Hello, everyone.  My name is Kimberly (Kim or whatever you wish to call
me). I live in upstate New York, in the Rochester area. I am a writer
professionally, an activist all of the time (it's in my blood), and a
graduate student when I can be.

I have felt very introspective all day today. Not surprisingly, my
thoughts have focused on the journey on which we are about to embark.
Commitment to a shared ideal is what unites us now, yet each of us will
be engaged in our own individual struggle. I am gratified to not be
alone in this endeavor. Everyone here, in my opinion, is a hero (or a
shero  :>)).

"Character comes from following our highest sense of right, from
trusting ideas without being sure they'll work. One challenge of our
adventure on earth is to rise above dead systems--wars, religions,
nations, destructions--to refuse to be a part of them, and express
instead the highest selves we know how to be." - from the book One, by
Richard Bach

Today I also reflected much on the twists and turns that define a life,
and the unexpected places that they lead us to. It's hard not to think
of the summation of your life's experiences at a pivotal time like this,
to look back on what has shaped your sense of purpose here.

Like you, I am fully prepared for this challenge both on a spiritual and
a psychological level. As for the physical level, I have scheduled an
appointment with a naturopathic physician who will monitor my health as
things progress. I have never fasted before, and I want to make sure
that I maximize this opportunity, because the road ahead might be a long
one.

Robert suggested that we read everything we can about fasting. I would
like to add that should you find contradictory information, please
consult with someone who can sort out the truth.  I have read readers'
reviews of fasting books on Amazon.com, and some people have suggested
that there is a lot of erroneous and even dangerous information out
there.

I'd also like to suggest that if you haven't done so already, please
send an email message to everyone you know to alert them to this hunger
strike and to the website. Urge them to add their names to the
supporters list. It will make a difference.

Jorge Luis Borges said,  "Any life, no matter how long and complex it
may be, is made up of a single moment--the moment in which a man finds
out, once and for all, who he is."  Good luck to all of us as we
approach that moment.

Kimberly