I don’t mean to be picky, but by fourth grade at Holy Family Grammar School Sister Mary Angela was espousing the “Do extra” idea of Lent rather than the “Give something up” thing. We went along because it felt more adult, plus it seemed like maybe we could get away with not having to give up candy.

I’m not such a driven Catholic that I flagellate myself when I forget you’re not supposed to eat meat on Ash Wednesday. Today I remembered for once, and so had Tomato and Basil soup for lunch, when the much tastier Chicken with Wild Rice was also on the menu. This makes me feel like I both gave something up and did something extra, no? I also gave someone directions, explained to a customer how to get a better deal when I could have made just an easy sale, and saved a friend from embarrassment by heading her off at the pass.

All to say, yes, doing something extra is a great way to look at Lent, even if you’re not Catholic. You could make it a ONE GOOD DEED 40-day trial.

Or, you could call February 22 what we always called it in my house growing up: Birthington’s Washday.

A little more, with feeling.

P.S. I love it when you guys tell me your adventures — how about clicking up top on the “Your Good Deeds” button and chiming in? Lent can get really long.