Celebrating 100 Days of Freedom

January 26th, 2022

There is a certain sense of validation that comes from getting a paycheck. It means that someone recognized the value of your skills. It means that you made it. That you are a good worker. For me, it means that I have finally returned to being a productive member of society. I did not have to get a job. I could have just stayed at home and sat on my duff. No, I would not have been lazy. I have manuscripts that need to be typed. I have comics that need to be edited. I am truly in a “Black Patterson” situation. All of this was explained to my case supervisory officer over at the Department of Community Supervision and he was okay with it. My bills get paid on time. No worries, right? Well, I had this image in my head of my parents looking down on me from heaven and telling me to get off my butt. I cannot justify being a full-time writer yet. I don't have that kind of revenue stream. When it comes, then I'll do it. Not before then. So, my first paycheck. I was excited. It was almost $1,000. I hope it's the first of many more. I've done a really good job of re-assimilating. It's even more profound when you realize that I have not yet reached the 90 Day mark. Let's go over my accomplishments. I got out of prison. I became a homeowner. I managed to get my student loans forgiven. I got back into school. I got a job. I went to WWE Day One. I got my first paycheck. I'm even exercising wise fiscal responsibility. Things are definitely weird out here for money now. The simple things I want to buy from Wal-mart or Amazon Fresh are always out of stock. Every time I try to order a book that I really want, it always gets lost in the mail and I end up having to get a refund. I lost over $200 worth of groceries and merchandise because of the weather last week. I did get my money back but these things are typical of what's going on in the new world. It is still a brave new world to me. There are still things that I have not experienced or that I have to re-experience. Right now, I'm still trying to figure out God's plan for my life. It's a gradual process. When I figure it out, it's going to be His vision for me. Not what somebody else thinks of what His vision. God is going to confirm it in me. I had enough of people trying to use me to better themselves while I was in prison. Now, it's my time. I think I can do some great things. I think I'm destined for big things. I'm not on a “Chosen One” kick. I just now what I am capable of. I hope that you all are able to follow along and support me on this new journey.