re: What are you baws giving up for lent?

I gave up giving up stuff for Lent a few years ago. I'm 71 and not much on religion, so I figured what's the point.

I will enjoy life and the pleasures I seek from it, be it in the form of beer, cocktails, chips, sweets, etc.

True story from 2007. I was in Finn McCool's on Banks St. in N.O. and downing a few pints of Guinness while seated next to an Irishman when the bartender, a tiny young blond haired lady from Ireland asked what was being given up for Lent since it was getting near that time.

One guy down the bar says sweets, another guy, an Irishman says crisps and salty bits (chips and other snacks for us U.S. folk).

She gets to me and I say I'm giving up all alcohol for the entirety-----NO CHEATING. The Irishman next to me looks at me like I had 2 heads and says---in my best Irish typing accent:

"Air you crazy man? and asks me "Air your married"?

To which I reply: "Yes, have been with the same woman for 20 years".

He then says: "Then give up sex for Christ's sake. You look like you've probably had your share of it with her but don't give up the liquor".

Everybody within earshot cracked up because he was dead serious by the tone of his voice.


That was the last year I gave up anything for Lent.