‘New Beginnings’

Thursday, July 11, 2014

I have hit an inner prison milestone. I am officially eligible for placement in a minimum security prison unit. This is actually a pretty big deal in the cosmic scene of things. I never would have thought that I would go to a minimum yard because I began this odyssey in a Super Maximum prison known as SMU (Special Management Unit) Inmates that begin there, rarely, if ever, make it to a medium security facility, let alone a minimum.

Prison security levels are somewhat complex – so I will try to break them down for you. Hopefully you will have a better understanding of how inmates are housed in a correctional system.

1.   SUPER MAXIMUM UNIT

Inmates live alone in a 6x10’ cell for a minimum of 2 years upon entering prison. It’s underground so there is no daylight, no recreation, no contact with other human beings and the lights stay on 24/7. Inmates are permitted to have a television, hygiene products and stationary only. Inmates are allowed (1) 5 minute long phone call per week and (1) 2 hour visit behind glass on weekends however the inmate is chained to the phone receiver and the table behind the glass. Meals consist of a sack breakfast/lunch and a hot dinner.

This population consists of: murders, rapists, lifers, death row and inmates deemed as ‘STG’ (Security Threat Group)

I served 2 years and 19 days in SMU

2.   MAXIMUM SECURITY FACILITY

Inmates are in a cell with another inmate of the same race or gang affiliation (when necessary) They are allowed 3 hours of recreation every other day along with a shower. If behavior warrants, the inmate can have a job and receive contact visits on the weekends. Inmates can purchase food at the commissary and receive packages from family and friends monthly.

This population consists of: Inmates who have already served 2 years in Super Maximum, and those who have committed armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault and manslaughter.

I served 3 years, 4 months and 21 days in Maximum Security (The “Walls”)

3.   MEDIUM SECURITY FACILITY

Inmates live in large, open dormitories or Quonset huts. They are assigned a 6’x8’ cubicle space which has a bed, a locker and a desk. Inmates can shower, go outside and use the phone whenever they want between 0500 and 2000 hours, Inmates can shop at the commissary weekly and are allowed better paying jobs with greater responsibility.

This population consists of: Inmates who have already served in Maximum Security or for those who have committed hit & run, burglary, simple assault, weapon or drug violations.

I served 7 years and 2 days at the following Medium Security facilties: Barchey, Santa Rita, East Unit, Stiner, and now, Cheyenne at Yuma

4.   MINIMUM SECURITY FACILITY

Everything is the same as a Medium Security facility with the addition of minimum wage paying jobs off site the prison complex, more freedom of movement and less prison politics

This population consists of: light drug charges (marijuana, prescriptions and paraphernalia), forgery, DUI, & resisting arrest.

The demeanor of Minimum Security is said to be unlike anything else I have experienced and it is something I will have to adapt to.

The other night I was speaking with Joey and sensing my nervousness over this change, he turned the situation around for me. He was able to get me to view this Minimum Security yard as a good thing. It is simply another step toward letting go of so many of the traits that I have adopted in here that I will absolutely not need outside of prison. As I have said before, “change” is a good thing and I will embrace it because I have earned this privilege. I doesn’t mean that I have any less anxiety about it.

Minimum….Here I come….

‘Right for the Job’

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

One of the men whom I correspond with via mail asked me to pick 5 careers that I thought I would be good at and explain why. I figured that it is actually a pretty good question and so, I decided to go ahead and post it here. Keep in mind that I am already set on a career at athletic trainer/nutritionist.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR/TRADER

I have no idea where my interest in finances or the stock market emerged from. I am excellent with money and made really sound decisions when it came to my mother’s finances, investments etc. Those choices have become very lucrative for her and in this economy that says a great deal.  The Bloomberg Channel would be the equivalent of pornography to me. I understand the market and can feel the direction that it is headed. It is a shame that I am not eligible for my Series 7. If it wasn’t for my felony conviction, I would be doing this 100%.

FASHION/INTERIOR DESIGN

I have always been interested in clothing: various designers and styles. My mother was very fashion forward and through her, I learned a lot. As I grew, I became the type of person that would rather save money for a particular item and have fewer items of a particular designer that a closet full of ‘off the rack’ clothing. Some might perceive this to be superficial, but it is who I am.

As far as interior design goes, I have always been very skilled at color choices, textures and applying that skill to people’s personalities.

EXOTIC CAR BROKER

Automobiles are a passion of mine. I am practically a walking encyclopedia when it comes to automobiles, their manufacturers, engines etc.

CUSTOM HOME BUILDER

Home design is something that I really enjoy. The interest developed when we built our home together and I was able to see and understand the endless possibilities.

CHEF

I can cook. My grandfather was a chef and I was the only person allowed in the kitchen when he was cooking. I learned how to take chances and create things. Visually it is art, but it is the production, the process that I love most.

You may be wondering how it was that I decided upon Professional Athletic Training. Before coming to prison, I worked for a dear friend who is a Plastic/reconstruction surgeon. I met many people who wanted different bodies, enhancements or reconstructions. At some point, I decided that I wanted pectoral implants. When I told my friend this, she said that I needed to hit the gym for 6 months. If, after that, I still wanted the implants – she would do them.

I took her advice and the results came quickly. I became interested in bio mechanics, anatomy, physiology and nutrition. The next step was learning the best ways to incorporate these things into my everyday lifestyle.

Prison, ironically, became a huge motivator for me to maintain and enhance my physical conditioning. In 2007, my mom met a trainer who was certified from the International Sports Science Association. She contacted the director and explained my situation. They agreed to allow me to do all the necessary professional training through correspondence. When that began, I knew that it was something that I really wanted to do. I have the knowledge, the social skills and I really do enjoy helping people to accomplish their goals!