Fish sticks on Friday? Blech! Pass the ketchup.
It could have been worse. We could have grown up Orthodox. They do some no-kiddin'-around fasting for Lent.
You're not kidding! I have Orthodox and Byzantine relatives as well as Catholic. My grandmother would scoff at our 'fasts' and chide my mother, who was very observant, into a more 'proper' fast. But my father would have none of the 'old' ways. My mother would often try to maintain an Orthodox style fast on her own and encouraged us kids to join her.
I happen to love ocean fish, even fish sticks!, and shellfish and toasted cheese with tomato soup. I should have to give up fish on Fridays! I gave up soda this year.