Volume One

Smokin Joe's Monthly Newsletter

Volume 1, Dec. 2013

 

Greetings and salutations, my brothers:

You probably thought I had forgotten about you... I said I would write and I'm a man of my word. This first installment is just going to be a brief note, just to let you guys know that I haven't forgotten about you and that I am doing well.

Funny how we think that getting out is somehow going to magically make all our problems go away and life is instantly going to be awesome... Freedom kicks ass, don't get me wrong, but the challenges can be more than a bit overwhelming.  I'm just trying to make a little progress each day and enjoy the little things.

Showering by myself is novel. The only pecker I get to check is my own and you all know how disappointing that is. Using a descent razor kicks ass. I'm done in about 2 minutes, without cutting myself:) Needless to say, I've been eating a lot of meet; steaks, chicken, shrimp, and lots of pork (bacon, chops, roast). Mmmmmm, bacon. It's nice to eat what I want, when I want. A nice warm bed, a nice soft pillow, a nice warm, soft woman... yes, freedom is nice. Oh yeah, and let's not forget NFL Red Zone and video games :) and, oh yeah, chew.

For those of you who have been down for a bit... you won't believe how much shit has changed, out here. You have seen the adds on TV, hopefully you have taken some computer classes, but even that won't really prepare you for the Brave New World, out here. Society has become a Matrix, for real. No one uses paper for anything anymore. EVERYTHING is mobile/touch screen/techno/w.w.w./connected... It's a bit overwhelming, for an old fart, like me... but, I'm getting it figured out. The possibilities are amazing. It's so easy to find/create/do anything. It's all at your fingertips. Of course, everyone also knows where you are and what you are doing, too... I have nothing to hide though, for the first time in my life. I plan on keeping it that way.

The Oxford house I'm at is cool. It's a nice, big house with huge flat screens in every room. We have a weight set up outside, on the back porch. It's a little chilly, but I've been getting my workouts in. Taking creatine, testosterone supplements, and protein powder. I've already experienced increased strength and endurance. I'll send you guys some pics next time. When I get some more cash, I'm gonna join Gold's Gym. It's right down the street.

I am officially registered for spring quarter at WSU Tri-Cities. I'm taking classes in beginning animation/cgi and video/sound technology. I'm also taking a writing class, “technology and the new rhetoric” and an anthropology class, "speech, thought, and culture". I'm pretty stoked.

The PPEP has been there for me, every step of the way. They got me a bus pass, sent me a voucher for some new clothes, they paid my first installment on my defaulted loans, and they are paying for my first semester's tuition, until I get the loans out of default. They have been great with advice and support concerning my current CPS troubles, as well. I fully encourage any of you, who are serious about continuing your education and turning your lives around to call these people and establish a relationship with them, while you are down. If you are just trying to get some free shit and some come up money though, you probably want to look elsewhere. Remember, they are all convicts... you are not going to pull the wool over their eyes... but, they will help you if you are truly doing everything you can to help yourself.

After I get my shit together, I will be starting my own Non-Profit. I talked to some of you about that. I am serious about getting that together. It is going to be a minute, until I can get all the pieces in place. I will keep you posted.

I haven't got a job, yet. I've got some promising leads. Hopefully, I get something dialed in soon. I'm working on getting a tattoo gun, too.

Like I said, life isn't easy out here. The challenges I face frustrating and overwhelming. I just do my best to get a little bit accomplished every day; to make the right choices (rather than the easy ones), based on the values and ethics I have decided to live by. I am striving to live in a manner that will make my ancestors proud.

I encourage you all to stay strong and remain true to yourselves. Ask yourselves, "what do I want from life?", and then ask yourselves "am I doing everything in my power to work towards that goal?". Act, don't react.  Help and encourage each other; united we are strong.

I promise that the next installment will be more informative and colorful. I'll be a little more settled in and have some more experiences to share. I'll be thinking about you guys, during Yule. I would love to hear back from you guys and hear how you are doing. If there is anything I can do for you, let me know. If anyone else wants to get on the mailing list, let me know. Also, if you guys have any suggestions for topics you would like to hear about, feel free to submit suggestions.

Your friend,

Joseph Gary Jensen,

Man Of Action