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"So you've failed." He tells me. It's not a question. His voice is void of emotion. "Yes, sir." I reply to the floor. The proper formalities must be observed if honour is to be salvaged. My right arm is by my side, my left fist is pressed to my breast, and I am bent at the waist with my head tilted to the floor. I have not been hidden to rise. "That's too bad. It'll make this next part harder." I wait in silence, still looking at the floor. "You came to us years ago. Spoils of war. Your term of slavery ended and you refused to leave. You were no example of physical or mental perfection, and you still aren't. But you've improved enough that the elders have decided to give you a pass. Starting tomorrow, play time is over." I'm stunned. I don't recall what I said or did in response but it must have been suitable, for I garnered no punishment. When I first came into his service I was awestruck. Here was an example of everything I ever wanted to be: a great and honourable warrior, a respected scholar, fierce in combat, cunning in strategy and gentle in life. The kind of man respected equally by bitter enemies as by closest friends; a true Spartan Master. All through my slavery and beyond, looking at him was almost like seeing myself as I COULD be. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Well here we are, back for Challenge 7. The last challenge was a total wash. I lost a lot of good habits, even if I didn't loose much progress. Yet. So this challenge will be about rebuilding the habits I let slip. Goal 1: Lights Out! I've been unusually exhausted at this new job, so I'm going to try getting more sleep. Especially for the first two weeks of the challenge where I'm finishing my last 2 weeks of work (I'm already 2 weeks in. That's right, a month long stint at camp ) before school. Lights Out by 2100hrs on work/school nights. Goal 2: Get moving! In order to ease back into a healthier life style, I will be getting up at 0400hrs to be mobile. The plan is to do a simple body weight workout, followed by stretching every morning. The idea is to get the habits back. So I won't be pushing too hard right off the hop. Also, this time I'll try remember to post more frequently in my Battle Log. Goal 3: Fuel Up! I've been eating like garbage lately. Fast food when I'm home, all kinds of carbs at work. So for this challenge, I'm going to get my diet squared away. I can't cut out carbs to the extent I used to, because otherwise I'd have very little to eat during the day, so I will eat no carbs at supper in an effort to keep my intake somewhat under control. I will also stop going for multiple helpings and dessert. Life Goal: Go Inward, Find Your Centre. I recently lost my temper and now my lap top is broken. My bad. So in an effort to master myself, I will be enjoying 15 minutes a day where I'm not reading, or checking on my tech. I suppose you could call it meditation. Either way, I'll be doing it for 15 minutes a day.