Monday, January 12, 2015

Day 49 (11/10/14) "I took things for granted, like fresh air"

A new chapter in my journey began today. I slept well last night. Then was up at 4am this morning for breakfast. But, instead of going downstairs and eating in our housing unit, we lined up and walked to the chow hall. It was wonderful to be able to go outside. To walk and to breathe the fresh morning air. The things I took for granted. I appreciate the little things in life so much more now. After breakfast, it’s back to bed until 7am. Then the cell doors open and I was almost out for 3 hours ! Watched the news and read the paper, went outside and walked the stairs for an hour. I almost didn’t know what to do with myself. It’s Monday, which means laundry. After laundry we were in our cells for an hour. Then off to lunch. A nice walk in the sun to the chow hall. When we got back, we locked down for an hour and 30 minutes. I wrote letters to my family and then at 1pm, the cell doors opened again. I am not used to this at all ! I’m starting to feel human again ! I went and did the stairs again for 30 minutes and then actually sat down and watched a full episode of Criminal Minds, start to finish ! I couldn’t believe it. Then I took a shower and walked some more before dinner. Again, off to the chow hall. Breakfast and lunch are optional, but dinner is mandatory. Some women just stay and sleep. For me, I’ll be at every meal. The walk outside 3 times a day makes the trip worth it. Plus, if I sleep during the day, I won’t sleep at night. So, after dinner we are locked down for 2 and a half hours, 4:30pm - 7pm. I use this time to write and read my book. I am nervous and anxious today, this is all so new. It’s like starting over again. I miss my old roommate, I wish she could have come along. Then it would have been perfect. My roommate now, went home this morning, so I have the cell to myself. A little lonely but it’s alright. I like the privacy and control to do whatever I want. I need to enjoy it now, because soon I’ll be sharing a room with seven other women. I do hope my old roommate gets moved soon as well. I felt guilty for leaving her behind, but I can’t pass up the opportunity for a contact visit with my Husband and kids. This unit isn’t going to have as many stories or drama to share like 3F did, but I’m ok with that. This is where I should have been all along and now with less lockdown and more routine, I will have the strength to get through the last 5-6 weeks I’m here. I am very happy with day one in my new housing unit. 
This dorm has books available to read, the pencil sharpener works, no one steals the newspaper, you can actually watch tv, and for the most part, everyone seems to get along and is nice. Most importantly, there are no “mental health” issues in this housing. Now, I’m looking into other programs, classes, and services available to me now that I’m in a “movement” dorm. I’m looking for anything to keep me busy and productive. Another day almost done, one step closer to being home. 

Well, the drama never ends in the “behavioral unit”. I can see out in the main part of the jail now. 3E and F are right next door. After dinner I was looking out the window and see two deputies running over to 3E/F. Then around the corner comes another 4 deputies and then a final 2. Something is going down. I can see it now, lockdown and some inmate is out of control. A few minutes later I see a handcuffed and chained inmate being escorted by 4 deputies. No wonder they hated our unit. I am so glad to be out of there and in a lower security unit. My evening was great ! Out from 7pm - 10pm, called my family and was able to read quietly in the dayroom. What a nice change this is. 

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