I had the "Talk" with my boys this morning. Needless to say it was quite intense and chaotic at best. After my announcement I basically had to counsel each of my students individually on why they shouldn't quit and that they should continue to get their education despite my being laid off. Needless to say I'm spent.

I have a different relationship with my inmates than others at the prison. I treat them like students and human beings with decency and respect. They respond quite positively to that. However, they were ready to "shank the man" for me. While I was quite flattered, I let them know that their attitudes would only defeat them in the end.

July 7th is my release date. So I'm trying to decided what to do next. After almost 7 years of working with troubled youth and adults I am actually a little releaved to be laid off. I was beginning to get a little burned out. The average burn out rate for those working in my particular field is 18 months, so I lasted much longer than the average.

I'm thinking of getting a "normal person" job where I'll be dealing with people who are a little more socially responsible. Right now I'm thinking of going back to school and becomming a nurse. Ultimately I wouldn't mind becomming a flight nurse. I need high stimulation and can be somewhat intense, so I need a job tomatch that. However, nothing is set in stone right now.

Many thanks for the warm wishes. It means a lot even if I haven't been participating on the board as much as I use to. I still lurk every day though.

Peace
Jerry