Lackluster

Lately I feel like the only student who is posting on a regular basis. Perhaps the other students are so engaged in their work that they simply don't have the time. I failed to live up to the two glasses of water yesterday, although I did have one glass, and one serving of vegetables. While on a lunch outing with Nelo, I tried two different kinds of leafy green dishes. One was called coleslaw and it was mildly appealing. The other, collard greens, left a foul taste in my mouth. The acrid flavor of this dish made it inedible for me, although not for Nelo whom upon tasting it remarked "hmm...a little bland".

Health Fail

Yesterday was a difficult day for me. I received notification from a messenger that one of my mother's kin had fallen ill, an aunt I was particularly fond of. My first thought was to leave school and return home to visit her, but after sending a carrier bird with the message I received a reply which insisted that I remain. I am sorely distraught by this news, I feel powerless to help my kinswoman, but also afraid at the thought of what might happen to her. So instead of keeping on course yesterday, I took a huge step back. I realized that I use eating as a way to deal with stress, and that relying on food as a way to comfort myself is ultimately self-destructive. Jinn met with me and stayed by my side for most of the eve. I am reminded that this process is truly a journey in which I am the infant stages.

Continuing use of Time Management

Yesterday while I was at my place of employment (have to pay tuition for school somehow!) one of our other employees failed to report for duty. Ordinarily this would not be a cause for concern, but in this case she was entrusted with a most critical duty and as she was not going to arrive, I had to step up and take over. This duty was exceedingly taxing - involving lifting heavy objects, walking long distances, and streching my body into uncomfortable positions. After one and a half hours of greuling work, I was finished, and more than a little frustrated that I would be asked to perform someone else's duty. *sigh* well, at least I got my excercise in for the day! I also managed to drink two glasses of water yesterday and had dinner at a quaint little pub with Nelo. He is taking a journey this weekend and asked me to accompany him to the village gates. I shall miss him while he's away, but am looking forward to his return. Jinn and Zilya are visiting my room this evening and we will be preparing a vegetarian feast for Jinn's special quest this week. I am very excited to see what's in store!

Mild Success

So yesterday was a good day at school. I spent time getting support from some of the other students, and I think I'm back on track. In addition, I ate a serving of vegetables, and I had three glasses of water! Notably, I spent the afternoon and evening working on a special event for a local charity. The event was very successful, but I was also in tune with my fitness goals and I pushed myself to work harder and faster, trying to build stamina. All in all, I worked for an hour and a half and accomplished a tremendous amount with a brisk heart rate :). Go me!

Feeling Down

On the eve of my first week at Health and Fitness School, I feel awash with homesickness for my old life. Perhaps triggered by my attempt to take on the largest of the challenges issued by the headmaster this week: no fizzy ale for two days. Yesterday was my first attempt and when I combined the lack of ale with a vegetarian dinner featuring broccoli...I lost all my enthusiasm for this project. I know that I want to be a Hero, that I will be looked up to and will be able to help others, but it's so hard. I hate wanting these things that make me feel so badly. I have allowed my low disposition to cancel two bouts of exercise this week. I need to refocus and find my motivation. Perhaps I should rely more heavily on my team - maybe that's why we move through the school in parties in the first place. Here's hoping I persevere at the boss encounter this weekend.

A Short Journey

These past few days, I have been off campus as I received an invitation from the le chef to visit the neighboring town in search of specific vegetables to feature in this week's challenge! If she is pleased with my performance, I'm that much closer to winning a spot in her coveted master class and performing my final internship with her!! Unfortunately, on my way to the village, I took a terrible tumble and managed to somehow injure my right ear! Ordinarily this would not be a problem, but it's very difficult to compete in challenges without my balance, and we have a boss encounter later this week. I hope I start feeling better soon :(.

As my physical abilities are somewhat limited, I have instead chosen to focus on my nutrition. I brought fruit and vegetables on my journey, and although I did partake in an ale or two, I also brought a water skin and often drank from that as well. Although I cannot tell if my work is making any difference or bringing me any closer to being a warrior, I can certainly own up to working very hard towards my level :). I hope I start seeing some results soon...

Finally

I have finally arrived at the school, after being delayed by flooding, looting, and other unfortunate circumstances. I am glad to be here. The 30 min. walk from campus to my bed seemed endless, but I am excited nonetheless. My biggest concern is ale - I have a fondness for ale that only dwarves can, but the headmaster tells me that students are required to be clear in their thoughts and thus ale is very watered down and rarely available. Instead, he insists I start drinking water...an odd thought for a Dwarf - water is consider almost as precious as gold and not worthy of drinking. I will have to focus time and energy adjusting to this new way of life.