I gave up bread for Lent...

... and it 's one of the hardest things I've ever done.

It's been years since I observed Lent and I wanted to choose to give up something that I felt would be difficult and something that would really make me consider all the gifts I have on a daily basis.

Bread, biscuits, rolls, buns, garlic bread, breadsticks, bagels, muffins - warm and fresh out of the oven, they all evoke memories of family gatherings, of meals with friends.  I have a very emotional connection to bread and I guess it's even more evident now that I'm avoiding it all together.

It's hard to think about going places I have fond memories of without having the option to nom on their signature bread, or sandwich bread, or even just breadsticks! The perfect compliment to a good shared meal.

I guess I really adhere to the idea of "breaking bread" with someone.  Last night, Sarah and I went out to dinner and I had to say no to warm bread at the Italian place.  The agony! Warm, crusty, cheesy garlic bread? Gimmie! Gimmie! Gimmie! 

I know it's only for 40 days but I really feel that I am going to struggle extremely hard with this task.  I would do just about anything for a biscuit at this point! I guess that's the point, right? 

I think the only thing harder to give up would have been if I said no potatoes. I think it's probably the only things I have stronger ties to than bread.  All of my comfort foods have potatoes or bread as a primary component.   

I know, like anything else, the first few days are going to be the hardest.  I've been told that on a low carb diet you actually don't even think about the carbs after about 10 days... we'll see if I feel that way next Wednesday. 

We'll see how this goes.  It's an interesting experiment in self control, self discipline.