no Red Bull.

Gulp…

***

The Anchoress: “I am giving up all sugar, and if that sounds like nothing, you don’t know how much I like my hot, sweet, tea and my light and sweet coffee. No sugar means no sugar substitutes, either, otherwise what’s the point. I was going to give up blogging politics but my husband talked me out of it. He said that would be too much of a relief for me!”

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  1. #236859
    On February 5th, 2008 at 11:31 pm, Bad Candy said:

    I haven’t even thought about it…

  2. #236864
    On February 5th, 2008 at 11:33 pm, englishqueen01 said:

    My husband and I give up all red meat. I am also giving up chocolate, which is HUGE for me. I will be observing a strict fast as well for each of the 40 days of Lent and working to incorporate more prayer and Scripture study into my routine. I am going to begin a rigorous workout regime as well.

    Unfortunately, the White Death is descending upon Milwaukee as I type this; we’re supposed to get upwards of 18 inches by tomorrow afternoon…which probably means no Ash Wednesday Mass… :(

    If you can spare a prayer, ask for a snow day. I could really use the time off to be with my son and get some grad school work done…also, if it lets up, I might be able to go to a late afternoon Mass.

  3. #236866
    On February 5th, 2008 at 11:33 pm, Mark Jaquith said:

    I think soda. I’ve already given up sugared beverages for health reasons. Combined, that makes for a lot of things I can’t drink.

    Giving up caffeine is hardcore. That wouldn’t be so much a sacrifice for me as a determent.

  4. #236879
    On February 5th, 2008 at 11:54 pm, ChePibe said:

    I gave up caffeine a while ago.

    (I’m Mormon, but note: contrary to popular notion, Mormons can drink all the caffeine they want – just not coffee or black tea.)

    Let me tell you a few things:

    1) I did it during finals week in high school. Big mistake. Do NOT do it at a time when you have to really be on top of things.

    2) Once you’re finally weaned off, it’s great. Really – you find you actually have more energy, sleep better, and generally feel more balanced. Caffeine simply isn’t a replace for sleep, and getting more sleep helps your mind really pop, prevents headaches, and generally makes you feel better.

    I still drink caffeine every once in a while when I really need a good jolt (every few months maybe). The benefit now is that, when I do, I really get a pick me up.

  5. #236880
    On February 5th, 2008 at 11:54 pm, lcl4 said:

    Thinking about giving up on the RNC and investigating third party alternatives.

  6. #236882
    On February 5th, 2008 at 11:56 pm, taylork said:

    Thinking about giving up on the RNC and investigating third party alternatives.

    I concur, but it’ll be for more than 40 days. Normally, I give up beer, but if McCain wins that’ll be hard to do.

  7. #236890
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:02 am, DavidHughes said:

    I’m giving up television. Call it a dry run for when the signals switch to all digital. I have no desire to buy a new TV or even accept a free converter box. I guess I’ll have to wait until Hillary gets into office and mandates that every home MUST have one under penalty of law. Actually, giving up TV is probably to easy to be considered a sacrifice. Maybe I should give up badgering my co-workers about why they laud Obama’s “change” message, but can’t tell me exactly what changes he is proposing. Nah… that’s way too hard for me to lay off of for 40 days.

  8. #236895
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:05 am, DavidHughes said:

    Forgive any misspellings above… Benadryl is kicking in (need it after so many consecutive days of liberal fawning over HRC, BHO, and John McCain… that, and a barf bag).

  9. #236898
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:06 am, h-town said:

    Two Bishops of the Church of England want Britons, and I would guess everyone else, to give up carbon for Lent.

    Since I can’t hold my breath for 40 days I thought I’d give up another element instead. Maybe lutetium which I can’t afford anyway.

  10. #236901
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:08 am, katieanne said:

    I usually give up chocolate, cheeseburgers and fries. It is truly hard, but then that’s the point. I need to also spend more time in study and prayer.

    I could give up paying attention to politics, but I think that would be more of a benefit to me than a sacrifice.

  11. #236908
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:20 am, see-dubya said:

    I should probably give up blogging, as it’s about my only remaining vice these days, but the way things are going, it’s not like I’ll be giving up something I enjoy.

  12. #236911
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:24 am, elpresidente said:

    Soft drinks. Dr. Pepper is to me what Red Bull is to Michelle.

    Just gotta find my caffeine elsewhere.

  13. #236917
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:32 am, nyc123me said:

    I’m giving up on the Republican Party.

    For now.

  14. #236918
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:32 am, Mookie said:

    Iced Coffee. Watch for stocks of Dunkin’ Donuts to plummet.

  15. #236922
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:36 am, see-dubya said:

    #13: Good one.

    But it’s supposed to be something you like, yes? It doesn’t count if you swear off of poop sandwiches.

  16. #236924
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:38 am, Armigerous said:

    Yea,well for Lent I’m giving up giving up stuff…that covers me for piety and keeps my hedonism intact

  17. #236930
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:42 am, rotarymunkey said:

    I think I’ll be giving up on Conservatives… oooops, did I say that out loud?

    Ed Rollins rolls Huckabee through the South and picks up states right and left? Wasn’t that the Reagan strategy in 1980?

    Romney up by 6 or more points in CA just a day before, but now reportedly losing badly there?

    If it comes down to Clinton versus McCain, I won’t vote. The absolute flaming hypocrisy of a maverick married-into-money millionaire standing up saying he’ll work for ME if elected nearly melted my TV! Obama sometimes catches my interest with his “unite the U.S.” theme, right up until he goes off into uncharted Moonbat Territory about global warming and the war in Iraq. Don’t get me started on Queen Cankles the First, but did anyone else notice the extraordinary amount of makeup she was wearing tonight? Just how many pounds of spackle did they have to use to fill the wrinkles in on her mug?

    I don’t know about swearing off caffeine, but how about shipping me some of the Koolaid the rest of this country is drinking? :^)

  18. #236933
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:45 am, NeoConNews said:

    Let’s give up principle, so we can get behind McCain.

    Oy, this isn’t a good night for talking about sacrifices.

  19. #236935
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:46 am, Speakup said:

    At this point I suggest we all give up spending any disposable income and save every penny, we’re going to need it.

  20. #236938
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:47 am, fourstringfuror said:

    I’d like give up seeing Carl Cameron gushing over McCain every time he’s on air. Is that too much to ask?

    Don’t mean to sidetrack the thread; I’m just a sore loser. I’m not Catholic, and don’t observe Lent. However, giving up any vice for 40 days can’t be a bad thing.

  21. #236953
    On February 6th, 2008 at 1:18 am, Alphonse said:

    I think I’ll give up bathing.

  22. #236957
    On February 6th, 2008 at 1:34 am, NBF said:

    1) TV (it’s amazing how you don’t miss it after a while)

    2) Sweets & desserts.

    3) Take on extra Sacred Scripture reading.

    I can’t quite give up the net yet… e-mail and all.

  23. #236964
    On February 6th, 2008 at 1:43 am, joeblough said:

    I’m thinking of giving up moderation.

    But then I’m not sure that I really over-indulge in moderation.

  24. #236967
    On February 6th, 2008 at 1:47 am, magicky said:

    I too am giving up on the Republicans. Tomorrow I switch to official Independent status.

  25. #236983
    On February 6th, 2008 at 2:18 am, islandman78 said:

    I am going to fast politically. I have done my part and cast my vote for Romney here in California. Now I think that Lent is a grand opportunity to devote time to God without the tempting distractions that politics brings. No more talk radio. No more blogs. No more for forty days.

    I’ll see you in March. God bless.

  26. #236990
    On February 6th, 2008 at 2:27 am, graysonret said:

    I think I’ll try to give up…trying to give up things. I’ll sit back and enjoy life. :) I suspect that one day soon, down the road, the government will be dictating what I will give up anyway.

  27. #236992
    On February 6th, 2008 at 2:32 am, mnmike said:

    I’m giving up the Republican Party because its leading presidential candidate is bad for my health.

  28. #237001
    On February 6th, 2008 at 2:48 am, blues said:

    B-12 is a pretty good subsistute.

  29. #237008
    On February 6th, 2008 at 3:01 am, blues said:

    Seriously,to all of those who observe the Lenten Season as an expression of faith,I wish you well and hope that your sacrifice is rewarded.May your God bless you all.

  30. #237025
    On February 6th, 2008 at 3:34 am, slp said:

    Michelle:

    A full can of Red Bull?

    Do you ever feel like you are close to ODing on the caffeine?

  31. #237028
    On February 6th, 2008 at 3:42 am, WarTip said:

    I left the country to give up on politics but somehow being a Federalist and a true Conservative, political apathy was/is difficult for me. Given the proximity to Super Tuesday and the pols still in the game? I think I am giving up on ever having any hope of returning to the US to prove that the American people are the greatest on Earth. Still, at least I can come to places like this and know I am not alone.

    Giving up for lent? Can I give up on the idea that the Republican Party will ever be confused with being Conservative again while maintaining hope that true Conservatives may finally unite again … even under a new Party Banner? Would it be racist or insensitive to have a Bison for our Mascot? We already have a foreign animal and a jackass?

  32. #237053
    On February 6th, 2008 at 6:18 am, CO of Fort Housewife said:

    Two years ago, I gave up chocolate (while pregnant, no less!) and last year I gave up beer. It’s already too late to give up coffee, so I think I’m going to give up my Gameboy and my “Law and Order”.

  33. #237058
    On February 6th, 2008 at 6:47 am, zorro said:

    I mentioned last night that it was the last opportunity for a beer. I give up beer, desserts and chocolates.

    I gave up on the Republicans but as see-dubya reminds, it doesn’t really count.

  34. #237066
    On February 6th, 2008 at 7:15 am, DougT said:

    I’m not a person of faith, but I do believe in the concept of self-sacrifice as a way to improve oneself physically, mentally, and spiritually.

    To that end, I am giving up foods that are deep fried. Makes up an inordinate amount of my diet. I’m getting older and I’d like to be around to play with my grandkids.

    While the notion of giving up something feels like a sacrifice at the beginning of Lent, after 40 days we discover that what we “gave up” isn’t really that important. We shed that need or want from our lives and emerge on Easter a better person for it.

  35. #237068
    On February 6th, 2008 at 7:20 am, jangle said:

    I am not giving up anything; I think at this point it would be better to add some good things so I will read more scripture and do more charitable works.

  36. #237069
    On February 6th, 2008 at 7:30 am, Bigurn said:

    I’m giving up sweets. It really does hurt, and it’s supposed to be a sacrifice. It helps with the weight loss plan anyway.

  37. #237070
    On February 6th, 2008 at 7:32 am, et said:

    I am giving up on the Fox News Channel. Maybe in that time they will come to their senses and get rid of their Diana Christensen clone. Bill O’Reily is playing the Howard Beale role with a so called body language expert instead of a Soothsayer. Geraldo why? What besides a pretty face does Heather add to John Gibson’s show? I could go on and on, but suffice to say, Thank you Overstock.com for trademarking the slogan so Bill couldn’t use it.

  38. #237082
    On February 6th, 2008 at 8:10 am, ArmywifeArmymom said:

    I do not observe Lent, but I appreciate the reminder that the season for it is here. I have a lot of friends who do observe it, so I try and be an encouragement to them, and not a source for temptation. I hope you all have a blessed season.

  39. #237085
    On February 6th, 2008 at 8:21 am, Tom Blogical said:

    I’m giving up the GOP. And not just for Lent. ;-)

    I don’t have any vices, so it’s always difficult to select something. I’ll probably end up giving up commenting on blogs and blogging for Lent.

  40. #237097
    On February 6th, 2008 at 8:33 am, tre said:

    I’m sure glad I’m a Southern Baptist. I don’t have to give up anything. Our faith just forbids alcohol, which is no sacrifice for me since I don’t like it anyway.

  41. #237099
    On February 6th, 2008 at 8:35 am, Lindsay said:

    I am giving up– this year– on the hope that the GOP will win in November. I am not giving up my support for Mitt Romney. I am also giving up discussions with certain trolls on this site–as it is a waste of time.

    For Lent, I am giving up wasted time–and exercising mind and body daily (with more time spent spiritually).

    Lent, for me,is not just for 40 days of sacrifice, it is to develop a habit for life and a reminder of how to improve towards the goal of being more like Christ.

  42. #237112
    On February 6th, 2008 at 8:48 am, Boomer said:

    Being of the unwashed heathen Protestant persuasion I don’t believe in Lent, but this year I will make an exception. I have decided to join many conservatives and have given up on the Republican Party too.

    For all the practicing Catholics out there good luck and best wishes in keeping your personal vow to God during this 40 day period. May your faith give you strength to be successful during this time of reflection and abstinence.

  43. #237113
    On February 6th, 2008 at 8:51 am, DocattheAutopsy said:

    I’m giving up reading Michelle’s blog. Now that would be a tough 40 days!

    I’ve already been giving up a lot, and there’s not much I enjoy right now (I’m in see-dub’s court with the blogging), and even that seems like a chore giving the recent political happenings.

    So instead of giving something up, I think I’m going to resolve to do something more, perhaps more scripture reading and maybe even some reflections on my blog on theological themes.

  44. #237126
    On February 6th, 2008 at 9:10 am, Peejz said:

    Starbucks…I go there everyday, sometimes 3 times for frapp’s or a hot drink..I am going to give it up (and any coffee house). It means not buying the little bottles that are sold at target either.. This should be an interesting lent.

  45. #237129
    On February 6th, 2008 at 9:16 am, flmom said:

    One of the best homilies I ever heard was “Don’t give up, give” So that’s my Lenten promise.

  46. #237152
    On February 6th, 2008 at 9:36 am, vickisoup said:

    Yeah, I’m with islandman78, #25. Truth be told: I’m a junkie, when it comes to news and politics. I’m nicer when I’m “off the juice”.
    Thank you, Michelle, for this morning’s intervention.
    You’ll all know how I fared by how soon you see me again commenting on MM!
    Pray for me….
    :-)

  47. #237156
    On February 6th, 2008 at 9:42 am, misterbee241 said:

    What am I giving up for Lent? Not a thing. There is no sacrifice I could make that would come anywhere near the Ultimate Sacrifice made on Calvary. And every day when I read my scriptures, I remember it.

  48. #237170
    On February 6th, 2008 at 9:59 am, NBF said:

    Misterbee241,

    Taking time to read Sacred Scripture is a form of sacrifice. So is prayer. Sacrifice is a form of prayer offered to God. Don’t discount it. Jesus even gave regulations on how to fast in Matthew 6:16.

  49. #237174
    On February 6th, 2008 at 10:07 am, malkin_fan said:

    I gave up on the Republican party.

  50. #237181
    On February 6th, 2008 at 10:15 am, walterc said:

    I’m giving up the Republican Party and hope for America as we know it and devoting more time to loading ammo.

  51. #237247
    On February 6th, 2008 at 11:17 am, ctmom said:

    Candy in general, good ‘n plenty’s specifically. And I bought two boxes yesterday, one for my car and one for my kitchen. It doesn’t count unless you are properly tempted. :)

  52. #237254
    On February 6th, 2008 at 11:26 am, Mulligan said:

    I’m giving up wine and snacking, and will be trying to devote more time to prayer and reading the Bible and the catechism.

  53. #237256
    On February 6th, 2008 at 11:30 am, Grey Fox said:

    All my myriad Calvinist ancestors would turn in their graves if I observed a Papist fast! ;)

    For all of you who do, I hope that God blesses you through it.

  54. #237265
    On February 6th, 2008 at 11:36 am, Laree said:

    I am going to stop reading lgm’s comments :)

  55. #237318
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:02 pm, taylork said:

    Alcohol, and using the word “change”

  56. #237331
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:10 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    Giving up Red Bull for Lent? Someone’s gonna be cranky…
    Seriously, bless all of you Catholic Christians out there. Easter is early this year, and somehow that seems promising…

  57. #237348
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:25 pm, Ordinary Coloradan said:

    Actually you are encouraged to take something up as well as give something up.

    The money I was giving to the GOP will instead be going to my parish outreach program for the poor. I figure I may as well help that get set up solid since we will need it to minister to all the illegals that will become legal.

    So I guess I’m giving up on the GOP.

    And I’m adding prayer. Because at this point, its all we “full spectrum” Conservatives (of faith) have left.

    God help the United States.

  58. #237353
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:28 pm, rike101 said:

    Beets and NPR.

  59. #237357
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:31 pm, Blind_Mule said:

    ChePibe said:
    I gave up caffeine a while ago.

    (I’m Mormon, but note: contrary to popular notion, Mormons can drink all the caffeine they want – just not coffee or black tea.)

    I had a next door neighbors that were Mormans, they used to have a pitcher of tea in the fridge made for us when we came over, they were good people, their philosophy was what is mine is yours and what is yours is mine, their Dad was an engineer for Ford Motor Company, so needless to say I spent alot of time in their(my)garage working on my car with his (my) tools. :)

    I quit the horrible habit of alcohol and cigarettes for 15 year’s and then my evil :evil: wife wanted to go camping about 6 years ago and got me drunk and I just had to have a smoke too. I very seldom drink alcohol but I have smoked ever since, I think God would appreciate it if I would not only quit for lint but forever, so that is what I’m doing and talk about being cranky. arghhh :evil:

  60. #237366
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:36 pm, Blind_Mule said:

    Laree said:
    I am going to stop reading lgm’s comments

    Darn why I did not think of that I do not know, that would have been alot easier. :(

  61. #237391
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:46 pm, greenfairie said:

    I was going to say giving up on the GOP but everyone beat me to it.

    I’m actually going to give up online shopping for clothes. I have too much crud now and I’ll need the money for travel and bridesmaid stuff.

  62. #237393
    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:46 pm, redbug70 said:

    Michelle drinks Red Bull? Wow!

  63. #237435
    On February 6th, 2008 at 1:12 pm, JsinGood said:

    This year, as with last, it’s meat – beef, pork, chicken, duck, etc., but not fish. And if you knew me, you’d know that’s quite a sacrifice.

  64. #237473
    On February 6th, 2008 at 1:40 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    Michelle drinks Red Bull? Wow!

    It calms her down, otherwise she stays up late and blogs all night while reading and watching the news and ironing and cleaning house and mowing the lawn and washing the car and cleaning the frig and writing a column and showing up on Fox. Those are the good days, some days she’s busy…

  65. #237622
    On February 6th, 2008 at 3:37 pm, threeCents said:

    I’m stuck between giving up talk radio and coffee. I’m sure that Rush, Glenn and Laura would try to talk me out of the latter. I haven’t had either today, so I could go either way.

  66. #237640
    On February 6th, 2008 at 4:01 pm, Ordinary Coloradan said:

    If Red Bull calms MM down then she’s ADD like me. Us ADD folks tend to have opposite reactions to caffiene in moderate doses. High doses, though… thats ping-pong ball in a paint shaker time.

  67. #237672
    On February 6th, 2008 at 4:24 pm, Schweggie said:

    I gave up the brewskie last lent. Will do it again this year. Will probably give up meat wednesdays and fridays.

    Gulp. Here we go~

  68. #237680
    On February 6th, 2008 at 4:28 pm, Schweggie said:

    On February 6th, 2008 at 12:28 pm, rike101 said:

    Beets and NPR.

    Oh yeah, you’re really laying it on the line there! No ‘All Things Considered’? Dude, you’re biting off more than you can chew! You’re gonna crash! No one has abstained from NPR for 40 days! You’re out of control!!!

  69. #238023
    On February 6th, 2008 at 10:35 pm, zorro said:

    Boomer Said: For all the practicing Catholics out there good luck and best wishes in keeping your personal vow to God during this 40 day period. May your faith give you strength to be successful during this time of reflection and abstinence.

    Thanks Boomer, May God Bless you.

  70. #238122
    On February 7th, 2008 at 1:43 am, GaijinBob said:

    MM, don’t give up all caffeine unless you have a week or so of no pressure activities while you go thru withdrawl. (My wife gave up caffeine while preggers. Not a pretty sight as she suffered headaches!) You need a supplement or you won’t be able to work (doing God’s work here, that is).

  71. #238435
    On February 7th, 2008 at 11:55 am, harbormaster said:

    misterbee241 said:
    What am I giving up for Lent? Not a thing. There is no sacrifice I could make that would come anywhere near the Ultimate Sacrifice made on Calvary. And every day when I read my scriptures, I remember it.

    Thanks misterbee!
    Any sacrifice that we make denies the sufficiency and completeness of the sacrifice Christ made on the cross at Calvary.

  72. #238454
    On February 7th, 2008 at 12:22 pm, Deanna said:

    This Protestant is giving up talk radio for Lent. If I have to keep listening to the political drumbeat during a season of reflection and prayer, I will go insane. I think my children will happier for it, too. Now we can all Veggie-Tale our brains out together!

  73. #240502
    On February 9th, 2008 at 7:12 pm, Helene said:

    I don’t believe in giving up anything… I believing in doing more. More volunteer work for me during lent.

  74. #257664
    On March 1st, 2008 at 10:10 pm, Straight_Talk_Luigi said:

    candy and ice cream.

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