Human Remote

It didn’t take us long to figure out how to change the TV channel ourselves. First we tried using a broom handle, but apparently the buttons are of a new-fangled variety that are skin touch activated and so that didn’t work. Then we learned to boost somebody up so they could reach the buttons with their fingers. We have to do this quickly and clandestinely as possible for if we’re caught – which we have been – then we lose the TV for a whole day.

New TV

Today we got a new Samsung 51” LCD TV. Not only do I STILL have a bigger TV than my brother Jared, but I also now have a bigger TV than my brother Alan. (.smug) To be fair though, we no longer have the ability to change the channel or volume ourselves as it is mounted out of reach on the wall and we don’t have a remote. (.sigh) So I guess my brothers still win.

Tuesdays with Morrie

So I spent some time this Tuesday with Morrie – or at least reading about him in the book by Mitch Albom – and decided I should break my online silence by sharing a few things from it. I believe it was the only book my brother Jared read before college, so it must have either been really good or an easy read. Well I think it was both. Professor Morris (Morrie) Schwartz was an amazing individual with a lot to teach us about living life, even as he was succumbing to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. I would recommend everyone read this book if you haven’t already. And even if you have, maybe you should read it again. I will share some of the things he said that I particularly liked and could relate to.

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We put our values in the wrong things. And it leads to very disillusioned lives.

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This is part of what a family is about, not just love, but letting others know there’s
someone who is watching out for them.

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….you closed your eyes. That was the difference. Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel. And if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you can trust them too – even when you’re in the dark.. Even when you’re falling.

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Love wins. Love always wins.

Abandonment

Today my friend, Brett Whitehead was released, leaving me all alone here to suffer on my own. I suppose I could say some nice things about him, but that might just embarrass him. I guess the sun shines on a dog’s… well anyway, I’m happy ofr him and wish him well.

Happy Birthday Mason

Mason James Bagshaw was born today to my sister, Wendy. From what little I know everything went well, including an eleventh hour trip to the theatre to wee the final Harry Potter film after which the water did break forth, Good timing, Sis!

“Fresh Food”

A year ago here in Davis County Jail there were rumors for months of a new offering through commissary that there would be freshly prepared food to order. Nothing ever came of these rumors while I was here on my last visit, but to my delight these rumors have finally born fruit. As long as I pass inspection on Friday I am allowed to order one of six offerings for Saturday delivery. The options are; cheeseburger, pizza, burrito, buffalo wings, chili dogs, or nachos. The best values to me seem to be the cheeseburger and pizza. The cheese burger is made from real beef—something the rest of our meals here seem to lack—and comes with all the trimmings. It’s a pretty good burger. The pizza is pepperoni and about 8 inches across. Both are even better than what Safford has to offer. All options also come with a bag of chips and a chilled 20 oz. soda. I have usually been getting the pizza.

They call this food offering “Fresh Food”. Makes you wonder what the regular meals they feed us are. As I have written previously, the meals here leave much to be desired, and even more to be imagined.