Hi, everyone. Today is my Day 13 of a fast until hunger returns. Yesterday was a little rough. Sore throat, nausea, and fatigue. This morning when I got out of bed my hips and knees felt like I had played a pro football game last night.

Most of all I'm bored. Meal times used to be those bright little spots in otherwise dreary days. I miss tasting food -- to the point where it is frustrating. However, I know that I'm not yet healed, so I will stick with it a few more weeks.

I'm already down 23 pounds. On Sunday I had a lot of people comment on my weight loss. I'm a Christian Pastor, so I have a visible weekly role, and most of the congregation only sees me once a week. Next Sunday I think the change will be shocking if I'm down another ten pounds. People are really curious why I'm losing weight, but I've been avoiding telling them. I finally told one friend on Sunday night, but I explained the process completely and asked him to keep it in confidence. I just know some people would be really concerned I was "starving" because they just don't understand fasting.

I'm dealing with three serious matters of healing right now:

1. My right ear duct (just below the tonsil) has been incredibly tender the last few days. Sometimes it swells shut and makes it so I can only hear my own voice when I'm talking. I keep reminding myself that my body is dealing with the problem (whatever it is).

2. The fast has caused a shingles outbreak on my chest. About 3 years ago I was diagnosed with shingles and told that it was something I would deal with the rest of my life. Destroying this virus is one of the primary reasons for my fast. My current outbreak is the most severe I have had. It is like there is a major battle between good and evil taking place on my nerves. Has anyone else experienced shingles while fasting?

3. My Psoriasis on my elbows and left knee seems to be inmproving slightly. At lest my elbows are turning softer and more pink, but my knee shows no improvement. I expect this is because the legs are generally detox'd later in the fast.

Anyway, I just needed to vent a little bit. Last night I spent about an hour just thinking through all of my favorite dishes at local restaurants. Also while lying in bed I concocted an idea for a restaraunt franchise that might just be successful even in this economy -- but that sounds like a TON of work to get going. Right now I just want to finish this fast. I told my wife last night that I wish I could go to sleep for the next month and wake up after the fast was done.