Yesterday, I had 2 “call-outs” or appointments I was required to attend. The first one was at 8
am in the Education Center. That was perfect because I had planned on being there at 7 am to
continue one of my Adult Continuing Education courses. At 8 am I went to see the gentleman in
charge, and with whom I had discussed my interest in teaching and tutoring. The “call-out” was
for dyslexia screening, which apparently is mandatory for all new-coming inmates. Given my
educational background and no history of any learning disabilities, he knew I didn’t have
dyslexia, but was required to do the screening, nonetheless. I chuckled that maybe I do have an
undiagnosed learning disability that held me back from being a rocket scientist. But also, the
screening did not pick up any issues.
At 9 am I reported to the gym. Rumor had it that staff was going to be handing out specimen
containers which we would use to screen for colon cancer. False rumor. The staff is giving
COVID boosters. My last booster was last September, so I figured I might as well take advantage.
I was happy to see that most people elected to get the vaccine; not that many refused. But just
like on the outside, conspiracy theories about the vaccine continue to thrive in here. Today my
arm is sore, but I had no other side effects.
I’m feeling much less lost as time goes on and getting used to the routine. I’m slowly but surely
learning peoples’ names, and beginning to become friendly with a few people here. I am
continually amazed by the friendliness and generosity of people here. It’s generosity of
information and help navigating the system; not generosity of material things. I had great
preparation prior to my entry here. I know not to blindly accept things – that’s how one gets into
debt and into trouble. But people are always willing to answer any question I might have and
give words of advice on how to deal with certain issues.
The weather here fluctuates wildly. One day it’s nice (high in 50’s), then the next day it’s very
cold and snowy. Today was a beautiful day. High in the low 60’s to my best guess. I took
advantage of the nice weather (and sunscreen which I was able to purchase earlier this week at
the commissary) and walked about 4 miles around the exercise yard today. Many, many others
had the same idea. The walking is very helpful to me – very meditative and calming.
I’ve been taking yoga classes 3x/week. The focus is on stretching, which I badly need, especially
as I get older. In addition to keeping my mind healthy, I’ve got to keep my body healthy as well!
So now, after my yoga class and all that walking, I’m off to take a short nap. Have to get plenty of
rest too. . . .
