We rise again from ashes

As tomorrow is the beginning of Lent, I’ve evaluated my life and the way I spend my time. I’ve come to the conclusion that, while I was once excellent at time management, I am not any longer. So, I intend to rectify that these coming weeks. Other than the requisite things (fasting and abstaining from “extras” like dessert and the like), I’m working on things that I do to manage my time better. I also have figured out my punishments for when I mess up (and I’m sure I will mess up). So, without further ado, here are my plans for Lenten mortification.

To Be Given Up

Internet: Other than academic use or necessary communication, I’m refraining from using the internet. I will check Facebook ONE TIME per day to keep up with communication and my email once in the morning and once at night. Everything else can wait until Sunday or Easter.

Television: All of it. Things on DVD, things on my iPod, and the ones at the gym. Movies theatres are out, too, but that’s not really a sacrifice (I don’t go that often).

Food- I'm following the general requirements for fasting: smaller meals, no snacking, no dessert, etc. I usually skip breakfast anyway, and lunch is my main meal during the day (lots to study=little time to cook=small, or at least prepared over the weekend, dinners). Nothing fancy, like giving up solid food or cutting whole meals.

Coffee- If I choose to drink coffee, I forgo the meal for that part of the day.

To Be Taken On
One hour before the Blessed Sacrament each day. Probably to be done in two half-hour installments. Or three twenty-minute installments. You get the idea.

Punishments
Should I spent any time on the internet doing something other than communicating or schoolwork or watching television, I will measure the amount of time I waste. I will add that amount of time to my daily hour of Adoration.

I don't report all of this as a 21st century "hair shirt" (people used to put on crappy clothes, often made of hair, so that the whole world would know they were fasting. This is discouraged in the Gospel). I do it because I hope that my friends will help hold me accountable if they know what I'm trying to do.

Wish me luck! Happy Lent!