Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent.
In the past this would have meant nothing to me. This year, however, is different as Pauline, one of my four roommates, is Catholic. For the 40-day period of Lent, this self-indulgent shopaholic, will express repentance for her sins by giving up chocolate and online shopping.
My other two roommates and I, though not of the Catholic faith, have been inspired to abstain from similar pleasure-giving objects or activities. Based on our intimate knowledge of each other's indulgences, each person was offered several ultimatums.
Chelsea - forced to choose between chocolate and her favourite idol - has resigned herself to 40 chocolate-less days, and will soothe the withdrawal process with the smooth melodies of Josh Groban.
As for me? Chocolate is a given. Additionally, however, your correspondent - who possesses an insatiable appetite for prying into others' lives and an exhibitionistic tendency to expose her own in all its angst-ridden glory - will resist the temptation of Xanga (a website where you put your thoughts into words).
Sacrifice was supposed to be glorious and heroic, a purifying process that would cleanse the soul. If this remains a truth, then what does this say about today's youth?