With less than two weeks left, time has been quickly passing. Earlier this week, I ended the electrician apprenticeship since it was the beginning of a new month, AND I no longer wanted the responsibility of having tools assigned to me. If I were to lose a tool, then I would be held responsible for it and spend time in the SHU which would postpone leaving. News has been trickling amongst inmates that I’m leaving very soon. Many of the inmates are genuinely excited when someone is leaving. They usually have lots of questions: how long will you be at a halfway house, did the probation office do a home inspection, what will you be doing for work? Family and friends have similar questions, but the most asked question is “What will be your first meal?” After years of ultra-processed prison food and controlled consumption, this question encompasses many aspects of freedom: the choice to eat whatever food and how ever much one’s stomach may handle. At the moment, I do not know what food or meal I will have…but I have a list to keep me stuffed for the unforeseeable future 🙂 sushi, fresh guacamole, Thai, surf-n-turf, seafood (crabs, oysters, fish), almond milk, orange juice, and so much more.
The Protestant Reformation sprung from grievances with the Catholic Church’s ancient practice of charging “donations” (aka indulgences) from the faithful who are seeking forgiveness for sins in hopes to avoid Purgatory and secure a spot in Heaven. My wishful indulgences differ from costs associated with sins. The concept of indulging may have a history of negative connotation, but after time of incarceration, ordinary foods and routines become indulgences. Besides the ultimate freedom of being united with family, friends and furballs, I have several simple indulgences that I cannot wait to experience, which may answer some many common questions:
What will you listen to? Obviously, music. While I had access to a music catalogue in prison where I could download MP3s onto a tablet, the music choices are limited and do not have listings for new artists or recent releases. I’m excited to just listen to all different genres of music that I’ve missed in the past three years.
What do you want to watch? Since my incarceration, I have kept a list of movies and shows that I want to explore – it’s a very exhaustive list. In addition to catching up on movies/shows, I plan to browse through lots of social media (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, ChatGPT Video). I have to catch up on social memes and trends since I have not touched a cell phone in 3 years.
What do you want to do? While I believe this question pertains to work or employment, I would like to continue playing pickleball, walk/explore the city, sleep in my actual bed, fix/update the home, engage with AI technology, create a prison advocacy network, aimlessly drive around town, cook weekly meals, bake desserts, brush my teeth with quality toothpaste, smell quality cologne, go to a concert, see a play, pick crabs, jam on my electric piano…just enjoy being present! Regarding work, I will have to wait for guidance from the halfway house for what jobs they will approve: electrician, counseling, tech support…I’m happy to have employable options 🙂
I really appreciate you taking the time to check-in to see how I’ve been ending my prison journey. I’m truly blessed to have so much support, love, and opportunities beyond the prison cell. I hope you have a great week and continue to be mindful of any little miracle in your life 🙂