March 14-16 2003

Finially the MArch conference details have been established and things are on there way to completion. Below I will post all the details. Should you have any questions please post them here.

Hyatt Regency Houston, Texas

We have been able to contract an agreement with the above hotel for a reduced organization rate. The rates listed will include 2 nights at the hotel, a reserved conference room, use of ALL hotel facilities (which includes internet access from high tech computer room) as wll as refreshments (unlimited cold drinks and snacks in conference room). Also included is hotel tax and gratuity. Should you book a room at any of the local hotels with out a group rate, tax is 17% and gratuity 15%. We have also been able to receive reduced rates on these as a organization.
This hotel has a number of restaurants, a bar/club as well as a pool and hot tub, a fitness room etc. The rates for hotels/motels with no ammenities were equal to this one. Due to the GREAT deal the Hyatt offered PTO we have decided to go with this hotel.

Rates:
1 Person per room $210.00 each person
2 People in one room (2 double beds) $110 each person
4 People in one room (2 double beds) $55 each person

*Long distance phone calls, in room movies, etc., are not included. Should you choose to use these services you will be responsible for payment*

In order to secure these rates and the block of rooms, including the conference room, we are requesting all payments must be made on or before 2/15/03. As PTO will have to sign a contract with the hotel in advance this is the lates cut off date possible. Should people need to cancel after this date PTO will be left responsible for paying 80% of their rate. Please take this into consideration and understand why no refunds can be given. Should you miss the cut off date, you are more than welcome to join us either at this hotel or another. However, arrangements will have to be made on your own and therefor the rate at this hotel would dramatically increase.

Those planning on comming will need to send me a money order before 2/15/03. Please PM me for the details of where to send the $ order, etc,
If there are any other questions please feel free to PM me or post it in this forum as others may also have the same questions. The outline of events, etc. is soon to follow.


HOPE TO SEE Y'ALL THERE

Hi Bella!!
I am SO happy to see that the conference will be held in Houston!! I WILL DEFINATELY BE THERE NO MATTER WHAT!!!
Do you know the address of the Hyatt? I am here in Houston, well, basically. But I am really excited and will be there!
diane

Location address
http://www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll?qscr=dspv&flag=l&itid=&itdx=&itty=new&from=m

Sorry, the link doesn't work now. I got around it and here is the address for mapping

Hyatt Regency
1200 Louisiana St
Houston, TX 77002
USA

Nearest major airport:
Houston, TX (HOU-Hobby)

THAT IS NOT THE CORRECT HOTEL

The Hyatt that we will be staying at:
Hyatt Regency
15747 JFK Blvd.
Houston, 77032

Sounds great but unfortunately I won't be able to attend. :(
Angel ^i^

what is the conferance goning to be about. is there groups if so what r they going to be about? is there activites. im just wondering what the game plan is for that weekend?

Which Hyatt is the reservation for?

The Hyatt that we will be staying at:
Hyatt Regency
15747 JFK Blvd.
Houston, 77032


__________________

perhaps I will show up, just to say hello.
Joey

I too am interested in what the conference will cover? will there be speakers, information sharing, or ? I would really like to attend.... the 210. for one person...does that cover the room for the entire weekend? and will it just be a private room for me? is there a fee for attending the conference?
Thanks so much

Michele, check this thread out:

http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8206&highlight=%2A%2455%2A

THank you for the link- but it just sent me back to this forum? I've read the introduction post... but it really doesn't say what the conference will cover- just that there is something going on in Houston... Am I missing something?
Thanks...

Michelle

Yes, there will be speakers and many events including a Filming of a program by Verionia who is a member here. There will be Cure Speakers and many others.

All of the last plans have not been completed as of yet, but will be comming soon. I do know that you will enjoy this conference along with learn a great deal... Please try to put it in your schedule to attend.

Do you know the room costs and where it will be held. If not, I will send you info... Please send me a PM

Sincerely
Donna

SInce I am coming up from the South of dear old Texas..I am wondering if anyone who is between me and Houston needs a ride..I am coming up in a pretty big van so I have the room..let me kow if I can help!--Amelia

Yeah!!! Amelia is back!!!! :D

That felt nice flygirl...lol...its nice to be loved :D Thanks I needed that!

I have been so very worried about you! I knew there was a set back with your man and I haven't seen much of you around here. thank god your here amongst the living. :D

I SECOND THAT AMELIA AND FLY!!!!

HEE-HEE........ONLY 2 WEEKS AND 4 DAYS ( I THINK) TIL THE FUN STARTS :D

2 Weeks......2 Days.........Left to go................

but who's counting hehe. just kidding! I am really excited!

Kristen

Me too.......Kristen..........can't wait!!!!!!!!!!! :D

Me three....I am so siked!

Me too!! I am so looking forward to this!!

WOOHOO...........HEE-HEE........ONLY 2 WEEKS TO GO :D :D

what is in 2 weeks,,oh duhhh,lol sorry,lol

LOL lulu.... it's Mardi Gras, silly! :)
Oh no.. wait.. that's not right! LOL

I was just wondering if there is anything special we should bring??? :)

My snore-away spray hehe! That is a good question though!

Kristen

yourself!

IF you'd like to bring pictures I'm sure everyone would love to see them!

I have a couple I am gonna bring

someone can hopefully bring a digital camera and a laptop so that we can all be kept up to date, okay????? please????

Welcome to PTO Goose Bumps...I'm in Dallas area!

I am surew David will be there taking pictures and uploading them as they happen..lol!

I have both and bringing both emme don't ya worry :)
Course I don't think David should let you see them cuz you should have to come :)
J/K :)
*HUGS*
Renee

LOL... get her, Renee :)

That's right Emme!!!!!!!!!!! :D

12 days left........:D :D :D

WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO, Sherron..... I'm counting with you!!!!!!!!! :)

Jody......girl you are crazy.........but i am glad you are helping me count cause i might get lost.....:D :D

TxRenee, thank you.

Hello everyone! I just added a little counter for our get together so I wanted to post it!! I CAN'T WAIT!!!!
diane

oops, i need to fix it!!
d

Ok, that's close enough!!!
d

Hee-Hee.......thanks Diane.......another person to help me count!!!!!! Can't wait to meet you!!!!! :D

Hi I was just wondering if there was a schedule yet.
Leslie Hey ya'll it is just around the corner. woohoo

I don't know Leslie.........WOO-HOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO BACK AT YA SHERRON
SOON VERRRRRY SOOOOON
Leslie

WOOOOOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOOOO BACK AT YA......LESLIE.......I LOVE YA GIRL.......:D

Triple whooooooo hoooooo whooooo hoooooo whoooooo hoooo!! Can't wait!! Can't wait!! Can't wait!!

Bonnie.......WOOOOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

woooo hooo, woooo hooo, woooo hooo to all three of ya'll. i am getting so excited! I keep telling my husband how excited I am (through letters of course).

Kristen

KRISTEN.............WOOHOOOOOOOOOOO JUST SO YOU WON'T BE LEFT OUT

you really make me laugh! Thanks sherron. Just by these posts I believe that there is going to be a lot of laughter at this gtg. see you soon!

Kristen

Umm..
WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO....
Hehehe, I wanted to play too! :)

Okay guys, trying to make a prep and pack list for the PTO GTG--

help me out...
what's the weather that weekend look like?

Hopefully sunny, but the weather can be feak-ish in Houston.. Cold and rainy one day, hot and sunny the next, and rainy the day after.. I'll check on the forcast as we get closer..

LOL packing already? I'm bringing jeans/a couple of my fav shirts/new tennis shoes/ undies/nightgown/laptop/digital cam/ :) and alot of PILLS lol
OH OH and I will try and find some kinda SNORE STUFF!! :)
See ya'll there!! WooooooHooooooo
Renee

renee...what is snore stuff????? should I take that with me at my trip to Paris?

ROFL Hilde they make over the counter stuff to "stop" you from Snoring here...You can buy it in the Drug Stores.. NOW if it workds or not we shall all see LOL :) You will have to ask FreedomAngel, Friggwolf and all the ppl that stay close to my room :)

well you can in return ask Phil if I need it after that week end...My girl is used to sleeping close to me so she has no problems with that. you can come here and snore anytime in my house...i sleep so deep I never hear a thing.

thanks renee.......i was wondering what to bring

pack lots of FILM, please :D

WOOHOOOOOOOOOOO JODY

Fed-Ex
You meant to say by the minute right!! It's cold & rainy one minute, then you can turn around and it'll be sunny in the backyard!! Our weather here is very strange!!! I'd pack a little bit of everything, just in case!! lol Maybe even some sunscreen, you know, it IS March haha!!
diane

Hey Sher
I NEED A WOOOOO HOOOOOO!!
LOL
diane

WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOO DIANE WOOOOOOOHOOOOOO
WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOO KRISTIN WOOOOOOHOOOOOO
WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOO JODY WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOO
WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOBONNIE WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOO
AND SHERRON
WOOPIE WOOOHOOO

OK SO DO WE HAVE A SCHEDULE??????????

Leslie

You guys must think that I was just kidding when I said that I will be bringing some snore-away. I am not kidding! It is a spray that you spray in your mouth. As to if it works, well, i am not sure because i am always sleeping and can't hear myself...If anyone needs a squirt of it i will have it hehe.

Kristen

ROFL Kris You sure you are not kin to me? LOL
I will need some I guess ...you might need to ask FreedomAnjel or Frigg after Friday night..if it works I will never know :)
*HUGS* Can hardly wait
Renee

You know the snore-away was actually a gift to me from my niece. Does that mean I snore loud? Renee I will have it handy if you need some! lol

Note to my roomies: don't read this post hehe.
Kristen

LOL Kris...I snore so loud that my roomie checks the ceiling to make sure I haven't sucked off to much plaster every night! :) Every every so often I wake myself up but thats usually when I'm yelling in my sleep!! Hope my roomies ignore this post too LOL :)

Leslie.......I don't know but i am pretty sure there are a bunch of stuff planned

INFO ON HYATT REGENCY:

Discover Hyatt Regency Houston Airport, a unique hotel offering the convenience of an airport hotel with the ambience of a courtyard hotel. Hyatt is located less than one mile from George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston's largest airport. This convenient location near the intersection of Beltway 8 and John F. Kennedy Boulevard offers easy access to all parts of Houston. Downtown Houston is only twenty minutes south. Interstate 45 and US 59, off of Beltway 8, lead to shopping, major attractions and sporting events.

· World-class cuisine at our quality restaurants

· View great deals in our special offers section

· Plan your event at our property


15747 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Houston, Texas
77032 USA

Tel: +1 281 987 1234
Fax: +1 281 590 8461

It will be posted very shortly.... I know we can check in most anytime Friday, but the actual check in time is 3:00 PM

From 6-9 we will have talks by the Moderators and David and Some warm up Mixers.

Saturday will be a full day including the viewing of "A Sentence of Their Own" Speakers and etc. Veronica will be doing interviews for her Show.

Bella will have all of it ready in a very short time... Bless her heart, she has worked so very hard on this Convention.... I know that all of us will enjoy it....

I will see you guys on Friday

Love Ya
Donna

Well, I am bring Jeans, Sweat shirts, blouses, night clothes, tennis shoes and a pair of dress shoes and a dress pant outfit for Sat Night whatever we do..... I always pack more than I need because I cannot imagine not having enough to wear.... Ha Ha....

And, I am bringing make up, etc to cover my old wrinkled face.....

Can't wait

Love Ya
Donna

The itinerary is not final but here is a tentative one:

Check in on Friday is at 3pm but if you arrive early they will try to accomidate you. I will be there very early and will be around the lobby or with the liason. There are plenty of ammenities at the hotel to keep us all relaxed and busy. There is a pool, gym etc. etc.

Fri : We will have the room from 4-9 (we may have it longer for people to hang out. use internet ect.)

*Intro Mixer - which will help us all get to know eachother.

*Mix and Mingle

*Mods - speak

*DINNER

*Q & A session

*Mods/board memebr meeting (free time for all)


Saturday we will begin around 9am

NOTE VERONICA WILL BE FILIMING FOR THE DOCUMENTARY THROUGHOUT THE DAY. IF YOU HAVE NOT SET UP A TIME TO MEET WITH HER PLEASE PM HER ASAP.

*Fun game type mixer/ day opener

*Viewing of "A sentence of their own"

*Activities related to this documentary


*LUNCH

*MBJstuff: a former inmate will speak to us about his accomplishments. Life inside and how to cope/succeed after being released. He will give us hand outs and be open for
Q & A

*Break up into forum type groups to discuss needs, wants, issues. Each group will present one item for us to brainstorm on.


*Texas CURE: Speaker

*Some fun "prison" related games (WITH PRIZES!)

*Dinner (hoping to make reservation for us all to go to a local restaurant, Bennagins or something)

*Free time/ Dancing at the hotel club...whatever

*(People may also be able to go back to the confernce room to use the internet at this time, David and I are trying to work this out with the hotel)

Sunday: 9-12

*Awards

*Discussion of events and what we as a group would like to begin to work on to move toward prison reform. Ideas of how we will tackel these things.

*Goodbyes :(

GOOD JOB BELLA.....


This will be very interesting..

Donna

Yes the weather here in Tx is really strange. Last week an ice storm this week suppose to be in the 60s. I am just bringing casual clothes and (i had surgery on my foot last month) so I am bringing just tennis shoes--cant walk in any dressy shoes. I have my digital camera--and a regualr camera. And I will have to personnally buy renee some snore stuff if she doesnt get it!!. I am just looking for a relaxing weekend and meeting new friends!

Debbie

This all sounds so wonderful. I am greatly looking forward to it. It is funny--my husband is in a Tx unit and I have a degree in criminology from Sam Houston, and minor in psych. I have been in many of the units in texas--and there is definatley a lot of reform that needs to be done in tx. I do need some assistance in getting with Veronica as I have not ever spoken with her ona regular basis. So Veronica--Please find me!!!

Thans a lot
Debbie

hey krisitn --is it that bad?!?!?!lol guess I better bring ear plugs then...lol

I am so excited!! I am bringing a bunch of snacks for the late night munchies!!!

CANT WAIT!!

Sounds Good to me..... I am so excited!!! :)

This sounds good......Bella!!!!!!

Ok Everyone!! :) I haven not been to Houston since I was like 6 yrs old.. I don't remember where this hotel is ;)
I'm good but aint that good!! LOL
Can someone tell me how to get there?
Thanks so much
Mapquest says there is no such address :(
Renee

Humm no addy let me see I will find the directions and post it

Dallas, TX
US

15747 John F Kennedy Blvd
Houston, TX
77032-2315 US


Total Distance: 229.70 miles Total Estimated Time: 3 hours, 47 minutes


Start out going South on N AKARD ST toward FEDERAL ST. 0.24 miles



2: Turn LEFT onto COMMERCE ST. 0.58 miles



3: Turn SLIGHT LEFT to take the I-45 S ramp toward I-30. 0.18 miles



4: Keep LEFT at the fork in the ramp. 0.18 miles



5: Merge onto US-75 S. 0.52 miles



6: US-75 S becomes I-45 S. 212.33 miles



7: Take the HARDY TOLL RD SOUTH exit. 0.09 miles



8: Merge onto HARDY S (Portions toll). 11.63 miles



9: Take the exit toward INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT. 0.63 miles



10: Merge onto HARDY E (Portions toll). 0.57 miles



11: Take the WAVERLY RD exit toward ALDINE WESTFIELD RD. 0.15 miles



12: Turn RIGHT onto WAVERLY DR. 0.37 miles



13: Turn LEFT onto GREENS RD. 1.89 miles



14: Turn RIGHT onto JOHN F KENNEDY BLVD. 0.35 miles

Sounds like fun. I can't wait

Kristen

Amelia... you weren't soppose to read that post....naw I don't snore at all hehe.(wink) Did you say munchies? Wow I think I got the right roomie.

Kristen

Bella Thank you SO much!!!! I'm ready :)

That sounds great Bella!! I can't wait!!
diane

Sounds like alot of fun! I wish I could go...have fun you all and I'm happy you all get to meet. :)

Great job bella and fedex. This is going to be great. Can't wait to meet all of you.
Leslie

Ok, the countdown till our get together is now on our wonderful creator's signature...
:)

I soooo wish I could be there!!! Have a great time and remember, lots and lots of pics!!

First good news- I just got back from Austin and I am a legally licenses driver once again. Yeah! I just got a paper dl, but should get the real one in the mail in two weeks. (I can rent a car again)

Bad news- My insurance denied coverage on my surgery, so I am going to have to fight for them to pay for it (which leads me to the second good news)

Second Good news- Since I no longer have to sit home worrying about when they will call for the oepration, I can go to the get to gether! YEAH!!! Are there any rooms left? Should I just call the hotel myself?

Well I think that's all around mostly pretty good news, Fly! Good for you! Have fun at the gathering!

And sorry about the surgery denial... you know my thoughts on those insurance morons. :( Good luck w/ the fight, I'll be keeping fingers crossed!!!

awww fly, that is wonderful, i hope you have fun

have a wonderful time!!!

Fly

There is one space open in our room if you are interested.

My husband will be there too so, if that does not bother you, then you are welcome to stay with hi, I, and Sherri13. Let me know. Make sure you let Bella know ASAP... She has to put names with each person staying in a room.

Donna

Fly....
Well... I am happy that you are going to be able to come!! Definitely PM Bella and we can get a room arranged (I will definitely let her know when I speak to her tonight....)

On the insurance denial... you gotta just fight em!! They count on the fact that people are going to lay down and accept denials!!

Fly......glad you are gonna make it!!!!!:D

Diane.......where did the counter go?????????

Yeah Fly, I am so glad you will be making it.
Leslie

I donated it to our wonderful leader to put on his signature... :)
d

WooooHooo Fly....
I'll see you there!!!!!!!!! :)

I hi-jacked it from her! :) Believe it or not, I had never used a counter before, so I thought this was a wonderful start.
A big thanks to BillysAngel for setting me up! :)
David

PS. I am looking forward to meeting all of you in this amount of time: (below, of course)
Well, it's about a week from the time I am posting this. :)
David

Can't wait to meet you......David!!!!!!!! Hey.....nice avatar

Ok everyone who's flying in...the hotel has a courtsey shuttle from the airport to the hotel and back.

After you get your luggage in the baggage claim area pick up a courtsey phone and dial the extention for the Hyatt Regency (there is supposed to be a list of #'s right next to the phone). The operator will answer and just tell them you need the shuttel to pick you up from the terminal your at. It should take about 15 minutes for them to arrive and they will bring you to the hotel.

Also, returning to the airport, the shuttle leaves from the hotel every 1/2 hour on the hour and the half hour. Please remember this when deciding when to leave with checking in at the airport and all...give your self enough time or you could end up stuck in Houston...hey that's not a bad idea,lol...we'll just have a few more days of fun if that happens!

good thing you gave her directions or we would be lost with Renee driving my vehicle all day! LOL But thanx for the directions.

You can usually get good driving directions and an accurate mileage at www.MapQuest.com
Enter your address, and then the end address and it will give you driving directions and Maps.. But, if it tries to send you in a direction other than the one that is "straightest" ;) Use your head and only use the directions once you have entered the city..
For example.. If you are coming from Downtown Dallas (etc), and for some stupid reason it told you to take I-35 to Waco, and then Hwy 6 down to 290 into Houston.. Blow that off.. You would take the straight shot of I-45 into Houston from Dallas, period.. The directions once you get into Houston should be good to the airport area.
I will be sending everyone that is coming my cellular number in case anyone gets mixed up, lost or intoxicated prior to arrival and needs help.. ;) J/k aboutthe intoxicated.. (I hope. haha)

There is a very good chance that we may have high-speed wireless video available in the conference room. A friend of mine has a wireless hookup for his laptop and depending on the location and signal strength; I may be able to push a video feed from the conference! :) These Sprint wireless cards (wish it were Verizon) are capable of about 4 times the speed of dial up 56k connections. Again, it depends on where you are!
When I get to Houston tomorrow night, I will go over and configure my laptop for it and then check out the service Friday night at the hotel hosting our conference.
I will also see what I can do to purchase a video interface that is better than a regular web cam if one is available.
So, NO Promises, but I am going to do what I can to get some live video & audio from the conference to everyone who wants to watch & listen from the net!
I'll send out a mass-email in the event we are successful..
David

You're always thinking of us, F-Diddy. Thanks so much.

That would be SOOO cool David, I hope it works!!
Thanks!!!! CJ

Oh yesssssss! I hope it will all work out! I'll be crossing my fingers.. toes.. legs.. and what ever else I can cross!!!! Thank you David~

that is what you meant in the other posts,,,,awwwww that is too cool, i hope it works. :)

This sounds cool! You'll have to explain to us how to access it though, or at least to me OR HAVE TOE AVAILABLE TO HELP US OUT!!

Deb

Deb you can go to www.paltalk.com
it is a free dowload and once you download it you will see FedX has a room already set up.

softie

Man, this place is just getting soooo high tech - woohoo!

Thanks for thinking of us David, you're too cool :)

david, that is really so very, very cool...if it happens, let us know, and i will drag my laptop around with me everywhere i go!!!

good luck!
emme

I am exploring various options from Yahoo Voice Chat, Yahoo Messenger, PalTalk.com, RealAudio Server stream and others.. I want it to be most universal for everyone. Real Audio is great but I think I would have to pay $$$$ to use the server program.. We'll see.. :) If nothing else, we'll do Yahoo IM voice chat...

Oh, and that will be in addition to our www.PrisonChat.net text chat. I am working on scheduling a live chat time right now in the middle of the conference and setting up computers so members can talk to others during lunch breaks and at night.
We are going to have a PTO Hotel Room for everyone to Lounge around online after the days events. :)

David you are just way cool. Maybe the get 2 gether in Paris can tune in too.
Leslie

David... that's awesome!!!!

Here are a few pictures ...I downloaded to my PC...
I will tell you who everyone is LATER lol this took me 4ever to get done..
*HUGS* We miss you all
Renee and EVERYONE lol

http://www.mindspring.com/~reneetx/PTO.html

Great Pictures Renee, but you all look like you are having to much fun without us..I'm jealous.........:)I want to be there, wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, I think that is how that goes........lol
I wanna know who is who, I only who you are.......lol
Hurry Hurry tell us.......:)

Hugsssss
softie

LOL softie Is there even a picture of ME???? I still have around 20 to post just from TONIGHT ...but man FED has it set up where I can't post them cuz they are to big so I'll just post them on my web page ;) I miss you and wish you were here with us!! ALL OF YOU!!!!

Love you all
Renee

Yes there is a picture of you, I couldn't miss you hun..:-) I miss you to all of you. Maybe the next one I can make...:)
Glad you all are having so much fun!
Hugs to you all!
Renee the baby loves her Teddy Bear i posted a picture of her with it.

Love and Hugs
softie

Hey Tx Renee.... Fed finally got the computer hooked up here in the other room and those of us hanging out here are checking them out.... :D We object to some of the pics you are posting of us!! But I guess we will talk to you about that tomorrow!! :D
This is so great.... we need to start planning early for next year so we can get more people here!! :D

Hey ya'll!!! I will be there tomorrow!!!! I had a prob with getting my meds today, but I will see ebveryone tomorrow!!! Don't have too much fun without me lol@!!!@!@@@@#
diane

The pictures are great now i want to know who is who. :)
Its good to see that you all have much fun.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend.

Hugs,
Amanda

Looks like ya'll are having a great time!

LOVED THE PICS HOPE TO SEE MORE AND FIND OUT WHO ALL THESE PEOPLE WERE. HOW MANY PEOPLE SHOWED UP. AND WHERE DID THOSE LADIES GET THEM? I WANT A PAIR. LOL FOR REAL. ANYHOW I HOPE YOU ARE ALL HAVING A GOOD TIME AND I AM GOING TO START SAVING FOR THE NEXT ONE. I WANT TO BE THERE.

Hey!! Where's all the men? No pictures of our ilustrious leader? :p

LOVE the boxers!! Very cute. I soo wish I was there with everyone! Have fun and be safe!

i am sooooo jealous. :) who is who, i see renne, but tell me who is who now. :)
yall look like yall are having a blast.

FANTABULOUS PICs
Looks like you all are having a ball, I so wish I was there! Maybe by next year I'll have a car, i hope, i hope, i hope...

Click on this link to view some of the pictures from the conference. I snuck away and am uploading these but have to get back downstairs so I will leave these to upload into this directory. I will add them to the photo gallery after we are done today.
http://www.prisontalk.com/gtg2003/

If you are clicking on this link soon after I post this, you will most likely not be able to view all of the pictures right away as I am uploading them via dial up and it will take a while.
They should all be there within an hour.

We'll talk to you soon!
David

Great pictures!!! :D

they are great. :)

there's a couple pictures in there that I'm really wondering about...how many beers did you guys have? :D :D :D :D

I'm so happy you all are having fun! Wish I could have been there...next year hopefully!

great!

I have to agree. Damn if life wasnt so complicated right now, I'd be down there with em.

Check these out also! ;)

http://www.mindspring.com/~reneetx/PTO.html

Great pictures David and all!!
Hey, was that a new sign language you were working on or is that the private PTO club signal??
************************{ROFLMAO}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Oh, man. I loved seeing everyone in pictures. Dang it. sure wish I was there.

I loved the pictures :) and the sign language... Patty

( i want to see more picutres of you guys getting all sorts of wasted after all the days events! )

I wasn't here... :)

But who is who? The only one I recognize is Sherri.

Isadora,
These (at least the ones I have added) are temporary until I have a chance to re-size and add them to the photo gallery with the everyone's names, etc. I'll hopefully have that done by Monday.

I just added more to the original link located at the top of this thread. I haven't done much in the way of sorting so please excuse any fuzzy pictures or sign language. :)

Maybe that sign language should be the "official PTO gang sign"... <snicker> :D

lol yall look like yall are having a blast. have fun guys

lmbo

I am so sorry I couldn't make the gathering. But my dr. wouldn't let me drive that far even though I live in houston. I am still recuperating from my accident so hopefully another gathering I will make. But it looks like it went so good. Thanks for the pics of everything and everyone.

cherrie from tx

To everyone who did not come.. we had so much fun... :) I miss you all already....

I miss you too Shortie!!! And Everyone It feels odd now being at home and away from ya'll
*HUGS*

aw guys, yall look so wondeful.

Renee.......these are great!!!!!!! I miss everyone already!!!!!!!:D

Me too hon Sorry I didn't get to say Bye to you!! I had a great time and hope to see you all again :)
Renee

Renee.......I really loved meeting you!!!!!!!! I didn't get to say good-bye to anyone except Jody, Leslie and Christine because they couldn't get me awake......guess I was tired!!!! I was so mad at myself and still am!!!!.....love you, Renee

I just wanted to post a little message letting everyone know that I am home safe and sound. I hope that everyone's trip home was safe. I really did enjoy meeting each and every person! What a wonderful family I feel a part of!

Kristen

I was not there with you but I am glad that you made it home....Welcome back...

Kristen........I made it back home at 6.........I just love everyone here on PTO much more than I did!!!!!! I can't wait for the next one!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

glad you got home safe

Great pictures David.......:D

I can't wait to see who everyone is. Thanks for posting pictures Renee..

Kristen I'm glad you made it home safe and you enjoyed your trip. It looked as if you were all having fun from the pic's.I wish I could have made it.

thanks to everyone for the warm wishes. I really do love this place and all the supportive people here. I realize more than ever now that we are all one big family!

Sherron it is good to hear you made it home safe!

Kristen

I think I had tooooooooooooo much fun!!!!!!!!!:D

Sherron I'm glad you had too much fun,I'm sure you all needed it. Glad your home safe.

It definately feels odd being at home. It also feels odd to be able to see your faces and hear your voices while reading your posts...It feels odd...but it feels WONDERFUL.

Oh and also, please ignore some of the pics of me...David's got some editing to do, LMAO

Bella.......girl your pictures are great!!!!!! sorry i didn't say bye to you!!!!!

kristin...welcome home! are you in any of the pics? which one are you??? :D

Great Pictures Renee and Everyone!!!


Why do I think that Toe is out here lurking somewhere, just rubbing his hands together as he laughs in glee..."Which one to play with first!!!" LOL

Drink??? Who drank??? Not little ole me ;)

Heck, I don't remember some of those pictures being taken.

ok...First TOE...please, I beg, don't touch anything, I already look like a mess, LMAO


Sherron...mad at yourself...shoot we all understand that you had to rush to get your stuff together. Anyways we all rolled down to the conference room with less that 4 hours sleep.
Love ya!

Ok you guys....names.....I cant be the only one who wants to know who is who! Please share!

Deb

Sherron, Glad you are home sweetie. I am home and Christine is spending the night here. Jody is on her way and should post in about 3 hours. She has to play with her puppy first. We all had such a wonderful time. But we are going to bed now. Will come back tomorrow and do a better job. Love you all
Leslie
Christine says goodnight all

Glad to hear you all made it home safe.
Kristin, how was your visit?

emme...you're trying to cheat huh? LOL

Glad to now you are home safe and sound Kristen! How did the "do" come out?? LOL!! Hope you had a great visit and it was so good to meet you. Just got in myself.....time for bed!

The faces and voices will be forever etched in my mind and my heart!! Love to all of you!!

Hi all... Just letting everyone know I'm home safe and sound... and off to bed myself!
Talk to everyone tomorrow! :)

Jodygirl

Glad you made it home, but i am with emme, which one where you. :)

ah, you guys are to much, lmbo

Well you seemed to have a lot of fun !!! :D Now we need to have some names under the pics !!!! Ok, Jody is the one with the missing tooth !!! :p

I won't comment on some pics of Bella, JDsWifey and TxRenée !!!! I don't wanna know what you drank !!! :D

Nice to see you all again !!! :)
Phil

the pics are all great...i love how HAPPY all of you look!!!

xo
em

DRINK? We were not given the opportunity to drink to our full potential because the poor little girl working the floor in the bar was completely overwhelmed by all us crazy women. The poor little thing should have been a poster girl for the DEAR IN THE HEATLIGHTS look by the way she did not show up for work on day 2 and 3. Next year I will be volunteering for the staffing the bar committee and I can guarantee you all that we will rise to our full potential. To be very honest with all of you the only reason we were forced to drink liquor was because the bottled water in the rooms was $4.oo a bottle and none of us could afford it. :) Love Barbara

4.00? my goodness

lol Barbara.... and I almost drank it just to be a smart ass!! :)
Hehehe, j/k!

LMAO Phil.... That's what I had said! You don't need to put my name, everyone knows I'm the one with the gap in the front of my mouth!!! :)

We really did have a great time... next year, everyone better come!!! :):)

Laurie and I had the pleasure last night of introducing Sherri to the wonderful world of gourmet mud bugs.. ;) (AKA Crawfish)
It is always a lot of fun for us "Southerners" to introduce people to things bordering on Fear Factor foods.. (Well, not exactly) (We often try to do this before the creek rises-Bella) (Lets all pronounce creek like "crik")
All together we ate 10 lbs of them pretty quickly. Sherri had the cracking and peeling down good by the time she left.
I'm sorry that everyone else visiting Texas didn't get to feast on these little guys. (Baby Lobsters)
Maybe next time. :)

ewwwwww, nasty. poor girl, lol did she like them?

Well thanks David I would have eaten a bug or two with you but you didn't invite me. :) When you come to California we will all go out and catch our own BIG bugs and eat um up. Love Barbara

Drank? WHo me??? LMAO

Hey did anyone get any pictures of the bathtub/cooler in the lounge?

ok, I want to let everyone know that I slept until 3pm today,lol


Let's have you guys try and guess who we are.

I LOVE CRAWFISH!!!! yuuuuuum....

eww, i never heard them called then what fedx called them

wow bella. But goodness, look how far you had to come. You needed that good night or days rest. :)

Hi everyone!!! I made it home about 2:30pm yesterday, but I was totally wiped out!! I just got up and it's 5pm Monday lol!! I had a WONDERFUL time and I was so glad to get to meet everyone!!! I have definately made a bunch of great friends and I can't wait till the next one!!!
I love you all!!!!!!
diane

Oh, AND I finally got to look at my ticket and guess what??? I can take Defensive Driving!! :) I am soooo glad!!
diane

UUUUMMMM.... Drink, uuummm, oh yeah. haha!! I think I remember having a few... didn't I?? lol
diane

Well I am really beat up I didn't know having that much fun was so hard on an old lady. Oh I guess it was because I forgot I was old LOL. I am home now and cooking up a storm so I can feed my hungry guys. Love Barbara

Bella I wish I had slept that long!! I think Freedom and I stayed up till 3am talking on Sat night !! I'm still beat and have work tonight..I had a handyman here all day today and will tomorrow too (sigh)

I had such a WONDERFUL time!! :)

I can hardly wait till next year and I still have tons of pictures to post just havent gotten them all done YET :) I will.

I'm glad you all made it home ...I miss you all already!
Love to you each.
Renee

Sherron.. you told me bye silly!!! lol But we had just dragged you out of bed!! I am so glad we finally got to meet and I really enjoyed our late night chatting lol I love you girl@!!!!
diane

Oh how nice where's Pammie? Hugs, JER

Has anyone posted pictures with names yet??? I am dying with curiousty to know who is who!!!! I know I know curiosty killed the cat~ Meow

I still haven't officially made it all the way home... got held up by my nephews at JD's sister's house... and there was no way I was going to work today! Will head out in a few hours... :D

Just want to say I had SO much fun.... and it was SO GREAT to get to meet all of those of you that were there....
:D
Can't wait til next year!! :D

I know I know lol But I won't tell... hehe I loved the comment about Toe lurking in the corner!! What a funny one he is :) Be patient and you'll find out everyone :) of course, since I got a damn ticket on the way, I might be able to be bribed lol Not a chance!!!
diane

Bonnie I feel the same!! It is great to now be able to "see" eachother when we talk!! It was sooo nice to meet you too!! You are such a sweetie :)
diane

Hope to see you all next year.. Say bella if you need help remember I am here... :)

hey fed thanks for keeping the bugs to your self.. :) glad you all had time to connect...

I'm southern and you can keep your crawfish! And deer. And squirel. And possum (I know there's supposed to be an "O" at the beginning). And watermelon. And buttermilk. And grits. And catfish. And ... yucky poo to all of it!! ;)

Suck the Heads and Eat the Tail...

Gods sexiest food!

ROFL!!!

i never looked at it that way...i just focused on the "dip it in butter" part!!!

Sorry but I couldn't get the details worked out in time. Also, the dial up connections even stank there. Thanks for the input.
David

To everyone that helped to put together the Gathering in Houston this last Weekend THANK YOU!! :)
I'm not naming names you all know who you are!

Thank you to every single person that showed up!
I am proud knowing that I was at the 1st ever PTO Conference and will be at many more :)

I have to Thank David for being here for all of us and Davids Mom for being his inspiration! Thanks to his girlfriend for sharing him with all of us....it takes a special person to understand how demanding we can all be!

I can hardly wait to talk to Tony tomorrow and tell him more about how much fun I had!!

Bless each of you and I do send my love to you all

Renee

i'm glad that ya'll enjoyed the feast! I love some mudd bugs!!!

Kristen

I agree with bella...guess who we are hehe.

Kristen

Renee
I have to agree with you!!! I am so glad to be part of history :) I was so happy to finally meet everyone and I tell ya, I had the best time I have had in such a long time!! It felt so good to just let our hair down and relax and laugh so much!! I can't wait till the next one and also thank you's go out to our coordinators, who are also very sweet, funny caring people who I adore!! I will have this smile on my face for a long time!!
Thanks to everyone for making me smile, I sure needed it!! I sincerely do adore all of you!!!
diane

LOL I meant to tell you in person diane....You remind me of your little avatar :) your so cute!!! It fits you perfect

I too have to say thank you to all. This was a special time and will remember it forever.

Kristen

Me too!! Our two coordinators did a fabulous job!! I just got back from my FACTS (Families to Amend California's Three Strikes) meeting and told them all about our gathering. The speakers were very informative, enlightening and encouraging. Thanks Bella and JD'sWifey!! The FACTS members are enthused about us perhaps having our own sub-Califonia forum. Thanks David! I must say, I did some bragging about my PTO friends and what a wonderful, great bunch of people they all are. Special thanks to Laurie for putting up with all of us. You are a very special lady!!

Thanks again everyone!!

I missed some crawfish?? MMMMM!!! Love 'em! Used to catch our own. Frogs legs too! Ever tried them?? Fried to a nice, light crisp, crunchy texture! Taste just like chicken.....isn't that what they all say?!

I would like to give a special thanks to Mike who joined us and spoke at the conference.

Mike,
Your words of wisdom and inspiration were a wonderful contribution!!! I finished reading your whole book on the plane :D. I think having been on both sides of the fence, as an inmate and now as a DOC employee, your wisdom is that much deeper.
Again I thank you!

OMG...NO WAY could I eat those **** legs. I have a phobia of them! Oh it is giving me shivers just thinking about it.

Kristen

Sure wish I could have been there!

Bella, what is the name of the book by Mike!

Hope to met everyone at the Next PTO Gathering!

Love
Kathy

All those who attended the GTG, if you have a minute and could please give your views in regard to this movie to Edgar (the producer) I would appreciate it. He asked that you all let him know what you think. I think most of us had the same views on the video and who knows, maybe he will make another one and touch the areas we think would help.

Please contact him through his site:

www.asentenceoftheirown.com

Or by clicking on the banner on PTO.

Thanks!

I want to say thank you to mike as well. You book is amazing and I believe that it will help a lot. Thanks for taking the time out for us. I can't wait to read your next book

Kristen

OOOPs sorry about that:

His book is called
How to do good after prison
A handbook for the "committed man"

you can order it through his site at
www.jointfx.com

He is also in the process of finishing another book called, How to help your man after prison. It should be just as wonderful as this book is!

hey shortie...really I am glad that I got to sleep with you...hehe in the same bed...that is a JOKE lol...
Really it was wonderful to meet you

Kristen

Thanks Bella!

I'm sure glad I didn't have to read your Mind to find out the name of the book!

Just a little humor!

Love
Kathy

hmmm, sounds like there was a whole lotta stuff going on!
********************{heeheehee}}}}}}}}}

Bella my email is sent :)

boy, you seem like you had such great fun! It must be great actually seeing the person who you read so much about here on PTO.

i'm on it -bella

that is cute kathy. the lady dancing

yuk!!! makes my skin crawl thinking about it. i never atr any possom and not gonna either,lol i seen them running across the road here or smashed in the pavement, but other wise,,,,ewwwww

For the record, they taste great!! I do think it will take me a few more times to match the speed and technique of laurie and david with their peeling expertise... Thanks for the experience david and laurie...:)

great pics! too bad i wasnt there, looked like i missed alot of fun! Do it again in thelast week of july / first week of august, then im there in texas too :D

ditto

i love u guys!

It is SO good to put names to faces. You all looked like you had a wonderful time. Sometimes too good a time????:p

Hey Hey everyone!!
I know I'm slow lol but please forgive me I'm worn out from the weekend and I didn't even drink lolol Man age is showing I know :)
I'm reposting the pictures that are on my web site to the Gallery I hope to have them moved tonight.

http://www.mindspring.com/~reneetx/PTO.html

Hope you all enjoy them!!!

PS...did I hear that Jody's tooth got knocked out at the gathering? lol :) just/kidding
*HUGS* Jody!! Love ya
Renee

i love them,thanks for sharing

lol lulu your most welcome YOU are so fast posting Girl!!!
I hope things are going great for you :)

lol yes renne, every thing is going great. :) thanks

When I go to the gallery to check out the pics the whole gallery is messed up? Does anyone else see it like this or is it my computer?

hum, let me look,,,nop, the first one that came up is messed up

Okay thanks Lulu at least I know it's not my puter! Man I would hate to have to put this thing back in the shop! Phewww!

Hummmm !!!! You say you're not drunk ????? What's this mess in the gallery ???? :D :D

Love ya girl, your pics are gorgeous, just like you !!! :)

Phil

I got home about 11:30 sunday night--me and christy went walking around downtown houston for a while after we left....and I slept prety much all day yesterday--off and on!! There better not be any fat head pictures of me up.....lol..I put my certificate on my wall---got alot of weird looks from my family though I wonder why??!??!!...lol I had a great time and enjoyed meeting everyone!! CAn't wait til net year either!!

EEEEW! EEEEW! EEEEEEW! EEEEEEEW! EEEEEEEEEW! EEEEEEEEEEEEW! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEW!

I AGREE WITH EVERYONE ABOVE! YOU DID A SPECTACULAR JOB!!! I ALSO WANT TO THANK RENEE FOR TAKING SO MANY GREAT PICTURES! AND THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO MADE ME LAUGH--I HAVENT LAUGHED SO MUCH OR SO HARD IN A LONG TIME ---ALSO THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO LEI'D ME I REALLY REALLY NEEDED THAT!!!!!!LOL

I am going to ick your ass david!!! putting a picture of me in my pj's!!!!:D I better do double time at the gym!!! AAAAH!! hey no pictures of me gettine lei'd??????

LOL Hey I put one up of you and your group getting lei'd

ROFL Amelia...I LOVED your PJ's :) What a good time I had!!!
Can't wait for next year!!!!

Just saw the pics in the gallery! Thank you so much Renee they are wonderful! So good to know who is~

Well, Renee( my new best friend) let me add my THANK-YOU, too........it felt so GOOD and weird at the same time to talk in public to people that knows what I am going through and for that THANK YOU, THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU..:D

I would also like to thank you Mike, I really enjoyed hearing your story..........THANKS!!!!!!!!!!

me, too!!!!!!

oh so they are fix? i got to go look. :)

Thanks, bella. I'm glad that you all enjoyed what i had to say. I had a great time also. it was a pleasure to meet everyone. I am also happy that you liked the book. I hope to do it again next year. mbj

p.s. thanks to you and David for the MVS Award (most valuable speaker:)

where's the one of texas renee with the pen in her ear? That one DEFINATELY needs to go in the gallery!

love ya Renee!

Sherron *HUGS* hon I got your PM but have been so busy trying to figure out what 100 pics I posted and what 100 I didn't lol I have NO organization :(
You hang in there hon we are all here for ya
Renee

lol Sherri hon don't you worry I put it as my avatar :)
I even printed it out for Tony and sent to him ....he loves a good laugh! I really miss ya'll..
You hang in there hon believe me you and yours are in my prayers!!!
Love ya
Renee

Thank you.......Renee

I am absolutely LOVIN" that new avatar Renee!!! You are such a bunch of fun! miss your sweet smile!!

Sherron- let me add how wonderful it was to meet you... and you still own me that game of pool...

don't be scared-i won't whoop up on you too bad....:)

I thank you all too. This GTG was a much needed weekend for all of us!

hey Amelia...I guess that condemed/abandoned sign is gone now,LMAo

You all have said it well....but I have to say it too.... each one of you are absolutely WONDERFUL people..... and I had TOO much fun (I am still trying to recouperate!!)
Y'ALL start planning on coming to the next one.... I am sure we will start thinking about it soon so we can look forward to it!! :D

David... I am with Bella....some of those pictures need to be deleted!! :D
Phil... I am pleading the fifth and utilizing my right to remain silent (although I think some of those pictures tell all....)
I have to spend a few hours on my old slow computer printing some of these out for JD..... By the time I get the copies of Bella's three rolls of film JD will have more pictures of those few days than he ever would have wanted!! :D

I have to add my 3 cents worth too, (now that I think I'm among the living again). I made so many new friends this past weekend. It was such a joy to meet all of you. You all made this a wonderful wonderful weekend. I am already looking forward to next year. I just can't tell you all how very much ya'll mean to me. There was alot of opening up this weekend and it was much needed and the start to healing too. Ya'll are the bestest of the best.

Oh my new name is ditzy (if I spelled it right)
Leslie

love ya willow!!

today i had a very yummy crawfish and shrimp pie...yummm!!! (i got it at walmart, lol)

you got it.......Sherri.......next time.........:D

ALL RIGHT ALL MY PRECIOUS CHILDREN..... THIS WAS THE BEST WEEKEND I HAVE HAD IN MANY MANY YEARS.... I FOUND PEOPLE THAT I CONNECTED WITH IMMEDIATELY.... ALL OF YOU.... RENEE, YOU ARE PRECIOUS..... FRIGGWOLF, YOU ARE SPECIAL, SHERRON, YOU ARE MY MOST PRECIOUS MOM, BELLA, MY STAR, SHERRI MY LIGHT, JDS, MY INSPIRATION, FREEDOM ANGEL, MY SPECIAL ANGEL, WILLOW, MY SPECIAL WILLOW TREE, CHRISTIN, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, INSIDE AND OUT, DAVID AND LORI, YOU ARE BOTH SO VERY SPECIAL TO ME AND DAVID, YOUR MOM IS A WONDERFUL MOM. ALL OF THE MANY WHO I HAVE LEFT OUT BECAUSE OF SPACE, YOU TOO ARE MY WONDERFUL CHILDREN AND I REALLY DO LOVE AND CARE FOR....

THIS WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST THINGS EVER. NEXT YEAR I WANT TO SEE AT LEAST 200 OR 300 OF US TOGETHER.... WE ARE PLANNING TO HAVE IT IN A CENTRAL LOCATION IN THE MIDDLE OF THE US.... PLANS WILL BE FORTHCOMMING..

WE GOT HOM AT 11:00 SUNDAY EVENING, DUE TO A DELAY IN I-40 INTERSTATE WITH A WRECK.... LOVE YOU ALL

DONNA

P.S. BY THE WAY, MR BUDWOMAN WANTED ME TO TELL ALL THE GIRLS HELLO FOR HIM.... OK GIRLS, NOT LISTEN UP, HE REALLY DID LOVE YOU ALL..... NOW, DON'T MAKE MOMMA JEALOUS... OK.... HA HA..

LOVE YA
DONNA

DAAAVIDDD..... MUDD BUGGS????? WHERE ON EARTH DID THAT COME FROM????? THEY ARE ACTUALLY CRAWDADS.... i KNOW, BECAUSE WE EVEN HAVE A BASEBALL TEAM HERE IN hICKORY NAMED AFTER THEM.... YES, THEY ARE GOOD AND VERY ABUNDANT HERE IN NC...


HA HA... I CAN JUST SEE SHERRI EATING CRAWFISH..

LOVE YA
DONNA

Crawfish and mayo !!!!!!! Yum !!!!!! :) And crabs and lobsters and oysters and scallops and prawns !!!! YUM !!!!!! :)

And of course, snails with melted butter garlic and parsley !!! This is YUMMY !!!! :)

MIKE

I TOO ENJOYED THIS BOOK.... I WILL BE ORDERING MORE COPIES VERY SOON... I AM BEGINNING TO HAVE SOME INMATES IN THE PRISON MINISTRY GROUP WHO ARE COMMING HOME SOON AND THIS BOOK WILL HELP THEM A GREAT DEAL.... THANKS FOR YOUR INSITE..

DONNA

lol donna. that is to cute

oh yuk. Phil, how can you eat those slimmy things that look like um, boogers. gross!!!!!!!

emme, shrimp pie? that is totally nasty

Seafood is the best food.. Oysters included..

Lulu you should try snails, it's just gorgeous !!!!! :)

Joey told me he will never kiss me after I ate snails !!! :D

Is there a synopsis of the PTO meetings? What were the topics of the speakers? Any Information, Plans or Goals for PTO? What, where, how, who and why? Can we get some details besides ## of beers, mudbugs and Pj's designs? LOL
We figured ya'll had fun but what was the business?

and thinking of such what ever happened about the Newsletter idea?

Well, we got home at 11 Sunday night.... I slept almost all day on Mon and then Tuesday I cleaned house.

I have had such a wonderful time and I fell in love with all of you... Jody, Sherron, Tx Renee, Bonnie, Sherri, Amelia, Shortie, JDS, Bella, David, Laurie, Davids Mom, Christin, and so many more that I cannot remember right now.... I love you all very dearly...

Mr Budwoman really enjoyed himself too. He was really having a good time will all you girls.... You made him feel so very special and he loves that...

I sincerely hope tha tnext year we have at least 300.... Won't that be great... But, we absolutely must have a place that we can see things too.. and at least dance one night... Maybe that will happen....

May God Bless and Keep you all in his peace...

My Love and Prayers

Donna

PS just to let you know, when I got home, Butch had been moved 300 miles away from home to Goldsboro, N. C. I will post his address as soon as I get it...

donna it is good to know that you made it home safe and sound. I really am glad that ya'll had a good time and you guys really do offer so much support! Thanks for being a great PTO mom. I hope that Butch does well in his new unit and I will keep him in my thoughts

kristen

lol Donna... You tell Mr. Budwoman we love him!! :)

I, too, had a wonderful time this past weekend... It was very much needed. I had the change to connect (in person) with so many people I've connected with online!
Thank you all for being who you are!

Jodygirl

Oh, and Sherri.....

Speaking of pool.... you owe me a game too! :)

Yes Mike.... thank you, thank you, thank you!

I have only begun to read the book, but I will also be ordering one for Dale!
I loved hearing your story, you are truly walking inspiration...

See you next year!!!!

Jodygirl

Our First Speaker was Mike who is a ex-convict that has been able to turn his life completely around since comming out of Prison... He has a book he has written for inmates who have a very short time left to help them in comming back home and facting the problems that they will face. Mike did a wonderful job with a great talk and description of how hard it was to come home.

Then we had the Texas Cure Leader his name was DAVID _____. He also talked a lot about the problems that Texas has in its Justice System and also in the DOC... This retrospect was the same as in most of our States. He also had information on how to contact the CURE organization in other States.

I spoke on Starting a Prison Ministry and a Support Group for Families of Inmates. In fact, I am going to post our 12 step program under Support Groups in the next few days after I get settled back into work and all.

The very best part of the conference was just being able to bond as a group.... To actually put a face with a name and bond with these folks by heart to heart.... Torrey, it is very hard to explain just how much this happened over the two day period....

We discussed the plans for PTO and where we are going... David is doing another upgrade to the software very soon that will allow a lot of things to happen. I am not as tied into technical stuff as a lot of you are, so I really did not retain a who lot of that. He wants to organize the site so that threads and posts are easier to find... If anyone has any suggestions for that situation, please contact David and let him know.

We talked about next year's conference, Where, What, and How. Also he wants suggestions from all PTO members on that... Like, would you like to see it in a Central location between all of us... What do you want on PTO.... Are you interesed in More Forums and What are they?

I could ramble on, but we covered a lot of ground in a short period of time.... ALSO,,,,, WE PLAYED PRISON GAMES AND A COUPLE OTHER GAMES THAT WERE ICE BREAKERS.

But, As I said before, the very best part was Bonding and Becomming a true real family...

Love Ya Girl

Donna

lulu, that pie is sooooo good...i guess if you don't like shrimp or crawfish, you wouldn't be too impressed, but if you do...this is the pie for you!

I too did that this Morning first thing.... He has a good idea, but went in a little wrong direction with it.... It was a little sterotyped and bias...


Donna

Phil, cant say i blame him,,,lol Snails? omg, you can really eat those things? YUK! i feel ill to my tummy. hey, i do like fried shrimp, but i aint eattin nothing that is slimy. ew

i never in my life heard of that kind of pie, ew

I wanted to say thanx to everyone involved in making the conference possible! It was wonderful to put faces to the names! A big thanx to Renee for driving the car down there (without that I couldn't have made it) and for taking all the wonderful pix. Also a big thanx to bella, jdsgirl, and David for putting forth so much effort. To those who I got to know well--I am truly blessed, and I look forward to getting to know the others as well. (even though I got yelled at by my doctor today) it was well worth going down there for the conference. And to all of those who didn't get to make it down--I hope to see and meeet yall next year!

Debbie

P.S. I am not going to the Bon Jovi concert, but all things happen for a reason----now it is just time to rest my foot and my body. And hey Renee---I still want my Jovi thing put up on my name if you can help me do it!

Love to all
Debbie

Donna, I think you covered it

well put Donna.. the best part was the bonding... that made such a difference..

OK I need to add mine too.. I had a wonderful time and want to thank each of you for the time and memories that we made. Each moment somehow made me fill human again. SOmetimes I try to disconnect so that it is not painful.. I know really healthy but I am being honest. Thanks for all you, I was able to me be and did not have to hid anything. You all know what is going on in my life. It was nice to get the oppertunity to be with other people I have so much in common with. PTO is so much more to me now. Sorry for the long saga...and the tears.. I love you all... :) xoxoxo

I am on it Bella.. I would like to see another depiction of more current times with the more current family / wife or girlfriend/ maybe a 2 inmate story not just one.. :) overall good..

icy cold beer, suckin head and eatin tail.... ain't nothin better!

I wasn't at the conference, but I had our college buy it and I use it in a Social Problems class I teach and I'm with Donna....it's too stereotyped...I have to do a long intro to the class before I show it that not all families are poor but they go thru a lot of this stuff still etc.......

Deb

feedback delivered.... :) Thanks for the reminder......

Barb...you definately made me feel old with all the energy that you have...I'll tell you that Vanilla bath fizz ball was calling me really loud when I got home :D

Renee..I think I got 12 hours of sleep from Wed. thru Sun. and I still feel all backwards...hey PTO photographer...don't post any more bad pics of me ...I already look scary in quite a few of them,lol

Jds...it was nice to meet you too :D

Amelia...you mean with 5 kids your family didn't know how much you'd been lei'd...JUST KIDDIN ;)

Momma Donna..you already know how I feel about you beinging there...glad you and Gene(representing hubby support) made it home safely. PLease send Butch my love when you speak to him.

Kristin...have any gum?

oh bella i am lmao... I have gum and am always willing to share lol...you kill me

kristen

lol Bella? There are NO bad pics of you!!! I seen none :)
Heck none look as odd as mine with the pen in the ear

I miss ya'll!! and I really miss your accent!! I love it!

Renee....you told me that I would hear that southern drawl of yours when I read your posts.... guess what?!? I do!! And it makes me smile!! :D

Kristin.... I miss getting to hang out and chew gum with you!! :D

Bella--- you are a smart-a$$.... but I love ya!! I will be on Travelocity looking for cheap airfare....

One more question--- is anyone else STILL tired?!? I got home (finally!) at about 11 on Monday night.... and am STILL not caught up on sleep......

jody-g-you got it ( pool game)--we might as well just have a pool tournament- I will try to make a space in my trophy case ahead of time ....lol

and Donna, tell Gene thanks for being pateint while I took so long in the bathroom-he's one heck of a guy

Mike....
I too would really like to thank you for coming and sharing your thoughts, perspectives and self with us all.... I wish there would have been more time to listen to you talk.... :)
You are definitely an inspiration... and I will be getting your book for my JD... I hope one day soon he will be able to come to a gathering and talk to you as well!!
:)
Thanks again!!

Mike- your talk was both informative and inspirational
thanks!

Hi all, I want to add to this also. I'm really glad I went to this first meeting. It was really important for me to meet others in the same situation. Though I didn't talk much, I enjoyed meeting those that I did meet. My mind was still spinning after finding out that Arthur's parole was revoked unjustly. I wish I could have gone back at 9:00 pm but I wasn't able to. Jean/aka Arthursgirl

God Bless you Jean.... We are with you in Sprit.... Things will be better next time around...

Love Ya Girl

Donna

Dearest Donna,

It looks to me from a non-attendee's point of view that "Mr. Budwoman" has garnered a HUGE fan club of young ladies from all across the country! How cute! I hope his head is still fitting thru the doorways at home... ;)

Love & hugs,
Lys

you are bad cheena!!!!....lol

nah, not me...:D :wave:

maybe this is why i had the odd dream?? (see other thread...);)

My feedback is on its way. Hope that all of our feedback will help him in future productions. I do agree with Donna though--it was somewhat stereotyped and biased.

Phil, escargot is the best!! I want to raise my own! I have all the info, now I just need a place! Working on that too! Crawdads, softshelled crabs, perriwinkles(little sea snails), abalone, sea snails, mussels (with aolie sauce!), staemed clams, oysters!! Boy am I thinking back to when I lived in Massachusetts on the Cape!!! I dug clams for a living! They said you had to have a strong back and a weak mind!! We'd go out two tides a day!! When I lived there, I was so sick of seafood! Now I would do just about anything for it!!! We have alot of beach here in Tucson, AZ, just no d@*$ water!!! Grapefruit coming out of my ears, and lemons!!! My son peels grapefruit and eats them like oranges!! Atleast he won't get scurvy!! Now I'm starving!!!

Oh, I almost forgot! All this is great food. I get squeemish when people atart talking sweetbreads!! I grew up on a ranch in N. Cal. and we raised all kinds of animals and had a huge garden, and hunted etc. Does anyone know what they are? And those that do, do you like them? Yuck!!!!!!

(totally off topic) but the one food that i hate...is bananas! i would eat just about anything else mentioned here...but don't mention bananas :D

I know I am VERY late writing this letter but as usual, I got sidetracked and am just now realizing there is something that I didn't do and really need to.

First, I want to thank the two people that really went out of their way to make the 2003 (Our First!) PTO Conference a reality! (((((Bella & JDswifey02)))))
They not only hounded me when I was severely slacking off, but they rounded up gifts, certificates, planned games, contacted speakers and got us a movie to watch, and much more.. They did the real leg work and I can't tell you two how grateful I am for all that you did, and do..
Please join me in showing our appreciation to these two wonderful ladies!

Bella, my Queen and JDS, my Star, you both know how much I appreciated the great work you did on the Conference... We all learned a great deal and the Next One will be absolutely Fantastic.... Have we decided to pick a place and a time for it yet? You know how Momma's are, they like to get ahead of the game and plan things. Ha....

These two are very precious and special human beings and I am so very proud to have had the opportunity to be with them for 3 days.

My Love
Donna

Well I was not at the conference !!! :( But I'm sure those 2 cutie pies were certainly wonderful !!! They ALWAYS are !! :)

May I say something about the mini European get together ? Thank you Hilde for those YUMMY chocolates, the nice Floridian clock, your nice daughter and your wonderful kindness :)

We all rock on PTO !!! :)

Hugs
Phil

Bella and JD's THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU :)
I had the most wonderful time in Houston!!! I can hardly wait for Next year ....
*HUGS*

Thank you all....it was definately worth all the time and planning...I had a blast and through this we have gotten some insite on what we'll change/add for next year. I looked foward to this for so long and it was exactly how I thought it would be ...AMAZING! I loved spending every minute of those few days with those who understand my fears, love, etc etc.
Thank you all for being there.

Momma Donna,
as far as I know there is no definate place for next year yet

I would also like to add my thanks!! It was such a good time for me, even though I missed Friday :(. But everyone welcomed me with open arms, and I will never forget the big momma hug momma Donna gave to me to welcome me:) I really had a wonderful time. I might not be able to make the next one due to my health and finances, but I will try with all my might :)
Thank you to David, Michelle, and Shawna for putting it all together!!!
Oh, and a BIG thanks for letting me crash in the lounge so that I didn't have to drive home and back:) I really appreciated that so much. And although me, Sherron, and Jody stayed up all night chattin :), I had the BEST sleep that I have had in a year!!! uuummm, maybe it was the long island iced teas lol, but anyway, I HAD FUN!!!
Thanks everyone!!!
(((hugs))diane

thanks everyone for the thanks.... I tagged along with Michelle in getting things together-- and it gave me a nice excuse to get to spend an extra day or two with my bestest PTO buddy!! Next year will definitely be bigger and better!! Planning I am sure will start soon!! Perhaps we should hold a vote on exact dates and location?!?
I think trying to pick a major hub as far as airline travel is considered so we can make it as affordable as possible for those traveling long distances... :D

thnaks shawna and michelle! was a great experience!

I wish that I could help ya'll out in organizing the get togethers. I am so good at things like that, but since I don't have any income until my disability goes through, it's kinda hard. But please feel free to volunteer me for anything that I can do from home, ok. I will be more than happy to give ya'l a hand!!
diane

Thank you both for all the hard work you put in on our first family gathering. I can hardly wait for next year to see how many new babies we have added. You guys were just great and every bit as wonderful as I thought you be. To everyone else I got to meet you all were just great, we all have some really great memories don’t we :) Love Barbara

THANK YOU, THANK YOU. You guys are wonderful. I had such a wonderful time and it such a great experience. You both worked so hard and it is truly appreciated.
Leslie
(ps reality sucks I want back on the ship)

Thank you both so much for all the hard work and dedication. We all had a great time and really got to know each other so much better. The speakers and the movie added a lot to the topics of discussion. Love you both and feel tremendously blessed to be a part of PTO!

Well guess I better chip in here.......Bella and Shauna...........Thanks to both of you for the great job you did and I would also like to thank our leader......DAVID ......THANK-YOU.........TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From what I have seen and heard, you guys did a fabulous job!