Tuesday, February 16th.... known to many today as Fat Tuesday or Madi Gras. A day of celebration and excess. Since the Saints win at the Super Bowl, I am sure that Madi Gras started a tad early and has been continuing since. However, today is offically the day that is set for this celebration. Parties will be held, shirts will be lifted in order to gain the coveted beads that represent the event, and other acts possibly too graphic to post will be executed today... All because of what falls tomorrow - the Christian tradition of Lent. Or at least that is how it all got started. 
Yet today there will be those who will eat their weight in Paczkis, the traditional Fat Tuesday doughnut. I guess in some way it is the way we approach many things when we know that it will require sacrifice from us. We endulge in it until the moment we decide we will sustain from it. As if the excess we experienced in a short period of time will somehow keep us from desiring it during the time we are away from it. There are some things that this may work for... For instance when a loved one is going away and the distance will be for a time. The excess of time spent together helps to build memories that can help us to deal with the time apart in a better manner.
Maybe it is just an excuse to party in the middle of the week. I mean honestly most of us do not go out on a Tuesday like we would on a Friday or a Saturday night. An honest assumption. There are those that will take any excuse they can find to have a little fun and who can blame them, especially with Madi Gras as it is the party of all parties. Although I have never participated in an honest to goodness Madi Gras / Fat Tuesday celebration I have always sort of thought of it as the wild parties likened to ancient Rome. Lots of drink, food and craziness. Plus a little more drink. Such combinations always lead to a morning after where many may not necessarily remember much of the night before. Of course I know that not all such celebrations end up in this way it is just the concept that has always somewhat confused me.... The noise makers will be loud tonight with horns blowing and beads flying.... Tomorrow there will be silence... Never the less.... I hope that all who decide to partake in this holiday have a grand time and do not end up in any more trouble then they can handle.
