Mardi Gras is Tuesday, which means that Lent starts today and lasts all the way until April 20 – Easter Sunday. For those of you from certain religious upbringings, you may be familiar with one of the trials of the Lenten season: for those six weeks, either quitting something, or doing something new.

If you didn’t practice that tradition, then the Josh Hartnett flick 40 Days and 40 Nights also summarizes the rules.

Geek This: Things to Try

Some observers opt to take up tasks like exercising more, reading regularly, or volunteering frequently. Wernher Von Braun, raised Lutheran, would’ve likely been in this camp (if he chose to participate).

So what does a Rocket City geek do for 3 ¼ fortnights?

Try something new in Huntsville every day

The city has a rich and diverse culture, but many here are only exposed to the surface. Dig deep, and you can find some real gems.

Dixie Derby Girls’ bouts start Saturday.
The Von Braun Planetarium proffers a stellar view of our universe.
A vast variety of local eateries, including a blossoming food truck scene, will give you a chance to fulfill your chore and fill your stomach simultaneously.

[spacer size=”10″]

Volunteer with a Local Nonprofit

The power of volunteering can’t be denied. Dozens of worthy causes need your time.

Build a house with Habitat for Humanity
Feed the hungry with the CARE Center and Downtown Rescue Mission
Mentor youth at Lincoln Academy, Boys & Girls Club, Junior Achievement and many more
And many more! Use this list from Our Valley Events if you need more ideas

[spacer size=”10″]

Learn a New Language

Six weeks might not be enough to master it, but it’s a start. Be it spoken or computer, real or fictional, expanding your mind by trying to pick up a new tongue or code is undeniably beneficial.

Portuguese might prepare you for the upcoming World Cup.
Javascript could improve your web design skills.
Study up on Dothraki and you’ll be able to go full-immersion for Game of Thrones’ season 4 premiere on April 6th

[spacer size=”10″]

Not That: Things to Give Up

Common suggestions such as giving up Cokes, forgoing desserts or silencing swearing for the duration are okay for the layman, but what about for the Huntsville nerd? For those not wanting to give up StarCraft or deny yourself the pleasures of the world wide web, here are some ideas.

Ignoring the Traffic Laws

Don’t be that car speeding down Memorial Parkway or running red lights on 72. For one and a half months, don’t violate the traffic laws. Don’t be tue twit that cuts off another driver on the journey home, or tailgates in rush hour.

Madison county may have many smart folk, but like Goofy in that Disney cartoon from the 50s, some of these engineers and PhDs turn into Mr. Hyde behind the wheel.

[spacer size=”10″]

Sleeping Too Much

Take back your mornings.

Stop aimlessly watching TV and/or browsing the internet in bed
Stop hitting the snooze button.

Use that extra time to take an alternate gate to the arsenal or miss the morning rush at Gate 9 altogether. Or, if traffic isn’t an issue, you can now allow yourself some early morning meditation, which is shown to have numerous benefits.

[spacer size=”10″]

Wasteful Behavior

Finally, cease your wasteful ways. You can accomplish this through a combination of actions. Recycle more diligently. While glass and some plastics can’t be picked up curbside, there are other ways to have them recycled.

Lowe Mill accepts almost every material (even potato chip bags!) for recycling thanks to the Nexus Energy Center.
Buy smarter. Purchase items with minimized packaging – and stop buying bottled water!
Finally, tackle organic rubbish with a compost heap (just in time for spring)

No matter your course of action, Lent can be a time for you to truly better yourself. Religious or otherwise, there’s no excuse not to heed this call to action. If all the geeks in the city do something to better themselves, the city of Huntsville will become better in the process.

Never miss the events that matter! Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get
“5 Things to do This Weekend” in your inbox.