OK Guys - This is important. We've made it through some really rough years economically as a nation. A lot of little businesses that make our lives more pleasant have just squeaked by too. Places like Jamba Juice and Pink Berry and Michael's and JoAnn's and our neighborhood Starbucks are still there for us, as are those wonderful employees who know what we like to drink and (at Jamba Juice) can still make us our special favorites long after they have disappeared from the menu. (Yes, I know that Michael's is an arts and craft store, and JoAnn's is the same but with fabric, but the idea is the same.) So what have I been hearing today? People are giving up spending money on their little pleasures for Lent! For Lent, Guys! Showing their devotion to God, but severely impacting these small businesses and their employees. First thing this morning, (right after Water Aerobics, that is) (Water Aerobics being where the first person announced their intention to quit their daily Starbucks habit), I began my Lenten plan by going to this woman's Starbucks and getting .........A Chai Tea Latte!! And tipping $1. I wish I could start a movement to make Lent a brighter time for these businesses and their employees.
So my point, and I do have one, is that for Lent I am giving up my small, smug frugalities. I'll still make my own tea, but not all of it. I'll try to buy at least one cup of tea or fruit smoothie or yogurt at one of my neighborhood establishments every day and I'll tip $1 when I do. The tip alone is a $42 commitment, (but I always tip people who serve me; I'm not complaining about the $42) so this is going to cost me around $100. Buying things I can easily and cheaply have at home will be harder for me to do than to give up, say, tea or candy or eggs.
Good on you, Beryl.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shane! What did you give up for Lent?
ReplyDeleteBeryl, That is such a great idea--and I love the reasoning.
ReplyDeleteI don't give up things for Lent--haven't since a kid. I already feel too disciplined, needing more whimsy and lighthearted actions to make up for it. So . . . I like the idea of adding something. I'll think about that. Maybe adding more compliments given to others? Hug!
Thanks, Catherine! Living on the West Coast, Lent wasn't really taken very seriously. But in Tulsa, everyone is giving up something. Even the news broadcasters discussed what they were doing for Lent. And I'm a joiner, so I figured I had to do something. But I think I, too, am pretty disciplined, so I decided on this. Give more compliments if you have occasion, but you are so terrific, that even in Oklahoma, you don't need to do more for Lent. Hugs back! (When Amanda sends hugs, she write O's - I thought it was a James Bond Type reference.) So, XOXOX!
ReplyDeleteInteresting concept, Beryl. I gave up meat for Lent once, and I'm not even Catholic! I just had a really enthusiastic Catholic friend that made sacrificing for Lent sound like the next best thing to throwing a party! I follow your logic on this, but haven't given any thought to Lent this year.
ReplyDeleteI've always felt that Lenten observance was like flicking your religion on and then off again afterward. Not logical to me. But I am amazed at how prevalent it is among the group of Tulsans I see everyday. So, since I am a joiner (and unrepentant rules follower), I had to get on board. I'm just glad I could find something I believe in, that is going to be extremely difficult for me to follow through on. Makes it real.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm not Catholic, I love the idea of this. Last night in class, a young woman had ashes on her forehead...and it was quite distracting to me as I imagined that she had somehow hurt herself. Did not make the connection until after class.
ReplyDeleteHooray! Mr. Frump and I were just talking about our favorite local businesses -- how much they mean to us, how sad it is when they don't make it. Restaurants, in particular, have been dropping like flies. We see signs of an improving economy -- all the restaurants are more crowded these days -- but it's too late for some. Thanks to your post, I am now officially OVER feeling guilty about "wasting" money by eating out.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea. When times get tough, people give up those "frugalities" and it hinders the local economies. I don't do it everyday, but I do try to frequent local businesses and support them as best I can.
ReplyDeleteI gave up fear for lent. I haven't done anything strong to show that, but I am hoping to overcome my social anxieties and fear-driven decisions in little ways everyday.
Hey Terri, I think they are using a heavy hand with the ashes these days. And walking around until they wear off is such a bother. I think it's an advertisement for Catholisim.
ReplyDeleteWell Anne, It sounds like we are perfectly in tune on this. It is so sad when these places we've been going to for years disappear. I do hope we can make a difference.
ReplyDeleteHi Megan Mae! How did such a cute young fashionista as you find me? I am glad you did, of course! I think you have done a good job with the "giving up fear" just by posting on an unfamiliar blog. I know it always takes a lot of courage for me to do that. I loved the things that people sent you to wear. (Especially the snake ring.) (And the frog one from your mother, too.)
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