Lent

I gave up rice for lent, not just white rice, but all rice. Everyone thinks I'm crazy. I think it's because I'm Asian so I am automatically stereotyped. Everyone associates me with eating rice everyday. It's very true. I mean, I'm full Japanese. I do eat rice at least once a day, sometimes twice, and on occasion, three times. I decided to give up rice for lent because I wanted to challenge myself. I wasn't sure if I could do it, I'm still not sure if I can. I mean, it has only been a week and a half but so far, I think I'm doing well.

I'm still really surprised at how so few people actually know about lent and what it means. Growing up, I never considered myself a devout Christian, but I went to church and Sunday school quite frequently, not every week, but frequent enough. Religion seems to matter less and less as we grow up; I don't even go to church anymore, and I'm guilty of taking the occasional nap in chapel. I was really shocked that no one knew the significance of sacrifice and why it's supposed to be something meaningful. I guess it shows how ignorant I am. Last year, spring camp was on Easter Sunday. I was really surprised at how few people knew about the symbolism in eggs and new-born farm animals. Once again, proving my ignorance.

This year, I wanted to do something challenging. Plus, I didn't want to give up something unnecessary and seemingly immature like most of the people my age do. For example, so many girls especially, give up MySpace or AIM. I guess they are giving up something important to them, and they're doing something that is difficult to do, but somehow, I couldn't bring myself to do that It's actually really sad how I don't want to associate myself with these people. I mean, aren't they "normal" teenager? Don't I want to be a "normal" teenager?