Sailor Sam, what a marvellously funny post!
Interesting point for Canadians - last year, I was told by someone who has reason to know, that the whole reason behind Tim Horton's "Roll up the Rim to Win" contest was originally to counteract their drop in sales during Lent. Nefarious, isn't it? I've considered giving up coffee for Lent, but have never tried. Not because of "Roll up the Rim," I'm just scared about how I would cope, given what a busy time of year it is for me. But allow me to reframe things for you - you didn't cave on Sundays. You celebrated the Feast of the Resurrection - which is what every Sunday is - a celebration of what happened on the first Easter, and so Sundays are officially exempt from the fast. Now, some may still find it easier to abstain completely, rather than having to moderate, but that's up to them.
I once gave up worrying for Lent. Easier said than done. Like former player said, "It went OK." My strategy was to catch myself starting to worry, and immediately turn the worry into prayer. I had a rough year last year, and am finding it very easy to get into a negative mindset. Have been thinking about giving up complaining for Lent this year. I assume the same kind of strategy would work - turn the complaint into gratitude as soon as you hear yourself starting.
Giving up procrastinating is a good idea too. Eh, but maybe next year...
And in answer to your question ... while in seminary, we went to do some post-Katrina re-build work in New Orleans, just as Lent was starting. I don't think you really understand the contrast between Shrove Tuesday/Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, until you've experienced it in that city! Yes, even us (Anglican) seminarians were drinking - in moderation, of course! - at the Mardi Gras parades. And I believe that actually enhanced the solemnity of the Ash Wednesday services. It was a wonderful experience, and I hope to go back there some day, to do it again.