32 flavors

Squint your eyes and look closer
I’m not between you and your ambition
I am a poster girl with no poster
I am thirty-two flavors and then some
And I’m beyond your peripheral vision
So you might want to turn your head
Cause someday you’re going to get hungry
And eat most of the words you just said

My head weighs a gazillion pounds

Sneeze = earthquake in my head. Ouch.

JJ said I could stay home tomorrow. I'm so lame. This will be my second sick day within the first month I've worked here. I would never hire me. I need to work on building up my immune system. Any suggestions?

If I wake up tomorrow and I'm sick, I swear I'm going to kill you.
- my co-worker Marianne

Dick

“I'm the guy who pulled the trigger and shot my friend.”

G.Love

I want to ride around town on a bike or skip in a park listening to "Love" by G.Love and Special Sauce (not because it's Valentine's Day, but because the song simply makes me want to ride a bike or skip). The fact that the next song on the album is "Booty Call" sometimes ruins the mood for me though.

We Just Continue To Drive

And as my mind begins to spread its wings
There's no stopping curiosity

I listened to the Curious George soundtrack (twice) on the way to work today and it made me so happy. I think I was smiling the entire drive. I enjoy all the songs; they make me feel nice, warm and fuzzy inside. My imagination runs wild in vibrant colors. Jack Johnson sings about changing the world, sharing and other happy things. He even has a song about the 3R's!!! (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle of course you silly goose!)

...
maybe you been lookin' too or maybe you don't even need to try
...

Office Space

My stapler hates me. I hate my stapler. I've accepted the terms of our relationship.

I attended a case management meeting today. It was a bit ineffecient and you all know how I feel about inefficient meetings. However, a prison Assistant Warden totally blew me away today. He expressed the need to change prison culture and really encourage the inmates because with positive reinforcement, we can really change lives. He truly loves the inmates so much and has hope in them. Oh man, it was so hard not to cry. I was tearing up like crazy, but I tried my hardest to hold it all in.

It's neat going to these meetings because they're all about thinking outside the box. The point is to think idealistically and really implement only the BEST programs. I love to think idealistically and so many times I feel that I can't express all the crazy stuff I think of because it's all so Utopian. However, these meetings give me a chance to go crazy and express everything. The even crazier thing is that all these idealistic dreams and goals are possible with this program. I'm so jazzed. I am once again so encouraged by the altruistic dedication and hope of these people. I love the philanthropic vibes!

I talked to JJ after the meeting about the ineffectiveness of it. I suggested a few things and now I get to lead a brainstorming session, plus make a powerpoint for the next meeting next week. My two favorite things: brainstorming and powerpoint. Plus, I'm going to get a 3-hole punch. Oh, the simple pleasures of office life. By the way, I love the supply room. It's office supply heaven. I heart office supplies.

i heart my job.

I really do. The people here are fantastic; I feel good about the work I'm doing. I truly just feel so blessed. To begin, my supervisors are so fun. JJ is the public affairs officer for Bonnie (the D.A.) and my main supervisor. He calls me his little sister and takes care of me. I seriously never open a door; it feels odd always walking into places first. I think I like to follow and be behind people. JJ is down-to-earth, cares about people and wants to change the world.

Then, there's Beverly. The banter between JJ and Beverly is pure comedy. Beverly is older, quicker and outspoken. She cracks me up. JJ always it's his job to make sure I don't spend too much time with Beverly because I'll get in trouble. Beverly is probably in her early 50's(?); she has a grandchild. But, she's the most active woman I know. She works out during her lunch break, wants to buy a motorcycle, drives around in a convertible, is performing in the Vagina Monologues, hosts book clubs, wants to get a tattoo and... well, she does a whole bunch of other stuff too. JJ and Beverly are both so fun to work with. They say I have an old soul because I say things like "neat", "oh dear", and "okie dokie". I try to stop myself, but it just slips out.

I'm learning more and more about prison reentry and getting excited about this project. The kick-off date is July 1, so we have lots to do before then. The main point is to reduce recidivism rate. We want to cut the bureaucracy and ineffectiveness of prison systems right now. I often thought it would be neat to change the system from within; I actually have the opportunity to do that now. It's a bit scary at times because of the responsibilities and they're all depending on me to help things along. I'm slowly getting to know people from all different fields: law enforcement, mental health, drug counseling, etc. I met Carmen, a pastor who has a ministry that focuses on women prisoner reentry. She was so charismatic and passionate. Her enthusiasm was contagious and she just loves God so much. Carmen, JJ and I prayed together after our little meeting. It was uber rad.

Overall, I'm having a splendid time. It's difficult waking up in the morning, but it's not that bad since I go to bed so early. I start off my day with a prayer every morning and I think that's what helps me through my day. In my tiredness in the morning, I realize that there's no way I can get through the day unless I'm with God. It's a comforting dependence.

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Ok, so I was thinking about teleportation again. I mean, how can I not with this crazy commute everyday??? I'm sad to report that I find another drawback to teleportation. No, not the one that involves the fly. I was thinking that if teleportation was possible, more criminals could get away. For example, someone would steal something and then just disappear. There would be no way to trace or track their whereabouts. So yeah, I have to think of a way to deal with this issue.

We're trying to change the world here.

Just Say "No"

Apparently, that doesn't work for most people because of the way our brains are wired. I went to a drug court seminar on psychopharmacology. The doctor was from South Carolina and had this crazy white hair and slight accent. He sort of reminded me of Mark Twain. Anywho, the seminar was quite an eye-opening experience. Drugs are scary.

Did you know...

• that addiction is basically a brain disease and mainly passed down through genetics?
• women are more quickly addicted to something?
• the most addicting drug is caffeine? (It only takes 24 hours for someone to get addicted. Hmmmm.)
• alcohol is a factor in 33% of all rapes and sexual assaults?
• no one ever FULLY recovers?
• smoking doubles the dosage of other drugs; such as, heroin, cocaine, alcohol?
• several of the drugs out there now (i.e. heroin) were introduced into society by the government?
• ecstacy causes permanent brain damage? Those brain cells/receptors are NEVER restored. One can basically end up with insomnia and depression the rest of their lives.
• drugs can leave the body relatively quickly; however, it takes anywhere from 2 to 10 years to leave the brain?

Another interesting tidbit:

• The new transitional age into adulthood is now 28-30. (It used to be 18-20)

So, week 1 is coming to a close. I basically attended a lot of meetings and heard a lot of "good to meet you"s (I think that's a political thing). The people here are absolutely fantastic; I'm quite excited for this year. I'm gradually learning about the reentry project. I am a ginormous sponge soaking everything in.

This week has been so full and I don't exactly know how I feel, but I think this is going to be an interesting year. I'm already learning so much; I heart learning.

By the way, I'm moving to San Diego. I'm 99% sure. I just can't do this go to sleep at 9, wake up at 4:50 madness. I'm not tired really because I'm getting so much sleep, but I need some time to recharge. I feel a bit drained today.

We all have one [a brain]; not everyone engages their's.
- Dr. Robinson (Correctional Counseling)