by Justin Paperny | Dec 29, 2008 | Blog
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2008 Last week I received a question from Wendy, whose husband was recently sentenced to a five year prison term for conspiracy. He is currently in a county jail while he awaits designation to a federal prison. She wanted to know whether her...
by Justin Paperny | Dec 28, 2008 | Blog
Sunday, December 28, 2008 Since committing to a daily blog post, I’ve begun to receive feedback and questions from total strangers. At least two letters a week since Thanksgiving. I’m glad my blog is achieving its objective on helping others prepare for...
by Justin Paperny | Dec 27, 2008 | Blog
Saturday, December 27, 2008 Read Your Pre-Sentencing Report Today I had breakfast with another prisoner who arrived at Taft Federal Prison Camp three weeks ago. Alex is a witty, balding, corpulent man in his late forties. Like me, he is serving time for fraud,...
by Justin Paperny | Dec 26, 2008 | Blog
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2008 Justin’s 12/26/08 blog is apparently lost in the mail. In the event it doesn’t turn up soon, it will be rewritten.
by Justin Paperny | Dec 24, 2008 | Blog
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2008 It’s December 24th, a Wednesday. It’s 6:30 P.M and I’m writing from the large television room. In 30 minutes or so, the weekly bingo tournament will begin. Bingo night is a big deal in prison. For many inmates, it’s...
by Justin Paperny | Dec 23, 2008 | Blog
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2008 During dinner tonight, I had a disappointing conversation with my friend, Arthur. Arthur is one year into a four year sentence for wire fraud and honest services fraud. He serves his time without a care in the world. His exercise, reading...
by Justin Paperny | Dec 22, 2008 | Blog
Monday, December 22, 2008 Another Day Closer To Home It’s 8:00 P.M. Monday, the 22nd. I’m writing from the prison library while listening to inmates sing Christmas carols in the adjacent music room. The last few days have felt like a few weeks. I’m...
by Justin Paperny | Dec 19, 2008 | Blog
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2008 Today I learned a lesson that I would have liked to postpone. I have been in prison for eight months and as of this day, I expect to serve 150 more days. Yet, I struggle with a loss that is surprisingly deep, a loss that hurts to the core of...
by Justin Paperny | Dec 18, 2008 | Blog
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2008 It’s OK To Be Forgotten From Federal Prison During mail call my first month at Taft Camp, I felt important. My loved ones mailed torrents of cards, letters, books and magazines. The correctional officer distributing mail hollered...
by Justin Paperny | Dec 17, 2008 | Blog
Wednesday, December 17, 2008 Today, by far, was the coldest day I’ve experienced at Taft Camp. Temperatures hovered 35 degrees with a steady 15 mile an hour wind. The frigid conditions kept most guys inside. I also considered staying in. I was uncomfortable. I...
