Letter 64

July 11, 2011

Dear Mom,

How are you? Hopefully well in all respects. Today marks the start of my sixth month on C.M. status. Oh joy is me. I realized how one or more of my letters may have caused you undue concern and even though conditions here are what they are...there is no cause for worry (yet).

J. has a ton of haphazard things on his mind, so although his attitude and behavior seem erratic to me, they are really only a response to pressures I've got no idea about. He has indicated to me on a couple of occasions previously his intention to write you a brief note of thanks.

In any event, I saw the teacher today. I had to remind him of the fact I have already passed the GED exam and likely will need to remind him several more times until it sinks in. He fed me a list of the courses I qualify for now; two of the three allowed I picked were Life Management and Personal Fitness. I'm leaning toward  English or Language Arts for the 3rd course but can't decide.

As with everything else, the prices on the food we are permitted have gone up...again. Shockingly, so have other non-associated costs. What I labor to convey is summed up best, I think, by these words: Although I'm not needy yet, I foresee going through my account in a much speedier way. Costs rise, while quality and quantity fall off. Such is life here.

A guy I had a nodding acquaintance with was likely into a great many things I've got no idea about. What is known about the shadier aspects of his dealings is...the most destructive and harmful side...he and a nurse were "caught in the act" and both either let go or transferred very soon after the incident. Even though I maintained doubtfulness as to her level of training/effectiveness, she never tried to give me the wrong meds. What those meds do to me is another story, though.

The other part of this scandal is apparently she was helping get contraband items brought to this guy, which he would then sell at quite a profit. Although I'm no slouch, I knew none of this until after the fact, of course. Now, the same nurse has to cover two buildings instead of the single building she formerly covered. This will go on until they break into their vast resources and hire another untrained soul.

Well, "lunch" is here, meaning the cart is physically inside, but they are still coming back from the Recreation Yard so it may take much longer until we eat. There, I've taken the meds...it was instantly forgettable.

I'm amassing an astounding body of knowledge. I've already nearly read all the books you sent! Much as I appreciate that being done for me, the next time could you include some Thomas Perry please?

Even though there is probably much I've failed to include, I'm confronted squarely with a choice: Either send this out as is or take a chance on it getting damaged while I wrack my addled mind for what I've forgotten. I think I'll fall back and punt. Please let me know how your Sister Karolyn is out in Arizona. I haven't heard from her in quite some time now. Thank you.

Much love and regards,
James

P.S. A late-breaking item: Please include a pair of readers next time I see you. Thanks.