6 months: One hot summer day behind the barbed wire

It's a beautiful day out today. Scorching hot, yes, but beautiful nonetheless. I'm so glad I can go outside most of the day unlike county jail. Yes, it would be even greater if there was a giant-sized swimming pool outdoors, but hey, it's prison. Can't expect too much now, can I?

Earlier today, my friends Lo and Jen and I were watching beach volleyball on TV. You'd be surprised how intense 3 girls who have been locked up for several months can stare at a television screen with shirtless guys hitting a ball around. Needless to say, we are quite deprived of the opposite sex. It was quite humorous actually. My apologies to those players on TV that were literally being gawked at like pieces of meat.

My mom and sister are currently in Italy. Naturally, I'm completely jealous and wish I were with them! I told them to take plenty of pictures to show me and especially of all the great food they're be devouring so I can imagine being there. Ah, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Six months down which means I'm halfway to a year. And when a year comes, I will be going to grounds (minimum security) and then to the halfway house soon after, which is one step closer to home. Home sweet home. Now that's a phrase you can never truly acknowledge the meaning of until coming to a place like this.

25 weeks: Grateful for the little things

Started a class today, finally got into one hosted by some local college. Business math. Math is one of my academic strong points, so the class is definitely on the easy side, but hey - any little brain stimulation in here is better than nothing. And it meets twice a week for 2-4 hours so it definitely helps kill a little time. I'm enthused about it.

The only downside is that the classroom has no air conditioning! And today's high is over 100 degrees, my palms were clammy and my ass was sweating profusely. Lovely, I know.

I also finally received my clothing and electronics commissary finally! It only took this facility 3 months to get me a few t-shirts, shorts, some sneakers, a walkman radio and whatnot. Why on earth it takes that long is beyond my understanding. At least its finally here, so I am a bit more comfortable in this incredibly hot weather. (Even though I'd much rather be hanging out at the pool or beach with a bathing suit, or at least wearing tank tops, but I know that can't happen any time soon.)

One more thing: I found out that I will not have to be on parole for 3 years when I get out. Actually, I won't have to do parole at all. This is exciting because that means when I am free in 2013, I will be completely free. Most people with 2nd degree crimes must serve 3 years parole after being released, but that is because they usually serve 85% of their time (or a lot less if the crime is non-violent). However, I will be serving 100% of my time, day by day, since I accepted the lowest plea sentence that can be offered for my offense. Therefore, no parole!

Amen to that! =)

24 weeks: Independence Day - or lack thereof?

Happy fourth of July. A little on the ironic side to be celebrating our nation's independence considering the freedoms this country has prohibited me from having in my current state, isn't it?

My day was fairly uneventful. I was able to see a little bit of some fireworks outside from a distance as well as the New York City show on television though. Never had I watched fireworks with such glum faces - and sober.

Holidays definitely make you miss your family and friends even more than usual, but I know there isn't much I can do about that. Just sit on my bed and reminisce about all the previous years spent with good company. Hoping everyone is enjoying their weekend and having a safe and fun-filled day with good food and enjoying the nice weather. Missing you all, lots. One down - two more fourth of July's to go before I'll be home again. Then I'll be free and truly able to celebrate independence! Wahooooo!