March 5

Happy Ash Wednesday!
Today I tried to start my Paleo diet, but after eating sausage and a banana for breakfast, I realized that (as a Catholic) I'm not supposed to eat meat on Ash Wednesday or Fridays in Lent.

Why I didn't think of that before, I don't know. But anyway, because of my Lenten sacrifice, technically I wouldn't be able to eat literally anything except for fruits, vegetables, nuts, and technically fish (but I hate fish).

So with this, and the fact that I work out 1-2 times a day, I decided that on the days I was supposed to give up meat, I would allow myself grains and dairy for at least one meal.

I just don't think I can live off of fruits and veggies when I have to be able to run and lift and play soccer.

I also figured out what I can do to get around my constant craving for coffee while still staying Paleo and not consuming sugar!

Starbucks has a few different types of tea that you can buy, so today I tried the Zen tea, and it was actually really good! So now I'm going to allow myself some Zen tea whenever I just need a little something warm to drink.

So basically, I've now 100% figured out what I'm doing for Lent, and I feel pretty good about it.

I also made it to the 7pm Mass time, as did two of my teammates, Johnny, and one of my football friends. So that was pretty cool.

... And here's a slightly embarrassing snapchat photo of myself from last night.


I meant to save it before I put the caption, but oh well it happens I suppose.

Anyway, I thought I'd post this because tonight I realized how many people don't actually know what Ash Wednesday is. I grew up at a Catholic school, but even in my high school pretty much everyone I talked to knew what it was.

Then I went to Wingspan after church, and the woman who was taking my and my friend's orders told me I had black stuff on my forehead. I told her that it was okay because it was supposed to be there, and figured she'd understand.

But then she did the same thing to my friend right after that, and he explained that it was Ash Wednesday... then the woman beside her (who I guess missed this whole exchange) chimed in and told me I had black stuff on my forehead.

It seemed odd to me at the time, but then I got back to my dorm, and my roommate Ashley admitted she didn't really know what it was either, and I ended up explaining it to her.

I guess not everyone grows up surrounded by Catholics, but anyway just thought I'd share my experience. More photos tomorrow I'm sure!