One thing about not having cell phone, Google, Netflix, etc. is you will figure out how to entertain yourself. After receiving four new 16ft jump ropes, about a dozen of us headed outside to relive a few of our childhood memories. We jumped rope, TRIED to double dutch, listened to music, shared stories of the games we used to play as a kid, and simply laughed. It was two hours of fun and camaraderie. It’s moments like these, when your inner child gets to play, that you forget that you are in prison.

Camp life is camp life. Nothing much has changed here. We did get the hot water back on yesterday. We have been showering with cold water since last Thursday. Dinner is still bag lunches. Yesterday, I ate the sandwich which was a huge mistake because I felt it when I worked out. My boss in the GED department pretty much let me go yesterday; well at least we found my replacement. I can't say that I am upset about it because I have my other work detail with culinary events that has a lot of things happening that I need to focus on.

Today at 7:30 am, I and fifteen others entered the visitation area to attend the Release Preparation Program as part of the planning for our re-entry to society. Yes, I finally got to attend the coveted re-entry class, which is one of the steps in the release process. It was surreal sitting in that room because I vividly remember sitting in the same place 10 months ago, two days after I reported doing A & O (Admission and Orientation).

What would you do if you were me? An inmate who is about to reenter the world. This was the question I asked a trusted advisor yesterday who has a lot of experience with federal prison. I inquired because I have heard that a lot of people have a hard time initially transitioning back into society. From the "inside" all you think about is getting out. However, I am learning that with this newfound freedom, newfound problems also come.

Bored, bored, bored, bored, bored...that is how I feel. Did I mention that I am bored? Lawd, it feels like time is slowing down. I wanted to quit my job in GED teaching. But, I feel like it will only slow my time down even more because I will not have anything to occupy my time.

Over the past few days, I and a few other ladies had the opportunity to work at my second job, culinary events. I love, love, love it! It’s like for a moment I am back on the outside. We are not in our uniforms or grays. We are surrounded by "real" people, not all inmates, and real food. It sounds cheesy, or even harsh, but it’s the truth. For the past two days, we felt normal, like we were on the outside. I personally felt...creative, excited, rejuvenated, and FREE!

In federal prison, you just never know what to expect from day to day. Well, today was one of those days when the unexpected occurred. One of the young ladies who lives on my hall and works with me in the culinary events job was picked up by ICE. And just like that, she is gone. Wow! It is crazy. You just never know what will happen, who will be here, and who will be gone in a matter of moments. 

My case manager also resubmitted the request for me to be released to the halfway house today. Although I have received a tentative date (which I am only disclosing to my family and close friends), she is attempting to get me home a little earlier. I did not expect her to do it so soon, and I honestly did not ask her to. She just offered it to me, and I am truly grateful for that. Now, all I can do is pray and wait for a response.

I have spent yet another holiday in federal prison. Luckily, it is one of the last ones. Today was probably the most active Memorial Day I have ever had. I honestly do not remember doing that much on this holiday when I was on the outside.