Somtime in the 10th week: Adaptations

It's interesting how people try to adapt to whatever environment or situation they are placed in. Even in a place like prison where many daily used items are not at your disposal, an individual's creativity comes out to find the closest substitutes to what is needed or wanted.

In here, we don't have ovens or stoves, only microwaves. So inmates find ways to actually cook with them. One lady in my hall makes candy with peanut butter, sugar, rice crispy cereal and ice. Many bake cakes by melting chocolate, adding milk, and crushing cookies. Strings and elastics from socks are used to make hairties and headbands. Colors from magazines are used as crayons or even makeup. Body wash is made by crushing up soap and mixing in milk and shampoo. Batteries are used to light cigarettes indoors. The list could go on forever.

For those without loved ones putting money in their community accounts, other ways are found to make some cash. Inmates run their own businesses in here, no joke. They roll other's cigarettes for them. They draw cards for each other. Braid people's hair for some commissary. Thread eyebrows, or other facial hairs (yes, you'd be surprised how much unnatural facial hair women can grow, usually heroine addicts.) There are even "stores". Individuals run "stores" for when other inmates run out of any items, they can make a purchase and pay back 2:1 by the time of the next commissary order. Lucky for me, I can purchase my own items. I don't ask for anything which allows me to say no when others ask me for anything. Keeps you out of trouble that way since I see many inmates get into fights over owing each other.

Another adaptation women in prison make - and unfortunately, probably men too - is regarding their sexuality. Although there are a percentage of true lesbians, majority of these women have boyfriends of husbands on the outside, but become "gay for the stay". Yes, they mess around with other women because there are no other options. Why they would be attracted to drama and estrogen is beyond my understanding. I've been approached a few times and have obviously politely declined. Stay away from me, I don't like girls like that!!

Oh, and another thing. Prison sign language - yes, there's such a thing. There is a specific sign language that is widely known in prison. This is because during certain times, inmates are prohibited from speaking, so they sign to each other from across bunks or from inside cells. There aren't cells in my building so just across halls. I find all of this pretty interesting so I thought you might too. Till next time...