Dear Rich, Episode #3

                                                                     March 22, 2023 

Dear Rich,

Greetings from Bunk 53 in Dayroom 4, C-POD. Another day down. 30 days until the next court date. If you haven’t figured out by now, I am writing these letters to you since we can’t talk to each other, however; I’m using them as a form to keep everyone updated on my day-to-day life here.  The highs, the lows, anything I feel like needs to be shared with our nearest and dearest, I’ve organized to send them to Jule. She will scan them and upload them to some form of a group chat, probably Facebook messenger, or a blog, for everyone to read-hopefully once or twice a week. Of course, all of the original “manuscripts” let’s call them, will be saved and sent to you. You have no idea how much this is helping me get through and pass the time here. I love writing everything down and imagining different peoples expressions when they read it. Hopefully these letters prove to be helpful for not just me, but for you, and everyone else who remains important in our lives.

Today I want to talk to you about my “dorm buddies”. Like I briefly had mentioned, the current dayroom that I am in, is referred to as a dormitory dayroom.  It consists of 32 bunkbeds.(64 bodies), 20 of which are on the ground level all along the back wall (so 40 bodies), two sets of stairs along each side of the room. Upstairs, the remaining 12 bunks (24 bodies) are split into two groups with 6 bunks (12 bodies) on opposing sides. In between the 2 groups are 3  sections. Section 1 and 3 consist of 4 toilets, and 4 sinks each. In between those sections are 4 showers with tiny metal doors that block off your belly button to your kneecaps; not really leaving much to the imagination.  The downstairs, in front of all of the bunkbeds is our actual “Dayroom”. There are 3 phones, 1 television (that honestly is the size of a computer monitor) and 7 giant metal tables that fit 10 each. So now you have a general idea of my living space. If you walked in from the obnoxiously, loud sliding door, I would be at the right side stairs, and on the upper right level along with my 11 other “bunkies”. 

The Bunkies. Woof. They are a lively and spirited bunch. In the absolute best way. I would say the “ ringleader” of the group and certainly the loudest would be Ishmael or “Izzy”. He was the first guy I met here and was so kind. He even gave me a roll of toilet paper to use until I got my own. A true prince. Paul is an older guy that sleeps most of the day and then wakes up, drinks 4-5 cups of coffee, and then likes to talk about music, books, politics, and so on until the wee hours of the morning.  David, another guy probably mid 40s or so is super nice. He told me that he draws characachures  (Spelling?) and after I told him about our dogs, he’s going to draw one for me of all three of them. (Whiskey too!) Je-Sean is a black dude – one cross eye – so I truly never know where he’s looking or if he’s talking to me or not. Super nice - but enjoys arguing about literally anything and everything. He is the type that would argue with you about the sky being blue… Or not. Jaime (pronounced Hi-May) is on the top bunk next to me and draws beautiful drawings all day long. He speaks little to no English. So I always say, “Hola ‘Hi-May’ Como Estás?” LOL. Cody is a super nice white guy, 28, who grew up in Canyon Lake, moved to LA, and works as an assistant on Music videos, commercials, etc.. Honestly, Cody can probably have it. But don’t worry – you’re the only man for me! I’m thinking a possible hook up or date for Maryilyn. Marilyn; I got you girl – he’s a looker. 😉 

Frankie is quiet. He is what they call a “trustee” here in dayroom 4. He basically is the liaison between us and the deputies if there’s ever any issues or concerns. Him and Cody were working out earlier and invited me to join them. Push-ups, sit ups, squats, and a 4516 bag full of books used as our weight for bicep curls. I’m going to attempt to work out every day so I get “ripped” for you by the time I get to leave. 😜

Nate is a bald white guy with VERY prominent, arched eyebrows. He has what seems like an entire library of books. I am currently borrowing “Pop Goes the Weasel.” A James Patterson thriller. It’s actually pretty good. I’m currently probably about 160 pages into it. 10/10 – highly recommend. The guy below me is Tony. He’s a big muscular light skinned Mexican guy that’s currently taking program classes to receive his high school diploma. He is probably my age. He’s currently working on 9th grade classes and I’ve helped him with his English, History and Geography homework. I actually LOVE being useful and able to help. It feels like my time here is for a reason instead of being wasted. There’s another guy that’s at the complete opposite end as me and our section and I’m embarrassed to say that I don’t know his name. But I can report he’s Mexican, wears glasses, and mostly stays asleep. He has the look of “ Where’s Waldo?” - but short, and stout, and Mexican. So really just a thick black framed glasses. Lol! That leaves me and one empty bunk from a guy who left this morning to go upstate to prison. Danny was his name. So long, farewell, Danny! Good luck!

The combination of all of the personalities is really quite something. I almost feel like I am at an indefinite Boys Summer  Camp and this is our 12 man cabin. Based on the maturity level – a high school Boys Summer Camp. All the jokes usually have a gay – sex innuendo, or an immature call and response where the voices of these grown men transform to that of a mid-teen high school girl from the valley. This department is really where our ringleader Izzy really shines. Some examples, of course…Late last night, a high school shriek or scream came from downstairs that could’ve been taken as someone that got startled by something, or that of a sexual scream. I think you can guess how almost immediately my bunkies responded.  Without missing a beat, Izzy responded, at a volume for all to hear with, “ouch!! That hurts!! Take it out of my butt!!” I cackled, and before there was time for anyone to respond to that, Izzy follow-through at the same volume I might add, with “Nevermind, it stinks….! Put it back in!” I probably laughed for an hour! As I sit here and write this, another sexual scream immersed, and everyone started pounding their left fist to their right, open palm to emulate, active sex sounds. I of course dropped my pencil and followed suit. I’ve made it!

Needless to say, this is where I’m supposed to be, and my spirits have been restored. Frosty had his braiding appointment today and the two French braids I gave him turned out beautifully. So beautiful in fact, that another guy, Sebastian came up and asked if I would give him three large braids tomorrow! Client #2! Booked and blessed! 

It’s almost 7 PM and I’m going to shower soon, make a -“spread” (that’ll probably turn into some sort of burrito) and then continue with my book- it’s actually really good. My mom apparently sent me a series that I asked for so I’m anxious to receive those. Tomorrow night my commissary should be here with my envelopes, and stamps so I can start getting these letters out by Friday and you can start reading by the end of next week. I love you unconditionally and can’t stop thinking of reuniting. A hundred kisses…XOXO 

All of my love, 

Sean ❤️ Pop Tart