Well, not really in bed, but here’s the story:
Yesterday, rumors started circulating that we would be locked down in the upcoming morning as
they were finally replacing the transformer that blew months ago. We were being locked down as
a “precautionary” measure in case the generators didn’t kick in and we lost power. If we lost
power, security cameras would not be functional and they wanted to be sure we remained safe.
I was at my job in the Resource Center (which I love) working until the Education Building
Closed at 8pm on Wednesday evening. At 7:30pm an overhead announcement was made
regarding a full institutional recall. Really? With only 30 minutes to go before the normal recall?
Anyway, I closed up shop early and returned as requested to my unit. No announcement was
ever made about the rumored lockdown the following morning. The following morning,
everyone got up as usual. We were waiting for the breakfast call but it never came. Finally, one of
the commanding officers came by and informed us that we would be on lockdown all morning,
and that meals would be delivered. At 8am (2 hours later than usual), breakfast was served –
and by served, I mean we had to go to the front door and pick up a container with our meal. No
silverware was provided. Luckily I had purchased silverware the week before.
Lunch at 11:30am was provided the same way. Contrary to what the officer told us, we remained
locked down the entire afternoon – which was so sad because it was the first warm day of the
year. Dinner was again provided to us in our units. Luckily, around 6pm right after dinner,
lockdown was over and the Recreation center opened. At least the evening was beautiful as well.
The day was not a complete loss, however. I did some reading, took a nice nap, listened to some
music, wrote some letters, and most of all socialized and got to know my new cellmates better (I
had moved a few days prior. Reason. Unknown; just following orders). I’ve learned the
importance of forging new relationships here, and the lockdown was just what I needed to really
get to know my cellmates. They’re wonderful, funny gentlemen and I’m fortunate to have them
as my “cellies”.
