1) There is an inmate I have become friends with. Every so often, he gets a piece of “inside” information as it relates to our prison sentences and comes with some sort of belief that (for instance), “all non-violent white collar inmates will be getting out in May. The BOP director will make the announcement on May 8th.” There are other instances earlier than this that are similar to this and I think he truly believes it. It is hard not to get sucked into this belief because we all have some hope that things will get better. Plus, he repeats it whenever we see each other at work, chow hall or rec – so you keep hearing the message over & over. I have learned to not believe these types of things so that you don’t face the emotional roller-coaster associated with the hope of the belief and then the depression that comes when it doesn’t happen. It is hard not to believe, but I think I am doing a fairly good job of it. I always tell him, “if it happens, then that is great, but I will believe it when I see it.”
2) We got a new unit manager here in Bluegrass unit a week ago. Our old one seemed pretty good (although I didn’t have anyone else to compare it to), but the new one is getting the reputation of being “inmate-helpful.” That will be good for us in the long-run. For instance, he applies all the credits to us we are entitled to instead of finding a way to hold inmates in prison longer than what they should be.” We will see on this as time will tell.
3) I walked 2.6 miles today, did 200 sit-ups, 200 push-ups and 12 pull-ups (I was walking with someone & we were talking, so I did not stop at the pull-up bar that often). I did two book reports today and will study for Spanish & do my Spanish homework tomorrow afternoon/evening (there is a lot of it this week). I also went through the pile of papers on the top of my locker and got that somewhat organized as well. I have completed 65 written book reports in the past 4.5 months and there is another 55-60 books on my list to read. I am on track to finish all the books on the list by the end of the year if all goes well. I also did two journals this week, counting this one.
4) By the end of May, I will have completed two ACE classes and will be about 1/3 of the way through my first FSA class. I am signed up for every class for which I am eligible and am on the waiting list – waiting to be called.
5) I met a young man who came here last week. I spent some time explaining where laundry, chapel, library, inside rec & outside rec were located – something no one did for me. I told him if he needs something to stop by and someone in my room will help him. It is the least I can do.
6) My friend Christopher Braaksma visited me today. Marina & the kids will visit me tomorrow.
