considering how many people in the world don't have a voice (or nobody to listen), I am not sure 40 days would count. (Sorry, that was just my annual fit of sarcasm. I'm a bit pessimistic when it comes to having human rights, gender equality etc for everyone and having a splitting headache doesn't exactly help raising my spirits) But grim jokes aside, that's quite an ordeal you have to endure, PW. How do you cope? Using a notepad and pencil? It must be utterly frustrating to try to communicate and not be able to get oneself understood. Kirby, I am very sorry for your loss. It's never easy to lose a friend and it's ten times worse if it comes that suddenly and unexpectedly. Did you get a chance to say goodbye? I agree with HIjol. It's propably a good and helpful idea to stick with your lent goals. It will keep your mind and soul occupied and keep you from brooding.
Notepad, pencil, texting, and what tiny squeaking I have left. My babysitting charges can read... well, most of them... And my dog can hear me or respond to hand claps.
Thanks for that clarification. I hope I was clear in that I was asking out of curiosity rather than criticising. I've been trying, not terribly successfully, to give up *not* swimming (i.e. I'm trying to get back into the habit of doing it). dJE
You weren't being snarky; it's a legitimate question. I understood that. I hope your efforts to get back into swimming are successful. I can swim like a fish, I always could, but I hate - absolutely hate - swimming in cold water. I prefer the warmth and intimacy of a jacuzzi, myself.
How 'bout giving up faith for lent to see the other perspective? I read an article about a priest who decided to do that for a whole year.
Thankyou. I swim in an indoor pool rather than outdoors. I tend to find Jacuzzis like baths - I quickly get bored! dJE
It seems to be a sinus infection that went out of control. It went into my throat and knocked my voice out.
Well, he neither gave up faith nor became an atheist, he just gave up actively practicing and openly acknowledging some aspects of his religion for a year, which, while interesting, is not really the same thing. He also seems to have turned being a fauxtheist into almost a dogmatic religious experience in itself instead of just a choice, which kind of misses the point (for most atheists, at least). But he gets an "A" for effort and a nice participation award anyway. We're not ready to teach him the secret handshake yet, though.
Thanks, Sheldon. That you can't switch belief on and off should be obvious. So he gave up actively practicing it.
Lent has such an interesting history. It's a very old tradition. I'm just interested in and pleased to know the fact that people still "giving something up," voluntarily, for it. There are many different ways to acknowledge and exercise it and there have been some very interesting responses to this question of what people are giving up, this year. Lent is associated with the most important holiday on the Christian calendar, being Easter, of course. Without that, even Christmas doesn't mean all that much, outside of the celestial event associated with that. So, I rather enjoy Lent, personally and get into it, from that perspective.
I may not be Catholic, but I'm glad I ask questions. According to a friend of mine who is, my vocal loss counts, since its considered suffering.