War—What Is It Good For?

I usually try to keep these journal entries lighthearted or at least optimistic, but I’ve been thinking lately that maybe I’m painting too rosy a picture of prison life. Some readers might get the impression that I’m doing just fine here, like this place is some sort...

Cycles, Ceilings, and Cellblock Shenanigans

This week has been packed with antics at camp, but before I get into the chaos, I want to talk about my running. One thing I’ve learned about distance training: your body adapts in cycles. When you first start, it’s your legs that give out. Mine were in agony during...

Deep in Planning Mode – with a Side of Chicken Tenders

Reading all these business books has me fired up and ambitious again. Honestly, being in here without internet access and unable to work is tough—mentally, emotionally, and even physically. But I’m doing what I can: planning, brainstorming, and laying the groundwork...

Trading Silence for Sanity: Why I Left Wing-4

Last Thursday, I woke up from a well-earned afternoon nap to find a note on my locker: “Come see me.” It was from my friend “M” over in Wing-3. We’ve been hanging out a lot lately—he’s around my age, and we get along well. He’s also a night owl like me, which helps....

Tying It All Together: A Week of Growth at Cumberland

A new month means another one down in prison. Normally, not much happens at a camp, and I find myself stretching for content. But not this week. There’s so much to cover that I’m saving the biggest story—why I moved out of the “retirement wing” (P-4) and...

Wing 4 Chronicles: White Collar Drama

Before reporting to prison, I spent a lot of time trying to prepare myself. During pretrial, I watched countless YouTube videos about prison life, especially from people in low- and medium-security facilities. I figured I’d get a longer sentence, so I wanted to know...