December 20-
My laptop charger replacement came in the mail today. What a relief! I was sick of charging my computer randomly and not knowing when it was going to die on me.
I woke up around ten hoping to call in to work and be able to call out. No such luck. I had to go in yet again. I was feeling chest pains, so I wasn't looking forward to over-exerting myself. For the most part, everyone at work knew I was fasting. So, I didn't feel like they were going to push my buttons.
I got to work about 12:30. I was told to stay on the registers (because it was much less movement). I was more than happy to do so. I didn't realize that my energy was low until two or three separate customers asked me to repeat myself. But, I got through the shift alright and asked again to leave about half an hour early. I was drained. Completely drained after three hours.
I drove home, carefully, as it was raining cats and dogs and any other animal that is joked to be eaten by Eastern cultures. I made it home just fine, but I wasn't able to go climb a mountain with my friend. The temperature outside wasn't too low, maybe in the 60s, but it wasn't going to stop pouring for the better part of three hours. So, I took a nap. This time, by took a nap, I mean I played on my fully charged laptop.
As I was nearing the end of laptop time, my theatre friend came over to take us (her and me) to the movies. She showed up a little early because she picked up California Pizza Kitchen and ate it in the living room while I finished up on my computer. Soon, we were off to see "Red" with Bruce Willis.
When we arrived to the movie theater, it was pretty vacant. We were only ten minutes early. My friend bought one of those pickles that comes in a bag... smelled amazing... and we took our seats. The theater had about 4o seats sectioned off because of rain damage from the 4 days of downpour. The movie was pretty good and the smell of popcorn and pickle was infectious. We headed out for me to spend more time on my laptop.
She dropped me off and headed out, and I came inside from the rain for a relaxing evening. I called my Brother and we talked for a bit. He mentioned about his fasts that he had done while we were talking about this one. I remember him doing one in high school, but didn't know that he had done two more, both seven days, after that. His words, "I don't recommend anyone doing it for more than 3 days." I truly felt what he was saying as today was a blah day without epiphany or obstacle.
Soon after our conversation was over, I went to bed.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Day Three
December 19-
So, my dream last night was of me going into the kitchen and eating a plate of Mac and Cheese. It was a good dream. I woke up and saw the box still unopened. I was relieved.
When I did wake up, I worked again. I probably shouldn't, but I guess I feel like I have to. I never let work know that I was going to be doing the fast right now, well, because I wasn't certain I was going to be doing it until about a week ago. So, I asked my boss to try and cover my shifts with some of the other 20 or so workers. She's done her best to do so, but come up short. So, here I am with shifts during my fast.
On the plus side, I didn't work until three. That means that I slept in until 2pm. For those of you who know me well, that's about par for my course.
I got to work on time and fielded the usual questions, "Are you still fasting? Are you tired? Why are you doing it?" I wrote down this blog site, so we'll see if any of them check it out. Anyway, after about an hour at work I started to feel dizzy. I sat down in the back for a few moments and was back at it. My boss asked me about half way into my shift if I wanted to head out, I smiled, said yes, and headed home.
I took that extra time as an opportunity to do some research on fasting. My favorite piece of information that I found was sent to me by a friend. It follows:
"Apart from religious beliefs, fasting is also practiced for health benefits. Among them include reduction of weight, improvement of health or to remove a certain ailment from the body.
It is believed that many of the health benefits of fasting come from giving the digestive system a break from its work of breaking down foods. Through the practice of fasting, the digestive system gets a break from fighting the toxins that enter the body in the form of the highly processed foods that make up the majority of our modern diets. Since the body is not expending energy in the digestive process, this energy can be used for other purposes such as allowing the body to heal itself. Also, since the body's immune system is not busy fighting off bacteria and other toxins that enters the body through the foods we eat, the immune system can concentrate on healing the diseases and ailments in our body."
There you have it. That is an excerpt from the "Fasting and Sustainable Health Conference" happening right now in Malaysia. I wish I could be there. But, alas, I'm home. Which is where our story continues.
A friend of mine came to visit me with a gift. It was a white and orange tiger salt and pepper set. I love it. Maybe I'll post a picture when I get around to posting them. Although I enjoyed seeing her, Rambo (my roommates pup) clearly showed his contempt for her. I love it. The only time he will let her near him is when she holds food out. It's amazing the power of food. So, we sat and talked for awhile, until she had to leave.
After that, my friend who is staying with me was easily talked into going to the Redbox and picking out a movie. We decided on "The Kids are All Right." It was an enjoyable movie. They showed people eating in it at least eight times. All the food looked delicious.
I was feeling a bit tired, so I went to bed immediately. Tomorrow's another day. It will come faster if I'm asleep.
David
So, my dream last night was of me going into the kitchen and eating a plate of Mac and Cheese. It was a good dream. I woke up and saw the box still unopened. I was relieved.
When I did wake up, I worked again. I probably shouldn't, but I guess I feel like I have to. I never let work know that I was going to be doing the fast right now, well, because I wasn't certain I was going to be doing it until about a week ago. So, I asked my boss to try and cover my shifts with some of the other 20 or so workers. She's done her best to do so, but come up short. So, here I am with shifts during my fast.
On the plus side, I didn't work until three. That means that I slept in until 2pm. For those of you who know me well, that's about par for my course.
I got to work on time and fielded the usual questions, "Are you still fasting? Are you tired? Why are you doing it?" I wrote down this blog site, so we'll see if any of them check it out. Anyway, after about an hour at work I started to feel dizzy. I sat down in the back for a few moments and was back at it. My boss asked me about half way into my shift if I wanted to head out, I smiled, said yes, and headed home.
I took that extra time as an opportunity to do some research on fasting. My favorite piece of information that I found was sent to me by a friend. It follows:
"Apart from religious beliefs, fasting is also practiced for health benefits. Among them include reduction of weight, improvement of health or to remove a certain ailment from the body.
It is believed that many of the health benefits of fasting come from giving the digestive system a break from its work of breaking down foods. Through the practice of fasting, the digestive system gets a break from fighting the toxins that enter the body in the form of the highly processed foods that make up the majority of our modern diets. Since the body is not expending energy in the digestive process, this energy can be used for other purposes such as allowing the body to heal itself. Also, since the body's immune system is not busy fighting off bacteria and other toxins that enters the body through the foods we eat, the immune system can concentrate on healing the diseases and ailments in our body."
There you have it. That is an excerpt from the "Fasting and Sustainable Health Conference" happening right now in Malaysia. I wish I could be there. But, alas, I'm home. Which is where our story continues.
A friend of mine came to visit me with a gift. It was a white and orange tiger salt and pepper set. I love it. Maybe I'll post a picture when I get around to posting them. Although I enjoyed seeing her, Rambo (my roommates pup) clearly showed his contempt for her. I love it. The only time he will let her near him is when she holds food out. It's amazing the power of food. So, we sat and talked for awhile, until she had to leave.
After that, my friend who is staying with me was easily talked into going to the Redbox and picking out a movie. We decided on "The Kids are All Right." It was an enjoyable movie. They showed people eating in it at least eight times. All the food looked delicious.
I was feeling a bit tired, so I went to bed immediately. Tomorrow's another day. It will come faster if I'm asleep.
David
Day Two
December 18-
It's funny. I started the fast expecting to feel differently about everything, but all I feel is more of the same. I love food. I love food so much.
I worked soon after waking up. My shift was to start at 9am, so I set my alarm for 8, suspecting it would take longer than usual to get ready. I was wrong. So, I got to work on time, and was scheduled to work until 1pm. It was a normal shift. Too normal. The only difference was that when I went into the back room to get products, I smelled the food one of my co-workers was having. AHHH!! It smelled so good. But, when asked if I wanted any, I lied and said no. I quickly explained though, that I was fasting for two weeks. When I was asked why, I said, "I'll let you know when I'm finished."
The truth is, I don't really know why I'm doing this. I started the idea of a fast soon after my bike trip. My idea was to do it as a fundraiser for starving children, and the plan was to do it in the summer during my break. But, I ended up not having more than three days off in a row. So, I put it off. There was a fundraiser through a local radio station that was donating 1 lb of food for every 1 lb of weight lost. I was sad that I couldn't participate in that.
But, when it came time now for me to have a break long enough to do this, I looked back on some of the times of my last endeavor. I don't want publicity of this fast to effect it in any way. There were days on the bike trip in which I had to ride fast to get to various events, locations, interviews, and I couldn't enjoy the scenery as much as I liked.
So, I guess if I had to give a straight answer other than, "I'll let you know when I'm finished," I'd probably say, "I want to experience it. To feel it. To understand fasting as it happens to me. To gain respect for food. I want to fast, so I can live free." And that's that.
But, let's continue with the day two, after that great epiphany. I left work and met up with my friend who is staying with me during her break from Berkeley. I told her of my Daily Mission for Day Two: Watch a "Double Freeture." She was all for it, so we went to the movies and watched "The Fighter" followed by a free showing of "Tangled." The reason this was my daily mission for day two is simple: I love movies and popcorn. I knew I would smell the popcorn and it would drive me mad. My friend asked me, "Why are you making it worse than it has to be?" I said, "I'm just doing what I normally do, just without food."
So, we left the movies and went back to my place. I took a nap for an hour, posted yesterday's story, and headed over to another friend's going away party. On the way, I stopped by In-N-Out (One of the best burger/fries places of all time!!!) and picked up five orders of fries and a Neapolitan shake. The smell of the fries was getting to me, and I thought, "Nobody is looking. Go ahead, just eat some." But, one thing stopped me. The thought that there's only one way I'm going to know what it feels like to do this, and it's not through sneaking food. With that, I fought the urge and made it to the party, hungry.
I stayed for maybe an hour and talked with many friends from my theatre classes at OCC. It was peaceful. The fries seemed like a tough sell at first, but they were gone within a half hour. I started feeling cravings again, so I decided it would be a good time to leave, and I snagged a few handfuls of starbust candy to enjoy when my fast is over.
I got back home and played video games for a bit, and then went to bed. It was a successful day. I look forward to tomorrow's daily mission of going to work again. Thanks for following,
David
It's funny. I started the fast expecting to feel differently about everything, but all I feel is more of the same. I love food. I love food so much.
I worked soon after waking up. My shift was to start at 9am, so I set my alarm for 8, suspecting it would take longer than usual to get ready. I was wrong. So, I got to work on time, and was scheduled to work until 1pm. It was a normal shift. Too normal. The only difference was that when I went into the back room to get products, I smelled the food one of my co-workers was having. AHHH!! It smelled so good. But, when asked if I wanted any, I lied and said no. I quickly explained though, that I was fasting for two weeks. When I was asked why, I said, "I'll let you know when I'm finished."
The truth is, I don't really know why I'm doing this. I started the idea of a fast soon after my bike trip. My idea was to do it as a fundraiser for starving children, and the plan was to do it in the summer during my break. But, I ended up not having more than three days off in a row. So, I put it off. There was a fundraiser through a local radio station that was donating 1 lb of food for every 1 lb of weight lost. I was sad that I couldn't participate in that.
But, when it came time now for me to have a break long enough to do this, I looked back on some of the times of my last endeavor. I don't want publicity of this fast to effect it in any way. There were days on the bike trip in which I had to ride fast to get to various events, locations, interviews, and I couldn't enjoy the scenery as much as I liked.
So, I guess if I had to give a straight answer other than, "I'll let you know when I'm finished," I'd probably say, "I want to experience it. To feel it. To understand fasting as it happens to me. To gain respect for food. I want to fast, so I can live free." And that's that.
But, let's continue with the day two, after that great epiphany. I left work and met up with my friend who is staying with me during her break from Berkeley. I told her of my Daily Mission for Day Two: Watch a "Double Freeture." She was all for it, so we went to the movies and watched "The Fighter" followed by a free showing of "Tangled." The reason this was my daily mission for day two is simple: I love movies and popcorn. I knew I would smell the popcorn and it would drive me mad. My friend asked me, "Why are you making it worse than it has to be?" I said, "I'm just doing what I normally do, just without food."
So, we left the movies and went back to my place. I took a nap for an hour, posted yesterday's story, and headed over to another friend's going away party. On the way, I stopped by In-N-Out (One of the best burger/fries places of all time!!!) and picked up five orders of fries and a Neapolitan shake. The smell of the fries was getting to me, and I thought, "Nobody is looking. Go ahead, just eat some." But, one thing stopped me. The thought that there's only one way I'm going to know what it feels like to do this, and it's not through sneaking food. With that, I fought the urge and made it to the party, hungry.
I stayed for maybe an hour and talked with many friends from my theatre classes at OCC. It was peaceful. The fries seemed like a tough sell at first, but they were gone within a half hour. I started feeling cravings again, so I decided it would be a good time to leave, and I snagged a few handfuls of starbust candy to enjoy when my fast is over.
I got back home and played video games for a bit, and then went to bed. It was a successful day. I look forward to tomorrow's daily mission of going to work again. Thanks for following,
David
Friday, December 17, 2010
Day One
December 17-
Well, I started my fast at 10pm on the dot last night. I chugged a glass of Orange Juice right as the seconds were ticking down. Actually, in all honesty, I chugged it straight out of the carton.
My thoughts at that last drop were, "this is ridiculous. why am i doing this again? ahhhhh! i'm so hungry." And yes, I think in lower case. And yes again, I over exaggerate often.
I have been to a couple stores and houses of a couple friends, and it seems nobody has scales anymore, or if they do it is without batteries. So, with that, I'll post up my weight as soon as I find a scale.
But, I've set a "Daily Mission" list of things I want to accomplish as close to each day as possible. The mission for Day One was "Cook Food for Friends." At a little after nine o'clock I had fries, supreme pizza, chicken-rice, and garlic/cheese bread baking for everyone. I had six of my theatre friends over for a couple hours for food and conversation. I enjoyed the conversation. At one point while cooking, I got food on my finger, and my normal response is to lick it off. I caught myself and decided that I need to avoid cooking food.
I have had a couple moments of unejoyable acid reflux, but no stomach pains or anything serious. Aside from smelling food and wanting to devour it, it was a normal day. I drank two bottles of water. I'm hoping the water will start having tastes to it, because I miss my candy and snacks.
I will close with a thought for the day which came about in conversation, "If it is thrown underhand, it is to you. If it is thrown overhand, it is at you." -The only exception I can think of is sports... but, I'm going to start throwing things overhand to people. It should be fun.
Thanks for following,
David
Well, I started my fast at 10pm on the dot last night. I chugged a glass of Orange Juice right as the seconds were ticking down. Actually, in all honesty, I chugged it straight out of the carton.
My thoughts at that last drop were, "this is ridiculous. why am i doing this again? ahhhhh! i'm so hungry." And yes, I think in lower case. And yes again, I over exaggerate often.
I have been to a couple stores and houses of a couple friends, and it seems nobody has scales anymore, or if they do it is without batteries. So, with that, I'll post up my weight as soon as I find a scale.
But, I've set a "Daily Mission" list of things I want to accomplish as close to each day as possible. The mission for Day One was "Cook Food for Friends." At a little after nine o'clock I had fries, supreme pizza, chicken-rice, and garlic/cheese bread baking for everyone. I had six of my theatre friends over for a couple hours for food and conversation. I enjoyed the conversation. At one point while cooking, I got food on my finger, and my normal response is to lick it off. I caught myself and decided that I need to avoid cooking food.
I have had a couple moments of unejoyable acid reflux, but no stomach pains or anything serious. Aside from smelling food and wanting to devour it, it was a normal day. I drank two bottles of water. I'm hoping the water will start having tastes to it, because I miss my candy and snacks.
I will close with a thought for the day which came about in conversation, "If it is thrown underhand, it is to you. If it is thrown overhand, it is at you." -The only exception I can think of is sports... but, I'm going to start throwing things overhand to people. It should be fun.
Thanks for following,
David
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Day Zero
December 16, 2010
Today is a very serious day for me. It marks the last food and drink that I will consume for the next two weeks. I will be drinking solely water. No flavored water. No watered down juice. Just water.
As some of you may already know about me, I like to do things that may seem crazy, but ultimately prove that we are capable of doing anything we put our minds to. With your support on this, I will be able to endure the physical, emotional, and spiritual demands which I will undoubtedly be facing.
For those of you who worry, I will have people checking in on me from time to time. I will be writing in here daily. And I want to warn you that it may get graphic within its honesty. So, thank you for your support and love, and I hope you enjoy the reading.
David
Today is a very serious day for me. It marks the last food and drink that I will consume for the next two weeks. I will be drinking solely water. No flavored water. No watered down juice. Just water.
As some of you may already know about me, I like to do things that may seem crazy, but ultimately prove that we are capable of doing anything we put our minds to. With your support on this, I will be able to endure the physical, emotional, and spiritual demands which I will undoubtedly be facing.
For those of you who worry, I will have people checking in on me from time to time. I will be writing in here daily. And I want to warn you that it may get graphic within its honesty. So, thank you for your support and love, and I hope you enjoy the reading.
David
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)