Things to know about Prison: (from someone who has been in prison for five months) If you have less than a five year sentence people will actually laugh and tell you how quick the time will go by - you will not find humor in this. That chair...
I have some mountains in front of me that I have to climb. They're figurative mountains, but they're mountains nonetheless. Everyone has their challenges, and each of us must decide how we're going to respond. The way we respond defines who and what we become...
This is a short post because this one quote says it all and I don't want to take away from it. I feel that the study of philosophy and Zen are quite different - one takes place in the mind utilizing theories, concepts and ideas...
The first Monday in November was a gray, dreary, Midwest early winter day. Blustery and chilly. There's been a nasty head cold making it's way around the unit and I had successfully fended it off for several weeks. I get enough rest, hydrate, take vitamin-C...
Sunday night was the premier of the new season of Yellowstone and the TV room was going wild. People have been talking about this for several weeks and the seats began filling up hours before the start. I've never seen it this packed down there. Everyone...
Greetings from the Culinary Institute of Yankton (CIOY) pronounced "Chow". I made my first bowl of Gumbo Saturday night and after much debate we decided that the texture and flavor profile of mackerel was better suited to the dish than tuna. Tuna is usually the go...
Two themes I frequently see surface in my reading are being present and managing emotions. There is a Lao Tzu quote that eloquently sums up the the beauty in being present and the futility of anything else: "Depression is in the past, anxiety is in...
Last week, Monday morning was my day to shop at commissary. In standard commissary day fashion I woke up at 5:30am and waited in the entrance to our unit starting at 5:40. A controlled move was called at 6:02 am and we walked to the building...
This is a game that I used to play frequently. The version I played was to be 100% honest in that exact moment with the person who was asking the question. It is not a random game you play with anyone though. The other person,...
Before I came here I heard rumors that many prisons and jails had pickle ball. Unfortunately, prisons aren't like hotels and you can't get on the internet to check on the accommodations prior to your arrival. I lucked out that we have one indoor court...