In the past week, I received two Christmas cards and so many photos. I was called to the mail office and only provided a card without the envelope since the envelope had a self-adhesive label and was also decorated. The mail office in prison is very strict about what items are permitted and how they must be sent. I do receive the contents, but they just kept the envelopes (and of course read the cards). June Fisher sent me the most precious pictures of my nieces in picking out the Christmas tree and just being their adorable selves. She also included a sentimental picture of a family outing to Enchantment (a village of Christmas lights with some elves sabotaging Santa's toy shop). My sister sent many pictures of my nephews (Kenny & brady), especially of Brady showing off his new cast and x-ray of all the many screws and pins in his leg post-surgery after an injury during a wrestling scrimmage. Her pictures also included some of her signature pottery, which one particular picture depicts snowmen (or snow people to be more pc) mugs with one of the carrot-like noses having fallen off. The expressions on the snow persons' faces are quite comical, which maybe she can figure out how to upload a picture of it to this blog (good luck, Tif). A particularly moving picture is of my sister's friend's daughter reading a printout of my blog all the way in very frigid Minnesota. Her attentiveness is quite moving, and I wonder what she really thinks of what I write! Children provide the best feedback: direct, unapologetic, and truthful. I do apologize if any of my slang or terminology was not the most appropriate for such a young and captive audience.
A few brief updates (or lack thereof) over the past week:
-I still have not received my tennis shoes since they are on order, which hopefully they will arrive soon!!
-I am still waiting to submit my final approval to start a job as a electrician.
-I just joined Art Club. Yes, they have a prison art and hobby craft club. Inspired by my late-grandma and highlighted by the Olympian Tom Daley, I am hopefully going to learn to crochet. Like everything in prison, the rules are strict for what I can crochet, how I crochet it, and who I can send the crocheted items to. The art club does different activities so in January I will begin crocheting!
-For my mandatory finance class this week, I learned to start a "C" corporation to promote anonymity and create business credit in the real estate market to purchase homes under 50% and rent them with "option to buy" while creating a check cashing option to bring a 4% return on checks (apparently Walmart takes 3%). Honestly, the class is fascinating and ironic.
-The weather has certainly changed and been quite cold and dry. It is nowhere near the coldness of the first week that I experienced here!
Now that I have been in the prison for over a month and a week, I have had several questions (and I continue to welcome them).
-Are there locks on door? Are you locked in your room? (Great question, Patrick)
I forgot to mention in my initial few days that the compound is completely unlocked. While office doors are locked, the dorm style rooms are not locked, not even the front door to the unit.
-Does your living facility look like a typical "jail cell" we see in the movies?
I really encourage checking out the Google Earth link (I think it's in the Visit section of the blog). The facility looks nothing like what you see on TV. There are several buildings that almost look like big cottages. The only area that looks like a jail cell on TV is the Segregated Housing Unit (SHU). This area is where the barbed wire high fences are and the cells are tiny bunks with a stainless steel toilet/sink-in-one. From other guys that have been in this area, they all share the common description that it is awful and they only allow the guys out of the cell twice a week to shower. Overall, it is like I live in a large shelter if you Google some of those pictures. Open dormitory with sections of TV rooms and a game room. We are considered to be non-custody prisoners, which means that we could leave the facility at any time. If that happened, then the person would receive the status of a fugitive and that is a mandatory minimum of 7 years added to any sentence.
-During your free time, are you able to roam wherever/whenever you like?
Excellent question! I again encourage checking out the Google Earth and see the property that is available to roam. Yes, during the free times, I am able to roam to areas that are designated for inmates. There are red lines or signs that indicate "out of bounds" which would result in someone possibly trying to flee. The out of bounds areas are like the small pond, river, and surrounding forest. I always stay on the paths and visit the Chapel, the Store, the Gym, the Library, the Cafeteria, the Barbershop, the Laundry services area, the Auditorium, the Track/Field, the Bocce Courts, Pickleball Courts, and the Shuffle Boards...These are primarily the areas that I go 🙂 I have many options!
-Do you receive a special meal for Christmas? (June is always so caring and considerate about my meals!)
Just like Thanksgiving, we will receive a special meal. I am told from older guys (those who have been here in years past) that they serve a steak-like dinner (which is really lunch for us). I do not know what the meals are, but I am told that we will also receive a special gift from the Commissary like chocolate, treats, and a small bag. I will definitely blog about these details in a special Christmas post!
-How long does it take for snail mail to arrive?
I really appreciate all the snail mail letters, cards, and photos. On average, I found that I receive mail on the third day that it is postmarked. There has been an instance when I received an item on the fourth day. With all the dysfunction in our government, I was really impressed to see how well the mailing department operates here.
-What are your goals for yourself personally over the next few months?
From elementary school throughout all my schooling and careers, goals have been extremely important for me. I recently heard someone say that they have daily goals. I am not there yet, but I do make goals for the week and for the month, like creating a post schedule for this blog, reading books, and a workout regimen (once I receive my shoes). My primary goal is to use my time in a manner for improving my self, especially my character through reflection, meditation, and prayer. I have been doing really well with this. I also have a goal to begin a private journal, which I just obtained a great smaller notepad to start. A famous philosopher and doctor of the Catholic Church noted that "the unreflected life is not a life worth living." It may sound odd since it is an older quote, but I like things to be positive and optimistic so I rephrase it as the reflected life is a lived life! I do hope to begin typing a manuscript for a book (especially since I have some extra time), and I have been trying to write some prayers. I really do feel like the past 35 days have truly helped me improve, and I have an overarching goal to make each action and moment focused on helping me to transition back home!
Keep the questions coming... 🙂 Have a wonderful, warm, and healthy week!