Earlier this week at work many of my co-workers were discussing what they were going to give and/or give up for Lent. Some of the folks are (still) Catholic and some are, shall we say, “reformed” Catholics - as in, grew up Catholic but have chosen some other path; while others are of other various, primarily Christian, denominations. While I understand and appreciate the concept of Lent, it is nothing that I ever remember as being any kind of a discussed or practiced ritual in my childhood home. Not that our household was anti-religion, we just didn’t really practice anything much past when I was maybe in 1st or 2nd grade. So this brings me to my situation.

I thought that maybe it the spirit of things I would consider giving something up for Lent. You know, camaraderie and all. Anyway, as I was discussing this with people in relation to what they were giving up, I came to a somewhat perplexing discovery. Finding something to give up is considerably harder than I expected. First I thought, “What the heck can I even give up?” I mean, I don’t drink, I quit smoking 2 years ago (which I actually think should be enough giving up of something to last an entire lifetime), don’t have much in the way of a sex-life since I haven’t really found anyone who has sparked my interest since my husband died (which, again, I say would be enough giving up of something to last an entire lifetime-maybe two lifetimes) - man my life is looking kind of pathetic here. Then some people were talking about certain foods they were giving up. This got me thinking, oh, hell (sorry) no! We’ve already been doing a kind of “Biggest Loser” competition at work for just over a month now (in which I am ahead - lost 14 lbs. so far), which has me (back) on an Atkins-esque type diet. So, with this diet I have already basically given up carbs, meaning, I no longer eat potatoes, rice, pasta, bread, sweets, chips, chocolate, ice cream, candy, etc., and very little fruit. I also don’t drink any soft-drinks or other sugary and/or juice-type drinks. I pretty much only drink water, coffee, and occasionally V-8. This kind of leaves meat, cheese, and vegetables, and on rare occasion some blackberries or raspberries - guess I just can’t quite see myself giving up any other foods.

Then someone told me they don’t give anything up - rather they “give” for Lent. This co-worker said they were going that day to give blood. I thought - ok that’s great. Then I remembered, the last time I tried to give blood they wouldn’t take it because I was anemic. Guess maybe that’s out too. And, besides, I already made an e-strip donation.

So, then I thought - well, maybe I should just give up my kids (after all, who couldn’t use a 40 day vacation) - but then thought, nah, you’re supposed to give up something you like (hahahaha), or make some sacrifice, and besides, who the hell else would want them.

Finally - the only vices I have left that would truly be a sacrifice for me are swearing and coffee and... she says as she takes another sip... “there’s no f***ing way I’m giving them up!” So, I guess I’ve come to my conclusion; I’m giving up trying to give up anything for Lent.

Peace to all this Lenten season.

I’m looking for a new (refurbished) laptop computer and have been checking out some stuff on e-bay. I could use a little advice from some of you incredibly knowledgeable folks regarding some basics. I’ve been looking at Dells, primarily at the D600, 610, 620’s with the Windows XP Professional OS but they have really varied configurations. I need to know what folks recommend regarding the following:

What is the minimum speed you recommend for a processor?

What type of processor do you recommend? (i.e., Intel Core 2 Duo; Intel Core Duo; Intel Pentium Mobile; Intel Pentium 4, etc.)

What Processor Config do you recommend? (i.e., Single Core, Dual Core)

Minimum RAM recommended?

Minimum Hard Drive capacity recommended?

Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I received the following notice at work - thought it was worth sharing. The event is open to the public and is free.

On November 14, 1960, surrounded by armed U.S. Federal Marshals, a shy six-year old girl became the unwitting symbol of the nation’s struggle for civil rights and integration, as armed federal marshals escorted her past throngs of angry protesters into the William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana, to become the first black student in attendance at the school, and the youngest foot soldier of the Civil Rights Movement. Ruby Bridges continues to keep the spirit of tolerance and diversity alive today by bringing diverse populations together to develop relationship-building strategies.

As a lecturer, Ruby Bridges brings her message to children and adults
nationwide and leaves her audiences spellbound. Ms. Bridges will bring her message to the Seventh Annual African and African American History and Diversity Conference at McKinley High School on Friday, February 27, 2009 at 7:00 PM.

The conference theme is: "Yes We Can! The Road to The White House." The public is invited. There is no admission fee.

Contact McKinley High School (716) 816-4480 for more information.

For those interested, I've heard the show is really good.

I just watched the movie Grace is Gone (and am of course crying). I thought the movie was really good but I also just love John Cusack. He was great in the last two movies I saw him in too, Must Love Dogs and Martian Child. I really liked both of those movies too, and he plays great characters. I don't know why I never really paid much attention to him before.