Dishonorable Thieves

I've been in a quasi-honor unit for 18 months. It's insulated from a lot of the bullshit that constitutes life in the joint, like rampant theft, deuce head episodes, gang phones. Here, guys take college classes, learn a trade, train a dog--anything to use their time constructively. Of course, there's always a subset of knuckleheads … Continue reading Dishonorable Thieves →

“Personal Growth Sucks”

I'm in the first weight pit session after dinner. It opens when the yard opens. Since the front door of my unit is closest to the back forty, I'm usually one of the first two people in line for the pit, so I have first choice of which benches and weights to use, minus the … Continue reading “Personal Growth Sucks” →

jpay Message #733

It's been five years. The time doesn't get easier, just more familiar. The covid years were the easiest, because what was I really missing? There are still bad days, though, just never as bad as others. My bad days are feeling sorry for myself and missing family and friends. Yesterday, dawg in the back hall … Continue reading jpay Message #733 →

Books I Read This Month (December 2024)

Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant - Anne TylerThe Bright Book of Life - Harold BloomThe Book of Power - ed. by Mitch HorowitzThe Deep Blue Good-Bye - John D. MacDonaldNightmare in Pink - John D. MacDonald I don't know how it took me so many years to first hear about the Travis McGee series. Written … Continue reading Books I Read This Month (December 2024) →

jPay Message #701

My peer recovery group takes place every Friday night in room 9 of the East School Building. During the week, this room hosts "Thinking For A Change," a parole-board mandated program. Makeshift posters cover the walls. Written in Sharpie, and in all caps, these "Thinking Reports" are testaments of lower-class decision making. Here's an example: … Continue reading jPay Message #701 →