Much Ado About Lent??

It is almost time for lent.  I am not really interested in lent from a religious perspective, though I am a fallen away Catholic. I am interested in the sacrificial challenges that it inspires.  I think it is good to give up something for a set period of time.  A vice, a challenge, a habit.  I like the introspection and inward thought it requires. It is a small amount of time but large enough to change a habit.  It is kinda fun to challenge yourself to grow in an area.

Last year, Neil and I tried to give up eating out when we were just starting out on our super budgeting journey.  That lasted about 3 weeks.  I think that would be an AWESOME one to try this year.  I am home now so it may be easier.  This year, I am wanting to up the anty, but I am kinda scared to! I don't wanna set myself up for failure but I know I can do anything I set my mind to. 

I would really like to step my primal game up to run with the Paleo folks.  Uggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. It was hard just typing that.  After kinda sorta falling off the Primal wagon on vacation, I see the difference in my skin, my energy and my waistline.  I KNOW that going Paleo will probably feel amazing.  I know after starting Primal that the first 10 days or so will be h-a-r-d. THe biggest difference between Primal and Paleo.... NO dairy.  Dun dun dun.  That is my fear.  I love cheese.  A lot. Love it. And I love cream in my morning coffee.  These things I treasured when I went Primal.  Basically, Paleo people eat lean, organic meats, veggies, very limited fruits (mostly berries, if any), nuts and healthy fats.  No dairy, no grain, no carbs.  I have read a great many recipes and actually, there are a lot of options.  I think it is just a matter of being planned and prepared.  But cheese...... how I love you so....... but I know going without it will help accelerate my weight loss and kick start my body into good feeling shape. It is the day before and I am still not sure I can do it.  Neil mentioned that he though traditionally you could have what you give up on Sundays and that is why lent is 46 days.  Maybe I could do it that way.  I dunno.  Gotta talk to the big guy I suppose.

Some of our other ideas were no TV/cable (except for Porter's Elmo), no Facebook (Neil's idea, I would never suggest that :), no eating out, a certain running schedule, Neil may try to stop biting his nails, no drinking, no soda and we have tossed around some other things.  Maybe we will have some personal goals and some we do as a family. 

What is everyone else thinking of giving up?? Any Paleo people wanna inspire this cheese loving mama??