The Beginning of Lent

Yesterday was Fat Tuesday, the end of Ordinary Time and the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.  Traditionally, Fat Tuesday is the day to eat as much as possible in preparation for the fasting of Lent.  In my world, Fat Tuesday has traditionally been a day to eat as much chocolate and pancakes as possible.  This year, I wanted to do things a little differently.

I knew I was not going to gorge myself on chocolate.  I had a hot chocolate on Sunday, and that made me ill, so a large amount of candy was not in my plans.  However, the pancakes were a must.  They really are tradition, and I was hell bent on having some.  So, off Mom and I went to IHOP for some tasty pancakes. 

I wanted more than a short stack, but I wasn't sure what I wanted exactly.  I had been craving Nutella french toast all day, and I was exuberant when I saw that they had Nutella and banana stuffed crepes.  My mouth watered, and I knew exactly what I was going to order.  Still, though, I thought it best to look at the menu some more, and that's when something odd happened.  I saw the description for the Hearty Grains pancakes and my desire for Nutella lessened.  The more I thought about it, the more I wanted the whole grains.  It didn't take any convincing.  I didn't have to say, "These are healthier and I should eat them even though I really want the Nutella."  I simply didn't want the Nutella.  The pancakes I did have still weren't that healthy (considering I added whipped cream and apple compote  and lots of syrup), but they were better than the Nutella crepes, so I felt good. 

I did end up eating a lot yesterday, and most of meals were huge, but that's because I'm a traditional gal.  ;)  I also went to the gym, and I'm going back today.

Oh, and today is Ash Wednesday.  It's a day for prayer and reflection, and it's the beginning of Lent.  I'm making a big sacrifice (for me) for Lent.  I'm giving up Facebook and Pinterest.  I'm way too addicted to those to sites, and I'm wasting a lot of time on them.  Giving them up is definitely for the best.  Is anyone else giving up anything??