April 11, 2011 11:48 p.m.
Whew! What a day! How are you? Still on vacation, huh? I’ve had the longest day ever! No, no really, but I’m glad it’s over. Unfortunately, another is just minutes away.
Last night, about this time, I got a mailroom pass that was checked “other.” Other means that they intend to do something other than give you what was sent to you.
Sooo, I was angry all night. I just knew that they were denying my book. I went to breakfast (because I was up) waited in the pill line for 45 minutes for albuteral that wasn’t there, then got stuck in the dayroom for count. I didn’t get back into my cell until 5:20 a.m. Then got up at 5:40 a.m. to get ready for my day because once they open the doors at 6:45 a.m. (for showers) they’ll open the doors to let you back in, but not to let you out. So if you have to be somewhere at anytime between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., you’d best come out the first time the doors open in the morning.
On my way to mass, I stopped at the mail room, conditioning my mind to be calm. The woman I spoke to is really a sweetheart. I hate that she has a job that requires her to make me miserable, but, she’s a nice lady. When people are taking things from you, it’s better when they aren’t jerks about it.
Anyhow, I approach the window, give her my pass and I.D. She starts reading, “You were sent a book, Prison Life InsideOUT by Jason Hall; that’s pretty cool.” Then the old lady who denied the legal pads, leaned towards the window, over the nice lady’s shoulder and starts barking, “Whop! Whop! Whop!” So I’m looking at her like she’s lost her mind. I’ve not been to sleep, I’m irritable and now, I don’t know what the hell is going on.
“I’m your basset hound! I read your book!” she says. Still I’m clueless. The nice lady clarifies, “she read where you called her a basset hound.”
Honestly, I didn’t even remember. I thought back, regretting having said something so ugly about that woman in my anger. I was so ashamed that I couldn’t defend myself. Seeing this, the nice lady smiled. “It’s okay. We laughed about it.” I wasn’t laughing.
Turns out, I had to give consent for the book to be reviewed by Huntsville. Don’t know how long that’ll take, but I’m praying that they don’t find some reason to deny it. That would break my heart! Proof copy or not!
So much was surging through my mind that it took me about 30 minutes to settle down into church. Then I fell asleep.
After church, I ate, came back to my cell and crashed about two hours. Then by the grace of God, I came out and went straight to commissary. Commissary is the most chaotic day in this place! I was glad to get that out of the way.
You’ll be pleased to know that I’ve got the stamps. I should have the paper mailed back by mid-week. Speaking of paper, I should have bought some, but I didn’t want to buy more paper and you sent paper. I just don’t know where it is.
Okay, not cool. I just got three layins for tomorrow. 7 a.m. medical (all day!), 10:30 physical therapy (which I am supposed to be dropped) and 12:30 law library. Not cool at all. I have a bunch more to tell you, but I have to go to sleep right now or tomorrow will be catastrophic!
Yeah, the law library is about the child support. I’m trying to figure out how to handle it properly. Another long day.
I received letters from you today. Hopefully I’m not exhausted tomorrow and I can respond.
Thank you always for being you! You’ve changed my life!
Love,
April 14, 2011 1:41 a.m.
Woe! Sorry I’ve not taken the time to sit and write a real letter. I assure you that it is because I’ve been running all over the place!
The past several days have been unreal! Even now, I’m ready to pass out. Just needed to let you know that I tried to send the paper back today, but the stamps were sent back to me.
Apparently the 50 stamps ($21.20) is to send the paper back to the store in Dallas. It’ll cost me $20 more to send it to you.
I know, I know, it’s all so stupid. I thought mail was mail, but I’m too tired to go there and I have to get up in a couple of hours.
Just notifiy the store that the paper is coming back, (if you can). Please let me know asap so I can send it off. I’m tired of fighting these people. All this after you did something really did for me, this is where these people take it.
Anyhow, tomorrow will be another long day for me! I pray that this weekend things will slow down.
Love,
Blog This Christmas
The Christmas season is without a doubt my favorite time of the year. Some of my fondest family memories were born during these winter months. Eve being incarcerated hasn’t stolen my joy of the holiday season.
Right now I’m listening to the Christmas station, dreaming up new recipes, imagining, looking forward to a time when I can be with my children in front of a fireplace, the smell of gumbo heavy in the air, everyone content with the company and the warm atmosphere. One day…
There’s a song…actually a few songs that send me though. Of course, Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song because he so perfectly paints the season. And anytime I hear Silent Night by the Temptations, or This Christmas, I remember Christmases of my childhood with a smile on my face. Boyz II Men’s Let It Snow makes me miss my past loves like you wouldn’t imagine.
However, there is a Kenny Loggins’ song that moves me to my soul. When that song comes on, I stop whatever I’m doing and sing along. I’m not even sure what the name of the song is, but he sings, “Please, celebrate me home.” That song makes me need to be out of here in the worst way.
Nevertheless, the infectious joy of the season warms one like a crackling fire or my momma’s gumbo and meatpies. I smile, reflecting on Christmases past and pine for Christmases to come.
Right now, I’m in a non-festive environment, physically. But mentally, I’m trailing silver icicles across the carpet, inhaling the scent of pine, still enraptured by the magical lights and colorful tinsel. Yeah, all I want for Christmas is home.
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