Elf'd

Check out Amanda's blog for our disco video. I think I'm a pretty good dancer, but I was really impressed with how well the dogs did.

Merry Christmas!!

Josh

8 Things...

I was tagged by Lori...

8 Shows That I watch:
The Office
Big Bang Theory
How I Met Your Mother
House
Criminal Minds
ESPN
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives
We Mean Business

8 Favorite Restaurants:
Shogun
Jim n Nicks
Longhorn
Olive Garden
California Pizza Kitchen
Buffalo Wild Wings
Bob Baumhauers Wings
Chick fil a

8 Things I Did This Week/Weekend:
Went to Quin's Bball game
Watched Jumper
Slept
Played with the dogs
Cleaned the house (partially)
Searched the internet for a part time job
Blogged for the first time in forever
Went all over Alabama for work

8 Things I Look Forward To:
Heaven
Spending the rest of my life with Amanda
Kids
Finishing School
A new year
Strengthening my relationships with friends and family
Being a better friend
Hearing about the deals Amanda finds with coupons

8 Things On My Wish List:
Having Kids
Going on an awesome road trip with Amanda
Becoming debt free!!!
Losing the rest of the weight I want
Find a Career
Xbox 360
To make Amanda happier than she could ever be.
To learn not to stress.

Now you're tagged! Can't wait to read your 8 things...

No idea where this post will go.

It has been awhile since my last post. I have been busy but not too busy to write a couple of posts. I just haven't made myself sit down and type, plus Amanda has been hogging the computer with all of her coupon stuff. I guess that would be a good place to start. If you read my blog I'm sure you read Amanda's and you know of her obsession...COUPONS! I call it an obsession because that is what it is, the girl can't stop talking about them. It's pretty funny. But, I will say that she has saved us a lot of money and that she is really good at it. I'm proud of her for actually sticking with this, because she doesn't usually follow through with things, but this is different. And I will admit that she has gotten me hooked. I don't want to buy a single thing unless we have a coupon for it. So, good job Amanda!

School is going well, I don't know if I ever said what class I was taking but it's Marketing. I currently have a high B, but hope to push it up to an A with two tests remaining. I have registered for next semester and will be taking 2 courses, Finance and Management. I really enjoy school, just wish I had finished it when I had the chance to, but I'll get it done this time.

I'm not going to talk about the election. I was not happy with the outcome(I'm a capitalist not a socialist) and I know I never will be, but he is the new president and I will respect the position. I can only pray that he does the right thing while in office.

I gave blood Friday for the first time ever. Amanda has always been a huge supporter of the American Red Cross(as she stated on her blog) and since she organized this blood drive at the SCBOE, I told her I would come. I think she was expecting me to be nervous or scared or something because she kept making little comments to me the whole time I was there, but what she didn't realize was that I don't have a problem with needles and I have a high pain tolerance. I do have a bruise on my arm, but I expected that because I have rolling veins and the nurse had a tough time finding one. But I was a champ and filled the little bag in record time.

While I'm thinking about it...Roll Tide!! I'm a huge Alabama fan, I mean HUGE. When football season starts we don't make plans for Saturday unless they involve watching the Alabama game. It has been tough for Amanda to get use to but she's done well. I am extremely happy with this season. Not only is Alabama winning, but the Vols and Barners are going to have losing seasons. All is right with college football. :)

So, you all remember that I lost 100 pounds over the last year before I came home. It was my goal while in FPC to lose the weight and keep it off. I knew it would be tough once I got home and boy has it. I've gained back 10 lbs, I know I know, I've still lost 90lbs, but it's a big deal to me that I've gained it back. I promised myself that I would never go back to being like that again. I've also let it rub off on Amanda and we've both decided to not let it affect us anymore. We are starting a 4week program that I learned while I was gone. We both eat well, we aren't really over indulging. We're just not being active. I'm sure Amanda will be complaining about the workouts on her blog. She's a difficult workout partner because she doesn't want to listen to me. She says she can't stand my voice when I'm telling her how to do something. She's so sweet. Anyway, we're both going to make the other stick to it and I know once she sees the effects of this workout she'll forgive me....I hope.

Well, I guess that's all for now. I know I just rambled through a million different things, but I had a lot to cover. I'm serious this time when I say that I will blog more often. Take Care.


Josh

My Job

I've been needing a subject for a new blog and decided that my job would be great. As you may or may not know I used to work for a bank as a retail loan officer. That was before I made my mistake, but that's another story. Anyway, when I left the bank I had a tough time finding another job, it was about 6 months before I got a full-time job. In August of 2005 I began working for Cahaba Title in Pelham as a title researcher. What does Cahaba Title do? Well we are a title insurance company that has been around for about 30 years. We don't have anything to do with car titles as some people think, we deal in real estate. Whenever someone buys a piece of real estate and you go through a closing, title insurance is involved. We research real estate to verify that once you buy the property that you do in fact own it and don't have to worry about someone "from years gone by" coming up and demanding their property. It can be a very interesting job, but sometimes a little boring. I research property in Jefferson County mostly, but I occasionally do venture to other counties all over Alabama to do research. If you buy property in Jefferson County there is a chance that I will have researched your home(in fact I have researched several people's homes that I know).

Anyway, I do enjoy my job because it isn't very stressful and I am able to dress very casual. It can be very interesting to see how much property in Mountain Brook sold for in the 1930's, or some of the odd restrictions in a subdivision, or reading where a parent left a child the dust from the house in their will. Crazy stuff!! I don't know if it is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Don't get me wrong I love my job and I'm extremely thankful that they gave me my job back when I came home from the FPC, but as I tell Amanda I want a grown-up job. A job where I have to dress professionally and deal with people again. Right now I'm focusing on finishing school and then I'll look more seriously at something else. Until then I'll keep researching property.

Hope you enjoyed this little look into my job. If you every have a question about real estate let me know I'll be more than happy to help. Take care!!

Josh

Guess who's birthday it is...

Happy Birthday Amanda! As I write this right now you are taking a shower to get ready for work. I am so nervous right now because I want to make this birthday so very special for you. I missed your birthday last year because I was gone and it still bothers me. I hope you are surprised when I give you your present. It is from my heart which will always belong to you. I love you very much so and hope to make your 27th birthday something special.

Hey everyone, take a moment today to wish my wife and the sweetest person I know a very happy birthday!

Take Care.

Josh

I'm a bad blogger...

Yes, I know it. I'm horrible. I said would be updating my blog more regularly, but that hasn't happened. The truth is not much has happened and I've been a little busy. But, that's no excuse with all of you suffering not knowing what is going on in my life because I haven't posted anything. So, I'll ease your pain and fill you in on what has happened in the last week.

First, I had an awesome birthday. My wife got me some great gifts. I already told you about the book,"Brisingr", but I also got a new Alabama baseball cap, a pair of amazingly comfortable Alabama flip-flops, and the best gift of all a bluetooth! I have been wanting a bluetooth for some time now, because with my job I am in the car driving to other counties, so it's safer for me to have the bluetooth. Plus, they are really cool. :) Anyway, Saturday Amanda and I drove up to Boaz that morning to go to the outlet mall there. If you have ever been there you know it use to be awesome with tons of stores, not anymore. They don't even have an Eddie Bauer outlet(I love EB)!! We were a little disappointed but we did find a few good deals on some clothes and plus we had a blast going there and coming back. We love road trips! On our way back we stopped in Trussville for lunch at Red Robin's. Let me say that they have a great burger. We had never eaten there but always wanted to, so we stopped. Great food and I got to see Ole Miss beat Florida! Oh I almost forgot...Amanda got me a cd of a band called "Me first and the Gimme Gimme's", Fabulous!! (LOL...Amanda will get that)

Anyway, that was my birthday weekend. Thanks Amanda for making my first bday back home great. I love you.

The rest of the week has been the usual, work, school, work, and so on. I just realized I've never mentioned what I do for a living. That will have to be another blog as I need to leave for work or I won't be doing anything for a living. I promise to blog sooner and more often. Have a great weekend and Roll Tide! Take Care.

Josh

They say it's your birthday....

It's my birthday too yeah!! That's right folks I'm 29 today. I kinda feel different, but kinda don't. Make sense? I guess this birthday feels different because of how bad last year's birthday was. I'm use to waking up on my bday and having Amanda tell me, "Happy Birthday Baby" before I even get out of the bed. But, last year there was no one to tell me that. No one knew. I basically spent that day reading and keeping to myself, because I was devastated. I'm the type of person that believes your bday is YOUR DAY. All other days belong to other people, but your bday, its a special day just for you. I have always felt that you should enjoy that day as your own. A little childish and silly I know, but I'm a big kid anyway. Being home for this birthday changes everything for me. I don't need any presents, or anything like that now. I'm home and I can spend as much time as I want with my best friend....that is present enough for me.

I wish I could really explain the feelings I am having right now. It is so amazing the feeling of thankfulness. I didn't realize how important things were to until I had to miss out on them for a year. Amanda says I get annoyed with things, true, but what she doesn't realize is that I love the fact that I can get annoyed about things. I love her and nothing she could do will ever change that. I guess what I'm trying to say is your birthday IS a special day and you should treat it as your own. But, also take advantage of every single day you have and be thankful for the things you have and the people in your life because one day you will have to endure without some part of your life and regretting things is not how you want to live.

OK, I know you are all tired of that stuff. Time for more birthday info, Amanda got me the book, "Brisingr" by Christopher Paolini. It is the third book in a series of 4 about a boy who becomes a dragon rider. Yes, it is fantasy but such a good series. Amanda has something else planned for tonight but I don't know what. I'll let you know when I know. Well, take care and I hope your day is as good as mine.

Josh

New Title

So...what do you think? Amanda help me decide and I must say I'm pleased with the new title. We're trying to come up with a sub-title to go along with it. Hopefully, I'll have one before the week is over.

Anyway, I hope everyone had a good weekend. Alabama won so of course I had a good weekend. Amanda's brother and his family satyed with us Friday night and most of Saturday. I was able to spend time with my little newphew for the first time in a year. I can't believe how much he has changed. He was so funny, which I guess most 18 month old's are, and he made my day by waking me up to the two best words I could hear....

Here we are watching the Navy/Ball State game. Trying to get him to watching something besides "Signing Time."
All in all it was a good weekend. I spent time with my newphew and Bama won(it was ugly, but they won). Hope you all have a good week! Take Care

Josh

A blog by any other name...

Help me people! I need a name for my blog. Since its inception it has been called "True Life: I'm in a Federal Prison Camp", but now that I'm home I just call it "True Life." I'm wanting to try something different or stick with what I've got, but I can't decide so I need your help. I would like suggestions on what to name my blog or if I should stick with what I've got. I would like to stay with the whole "True Life" theme, but I'll go with anything if it works. So comment away on what I can name my blog and after some time I'll post a blog with the one's I like best and let you all vote on the best one. Thank again for all your comments and input. I also have another new post below. Enjoy.

Josh

Roll Tide, School and Painting

Well, football season is finally here and I can’t explain how much I’m going to enjoy it. I can finally watch the games in the comfort of my own home and without wearing headphones. As you should all know I am a huge Alabama fan and I haven’t missed a game in, well I don’t remember the last time I missed watching or being at an Alabama football game. It’s the one thing I don’t let anything else get in the way of, seriously, I missed Amanda’s cousin’s wedding because it was at the same time as the UA/UT game. What can I say? I’m addicted. I could go on and on about Alabama football but I don’t have enough time or blog space. I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed the Clemson game, not only because Bama destroyed them, but because I got to watch the game with some good friends. I do think that Crystal and Erin could give me and Chad a run for our money on who’s a bigger Bama fan.
Me relaxing during the game.

Amanda and I fell in love last Saturday. Not with each other again, but with the “Rock Band” for the Xbox 360. I have wanted a 360 for awhile now and now that Amanda has jumped on that train one could be in my future very soon. It took lot of encouragement to get both of us to sing a song, but once that mic was in our hands that was it. And I am shocked to say that Amanda is a better guitar player than me. Can’t win them all.

Since I came home I have been going back to school. I never finished my bachelor’s degree and that has always bothered me. I now have the opportunity to get my degree and to get it from the University of Alabama. I’m only taking one course right now to get back into the swing of things, but will be picking up the pace in January. I have 11 classes left to finish my degree so I’m going to really be cramming come this spring. It’s tough right now b/c I take a couple of nights each week to work on my course online through Bama, which takes away from spending time with Amanda but she understands that I’m doing this for us. (She’s great like that)

So, what did you do on your Labor Day? Relaxed? Watched TV? Grilled out? Not me and Amanda!! Nope we painted! What every man wants to hear from his wife, “Let’s paint the living room this weekend.” LOL! Truthfully, I think it was more my idea to do it Monday, but Amanda wasn’t shying from the thought. It was tougher than I thought it would be, but we got it all done. You can check out pics on Amanda’s blog and let her know what you think.

A new goal for me now is to try and keep my blog more up to date…I promise! Until next time, take care!

Oh...here are some pics from my office now that it's finished.

Told you I was a big Bama Fan!

Josh

First week home

Well, it has been one week since I came home. I can not begin to describe how wonderful it is to be back into my normal life. I’m still getting used to certain things, but for the most part it’s like I never left. The best part is that it doesn’t seem like Amanda and I have missed a single beat. We still laugh about the same stuff and can still finish each other’s sentences. The toughest thing to get use to has been the small things….things that you wouldn’t think would be a big deal but have been things I looked forward to more than I realized. Do you know what its like to walk around your home barefoot? Of course you do! Well, I couldn’t do that for the last year. It’s amazing!!! Taking a shower is great, not just being the only person in the shower but also taking a shower without flip-flops.

Amanda thought it would be funny to get a picture of my bare feet in the shower.
They are stark white b/c we couldn’t be outside barefoot at the camp. And if you know me you know I love to wear flip-flops in the summertime, so I’m trying to get the tan back. (Sorry if some of you aren't feet people)

So, Tuesday night Amanda and I decided to cook a little Mexican dinner. She made a delicious chicken enchilada dip, and I made “prison wraps” or burritos. Amanda enjoyed them, or at least so she says. I thought they were good and we had a blast cooking together. That’s one thing she and I have always enjoyed…trying new recipes together.

That’s me making the wraps.

And that is the finished product.

Wednesday night was my first time back at church in Columbiana. It was so good to be back with my church family. Singing church songs and hearing a lesson preached in truth was absolutely wonderful.

I was surprised by the sign.

Johnny (my #1 fan), me, Nic and Liz.

Sunday morning at church I was in for another surprise. After morning service we had a fellowship meal, which is normal for the 4th Sunday when going to the nursing home, but the church decorated the fellowship hall welcoming me back home. I had a smile on my face the whole day.

The spread of food was great, as always at Columbiana.

Me and my dad.

Me and Amanda.

Me in front of my “Welcome Home” sign.

Me and Shaw.

Three of the biggest kids you will ever meet.

After church that afternoon Nic, Liz, Lauren (a friend of Liz’s and now a friend of ours), Amanda and I headed up to Alabaster for a movie. Of course, Nic and I wanted to see Star Wars while the girls not so much. With it being my first movie to see since coming home I got my way…with a little compromise; the girls went to see another movie while Nic and I saw Star Wars. It was great!!! I’m a dork I know, but I love SW and was really happy to finally see it. After the movie we did the usual and went to Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner and some good old’ conversating.

Me in front to the Star Wars poster. (Amanda has had a blast taking pictures every time I turn around).

All in all I have to say my first week home has been great. Seeing friends, helping Amanda around the house (I love yard work), playing with the dogs, starting my college class, just being a normal person again. I’ll be posting pics of my office later this week (we had a lot of fun getting it set-up). Until next time, take care.


Josh

Free at last, Free at last!!

As Braveheart once said, "FREEEEEEEEEDOOOOOM!" It is a wonderful feeling to finally be at home. I left the halfway house at 8:45 yesterday morning, went and talked to my PO and then made the 30 minute drive home in like 15 minutes. Amanda was excited and the dogs were just happy that I was home so Amanda would stop taking random pictures. Its hard for me to really describe how I feel, when people ask. The only word I have been using is excited b/c that's about as close as I can come to describing how this feels. But, another word would be relief. This whole situation is now over and Amanda and I can now truly move forward with our lives.
I want to thank all of our friends for their thoughts and prayers as Amanda and I have gone through this difficult journey. You'll never know how much you all mean to us.

Now I want to tell you how I got through this whole mess. If it hadn't been for Amanda and I don't know how I would have dealt with things. But having her stand by me, come and visit me, talk with me about our future made all the difference in the world. I learned a lot of things this past year, mostly about my self, and the biggest thing of all was how much I truly love and adore Amanda. I found a new level of respect for my wife, which I think is very important because we all respect our spouses (or should) but sometimes its out of habit. When I look back on all we went through and how easy it would have been for Amanda to "pack it in" or just not come and visit me as much, I see how strong of a person she is. She's great! I mean what else can I say? Just like my feelings to be back home are indescribable so are my feelings for Amanda. I love her for who she is...a beautiful, caring, funny, sweet, strong woman. Thanks for letting me have that moment to talk about Amanda, I haven't had the chance to really say those things and you all need to know (if you don't already) how great she is.

Well, that's my first post from home. We've got a lot of things to do today...dog's getting groomed, putting my stuff up, and maybe a movie. Oh one last thing....I need some ideas on a new blog title since I'm not in a federal prison anymore. :) Take care.

Josh

Hello, Hi and Howdy!

How is everyone? Sorry it has been a while since I last wrote. I’ve been trying to let things build up so that I would have a lot to talk about. Unfortunately not much has happened, but a few big things have happened. We’ve got the end of softball, hair/weight loss and my leave date.

Before I talk about the end of softball, let me start back at the beginning. The team I was on won preseason with a 5-2 record. We only had enough players for 3 teams so we basically dominated everyone. We had a really good team and we all got along with each other…here’s the team: Bowden (1B), Sonny (2B), Reese (3B), Squirrel (SS), Melvin (LF), Mo (LCF), Buzzard (RCF) (AJ – I think Josh wrote Buzzard, but it was kind of hard to tell), Kevin (RF), Red (P) and me/Brad (C). I know you don’t know them, but I had to mention them all. Bowden is a good friend of mine here as is Sonny. Sonny and I were co-coaches and it worked out well (He’s one of the Healthsouth guys. Really nice and he’s always in visit like me). So preseason is over and the regular season started but not so well for us. We began 1-6 thru the 1st seven games. We figure that’s it! Just enjoy the rec and let’s get this over with since all 3 teams would be in the playoffs. Then something happened…everything clicked into place and we went 4-1 over the last five games of the season to move into second place for the playoffs (1st place: 7-3, us: 5-7, 3rd: 4-6). Yes we played more games b/c other teams had rainouts and didn’t make them up. The first round of the playoffs was best 2 out of 3 with the championship being 3 out of 5. Well we lost our first playoff game by 2 runs, then trailing 10-7 in game two we exploded and won 18-10, and trailing in game three 9-3 again we exploded to win 17-9. Two come from behind wins to make it to the championship. No one on the compound gave us a change against the first place team even though we gave them a loss in their last regular season game. Well we won, but we did it in style!

Game 1: Trailing 7-1 in the 4th inning, we came back to win 11-7, in 7 innings (softball only plays 7 innings.)
Game 2: Trailing 10-1 in the 5th inning, we came back to win 14-10.
Game 3: Trailing 5-1 in the 5th inning, we won 7-5 in 7 innings.

That’s right! We swept the #1 team. After starting 1-6 we went 9-2 over the last games to finish 10-8. We’re waiting for our 6 pack of coke for winning. To me that’s an amazing turnaround!

So winning the softball tournament brings me to my next subject. Amanda had been asking me to grow a goatee, so I did (AJ – and I love it!). Then she asked me to shave my head, I said no. But then I started thinking “why not?” So I told the softball team at the start of playoffs that if we won the championship they could shave my head, and as you just read, we won. So yes, my head was shaved! They guys really enjoyed it and I got a laugh out of it. All I have is a little bit of stubble on top of my head. I was scared what Amanda would think when she saw it since she didn’t believe me when I told her on the phone. Luckily I have a round head, not some funky shaped head, so it doesn’t look bad, just have to get used to it. Amanda says she likes it, even though she laughed at me when I saw her Friday night. She can tell you what she thinks (AJ – See my latest post for comments ;o) my weight loss is going good…as of June 15th I had lost 92 lbs! (AJ – way to go baby!) My goad is 8 more lbs by the time I leave (AJ – You can do it!)

Speaking of leaving, I am outta here on July 15th (3 days short of a year). I have to go to the halfway house in Birmingham for 33 days, but I’m not here anymore! There is a chance I could be there for just 2 weeks or get home confinement (keep your fingers crossed), but I could still have to stay for the entire 33 days. It doesn’t really matter to me b/c I realize how close I am to having all of this behind me. I would love to go straight home, but if I have to stay there 33 days then so be it. 33 days is nothing once you’ve been here for a yea. I look forward to seeing everyone once I’m home. I’ve miss you all! Thank you for keeping me and Amanda in your prayers; you’ll never know how much that has meant to us. So, I guess you will here from me after I’m home and have spent some time with Amanda and the babies (dogs) :o)

Take care and God Bless you all!

Josh W. Jones

Well folks...

It's Tuesday evening and I'm watching it rain. A lot has happened since my last blog, and I'm sorry I haven't written sooner. (AJ - The nerve Josh...I update my blog at least every other day ;o) So, let's get down to business!

The biggest news is that I have my official date for leaving Talladega FPC. This is when I will go to the half-way house, not home, but at least I'm outta here. So, July 15th is the big day! I can not explain how excited I am about leaving this place (AJ - I told someone at work today that I'm so excited about standing outside with you and breathing in the air together!). I have 33 days of hwh time but I shouldn't be there more than 2-3 weeks. I'm hoping for home confinement for those 33 days but I'll take anything to be out of here. As of right now I have 49 days and a wake-up, by the time you are reading this it will be much less. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone, but most importantly spending time with Amanda (AJ - Good answer, good answer!)

So, since my last blog there has been some craziness going on here. The warden took the weight pile from us and we lost visits for Memorial Day weekend. The reason is b/c a lot of contraband (tobacco, Hydroxicut, creatine, gin, etc) was found. So, b/c of the actions of a few morons, the whole camp is suffering. This is the longest I have gone without seeing Amanda and it has been really tough (AJ - tell me about it!). I took for granted seeing each other every weekend. I don't want to miss another day. I refuse to be apart from her when I do finally get home (AJ - awwww...) This past weekend was so boring with nothing to do. We did have a softball tournament, but a fight broke out int he first game between two guys (one from my team) and the Rec yard was closed Saturday. things cooled off and were back to normal Sunday so that kinda helped the weekend. I read two books and got too much sun.

The regular softball season is going alright. I did hurt my thumb pretty bad in a game (I'm ok now) and my workout partner tore the ligaments behind his knee (he's still hurting). We don't play again until Saturday and we've got to replace two players (one whose hurt, previously mentioned, and another that was in the fight). I'm still enjoying playing and it does pass the time. With the weather getting warmer, it's become a good workout.

A few things before I go...
1) I want to comment on Chad's blog where he is answering questions..."Chad, I agree with you on almost all of Bama's games. I see a 9-3 season heading our way. We're beating Tennessee and Auburn, though (AJ - Tennessee maybe, but Auburn? Must have been another Josh write-o) I know how you feel about the Auburn game since you're married to Teale, b/c as long as Amanda keeps up this charade that she's an Auburn fan, I'm in the same boat.

2) I need to apologize to the lady's that were at Teale's for GNO the other night. I hope didn't interrupt the movie by calling my wife (AJ - You didn't). Just needed to make sure she got there safely. It was good talking to Teale (please think about what I said, it's only 11 days :o)

3) Someone please tell me what Amanda is doing to my office for me. I really want to know! (AJ - Sorry baby, but no one knows yet!)

4) I'm glad Stentsen is home! Not as glad as Erin is, I'm sure, but I do know how glad he is to be back with friends and family. I'm happy you're safe and cant' wait to meet you guys!

5) And finally, I'm going to steal a page from Chad...I need questions. Anything you want to ask. If you know me, come up with something; if you don't know me, there's plenty to ask! I'll answer your questions as soon as I get them. I need to fill blog space and this is a good way to get to know me better.

Take care and God Bless You!

Josh W. Jones

***Side Note from Amanda - FYI, I received this post at 4:30 and it is now 5:09 thank you very much ;o)

"What Up Fellas?"

Do you mind if I call you "Fellas"? Hey everyone! I'm sure you're wondering what that was all about. Well, that's something I say to the guys I play cards with. just something we find funny (AJ - man, you need to get out more baby!). How are you all? things are good here. I apologize for the delay of this blog...well actually, Amanda apologizes for not wanting to type my previous blog. But thanks to the constant pestering from me and the girls (Teale, Crystal, Belinda & Erin when you had dinner) getting on her case, it got typed. A lot has happened since then. Not really, but it sounded good. My time here is getting shorter (I'm under 100 days!), weight loss is going good, softball is good and I had a job change. So here goes...

One thing I promised to do when I came here was to lose weight, as much weight as I could but remain healthy. To date, I have lost 85 lbs and 8 inches in pant size. I've got 2 1/2 to 3 months left to lose another 25-30 lbs. I can tell a difference in myself. I can run better, not as tired and I just feel good. I'm doing a lot of weight lifting with cardio, I'll be stepping up the cardio here soon, and eating a lot of tun & salmon. Amanda sent me a pic of myself taken not long before I came here. I had no neck!!! I'm disgusted with that. I now have a neck and you can see my jawline. Amanda tells me she sees the difference. I hope it's true (AJ - it is so true, but you're still the same sweet, lovable Josh!). I'm changing myself for the better...hope you like the new Josh :o)

I mentioned in the last blog that I'm playing softball, well I am. In the pre-season, my team finished 4-2 and we are currently 1-1 in the regular season. I don't know what my batting average was in the pre-season, but right now I'm 2 for 3 in 2 games, but I didn't play the second game b/c I hurt my leg and we had some new guys to play. Out of 3 teams, I have been told I'm the best catcher, which is nice but catcher is for the slowest guy on the team. But, I will say I play the position well b/c I know how the game works. We've had two games rained out, but we have a game Wednesday. I'll tell Amanda if we won so she can put it in the blog (AJ - I know you told me, but I can't remember what you said, sorry!). I like the team I'm on b/c all of the guys get along, while other teams argue constantly. The playoffs start the middle of June so I'll have a lot of softball to talk about. Next time I'll have something from the game to talk about b/c craziness always occurs on the field (AJ - FYI, I have not seen it, but Josh did hurt his hand pretty bad Saturday afternoon in a softball game. It doesn't seem to be broken, but he said it was pretty bruised and swollen, so hopefully it will heal soon and not be so painful).

As some of you may know, I got a job change. For the last 9.5 months I have been a dorm orderly (cleaning the bathrooms). Well, last Monday I was told I would be working at the Warden/Business Office. No, it is not like Shawshank! One, b/c they don't let me do the books (he-he); and "B", I can't put the Warden's dry-cleaned clothes under my uniform b/c the warden is a woman. I'm sure I could try but it would look a little obvious. Anyway, I just take out the trash and clean the floors. Nothing to the job, just very boring. I read 3 books in a week, actually, I've read 8 books in the last two weeks. Lots of free time! The one perk of the job is I get to go outside the fence and walk to work. And yes, the air smells a whole lot better on that side of the fence!

I guess that will do it for this week. Hopefully, Amanda will post this blog when she gets it. (I'm just kidding, Mae! I love you) (AJ - and no, I did not post it when I got it...I know, I'm totally slacking on the job!) I'll update softball next time and maybe I'll have my exact date for leaving. I look forward to your comments and any questions you may have in general for me.

Josh W. Jones

Oh, Is anyone else as happy as me that Brooke got kicked off of Idol? (AJ - I'm not, I really liked her..not necessarily her singing, but she seemed so sweet. If any of you are Idol fans, and you did not see Best Week Ever, go to the link I've posted. It's "Brooke White Stops and Starts the Classics". I thought it was hilarious, and I'm so glad that she can laugh at herself! Enjoy...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSsrs8_lFFg )

Let me, Amanda, start by saying...

That I am truly sorry and apologize from the bottom of my heart. Since April 3rd, I have been holding Josh's last post. I boycotted and refused to write it! I know, I know, I'm a horrible wife. Not only is the man not here to type it himself, but he totally and completely relies on me, his seemingly "perfect" <-----haha, wife to take care of things like this for him. He kept asking and asking if I had posted it, and I would just avoid the question, then he started just asking if anyone had commented and I would say "No, no comments whatsoever". That wasn't exactly a lie either...there were no comments b/c nothing had ever been posted ;o) Anyway, I'm getting tired of him asking and seeing the look of disappointment on his face, and he is not going to write another post until I type this one for him. I can't let him down...after all, he did write it and put so much thought and love into it. If you remember from his previous post, he said that this one would be about me - that's why I didn't want to post it. First of all, I feel in no way that I deserve any of the nice things he has to say. And second, do you know how weird it is to write nice things about yourself for others to read?! If you know me even a little, you know that I CAN NOT take a compliment to save my life! Especially when it's Josh doing the complimenting, but I can't wait any longer...besides, too many people have been asking where his post is! Here goes...

Hello to everyone from Talladega FPC. It's April and I'm another month closer to coming home (AJ - and now April is over, so he's even closer!). I'm not sure of the exact number of days, but you can check the counter on Amanda's Myspace page (111 as of 4/29). I hope you are all doing well and that the world is being good to you. Before I begin on my main topic for the week (my wife) I would like to discuss a couple of other items.

So, who is enjoying "American Idol"? I'll tell you that "AI" is probably the most popular TV show in prison. Guys here are big time serious about watching it. The prison favorite is Kristy Lee Cook (mainly b/c she's pretty) (AJ - Didn't she leave like 2 weeks ago? Again, my apologies!), but the most talented is David Cook who sang "Billie Jean" the other week. Dude is awesome. This group of contestants are good but, I don't feel as talented as past seasons (AJ - I agree 110%). Let me know what you think. My wife likes Michael Johns (b/c he's pretty. HA!) (AJ - yeah, he left like 3 weeks ago, and honestly, the show just isn't worth watching anymore!). Oh, one more thing, does David Cook remind you of anyone the way he does me and Amanda? Look at the guy and think about it. Chad??? (AJ - I know, this was discussed on Chad's blog like forever ago!)

I'm playing softball! I needed something else to help pass the time and it's fun so far. We had our first preseason game yesterday. We lost, but we didn't have our full team; we had to borrow players so we could play. I played catcher (too slow for outfield and our 1st baseman is our best player, which 1st is my natural position). I went 1 for 2 at the plate. So, not a bad day. We play again Saturday & hopefully we'll have our full team and win. I'll keep you updated as the season goes along.

Now for the important part of my blog. The "meat" of the blog. The reason this blog is being written (AJ - 4 weeks later). My wife! Now some of you know Amanda and some of you don't. You can read her blog and learn some things about her, but I can really fill you in on who Amanda is. I'm sure this is tough for her to type for me but I know she'll do a good job. So, Amanda Jones (formerly Amanda Bulger) is my best friend. Yes, we all say that about our spouse and most mean it. I mean it, she's my best friend. I'm not going to talk about how kind and caring and good natured Amanda is...that would take too long. I'm going to tell you what makes her my best friend.

She's funny. No...Hilarious! She acts real shy around people until she gets comfortable around you then Boom! She's a comedian (AJ - I believe this is something only Josh sees in me...I actually think I'm just as corny as he is ;o) . I'm serious! She cracks me up. Sometimes she doesn't realize she's being funny and that's endearing to me, but most of the time the woman can throw out a funny line. Her favorite movie is Dumb & Dumber..."Excuse me, Flo?" (AJ - not my favorite, but it's up there!) She can imitate just about any comedy sketch she sees, the problem is getting her to do it in front of other people (AJ - he's actually right about that...my favorite is the Target Lady on SNL, but don't ask me to do it!) And, she can do funny voices. A woman that can put me into tears from laughing...what's better? She's sarcastic and if you know me then you know she and I are meant for each other. Now, we aren't sarcastic mean, we're sarcastic funny. Ask her if it's raining when she comes inside soaking wet and you'll get a laugh. She makes up words to songs (though not as good as I can). She also makes up sign language for songs. Now that's funny stuff! (AJ - I honestly think this is stuff that only a husband with nothing but love for his wife can find amusing...that's part of the reason I love this man!)

Amanda is very organized....in her own way. Which is to say that she isn't at all, but I love her for it though b/c it keeps me on my toes. She'll go out of her way to help anyone. (AJ - Purposely leaving out a story that he jotted down b/c I don't like to "brag" about a good deed, but I am happy that Josh was proud of me for it!) The woman has a heart of gold.

Amanda and I are both Libra's, which probably doesn't mean much. But our personalities just click. We can finish each other's sentences like we're reading from a movie script :o) (AJ - I just got that baby!) Amanda is a dreamer (AJ - probably too much of a dreamer!) We all are dreamers in some way, but Amanda has big dreams (AJ - just 8 kids, cute little house on a hill with a white pickett fence and a pink pig in the yard!). Which is perfect b/c I'm a big dreamer too. It's Amanda's hopes and dreams that give her the power to melt my heart any time we talk about us. I don't know if everyone's spouse has that ability over the other, but Amanda has it over me. Just the look on her face when she talks about us....it takes me over.

Something else about my wife that I find adorable, but you might find silly, is her refusal to admit her true allegiance (AJ - I totally forgot about this part...I think Josh was inhaling paint fumes or something!) I'm not talking about to me or someone else. You see, Amanda has a small problem...she claims to be an Auburn fan (AJ - War Eagle Baby!) Are you alright? You didn't hurt yourself when you fell from your chair did you? Take a deep breath. It's true. I, Josh Jones, self-proclaimed biggest Alabama fan is married to a so-called Auburn fan. But it's ok, I promise. See, Amanda isn't an Auburn fan; she's an Alabama fan. she just claims to support Auburn to give us something to disagree about (we don't have much else). We only go to the Alabama games, she knows all of Alabama's cheers, the fight song and even some of the players names (AJ - that's just so he won't pout). We went to an Alabama-Auburn game and she did wear an Auburn t-shirt, but she only did that so Teale wouldn't feel left out (AJ - I distinctly remember that game, how about you Teale?? I think it ended in our favor...and so have the last few AU-UA games! Oh yeah, I said it, whatcha gonna do about it ;oP ) It's ok baby, you can admit it now. I know it's tough carrying that secret around, but everyone has the right to know. Amanda Jones is an AUBURN FAN! (AJ - you know what cruel name Josh had there instead of Auburn...must have been a type, or write-o since he can't type there) But isn't it sweet how she acts like an Auburn fan just so we have something to joke with each other about? I love you baby!

In all seriousness, my wife is the best! I don't know how anyone can love me as much as she does. I'm thankful everyday that I found her and she is standing by me (AJ - wouldn't have it any other way) I plan on spending the rest of my life making up for all the time we have lost over the past year.

Well, I hope you enjoyed my blog this week. Next week I'll update on softball, weight loss and my new cellie. Take care and God Bless!

Josh W. Jones

Hello...

from Talladega FPC! How's everyone doing this week? I'm good. Time has been flying by for me lately. I think most of it has to do with how good the weather has been; hasn't it been great? I wish it could be like this all the time. I've been working out and getting a lot of sun. I'm trying to be more tan than Amanda. Haha! :)

Speaking of Amanda...I got on her case about losing my blog. Just kidding, but I did aggravate her. She's got a lot going on and I don't know how she does it all. I love her for all that she's done for me and been through with me. Anyone can love another person, but to respect and appreciate another person is one of the highest compliments. That's how I feel about my wife...I love her, but I also respect her and appreciate everything she has done for me. She's my best friend. And since no one guessed how many trees there were, I'll take a stab...945,638? What do I win? (AJ - Thank you baby, that was very sweet. It's weird writing stuff like that about myself. And by the way, you were off by just 1 tree...it was 945, 637! Sorry, no prize for you!)

I need to answer a few things from my last blog. First, Teale and Amanda do know what I'm talking about in spades. I'm not saying we dominate them every time we play. yes, they have beat us before (but that one time where Amanda threw off on diamonds when she still had them doesn't count (AJ - I did not do that for the millionth time!) :o) Second, to OkieLogic (mystery person), the BOP is Bureau of Prisons and the government is always interested in someones religion. My beliefs don't cause people or the BOP to really treat me differently. Just my beliefs aren't catered to like other groups b/c I'm not much of a concern.

Well, before I go any further I need to send congratulations out to Teale & Chad, and Belinda and her husband. Belinda, I don't know you and neither does Amanda, "really", but she always tells me about some comment you made or things going on with you. Thank you for being someone Amanda can talk to. Anyway, congrats Belinda on the baby; hope everything goes well! I couldn't be more excited for Teale and Chad! Teale and I have been friends since high school and Chad and I have been friends since he started dating Teale. One of the hardest things for me has been not being there for people, especially my wife and friends. When Chad and Teale lost Kendall, I had only been here for a day. My heart broke for them. And, though I know I could not have done anything to make things better, I just hate myself for not being there for my friends. I love you guys! I'm so excited that I'll be there when MoJo is born (You can't blame me for holding out hope that the due date is off by 11 days). I wish you the best of luck and I can't wait to see you guys! In one of Chad's blogs (Amanda sends me blogs if she knows I'll enjoy them) he talked about Teale throwing-up after brushing her teeth. I can relate to that situation. Not throwing-up after brushing my teeth b/c of pregnancy b/c that's impossible, but just throwing up after brushing my teeth. If I drink OJ then brush my teeth...YAAACK! Or brush my teeth then drink OJ...YAAACK! Strange I know, but I went through many trails to discover what was making me do this. Up-chucking after brushing your teeth sucks! I hope things get better.

Well, that's all for this blog. I made it short so Amanda can get right to it and not lose it. Kidding! Mainly my next topic will take a little longer to write about...my wife. I want people to know how great she is (AJ - is he talking about me??), how funny she can be (AJ - again, is he talking about me??), and the small problem she has about admitting her team allegiance in college football (AJ - ok, it must be his other wife that he's talking about). Take care and God bless!

Joshua W. Jones

Let's try this again...

Amanda here – I have the blog in my hand and am not going to lose it….again! Also, I didn’t realize that I had his comments set to only people with accounts as being able to leave one. It has since been changed, so the public can comment away!! On another note…there’s a certain couple that we know, and all I have to say is one of them will love the end of this post, and one will be back to visit Josh very soon to set things straight! Enjoy!

Welcome back to another installment of my blog. I hope you all are doing well. I’m fine…thanks for asking. Not much is going on here (as usual) but the week is going by quickly (AJ - yes, I know this is 2 weeks old, but last week went by fast for him too, and I’m sure this one will be just the same ;o)) March is almost here (AJ – again, it’s now St. Patrick’s Day! Sorry!), as I write this, and I can’t believe I’m going on 8 months here. It seems like so much longer but at the same time like it has flown by. Does that make sense?

Before I begin this week’s topics, I realized that I forgot a topic from last entry…”things you don’t discuss (religion & politics)”. First, for those that don’t know, I and my wife are members of the church of Christ. Here at camp I am viewed as an outsider b/c of my beliefs. The federal system caters to all religions; Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, House of Yahweh, Rastafarian, Jehovah’s Witness and Christian. I don’t fit into the category of what the BOP calls Christian. The Christian services here are geared more towards Baptist, Methodist, “Contemporary”, etc. Not church of Christ. I tried talking to people about the church of Christ but once finding out what I believe, no “Christian” would discuss church with me. Craziness! So I’m not asked into any religious discussions. Also, the religions do not intermix. Meaning, you don’t discuss your beliefs with someone of a different group. Politics fall into the same realm. Take a guess what party everyone here supports. Democrats. And if you know me then you know I’m the farthest thing from a democrat. Again, I’m an outsider. Both religion and politics have caused some serious blow-up arguments around here.

Now on to this weeks topics:
My buddy Jeff Anderson is a very strange character. A good guy, very smart, with a taste for strange books. He and I do not agree on most topics other than the stupid people here and good books. But Jeff does say some very strange things. He says the earth is billions of years old (he’s not a Christian). That Care Bears scare him. He wants to be a “Scary Clown” (read Bad Monkeys by Matt Ruff and you’ll understand) and what I think is the strangest thing he’s said: “May the custodial gods implanted by Alien overlords to manipulate human history not screw with us too terribly bad.” That’s a verbatim quote. He wrote it down for me. Like I said, he says some strange things, but he’s a good guy.

While here the BOP is required to give us 3 meals a day. What isn’t required is the meals be good. Each week we have a menu that is put out (like in high school) and the meals sound good, they just don’t taste good. The best things we have are hamburgers (every Wednesday is hamburger day) and whenever we have baked chicken. That’s it. Possibility of two decent meals a week. The rest of the meals aren’t terrible…you just have to acquire the taste to eat it (AJ – It is a amazing the different foods I have tried to get him just to taste over the last few years, and he’s always said, ewe to them, and now he loves them..i.e. Carrot Cake, Sweet Potatoes, SWEET POTATO PIE!, and I know there are a couple of others, just can’t think of them right now). Basically you learn to eat the stuff or starve. Well you won’t starve b/c we do have a commissary (store) where you can buy food. This is how we cook if we don’t want to eat at Mainline (AJ – by cooking, he means microwave). We can get tuna, chicken, ham, roast beef (all in soft packs), chips, onions, bell peppers, tortilla wraps, seasonings, peanut butter, rice, crackers, and more. It’s crazy but we (inmates) can cook better with plastic bowls, less ingredients, and a microwave and our food is better than what they produce from a commercial grade kitchen. I have learned some awesome dishes that I hope to share with some of you one day.

Fried Rice (wow!)
Nachos (if you are with me during football season, expect them)
Breakfast Wraps (awesome!)
Burritos and Pizza

Man, I’m hungry now.

Quick update on the job change. There is not job change. Seems I don’t have enough time left to warrant them letting me go to another job. So, I’m stuck cleaning the bathrooms on the weekend. Whatever.

Now visits are the best and worst thing we have. Visits are Friday 5-9 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8-3:30. Amanda has been here every weekend. I don’t know what I would do without the weekends (AJ – Me either baby!). Visits give me something to look forward to and the change to connect with normal people. Amanda and I have been able to build our relationship through our conversations at visit; My dad and I have become better friends; Plus, I get out of the monotony of the camp. The bad part about visits is also the good; I get to see friends and family. It’s great and wonderful to see people, but gut wrenching when they have to leave (AJ – Especially this past Saturday for some reason?!). Amanda always asks me if I’m ready for her to go. The answer is always “No!” But at the same time, I don’t want her to wait until the last minute b/c it makes it so much harder for me and for her (I’m sure).

So, I’m a big guy. When I got here in July 2007, I was bigger than I am now. One thing about prison, there’s plenty of time to work out. First, the food isn’t great and they give very small portions (I mean Ethiopian small portions). Second, you can pass a lot of time on the track. When I got here I could barely run 1 lap, but I pushed myself, cut out sweets (except for cookies in the visiting room. I gotta have something) and most bread. When the weather was warm I was walking and running a total of 4-5 miles a day, 5-6 days a week. As it got colder, the running slacked off but I still walk. As of January, I had lost 60 lbs. I haven’t weighed recently b/c at the first of the year I stared lifting weights. I can tell I haven’t lost that much weight (fat), but I have lost several inches (gained muscle) (AJ – Josh got up a couple of times while I was there Friday and Saturday, and as I watched him walk by, from the side he looks like a totally different person – It’s unbelievable! I wish I was as disciplined as he is). I’m very excited and actually enjoy working out. My goal is to lose another 50-60 lbs before I leave and I feel with hard work, support from my workout buddy Skeeter, and knowing I’m getting healthier, I think I can do it! Keep your fingers crossed!

Another pass time in prison is playing cards. I learned how I played certain games on the street are totally different here. Prison cards suck! (AJ – every time we start to play spades, I ask if we’re playing spades or prison spades.) As you all know (or should know) I’m a great spades player with real world rules. Teale was always my spades partner in high school and we’ve played some pretty amazing games and usual win, but since then I’ve found an even better spades partner…Chad (Teale’s husband if you don’t know). The man is crazy good! He and I came back from near impossible odds to beat our wives. (Yes, we’re bad husband’s b/c we beat our wives in a card game, but don’t think that Amanda and Teale wouldn’t cut our throats to win) (AJ – I have no idea what he’s talking about, do you Teale??) Anyway, Chad is the only person I know that can go for 0 and get it with the queen and 3 other spades. Sorry, just have to brag on him. Amanda and I play two-person spades, we’re about even, Phase 10 (she kills me) and Rummy. I’ve taught her a two person game called “Casino” and a 2,3, or 4 person game called “13” (13 is like Kahuna, if you know that game). I’ve also learned “pluck” which is like 3 person spades but you choose the trump.

So, I guess that will just about do it for this time. I hope you have enjoyed this installment of “Camp life”. I’m not sure what I’ll be writing on next week, but I’m thinking about hitting on stuff outside of camp. Hope you like it. Let me know if there’s anything you would like me to comment on. Take care and God Bless!

Joshua W. Jones

Another week...

Another post.

Ok...this is Amanda. I totally just sat down to type Josh's latest blog. Well, I thought it was right here with the others that I've previously typed, but it's not. I have turned the house upside down (actually, it was already like that) and looked through everything I could think of. No blog!! I think I L-O-S-T it. Alright, no one tell Josh. Even if you want to, it'll take 2-3 days for him to find out. There's just no point in it b/c by that time, I will have found it...hopefully!! Wish me luck!!

Here is a picture for you to look at while you wait on his next blog entry...Who can guess how many trees there are??? ;o)

Well, it's another week...

gone by for me and just a little bit closer to going home. I hope everyone had a more eventful week than I did; put simply, nothing ever happens here. I’m writing this new entry to the blog before I find out if anyone enjoyed or even read the first entry. I hope you have read it and plan to continue reading and commenting. If you had any questions that you posted or are sending me, I will try to answer them on the next blog entry, Ok? Okay! Now, if I remember correctly I said I would be talking about phrases I’ve learned, things not to say, Skeeter, George Lucas & Harry Potter, and interesting books I recommend. So, let’s get down to the nitty gritty.

“Pop a clutch!” That is a phrase that is commonly used here at FPC when you want someone to go away; also, “Kick rocks!” Now I had heard the second phrase before I came here, but the first really stuck out when I heard someone say it. I’ve not been told to “pop a clutch”, yet…but I’m sure someone will tell me one day. You all know how I can be! Here’s a short list of some other phrases and words with their meanings:

Cellie: A person you share your cube (living space) with (AJ – I miss my “cellie!”)
Bunkie: Some people sleep on bunk beds. The other person in your bunk is your Bunkie.
Get money: To work out hard at the weight pile or on the track (AJ – I don’t get it?!)
Cop-out: A form to fill out when you have a question to Camp Administration.

Anyway, that is just a few of the phrases that get used on a daily basis here.

Now, there are several things that one should never say to someone else while in Federal prison. Some of them I can not put online b/c this is a family oriented blog, but I’ll try to convey a few as best I can. First, don’t call someone a punk. I didn’t get this one b/c I would call a friend a punk when joking around. But here “punk” means gay. And guys are very touchy about their sexuality. You can’t call someone a female dog or a son of a female dog. Also out are M-F, telling someone to “F” themselves (AJ – I don’t think you’re supposed to say these things to anyone, whether in prison or out, but I guess it would be more dangerous to say them there!) Basically, you don’t say anything derogatory to someone else. All of this was easy for me. No problem. I just don’t understand how punk gets turned into someone being gay?! Oh well.

I’m sure you are all wondering, “What is Skeeter?” Well, Skeeter is a nickname of an inmate here. Nicknames are pretty much required in prison; everyone has one in some shape or form. My buddy Skeeter, whose name is actually James Stephen Alexander II, is one of the only intelligent people here that I can talk with, plus he’s a huge Star Wars fan. So much of a fan that when I get a book or Amanda sends a Star Wars magazine, she tells me to share it with Skeeter (AJ – I am so happy that Josh has someone there to talk to…I’ve met Skeeter and he seems extremely nice!) He’s a good guy that just was in the wrong situation. He’s helped me with getting into the right workout routine and we always have something to discuss pertaining to the Star Wars universe. Skeeter asked me to inform he ladies that he is single (AJ – when I first read this, I was thinking, will someone really think about dating someone in prison, or that’s been in prison, then I realized, I’m married to a felon! I guess in some way that still hasn’t clicked with me!) I don’t know what good that will do considering most (if not all) of the women reading this are married, but I couldn’t crush his dreams.

So, nicknames…we all have them and here are a few examples:

Big Shot, Birmingham, Skid Row, J-Rub, Flat Rock, Mug, KoKomo, Emmy,
Preacher (we have 6 guys called that here), Bones, Bear, Gotti, C-Murder, “C”, Ant, Elmo, C-Dub, Bass, Dirty, Kiddie Bear

That’s some of the basic ones. Also, guys are called by their last names. I’m sure you’re wondering if I have a nickname. I do. Mostly, I’m called Josh or JJ, but some guys call me Foamy. I will explain this at another time. It’s dumb, but guys say it fits.

If you don’t know me, you’re probably asking how George Lucas, the Skywalker family, and Harry Potter have helped me since I’ve been here. Well I’m a huge Star Wars fan and so I thank George Lucas for his contribution to cinema. But the Skywalker family has really helped. For those that live under a rock or just don’t care…there is a whole line of Star Wars novels that follow the adventures of the Skywalker and Solo families after the move. I made a list of 46 books (that take place after the movies) that I wanted to read while here. Mrs. Jackie Ellison (a wonderful lady that worked with my mom @ SCBOE) offered to send me all the books over the year that I’m here (Thank you!) I’ve read around 25-27 of them so far. They have really helped to pass the time. And, Harry Potter. Yes, I’m a big kid, I know (AJ – We all know baby…that’s one of the reasons we love you!) For those of you that have not read the Harry Potter Books, you are missing out. I’ve read all the books at least twice and each time is like being a kid again. The books really let you imagination go and allow you to become connected with the characters; making the reading experience that much better. The 5th HP movie came out the Friday before I self-surrendered and I saw it 3 or 4 times. The following Friday (my first Friday @ camp) the 7th and final book came out. I faithfully wanted for my copy to arrive (and yes there are other HP fans here at camp). Reading the book was like forgetting about this place. I was totally immersed in what was happening in the book! You all are probably calling me a dorm, and that’s ok. These are books & movies that I enjoy and for a brief time let me feel like a kid again and forget all about my worries. Bet you wish you had something like that, huh?

So, like I said in my last blog…I’ve read just over 100 books since being here (AJ – I hope that if we are blessed with children someday, that they like to read as much as their daddy does – momma likes magazines…that’s about it!) Some good books, some great books, and some really bad books. The books I’m going to list are some I recommend to read, you might not enjoy all the ones that I did but you’re bound to read one that you like.

Star Wars Books – If you’re not a fan don’t bother, you wouldn’t get it.
Harry Potter Series – Everyone should read these.
“Born Standing Up” by Steve Martin – His autobiography. Really good.
“Fire & Ice Series” by George R.R. Martin – If you didn’t like Lord of the Rings, you won’t like this. 5 books. Only read 4 b/c Mr. Martin has not published the 5th book.
“Wicked” – Book the Broadway play was based on. Very social & political stuff. Weird to read Glinda the Good Witch cursing (Thanks Teale)
“Earagon” & “Eldest” by Chris Paolini – If you don’t like fantasy, don’t bother.
“Bad Monkeys”; “Sewer, Gas & Electric”; “Fool on the Hill”; “Set this House in Order” all by Matt Ruff – All are very strange books and tough reads, but they are brilliant.
“Fight Club” – Great guy book. Movie is just as good.
“Marley & Me” – Wonderful book about a guy and his dog. Made me cry.
“World War Z: oral History of the Zombie Wars” – Absolutely amazing book!
“Roots” by Alex Haley – Everyone should read.
“Eisenhorn” – Sci fi fans will love
Most all the vampire stuff by Anne Rice – you just have to like that stuff.
***And the best book by far…”Zeroville” by Steve Erickson. This book actually made me mad when I finished. If you read it you will understand. Tough read, but amazing stuff. This guy has other books I’ve read here but his is the best!

Most of the books (the odd ones at least) were referred to me by a guy here named Jeff Anderson. An odd character, but we both like the same books. (Guess that makes me odd.) Anyway, I hope that you will try to read some of the books I have mentioned. I hate to sound like some old person, but reading is really good for your mind!

I guess that’s going to wrap things up for this week. I hope you are enjoying a glimpse into my life at camp. If you have any questions or just want to say hey, please comment on my blog or feel free to write me. I will write back! Take Care!

Joshua W Jones

Topics for next time: Strange things Jeff says, the food here, visits, weekend movies, job update, my continued weight loss and card games.

Where to start...

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Ok, most people reading this know about my situation and how I ended up at Talladega FPC, but if you don't know the story, check out my wife's blog about dropping me off at camp. We both try to be very light-hearted about the whole thing (mainly b/c we have stressed over it for so long) and there's nothing more to do but move on with it. Yes, I committed a "white-collar" crime. Yes, I know it was wrong. And yes, I deserved to be punished. Now, I wasn't thrilled with my punishment, but I accepted it and I'm dealing with it.

So, why am I doing a blog? And how? Well, I really wanted a way to let everyone know what all is going on with me without writing a million letters, and plus it's a good way to vent. I'm writing this in the chapel at the camp (quietist place here) and going to mail it to Amanda (Hi!) to type online for me. Hopefully, she won't leave anything I write out (I'm not!). My blog will only be updated once a week, mostly b/c much doesn't change here. I look forward to your comments b/c Amanda will be sending me a copy of how my blog looks. I'll also supply my address if any of you feel like dropping me more than just a few lines.

I'm going to start at the beginning b/c that's the best place to start. I won't be holding anything back about what I went through, am going through, and how things are done. It's really not as bad as I thought it would be, but it ain't no picnic either.

July 18, 2007 is when I came to Talladega FPC. Amanda dropped me off and I had held myself together pretty well until she had to leave. Knowing that was the last moment that I would get to hold my wife and best friend the way I wanted to hurt worse than anything. Amanda had held up well until that point also. I hope I never feel that bad again! So, I get taken back to R & D, which is processing for incoming and outgoing inmates, and this is where you realize that this is prison. I'm told to strip naked and stand with my arms away from my side to be searched, then told to squat and cough. I'm thinking, "Way to go Josh, you've just been demoralized!" Seriously, I realized that for the next year I could be strip searched at any time. Not really something you think about on the street <--- (Yes, you will notice that I use certain "prison terms" as I describe things. Term # 1: Street means "outside world"!) Well, then I'm told to find some clothes on the shelf behind me and dress. I'm a big guy so it took some searching. Finally dressed, I have my picture taken for my ID, asked some basic medical questions (physical & mental) then sent to the camp. I had no idea of what to expect. We all hear these horror stories about prison but don't know what to really expect. When you are new off of the street, everyone can tell and they are actually helpful. I was given the basic rules:

Rule #1: You don't talk about Federal Prison Camp.
Rule #2: You don't talk about Federal Prison Camp.
Rule #3: Two guys per fight.
Rule #4: One fight at a time.
Rule #5: No shirt, no shoes in a fight.
Rule #6: Fights go on as long as they have to.
Rule #7: If it's your first time at FPC you have to fight!

Just kidding!! Truth be told, everyone here is pretty nice. Now I'm at a camp, the lowest security prison you can be at. No killers, or rapists, or C-mos (AJ here...I have no idea what that is?!). Just "white-collar" guys and guys that were dealing drugs or got caught with drugs in the wrong place at the wrong type scenarios. So the people were nice. I mean, guys were giving me extra shorts and shoes they had until I was able to buy some clothes to wear besides my uniform. They filled me in on what the camp was like and how people are. People always worry about homosexuals in prison, and yes there are a few here, but they don't bother anyone. It's not like Shawshank Redemption or anything. When I finally got my cube assignment is when I started to get to know some people. I still talk to the guys I first met here b/c of how helpful they were. I settled in on my bunk and wrote my wife. That's when I broke down. I hated myself for getting into this situation and all I wanted was to talk to my wife. No one said anything to me; they understood what I was going through and gave me my space. I went to sleep early that night hoping it would all just be a dream. It wasn't. Things have gotten much better emotionally since that first day. I've adjusted. I've moved into 2 different cubes since then, but probably won't move again until I go home. I have a job as a dorm orderly (I mop floors) but I am waiting for a job change. I'll let you know when that happens. I do a lot of reading in my free time (which I have a lot of). I've read around 100 books or more since I got here. Crazy! You have to find a way to pass the time here or you'll go insane.

I guess I should tell you a little more about the camp. Well, it is located next to a Medium Security Prison (guys with 25-30 years or more), but we never see anyone from over there. There are about 300 guys at the camp in 4 dorms (T, V, X & Y). I live in V-Dorm which is honestly the better of the four. We have a small TV pavillion, chapel, education building and rec yard. The rec yard has a weight pavillion, basketball courts, softball field and track. I've spent a lot of time on the track and working out (lost 60 lbs. so far and still counting (AJ - I'm very proud of you baby!!)). Walking or running on the track really helps you lose yourself in thoughts and kinda forget about things. The dorms have two and three man cubes; I live in a three man cube, but there is only two of us in there. We have a laundry room next to the bathrooms. We have two urinals & four toilets, six sinks and six shower stalls (there are curtains in there). Standing rule in the shower is only 3 people at a time in there. Showers 1, 4 & 6 are all that can be used. No getting too close back there and no one breaks that rule...it's just understood! We also have a tv room in the dorms with 4 TV's; you have to watch them using your radio and headphones for sound. (I'll come back to the tv room. Interesting prison politics here.) We have a telephone room located in the main building with 8 phones for 300 guys to use. A barber shop; guys here get their hair cut more often and changed than some women I know (not more than my wife though - AJ - I'm letting this slide b/c it's true) :) Then there is commisary, or the store. We can shop for food items, stamps, hygeine and rec clothes. Crap there is expensive. $50 bucks for a sweatshirt and sweatpants!! But hey, it's the government. You are only allowed to spend $290 a month at the store. I barely spend a hundred. The dining hall is small...and segregated. Now if you know me at all, you know I'm not racist. I just don't understand that mentality. 98% of the guys here (black and white) are racist. White guys, mexicans sit on one side and black guys sit on the other. That's the only place you see how racist it is, but people act it very openly. I've got guys that are black that I'm good friends with here and we just make fun of eveyrone. I'm like the only white guy that's not racist. People here are stupid!

On the topic of stupid people, let's go back to the TV room. Here, you must ask where you can sit your chair b/c people have their spot. You only get by the wall if someone died or went home. I have seen major arguments about chair positions. Football season was the only time I have really spent in the tv room. I'm very glad that this was my only season to have to watch here. I didn't think Auburn fans (AJ - I can't believe I'm talking about my fellow Auburn fans!) could be so bad. I mean, they all have a complex about being second fiddle in the state. And I don't care that they've won six in a row. When that school impacts college football like Alabama has then I'll pay attention to you! Anyway, Auburn fans and just Alabama haters have no clue about football here. A three yard gain on the first down gets cheered like a touchdown. This just proves my point that they don't know how to act when they win b/c they don't really expect to win.

Ok, that's enough there. I could keep going about that but I'm sure some of you (Aubies) will never read my blog again and the majority of comments I get will be about that one paragraph in what is currently 5 pages worth of writing. HAHAHA. I love hitting a nerve with the barners (AJ - and he thinks I'm going to keep typing this for him with that kind of talk!).

Friday, Saturday and Sunday are the best days of the week. One b/c that's when you get visits. Second b/c you can do what you want, no work callout. During the week lights come on at 5:30 a.m. Yes, 5:30! You have until 7:30 to be up, dressed in uniform, bed made and at work. Lights are out at 10:30 every night, but you can watch TV till midnight. On Saturday and Sunday you can sleep till whenever. I have visits so I'm up by 7:30 and waiting for Amanda at 8. Visits are great and bad. Great b/c I love seeing my wife (aw...), it has really made my time here possible. I couldn't make it if I didn't get to see her. Visits are bad b/c they have to end and it's just another reminder of where I am and how bad I messed up. Friday night visits are 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. We play a lot of cards at visit. Spades, or Phase 10...sometimes Rummy. Amanda and I are pretty evenly matched at the moment.

I guess I should start winding this down. I've really enjoyed writing today and I hope you enjoy reading it online when Amanda posts it. My plan is to write once a week and send it to Amanda so she can type it. Once a week will hopefully give me enough material to have some decent posts, and it's the easiest way for me to do it without usins a million stamps a month. I really hope you enjoy this glimpse into what I'm going through. I'll have more stories next time. And if you have any questions, just post them in a comment b/c Amanda is going to send them to me so I can know what you all think. Be honest and ask anything you want to know about. If you would like to write me, here's my address:

Joshua Wilton Jones, 26172-001
FCI Talladega
Satellite Camp
PO Box 2000
Talladega, AL 35160

***Note: It must be filled out just like this with a return address***

I love mail-call! Until next time, take care and God bless you!Joshua W. JonesTopics for next time: Phrases I have learned, what people call me, Skeeter, Thing you don't say to someone, Thing you don't discuss (religion and politics), how George Lucas, The Skywalker family and Harry Potter have helped me, and some strange but highly interesting and entertaining books I've read and recommend.

Posted by Josh at 8:56 PM

5 comments:
Anonymous said...
I love you!! - Amanda :o)
February 12, 2008 10:23 PM
Chad said...
Awesome. Glad to see you in blogland. Just want you to know that Teale and I lift you and Amanda up in our prayers every night. You both are very good friends and we can't wait to have you home so you can come up for dinner sometime. On a side note, how about that recruiting class?
February 13, 2008 7:08 AM
Teale said...
Glad you are blogging now! We think about you a lot and can't wait until you can join us back on the *street*. Oh and for your little Auburn comments... sombody call the WAAAA-mbulance. :)
February 13, 2008 7:22 AM
Leah said...
Josh - good to hear from you! I love that you're giving us a first-hand account of your time. I'm sorry you're there, but you seem to have the right attitude. Congrats on the weight loss, too! Love ya!
February 13, 2008 4:00 PM
Belinda said...
Glad to know you are out in the blog world. I believe that it will help you. I'm a friend of Chad and Teale and have gotten to know Amanda thru their blog. I've been praying for ya'll daily.
February 14, 2008 5:53 AM
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