Monday, September 3, 2018
Today was Labor Day, which means we didn’t have class today. It was also raining outside, which meant there was no outside recreation. Even though most people slept in, the weight lifters worked out in the gym at 1 p.m. We usually have a special meal on Labor Day, but apparently somebody was late on their delivery. Instead, we ate hamburger patties twice today. Still, it was a good day and another day closer to home!
In addition, we studied to prepare for Bert S.’s (a.k.a. “Chocolate Truffles”) class on Wednesday and read our Living in the Village book by Ryan C. Mack. These books are very insightful and will be a great asset to those of us who utilize the knowledge they provide. No mail today unfortunately, but on the bright side, the radio station 97.9 “The Box” played old school vs. new school music. Nineties music is the best!
Corderro R. (a.k.a. “Short Stack”)
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Today we had the History Class that Brian W. (a.k.a. “Banana Split”) so kindly puts together for us. We learned about the Mongols and the Barbarians, as well as the life of Genghis Khan.
Even though the class does not have to pay attention, we are all glued to the screen. We were intrigued by the savagery Genghis Khan showed alongside the Mongolians. Genghis Khan was a very interesting character and the whole class enjoyed watching today’s history lesson.
At the end of class, we watched some Eric Thomas’s “E.T.” motivational videos. They help the class get through some of the tough times, and everyone is always super-hyped after the videos. We cannot wait for next week’s history lesson!
Max B. (a.k.a. “Curfew”)
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Today Fall ’18 had a presentation on Chapter 7 in Bert S.’s (a.k.a. “Chocolate Truffles”) class. It always amazes me how business works. Usually Bert S. teaches us, but now we have many different executives and volunteers who teach us along with him.
At the beginning of class, before praying in, we turned in our homework for Chapter 6. We also received a new assignment: to initiate our Executive Summary for our business plan. This is a great assignment! Our Executive Summary consists of opportunity, purpose, solution, customers, differentiators, extras, marketing, start-up costs, financial extras and personal fit.
Furthermore, we received our Be on Your Best Business Behavior book by Colleen A. Rickenbacher. We will learn about proper dining, traveling, conversing and entertaining at our very best. What we are learning here at PEP will give us an advantage and purpose in life. We are truly grateful for this opportunity.
Waltty R. (a.k.a. “Sweet Paragraph”)
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Today we were tested, and as a class we understand that if we study for these tests then they are a cake walk. We were taken by surprise when we were given a pop quiz though, but we took it and passed. As a class, we’ve learned to expect the unexpected.
The program is very uplifting and offers so much potential for growth. In December, we, Fearless Fall ’18, will graduate as a class and as a brotherhood. We will keep striving to accomplish this ultimate goal. In the end, we will have the best class ever and we all know this.
Jerry H. (a.k.a. “Frog”)
Friday, September 7, 2018
Reporting live from the lovely Cleveland Unit: today, we are sharing a day off from class due to the PEP graduation at the Sanders Estes Unit. Looking around K-pod, one notices PEP brothers watching T.V., some playing chess or dominoes, others sitting at the tables doing homework (the Executive Summary paper), while still others are preparing for recreation or commissary to be called; and last but not least, some of us are still sleeping in.
To conclude this report, we are on standby awaiting our monthly pod meeting following directly after last chow, where we as a whole will come together. This meeting creates an opportunity to introduce ourselves to one another, especially for the new class who may not know everyone yet. We establish an environment where rules and regulations are placed into effect for living together in the most respectful way possible. It really is an awesome thing to see the unity. Fearless Fall ’18 keep pressing on!!!
Anthony L. (a.k.a. “Spicy Chicharron”)
Expressions
“The difficulty lies not in the new ideas but in escaping from the old ones.”
-John Maynard Keynes
Every man in prison is here for the same reason: making poor decisions. In fact, we were making such poor decisions that the State of Texas decided that from now on that they would make most of our decisions for us. On a typical day in the outside world, we are given the opportunity to make an estimated 225 decisions a day. In prison, these numbers are diminished considerably to just 25 decisions a day. Not much freedom, is it?
In order to survive in our increasingly complex world, we have to learn to handle life at a basic level, because if we cannot handle the little things, what makes us believe we can handle bigger things? Being in prison offers us the chance to gain control of ourselves and hopefully, if we utilize this opportunity correctly, we will be able to handle life on the outside. This is the time for us to take control of our lives so that upon release we can sustain our freedom and enjoy the gift of life, one good decision at a time.
Timothy D. (a.k.a. “Ren”)