Another day here and it seems that hell has finally frozen over. The average temperature around here is in the negatives. So, outdoor recreation is reopened but it was too cold to go out. So yes, hell has officially frozen over.
It's been hard for me to get motivated. Although I know I've got just a few more months in here to go, it seems like release is a long time away. I'm still trying to get myself in the best position I can for it. My enrollment for the Blackstone paralegal course went out so I'm broke for now. I'm not really worried as I'll have taxes and a small settlement coming.
For those of you that might not have seen my earlier posts, I sued my tribe for a fall at their grocery store around December of 2016. I filed suit in December of 2019 and signed a settlement agreement last May. The tribe is reopening so it looks like I'll finally get paid.
It sets my mind at ease as it ensure that I'll leave prison this time with more cash on hand than last time. It gives me a bit of wiggle room and a chance to open my business. Anything I do will be difficult but at least it will be for myself and for purposes that I care about.
Of primary importance to me is altering the criminal justice system to one that can actually produce good results consistently. Some individuals have and will continue to succeed not because of the system, but in spite of it. Against all odds and "conventional" wisdom. It's a tall order but a very worthy cause.
I figure that I can sulk and be bitter. Lashing out blindly against a system that doesn't care. Blaming my failures on the faceless monster. But what good does that do? Nothing will change or get better if I conduct myself as the animal the system labels me. I have to label my own life and make a better future.
Some days I can't wait for release. However, this is a false hope that destroys my present usefulness. Days like today, I realize my time of freedom is any day I can get up and be content to be me.
I don't know why it took me so long to receive this- your first message here in my blogosphere- but at least I know now this route is open to us as well. In comparison, your undated letter with a postmark of 10 Feb. landed in my hands last night (2 days). In either route it's truly a pleasure to see your thoughts. Regarding these above; I'm proud of your commitment to maintain you're sobriety by helping others maintain theirs. Faith and works go hand-in-hand. That is the proof of being born again. Be blessed in your blessings. Much Love,
James, Yes, "the Ship Chandler," was published February 17. Nice work, particularly in the ship's rigging. Authentic detail to a period piece. Keep up the good work. Pfister March 5, 2021
I feel terrible for how terrible the prison food is. I hope something is done about this. Nobody deserves disgusting food like that, every human deserves three solid nutritious meals per day.
RSS
Hello all!
Another day here and it seems that hell has finally frozen over. The average temperature around here is in the negatives. So, outdoor recreation is reopened but it was too cold to go out. So yes, hell has officially frozen over.
It's been hard for me to get motivated. Although I know I've got just a few more months in here to go, it seems like release is a long time away. I'm still trying to get myself in the best position I can for it. My enrollment for the Blackstone paralegal course went out so I'm broke for now. I'm not really worried as I'll have taxes and a small settlement coming.
For those of you that might not have seen my earlier posts, I sued my tribe for a fall at their grocery store around December of 2016. I filed suit in December of 2019 and signed a settlement agreement last May. The tribe is reopening so it looks like I'll finally get paid.
It sets my mind at ease as it ensure that I'll leave prison this time with more cash on hand than last time. It gives me a bit of wiggle room and a chance to open my business. Anything I do will be difficult but at least it will be for myself and for purposes that I care about.
Of primary importance to me is altering the criminal justice system to one that can actually produce good results consistently. Some individuals have and will continue to succeed not because of the system, but in spite of it. Against all odds and "conventional" wisdom. It's a tall order but a very worthy cause.
I figure that I can sulk and be bitter. Lashing out blindly against a system that doesn't care. Blaming my failures on the faceless monster. But what good does that do? Nothing will change or get better if I conduct myself as the animal the system labels me. I have to label my own life and make a better future.
Some days I can't wait for release. However, this is a false hope that destroys my present usefulness. Days like today, I realize my time of freedom is any day I can get up and be content to be me.
Stay safe and sane my friends!
Solidarity,
Tony
I don't know why it took me so long to receive this- your first message here in my blogosphere- but at least I know now this route is open to us as well. In comparison, your undated letter with a postmark of 10 Feb. landed in my hands last night (2 days). In either route it's truly a pleasure to see your thoughts. Regarding these above; I'm proud of your commitment to maintain you're sobriety by helping others maintain theirs. Faith and works go hand-in-hand. That is the proof of being born again. Be blessed in your blessings. Much Love,
Me