Tipster Tuesday: The Lenten Edition #1

If you didn't catch on, I gave up Facebook for Lent. It might not seem like much of a sacrifice to some people, but it is to me... and more importantly, it's been a huge distraction in my day.  I check on my computer, I feel compelled to respond immediately (never mind that if my doorbell rings unexpectedly and I don't feel like seeing someone, I just don't answer).  I look at my phone... I giggle at some stupid thing that happened to someone else and when I retell the story to my husband, he stares at me blankly.  I have actually told my kids, mind your own business, this is my Facebook page and it's none of your business.  Really, if it's on Facebook, it's apparently everyone's business.

I'll admit, the first day was difficult and I did start texting a friend random updates (she said it was okay).  I think I asked her how an egg wasn't meat when it becomes a chicken, after all if an embryo is a baby and egg must be part chicken?  I'm sure she was laughing at me... but I was kind of serious.

It's already gotten easier to resist.  I'm not thinking I need to "bean it out" anymore.  And I'm discovering I have more time than I thought.  This MUST be how I got more things done when my kids were little, I wasn't dinking with the computer all day long.  So in the event that you've enjoyed me on the Facebook fast... here are some alternatives.

From the Chicago Tribune: 10 Tips for Giving Up Facebook

• Although it does seem to mock something as simple seeming as giving up facebook, over a more significant vice... turns out the ones listed aren't things I do.  I did find their suggestions amusing.  I actually have written down my posts before and no I didn't give a %^$@# five minutes later.

Update the Catholic Gadget to your browser, so you can sink your teeth into all kinds of Catholic content when you get the urge to Facebook.  I've found some interesting suggestions.  And if you're not Catholic, under the concept of everything is on the Internet, I'm guessing your denomination has some kind of "gadget" or "widget" that does something similar... or just use Google.

Read a book... there are lots of them, but if you feel like you need to cling closer to God to resist temptation, read the Bible.

Call a friend who has also given up Facebook, chances are they have time too!

Alright, my friends, have an Awesome Tuesday!