24 Hours Down

Well, I have been at Castlewood for over 24 hours. The first couple of days are crazy, meeting with the dietician, therapisy, psychiatrist, signing forms and trying to lear dozens of names, rules and policies. I was sort of expecting this, and in truth it is going better than I thought it would. Everyone is very nice. During the day, besides the in-house residents, there is a jumble of day patients, step-down patients, cooks and staff. Today and the rest of the weekend are a bit different than usual because most of the staff is at a training, reducing the scheduling (groups) for us. I do not mind though, as I will seize the opportunity to rest and work on my therapy assignments.
The biggest thing that I cannot get over is how beautiful the place is. The house (mansion, really) literally sits on the bluff (the back porch is a good 5 stories from the ground) but the view is indescribable. The facility sits right on the edge of a national park or something so on three sides of the house all you can see is endless hills of rolling trees. The house has lots of sitting areas outside, places to journal or whatever, as well as a pool, hot tub and hiking trails. I am currently in the extra bed which is in the master bedroom. It is huge, with its own screened porch, high queen-sized canopy beds and a humongus bathroom complete with a huge whirlpool. AS soon as someone discharges next week I will be moved to my permanent room, but I am hoping I will move to one of the permanent beds that are in the same room I am in now.
Everyone here is very nice, although I am having a hard time remembering their names, where they are from and how long they have been here. The staff are great, too. My therapist seems very knowledgeable and I am told that he is the best around.
I am sort of struggling with the food protocal. I have not purged since I have been here. I have a 'fluid protocal' (must drink a certain amount of Propel) and am on 'couch rest' which means that when I am not in groups or meals, I have to stay sitting. Like all new admits, I am on '24 hour observations' which means that I am monitored in the bathroom 24 hours a day (excluding early mornings) and otherwise have to remain in staff eyesight when I am not sleeping.
I am use to this though, and it has not been a problem. The program does not seem at all punitive. I feel oddly at peace and optomistic, which I contribute to the gorgeous scenery and weather. The other girls do not seem to compare themselves to one another or to swap 'war stories' which is refreshing.
Today was a decent day. Tomorrow is a new one.