The Missing Penny

I'm going in!

2006-12-03T01:52:00.000-08:00

Well, I have discovered that I am as good at blogging as I am at writing letters: I stink.

I have completed all of my classroom training for the job. And, I have discovered that it is going to be loke I have heard that working in the wall is going to be: 95% boredom, 5% rollercoaster through "H-E-double hockeysticks."

They have trained us on everything from state ethics, to dealing with different types of offenders, to firing weapons. Here are some of the highlights from training:

CTI (The "Academy")-Learning the nuts and blots of the Department. Three weeks of lecture, tests at the end of each week. If you did not pass the test, you did not get to go on. My class started with 65 (6 from my prison, 5 from Pendleton Juvenile, and 54 from New Castle). We did loose people during the academy, either from failing tests, to them dropping out. To set the stage, it is like an adult college. We lectured everyday, and also had the tests. I did receive my certificate, and also a commendation for my display of professionalism.

Weapons-This was three days of fun. The first day was lecture about laws and policies of the weapons, and then we got to "sample" the CN gas that we will be issued. We dipped our finger in a cup full of the stuff, then wiped it under each of our eyes and our nose. Let me tell you that the stuff works. The second day was lecture and tests about the two weapons that we will be certified on: the Remington 870 and the AR-15. We also got to handle the weapons for the first time, too. The third day was the best, because we had to go to the range and qualify on the weapons. IT WAS AWESOME. Even the constant rain and cold could not deter the fun that I had.

OJT (On The Job Training)-I did spend a total of 3 days in the wall, in two of the cell houses and in the yard. I also assisted in monitoring the chow hall durning lunch and the beginning of supper. It is where I met the offenders for the first time. It was very eye opening, and an awesome experience too.

Well, that is about it. I start my shift bracket tonight, so hopefully soon I will have more stories to tell.

First Day

2006-10-23T18:05:00.000-07:00

Well, the first day is out of the way. All I really did was paperwork, insurance, "sign here to indicate you received..." sheets, and more paperwork. Probably the most that I have filled out at any of my previous careers.

I also got my ID (my photo makes me look like I have gas!) and my TB test. We also went into the "Wall" for the first time, and that was interesting. But, it was also interesting having the feeling of walking back out.

All of the people that I have met all have been willing to answer our questions, and also present opportunites to be more involved there.

Sorry that it is not more interesting than this. But, it was the first day.

Tomorrow should be interesting, for we will be touring the cell-houses for the first time. I should have things to write about then!

First day

2006-10-23T03:43:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am at my first day. I am very nervous. But I heard
something this morning both weird and refreshing: "Daddy has to go to
work."

Changing-again

2006-10-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

Well, after almost six months of waiting, searching, praying, hoping, and all of those other emotions, I have a job. And, this one is kind of "in the blood."

Starting Monday, I am going into training to be a Correctional Officer for the state of Indiana. I will be at the Pendleton Correctional Facility.

A guard, you say? Yes. I am still trying to put my mind around it.

I have been praying about this for a while, and I feel that it is where I am supposed to be. I know that this is going to be like nothing that I have ever done before. But, I also know that if God does want me there, then He has a reason for it. All I need to do is listen for Him.

I start training on Monday, and will be in training for about 4 1/2 weeks. Then I am on duty for more on the job training.

To answer the questions (some of them my own) I have no idea what my schedule is going to be. I have a friend that works there (he is taking me under his wing), and he works 12 hour shifts, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off. My schedule should be like that, I just have no idea the days, or the shift.

But, I hope to be able to "chronicle" my training here, so that you can also have a glimpse of what is happening.

Thank you all for your prayers.

Still waiting

2006-10-09T18:05:00.000-07:00

Well, I am still without a job. I am hunting one, but seem to hit a wall every turn that I take. Anyone out there have anything?

New Day

2006-08-22T06:29:00.000-07:00

Today is a new day. Elijah went to his first day of school, and he had a blast. So much so, that he could not remember a thing.

I am still hunting a job. I am waiting to hear from the department of corrections, a job that I still wonder what I am thinking. But, still, it is a job, and I feel that I can make a difference in it.

2006-08-20T06:21:00.000-07:00

Test

2006-08-20T06:17:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is a big day. Elijah starts school. It is hard to believe that he is that old. Plus, to trust him to the school.

2006-08-06T03:35:00.000-07:00

I wanted to test publishing to my blog from my phone.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changin'

2006-08-06T03:26:00.000-07:00

Not that anyone is really reading this (if you are, please comment-it is getting dusty) but I have gone through a lot of changes lately. I am looking for a job (things with Duke Realty did not work out) and have also just moved. We are now officially "in debt homeowners!!"

With all of this "free time" that I have, I am going to try to get back in the habit of posting to this again.

Happy Birthday!

2005-12-14T09:34:00.000-08:00

Well, today is the big 31. Not much going on. Will be preparing for a trip to Missouri, so no real party. But that is okay.

Pearl Harbor today

2005-12-08T09:13:00.000-08:00

I had to post this, especially with all of the crap that our troops are going through today:

Infamy

2005-12-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was December 7. Pearl Harbor Day.

I was struck by two things: I kind of forgot about the day, and its significance, and that my Grandfather, who died a couple of months ago, was the closest person that I knew who was "there."

I remember the day that he pulled out his WWII collection. To note, he served on the USS Piedmont, one of the first ships that steamed into Tokyo Harbor, and the only Destroyer Tender, for the Japanese surrender. I was fascinated by the certificates and other things from that era.

The San Diego Union Tribune interviewed a survivor, and in the article made a stunning statement: Everyday two survivors of that attack die, taking history with them.

Now I know that we have a new war going on right now. And there are thousands of heros all over this world that are putting their lives on the line to protect us. But I also know that to get where you are going, you have to know where you came from.

So, for all you readers out there (all one of you!), remember. There are a lot of great sites out there that tell the story. I was particularry intrigued by National Geographic's site. Heck, it could be as simple as watching the movie. From what I know, it is pretty accurate (except for the love scene).

What I am trying to say is, REMEMBER!

No more Jesus

2005-12-01T09:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday a Federal Judge weighed in on state matters: Jesus is no longer welcome in the statehouse. The Indianapolis Star reported that the Speaker of the House is required to educate anyone that would pray before the start of the congressional session (which is mandated in the state constitution) that they may not refer or say Jesus, Christ, any of His titles, or allude to any particular denomination.

I really don't know what to say.

I listened to WIBC (Indianapolis radio) and Mr. Bosma (Speaker of the House) was interviewed. He was politically appalled (translate - he was livid, but maintained political composure). He said that he (a Republican) and many Democrats are exploring how to get this overturned.

Dave Wilson, from WIBC, had an interesting thought: If one of the congressmen (to be PC congressperson) had a bill go wrong, would it be wrong for him to swear (take the Lord's name in vain)?

Interestingly enough, he was answered, "That would go against one of the Ten Commandments! But I guess that those are not there, either."

Truth in news of the war

2005-11-30T09:33:00.000-08:00

Came across this article in the LA Times titled U.S. Military Covertly Pays to Run Stories in Iraqi Press. It states that the military is secretly writing news about the war, and has it translated and published as real news.

Finally, there is news out there that you can believe!

Happy Thanksgiving

2005-11-23T09:18:00.000-08:00

I want to wish all a Happy Thanksgiving.

I especially want to wish those in our Armed Services a Happty Thanksgiving. Thank you for protecting us, so that we can be thankful.

2005-11-22T09:35:00.000-08:00

With all of the things that are in the media today, I think that it is time to stop and think. I agree totally with Marine Mom, that we need to reflect on what this country is. We need to reflect on what our men and women, sons and daughters, are fighting for abroad.

And we need to be thankful.

This is the season to be thankful for everything. But, I also want to focus on the little things. My car may not be top of the line, but it runs. My house may not be the best looking, but it keeps my family dry and warm. My boys may misbehave, but they are both happy and healthy, and love totally even when I fail them.

People who may come across this, stop. Think. Reflect. Be thankful.

One more

2005-11-18T09:58:00.000-08:00

Thought that I would also try something that moves.

2005-11-18T09:55:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of my last hunting trip. I wish that I could have bagged a deer.

Move along...

2005-11-16T09:06:00.000-08:00

Finally starting to dig myself out from under all of the work stuff that dumped on me last week. I have about three things that are all tugging me in their own direction.

Tomorrow is going to be a rough day. It will be the first time ever that one of my children has surgery. Now I know that it is basic (tubes in the ears) but it is still the concept that he will be knocked out. And he is only 1.

I am going to try to ressurect my website now, so that I can include pics again.

Hopefully I will garner an audience soon.

Some more changes

2005-11-14T05:03:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, I had to make a change to the list of Military blogs that I frequent. Warrior's Voice, a blog that I frequented (a Marine from Texas) has gone offline. Someone else has piced up on the name, and there is contect that is not appropriate.

Jason, my prayers are with you. I hope that you are well, and that you are able to reappear on the radar again!

Whew...

2005-11-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

Okay. Got this thing to where I want it at.

Still wondering where Warrior's Voice is at. I have left his blog on the left, hoping that the technical issue will be resolved.

Oh, and for any of you Marines that may visit---

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Semper Fi!

Getting There

2005-11-09T09:31:00.000-08:00

Don't have too much time to post today. A lot of fires are erupting. But, At least my changes are working.

Still going

2005-11-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

Well, this is the first time in a while that I have posted two days in a row. I am trying to get this set up so that I can let you all know about the military blogs that I am reading. But I am having problems now on this site, too.

Starting over

2005-11-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

I have tried to change my old blog (markhahn.blogspot.com) and it is not working. Soooo I will create a new one.