A lot of little things have been keeping my mind occupied this week.
First up, I put some “prisoner innovation” to the test with an arts-and-crafts project. I needed a pillbox, since they don’t sell them here and I kept forgetting whether I’d taken my meds in the morning. I found a solution using the little round plastic cheese-dip containers they sell at commissary. After washing one out, I cut up some cardboard with beard scissors, folded and taped it into tiny dividers like pie slices, and fit them into the container. Eight compartments—one for each day of the week plus an empty spacer. Then I cut a slice-shaped hole in the lid so I can rotate it and pour out pills for the right day. Simple, effective, and no more missed doses. Honestly, I impressed myself.
Little did I know, more arts and crafts were about to come my way. The RDAP staff called me in this week to help with some projects. At first I told them I wasn’t very artistic—(they laughed and said they already knew, judging by my handwriting in my journals, LOL). But it turned out they wanted my tech skills, not my art skills. They had this old machine called a Cricut—apparently they’re popular on the outside for crafting—but this one looks like it’s from the ’90s. No computer connection, just cartridges like an old Nintendo, each with a set of shapes and a keypad to match. I figured it out pretty quickly, and now I’ve been using it to help them make decorations and signs. Honestly, it’s kind of fun. I like tinkering with stuff, figuring out workarounds, and making it do more than it seems capable of. Best of all—it kills a lot of time.
I might even use it to make flyers for my blockchain class. My last class was a hit, but I capped it at 10 people so I could teach the concepts properly. Word got around, and a lot more guys wanted in, so I’ve decided to teach it again. This time I’ll make flyers but still keep the class limited to the first 10. I love teaching this stuff—why Bitcoin was created, the problems with fiat money, how blockchain works at a basic technical level. Sharing that knowledge makes time pass faster too.
On the workout front, I hit a roadblock. I’ve been training for a half marathon, but time is running short—I only have three months left here, and the weather’s getting colder (which I don’t run well in). My plan was to increase mileage each week. On Wednesday, I ran 6 miles easily, so I thought Friday’s 8-miler would be no problem. I was wrong. By mile 3 the heat got to me, I caught a bad side cramp, and had to stop. I was frustrated and disappointed—missing goals hits me hard. But I’m not giving up. I’ll rest a few days and try for 8 again this week. In the meantime, I’ve been smashing my burpee and push-up routines.
On a personal note, my reentry prep is moving along. My mom has been incredible—she’s secured a car for me when I get out and is working with a contractor to build me an apartment in her house by finishing the basement. Having these things lined up makes me both excited and motivated.
My time here is almost done, but the closer I get, the slower it seems to move. Still, soon enough I’ll be smelling the sweet air of freedom.
Stay safe and legal out there.
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