Dear Prison Pals,

I can’t believe I’m just now writing another update. There is so much to tell you, my friends. But here’s the main takeaway before I say anything else: through all the crazy ups and downs I’ve already had, I live in peace today.

People tell me I have an aura of calm and zen around me, which is honestly mind-blowing coming from someone like me. I’m about 90% comfortable in my own skin though. The other 10% is coming. Slowly but surely.

I worked for the ministry in my hometown that hired me from prison for about a month, and it was not what I expected. It was actually pretty terrible. His dementia is progressing faster than I realized. He would swing from rude to kind, from wanting to die to wanting to shut down the ministry, to saying wildly inappropriate things. You get the idea.

Last Sunday, he told me he was closing the ministry. Just like that, I was jobless one month out of prison. And strangely, I felt peaceful. A huge weight lifted off my chest.

Earlier that same day, I scored my first website client. I am SO excited. A literal angel even offered to pay to file my LLC paperwork, so I’ll be fully legal and official and all that fun stuff.

I was still terrified about the job hunt, but I reminded myself I could always get a restaurant job if needed.

I also bet one of my roommates I could land a restaurant job within 24 hours if I ever needed to, so thank God, on the second day of looking, a local bar owner said he’d put me on the next schedule. He knows about my felonies, which was a HUGE relief. The only downside? The bar is smoky, and I hate cigarette smoke.

Here’s my favorite story though. I walked into Ford’s Garage on Monday asking about a server position. The manager said they weren’t hiring servers until next month and that front-of-house was full. I said that was fine. I told him I can’t cook, but I can wash dishes. And listen, I am so not above washing dishes. I used to be the only girl the labor pool called back every day because I bust my ass no matter what I’m doing. He said, “In that case, come interview tomorrow.” I show up thinking I’m interviewing for dishwasher… turns out it was for a hostess position. I still got offered the job.

Today is Wednesday, and I went to an interview for a Project Manager Assistant position at a steel erection company. They offered me the job at two dollars more than what they were advertising. I’m excited but nervous. I filled out the onboarding paperwork tonight and had to check “yes” for a felony. I turn in the paperwork in the morning, so wish me luck.

So technically… I have three jobs right now.

It is now Thursday. I’ve chosen the Project Manager Assistant role with the steel company helping build the Amazon distribution center here in Fort Myers. I start Monday. I already have my company laptop, email, and just took my drug test. What?? Look at me go.

I’m still hitting my AA meetings and working the steps. I love my sponsor. I still love the house I’m in and all the women there. There’s drama sometimes, but you know me. I’m Switzerland. I don’t do drama, so it never touches me.

Now, are you ready for my funny guy situation? Because only me. This past weekend, I started lightly flirting with two guys I thought were cute. One I know from AA and has four years clean, and before you ask, I have 19 months clean, so this is acceptable. The other works with Oxford House outreach, has a year clean, and lives in one of the men’s halfway houses.

I go to a meeting, and both of them are there. No big deal. After the meeting, I’m talking to one guy when the other walks up and says, “Oh, so you know Amy?” The first guy replies, “Yeah, Amy is the best.” The second guy smiles at me and says, “This is my sponsor.”

If you know AA, you are laughing. If you don’t, just trust me. The odds of that are insane.

I’m only talking to the first guy now. He took me on a first date last night. Just dinner. He wanted to kiss me, and I said no. I’m taking everything in my life very slowly right now. Oh, and by the way, he drives a Tesla, owns his own home, and I think he even has a boat. Not my usual type, which is a great thing.

Persevere, the coding class I did in prison, is also working on connecting me with tech opportunities. The staff have been absolute God-sends. Truly. I don’t take that support lightly.

But really overall, I’m good. I’m clean. I’m doing the right things. I’m thinking before I act.

Life feels like a beautiful, chaotic dance, and I’m finally learning the steps with a little grace.

I miss you guys more than you know.

Always,
🤍