Ash Wednesday

Well today is Ash Wednesday.... for all of those non-Catholics out there this is the kickoff for Lent. A period of 40 days and 40 nights (weekends not included) where we sacrifice something that we enjoy or decide to do something new in honor of Jesus. If you give something up you are supposed to use the time you once used to do the thing you are giving up and spend time with God. And if you decide to do something new its supposed to bring you closer to God.

Now that you've gotten a little background let me explain what this has to do with my blog....

Brian and I have been thinking and trying to decide what we were going to give up or decide to do more....

Here's our conclusion: We are going to go to church every sunday, and work out 4 to 5 days a week.

I've been raised Catholic my whole life, but have not been to church except on holidays for about the last year. Brian went to Catholic school through 4th grade but hasn't followed the Catholic faith since then for various reasons.

Apparently some people don't view the Catholic Faith as a credible religion. Some pass judgement on Catholics and say that we are worthless drunks who sin all week and ask for forgiveness on Sunday. I say to each his own and everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, but I know plenty of individuals who practice other religions and put on a wonderful show in the front row of church, but behind closed doors, the very same people in the front row at church are the ones passing judgement on others based on things such as the way a person looks, the house a person lives in, and the place a person chooses to worship. One of the people most loving, open minded, and welcoming of other individials' ideas is my grandpa. He's never sat in the front row of our Catholic church unless it was the only seat open, and he likes to drink a few beer or a glass of wine; however if there is ever anyone in need he is the first to be there to help in anyway he can. To me, that is the perfect picture of a Christian, someone with constant open arms and a loving heart.

Now that Im off my soap box, let me get back to the whole point of this blog to begin with: Explaining Brian and My decision to go to church every Sunday.

We havent been together very long by most people's opinion, and to be honest he and I both realize that. When I first met Brian he was at a point in his life where he wasn't as happy as he should have been. And me being the blunt individual I am told him, dang buddy you're in a hot mess!! Apparently my wisdom and lack of fear to share it shocked him, and it took a few months, during which I'd see him occasionally if he drove my sister's basketball team but never got a chance to really talk to him again, but he figured out his mess, got it straitened out, and made- according to me - the best decision hes ever made.... he got that "hot basketball coach's" number from a mutual friend and text me.... From that day on, we've been attatched at the hip. (Im actually at his house right now chillin on the couch, hes gettin fire wood it)

Yea... I went off on another tangent.... anyway.... I can not imagine my life without Brian in it, and to be honest its very hard for me to remember what it was ever like before we started dating. So we've discussed our future and where we think its going, and one thing we are both sure of is that we dont want to make the same mistakes that have been made- by both of us- in the past. One of the best ways we know to do this is by strengthening our relationship, not only with each other, but with eachther's families. Every Sunday, my family goes to church... so Brian and I are going to do the same, thats one of the things we decided to do for lent. To us its a win win situation, we'll get to be together, we'll improve our faith, and we'll make my family happy!!!

Now as far as the working out goes.... Lets face it, who couldn't afford to work out more???? We also believe that by us living a healthy lifestyle and making that change now, while its just us, in the future when we're married with children, we will implement that healthy lifestyle into our childrens' everyday life as well. With the growing trend of unhealthy lifestyles and obesity today, it is obvious the stuggles associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, we do not want that for ourselves or our children. It is well known that when an individual is unhappy with themself they may strive to make others around them unhappy as well. That is not an environment anyone wants to live in, and we definately don't want to subject ourselves nor any children we may have to that.

Now that I've given a little Catholocism lesson, ranted a little, and given you a little glimpse into our life.... I'm gonna see if my smokin hot boyfriend needs any help gettin wood it, no doubt he'll say no, but it never hurts to offer!!!!

Peace!!!