Food I can’t eat (at least for 40 days)
Less than an hour after I left Ash Wednesday services, I had my first challenge: the food at the GSA appreciation reception at Westwood Brew Co.
They had a bunch of food I couldn’t eat. They had breaded chicken strips, quesadillas, tortilla chips, Chinese chicken salad, plain Ceasar salad, and platters of fruits and veggies.
I gave up tortillas. Yes, tortillas.
After looking at my plate full of boring salad, some cucumbers and carrots, I told el novio, “maybe I should just give up alcohol.”
He looked at me, paused and said, “but you don’t even don’t drink that much. That would be easy for you.”
“Yeah, I know.”
A few minutes later, my friend Oiyan walked in. She saw the ashes on my head and started talking about the best part of attending a Jesuit college: Easter break and spring break.
“So what did you give up?” she asked.
“Tortillas.”
“Tortillas?! That’s like me giving up rice!” she exclaimed (she’s Chinese).
It will be hard. Yesterday I felt like just giving up something else like frivolous spending/shopping for stuff I don’t need. I’ve already tried that, it was a challenge, but not in the way tortillas will be. I see giving up tortillas for 40 days not as something that will bring me closer to God, but it will be fun (in a weird, masochistic sort of way).
And no, I’m not just doing this because tortilla prices are going up.
Tortillas! Que va! I gave up ice cream and torturing one of the house cats. I WAS going to give up shopping, but I know I wouldnt be able to get through that.
I’m with you Cindy! Giving something up for lent is fun in a weird kindda way — I like the challenge =D Remind me of that when I go to Cabo and can’t eat carne asada tacos or drink a michelada =/
OMG!! That’s like up your walking abilities!! Good Luck girl.
I gave up red meat entirely and shopping b/c it has become a major problem in my life and that will the the toughest part. Not a bad idea to add tortillas on the list b/c God gave up more than we could ever.
Like you said, this will be fun in a weird way.
For Lent, I just gave up. Just kidding. Why do Ash Wednesday Catholics actually go through this? Does this make up for the rest of the year? My sister only goes to church on that day.
As a reformed Catholic and practicing Atheist, I’m making sure to do some especially wicked things for the next 40 days!
Nah, jk, I’ll be nice. Tortillas, eh? That’s quite serious, are you going to give up chips and tostadas as well? At least you can still partake in Tortas de Camaron, available now! http://chanfles.com/blog/?p=24
This is completely off topic, but when I read what your friend said about rice I went into a panic because I haven’t had any rice in three days. I immediately called my mom and demanded that she come over and make xoi dua. I’m convinced that if I stop eating rice I’ll pass out and fall into a coma or something…either that or get banned from Vietnam.
suerte! I don’t know what to give up yet. any suggestions?
Gustavo,
Try giving up the word ‘Mexican’, that’ll be a challenge! Baby Jesus would be proud.
Ugg, I take it back, I thought I was responding to Arellano, sorry Mr. Rojo. No wonder Baby Jesus hates me.
ohhhhhhh. so, sad. i hope you get some inspiration out of it.
I got you one better, Chavo: I gave up the Church! And any good Catholic should do the same as long as Mahony and his St. John’s Seminary classmates head California’s dioceses.
chavo you are so mean to gusgus! I think it was that last HR you ate in santa monica, that looked horrible, you are still traumatized maybe. by the way, for lent, I gave up beating up on axe the mexican, but since he gave up being catholic, does that mean I’m off the hook?
brenda,
I’ve been pretty good about not really shopping since Christmas. I don’t even have the time to shop. Meh.
Chispa,
I realized that I’m okay not eating tortillas when I decide what I’m going to eat, but when I’m at an event and the food is just there, then it’s difficult.
Bren,
It hasn’t been too horrible. I don’t know how people can do meat. That takes too much effort for me. Buena suerte!
Jr,
I like the sense of tradition and doing something I know the rest of my family is participating in. Plus, Lent is always good for getting me to reflect and stuff.
Chavo,
I’m counting chips and tostadas too, because they’re just fried tortillas. I haven’t had tortas de camaron in so long! My grandma would always make those. I thought it was weird because in my kid head camarones did not look like those breaded patties. I like them with frijoles de la olla, I’ve never been big on chile.
AJ,
I’m sure you won’t fall out of a coma for not having rice and that they’ll let you back in Vietnam.
Gustavo R.,
I’m not sure. You know, you don’t have to give something up. You can add something (e.g., pray the rosary daily).
Notorious,
I don’t know what the inspiration is.
Gustavo A.,
Giving it up isn’t as easy as it sounds.
Chavo / Kiko / Gustavo A,
Play nice.
Hey Cindylu! geez, tortillas is like all I’m eating, I gave up bread. and I love eating sanwiches, among other bread stuff. I’m sure you’ll do fine w/o tortillas for 40 days. either way, take care,
*diana*
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