:( When he was transferred on the 15th....bop.gov had him listed as FCI Terre Haute. I DID call there to double check the mailing address for letters. She found him in the system and TOLD ME to send letters to the FCI at POB 33, blah, blah.

I know bop.gov updates on Thursdays (saw that somewhere).......and when I checked TONIGHT it says he's at the USP Terre Haute, POB 12015. What the heck?:confused: :confused:

:eek: Are my letters getting to him? It was suggested that I write every day and I have. **sniff, sniff*** I don't want him to feel all alone.

Sigh....... more hurry up and wait. I'll write again in the morning and send it to the CORRECT address and explain to him.

Does anybody have any experience in the situation? (no, nothing has come back to me....then again neither did the letter from Oxford either).

Thanks so much.

Blessings and G'Night.

Doni

I have family in FPC in Terre Haute. If I can help in any way let me know. Hasn't he written you yet? Do you have the correct address to mail money to him? It's not in Terre Haute.

Hi Butterfly........ it's good to hear from you.

When he was first taken from county to Oxford, he spent the night there then was taken the next day to Terre Haute. The bop.gov website SAID FCI Terre Haute....and I looked there and it said P.O. Box 33, blah, blah. So I called and the found him in the system. The phone operator SAID to send the mail to the P.O. Box 33.

I know that bop.gov does some updates on Thursday....so I checked again yesterday MORNING and it still said FCI Terre Haute. BUT LAST NIGHT when I checked it said USP Terre Haute. This had a P.O. Box of 12015. Argggg.

So I phoned the pen again...and the officer was very nice. I explained to him what I am saying to you. He said that's the OLD P.O. Box....and there are three facilities there (which I knew). He said although it's an old P.O. Box, the mail should get through. I don't know though... I've sent a card or long letters EVERY DAY since he was transferred....albeit this was only on the 15 he landed in the USP.

Michael/TxRhino was nice enough to POST the Des Moines, IA address for money orders and explain how Western Union works. Another kind person did also. Plus it's on the website (Inmate name, #, PO Box 474701. blah,blah).

I don't have much $$.... but I did send enough money for stamps, paper, envelopes, pen or pencil, etc....... yet I've heard NOTHING. I asked the officer about this.... and about using the phone. He said he THOUGHT inmates couldn't call collect.... that they had to purchase a phone card of sorts. Says it helps THEM monitor usage and all. Still........no letter at all? Nothing? I don't even know if he got the money orders or if they've been posted to his account. Would he know WHO SENT THEM?

I'm so confused and sad. I just wanna hear from him. To KNOW he's alright and that WE are gonna make it. I know we will....but I just gotta hear it from him...and reassure him too.

How long DOES THIS TAKE???? I know he'd write if he could....he's that way. His last letter to me said he may be taken the following week (which he WAS) and that he'd write just as soon as he possibly could (he know's I am worried).

I know the prison system probably doesn't give two poops about him, me or 'us' .......but you'd think a happy inmate is a calm inmate. Awww, you know what I mean.

Thanks for answering me. I'll be a wreck until I hear from him. ~~~~ Another really nice person here has a b/f in USP Terre Haute. She said he'll see if he can find my guy.... if he's in his area, section or whatever the heck it's called. A big PTO-Hello hopefully will go to my sweetie via the PTO-network of family and friends.

Blessings,

Doni

Doni- sorry to hear that you are frustrated.

My boyfriend is at the camp but is listed as FCI on Bop.
When he first went in I didn't know the address of the camp and sent his letters to the FCI. He did recieve the letters. They should be able to find your guy by his inmate number.

As for the phone, I didn't hear from Jay until close to 3 weeks after he surrendered. He has accidently turned his phone list in to the wrong person and it took some time to correct the situation. It might also depend if there is a lockdown going on. Again, my BF is in the camp so I don't have much info on the FCI or USP. Hang in there! I hope you hear from him soon!

Ali

Thanks for writing! You bet..... I'm holding on. Waiting while holding my breath. His letter had BETTER be a long one.:p Then again.... he's probably unsure of things, himself, protocol inside and at the sub-levels. Jim was IN once before and transferred before....so he SHOULD know what to do. I'd think by NOW he'd have seen his counselor or somebody. I keep reading how I should contact his counselor and just.... well let him or her know I'm out there and that I'm cooperative. I'm not so sure about this. They have a LOT to do w/ the inmates.... and maybe don't want a pesky HELLO call from me - yet. I think I'll wait until I have SOMETHING of need to talk about. I'm decent at talking with folks even though this message is choppy (blame lack of coffee, lol).

Lock-down.... how often does that happen? I need to educate myself on this stuff. I thought it was only for unrest. Then again, stick over a thousand men (or women) in an area and you're gonna have unrest.

I'll go to the post office in a few...... saying prayers that he has written. I suspect if mail gets out into the USPS system it would only take 2-3 days to get to me. Up Indiana and over a couple of states.

Time for prayer to bring some good news from my baby.

Thanks for giving me more HOPE. It sure helps. I'll be sure to Pay It Forward.

Blessings,

Doni

I'm not sure how often they lockdown the FCI.
I would assume probably not too often, unlike the USP.

Not knowing what is going on with our loved ones while they are away is the worst feeling.......
Even though they are the ones actually "doing time" we are the ones waiting to get some information. At least they know what is going on, even if at times it is unpleasant.

Ali

Ali........hmmm, I like that name. It suits you very well.:)

Unfortunately Jim IS in the Pen (usp). Until he gets some sort of points lowered and asks to be transferred...he'll stay in high security. I don't understand about the points and how to transfer. I was told for him to ask in about a year as long as he has 100% good time. I'd expect nothing less than good time from him.

Sistah...... I sure hear you about wanting to KNOW what goes on. Maybe they're protecting us or something...because, let's face it.... this is not a campground at Jellystone National Park. Jim HARDLY EVER writes about his surroundings or the other people. He tells me the letters are for us... and his time AWAY from there. I understand that fully, but I do think it's a little selfish. I'd like one solid letter telling me about the place, what's up there....who he bunks with and such. That's all (for now. lol I reserve the right to ask more questions. rofl).

It's 11:55 local time. Surely all the mail is in the PO Boxes by now. I'm off on my yellow brick road to see if the Wiz has sent a letter (just feeling weird today. LOL).

Blessings Ali and all. Blessings to Jay also!

Doni

The UPS is on lockdown quite often from what I understand.
At least it seems that way.
But as far as I know you can call and find out if they are on lockdown.

Jay and I don't write too often.
We talk on the phone every other day and I visit twice a month.
Jay isn't much of a "writer."
I have learned about the camp when I visit.
He's in a 16 man room right now.
But is hoping to get moved downstairs where they have 8 man rooms and 2 man rooms.

I hope that your visit to the post office goes well!
I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Ali

Letters from the prison ministry pen pals were in my PO Box (2 gents). Nothing from Jim though. Ohhhh when I saw three envelopes my heart jumped and I almost lept into the post office box. The third piece of mail was an advertistment of some sort. Dumb thing.

Maybe Jim doesn't WANT to write me. That didn't cross my mind until now. I wouldn't understand why. I'm being silly and just paranoid again. Somebody please thump me. :ham:

I do NOT like not understanding things..... who does. I'm not very patient when it comes to this stuff....... God challenges me with patience all the time. I usually fail... I'm getting better though.

Sigh........ it's gonna be another long weekend. I will sit and pray for Monday to check my box and FIND a letter. Or from my sweet PTO friend (B) to talk to her boyfriend (N) to see if they're in the same area/unit or whatever.

CAN they call collect or was the officer correct that they have to purchase a phone card?

Thanks hon. Huggles....... you're really nice. BTW, how in the WORLD did you two get in such fine physical shape? I'm serious. That pic is so nice, soothing and shows TOGETHERNESS.

Blessings,

Doni

To the best of knowledge it is the same phone system through out the entire federal system. Inmates have 300 mintues per month. The total cost is $69. They do not need to have the $69 all at one time. They can put $20 (or whatever) on towards the phone. Jay rarely uses 300 minutes a month.

LOL.....I have my ex and Jay to thank for my physical shape.
My ex was a competitive bodybuilder and Jay has been working out for somewhere around 15 years. So I have been lucky, I have gotten a personal training partner for free. LOL

Wow, that's pretty expensive. Too bad we can't just to to Sam's Club and get our own pre-paid card and send it. :) Sheewwww, that's steep. Still, if he'd only call......... ANYTHING. This is nerve wracking.

Jim has is not far from a degree in sports medicine. I think he said he's within 5 credits or something. He loves to work out...but wow, Jay is really muscular. You look great......and YEAH, you've been lucky. LOL A built in personal trainer. **drop and gimme 20** There you can tell Jay that Doni made you work out. Hey, you're a strong woman, make that 120! hehe

I'm hanging in there.... sometimes barely. The letter or call WILL come at sometime. I wonder if there is a personal trainer for PATIENCE?

Take care and thanks for the help. I'll let you and ya'll know when I hear SOMETHING. Until then, I'll just keep writing. SOMETHING is bound to get through to him. I'm numbering the letters on top so he can catch up by referring to the letters. We've done this before and it works well.... otherwise we go in circles with talks, questions and such. Plus it really helps to 'hold' his hand..... the tracing of his hand we exchanged. I don't know if he holds "my hand"....... he said he does, especially during prayer, I just know it makes me feel a little better.

Blessings,

Doni

I'm sure you will hear from Jim soon....thinking positive always helps!!!

Patience, that is something I was never good at. LOL
But this situation has taught me how to be patient.
It's not as though we have a choice.

Like everyone on here I have my good days as well as bad days.
There are times when I get so frustrated I break down and cry.
But then after I'm done crying I feel much better and I begin to solve whatever problem was the cause of my frustation.

ali

In the words of Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin, "Good times, bad times, ya know I've had my share!".......... only it's NOT "my woman left home w/ a brown eyed man and I still don't seem to care." Let's rephrase.... "my brown eyed man left home and I really do love and care." There, that's better.

We sound alike......up and down.......cries, frustration (then I journal my butt off) and get back to business. All will work out. He assured me these few years will fly by. Okkkkkk then.

I read in one of Michael's/TxRhino's posts that it can take up to TWO WEEKS (or was it 10 days, oh no matter) if money orders are sent. That's stupid. I KNOW they get a zillion m.o.'s but sheesh....as long as the # is on there correctly, and IT IS, then it should be a breeze. Dang, his number is so easy my dog could memorize it! lol

Thanks for caring. I hope someday Jim can go from Max to Medium. It's very possible from what I understand....... I won't worry as much then. LOL, who am I kidding......hehe I'll worry until I see his bright, smiling face coming HOME.

Blessings to you.......and all you hold dear Ali,

Doni

Hopefully he does get moved down to medium.
I am thankful that Jay is in a camp.
He complains at times but he knows that it could be worse.

Right now I am in "the last time" mode.
As long as everything goes right Jay will be out of Terre Haute this time next year. So, I keep reminding myself that these next 12 months we will go through our last Christmas apart, our last summer apart, our last birthdays apart....ect.
Sundays are the worst.
Jay worked 9-5 Monday through Friday.
I work Friday and Saturday nights.
Sundays we would usually sleep in and then go somewhere to eat and either go see a movie or pick up movies at Blockbuster.
Basically we would spend the day relaxing.
I miss him on Sundays.

How much longer does Jim have?

ali

Ya know Ali...... what you described sounds PERFECT. Really it does. Sure maybe some more together time....but SUNDAYS....Ahhhhh to live for Sundays. I bet ya could lay around if you wanted....catch brunch somewhere, either casual or a bit sparkly. Some longs walks? Laughing and sharing. Just being TOGETHER w/out pressures of the outside. ~~~ I'm projecting again, lol, sorry. Honey.... it's down hill from here. KNOW it, feel it, live it. ~~~ Are you going to have a homecoming for Jay? Friends... or just personal? What joy when you first embrace in the light of freedom. I wish you so much luck.

Jim....James...... I don't know exactly when his projected date is. It's not up yet. This was a bit complicated. Jim is an addict, crack. He robbed 2 banks - THIS time. In 2000 he was hooked and robbed 4 banks, and went away until 12/03. He was in Florence and in Levenworth when it was max. He doesnt talk too much about this. ~~~~~ I have a post somewhere on this Federal Forum about his sentencing. The judge WAS prepared to lock him up for a LONG TIME. I mean a LONG time. I had thought 120-140 months...... he told me the judge said in open court 15 years or more. After much talking to the PSI (who was really a fine fella!) and the judges asst.....and 2 letters from me, and a few other letters.... the judge gave him 80 months. THAT ALI IS A BLESSING. From 15+++ years to 80 months? Plus a little RDAP....and other stuff that I don't understand. I've been told HERE that the 13 months that James already did will be counted and taken off the top....BUT the judges asst. indicated that it would go to the final part of his supervision from the first go round. I'm STILL waiting to see what is what. ~~~~~ Michael (TxRhino) was kind enough to put in his projections from what he knew of the case....and I'm in the 4 year or under club. JIM tells me he'll be 49 when he gets out.... so that would correspond, roughly to what Michael said. (he turned 45 in December). So, anybodies guess is as good as mine. LOL

I wonder...... the PROJECTED out-time ..... is this when they go to the HWH or projected release from the system (or same but still on supervision).

All I know is that I'm grateful to the judge and the PSI. They changed James from Career Criminal due to the timeframe & nature of the crime --- to that of ADDICT. Then gave him RDAP time which is really GOOD since his crime didn't involve drugs exactly (no drugs on him). When he's released he and I have agreed he will go into one of the local hospital's rehab. I'm sure I can convince them to waive the charges/payment! RDAP is very very good.... but I think w/ his level of addiction that a one size fits all program may not be enough.......he's a 20 year addict he tells me.

I'm yacking again...haha.

Hey.... give yourself a hug..... it's SUNDAY. Next Sunday, if you're able, go out, go to brunch. Put your hair up, a nice slinky dress, strappy sandles (if you're in a warm area) and just have fun. Jay can be there with you......bring him in your mind.....and tell him he's going too. Maybe you can briefly describe your DATE with him when your visit or he calls. Maybe you can scout out places for when he comes home.....and take him to your favorites! :D In either case..... get those oversized jammies OFF and try to smile.... and have a nice adventure.

Blessings,

Doni :thumbsup: PS: Pls. have Jay make a paper airplane and send it over the USP walls telling Jim to WRITE ME. hehehe J/K

I must admitt, I feel a tad guilty when I complain about Jay being sentenced to 24 months when so many others on this site are waiting much longer than I for their loved ones to be released. Mainly I am upset because this was not what we expected.

Jay was arrested for conspiracy to deliver MDMA.
He signed a plea agreement.
Originally he was supposed to get Boot Camp.
But, while waiting for him to start Boot Camp George Bush won against Kerry.
Bush abolished the federal Boot Camp program.
Had this NOT happened, Jay would have spend 6 months at the boot camp- 6 months in a halfway house- 1 year on home confinment.

I still remember the day the letter came telling Jay he had been "re-designated" to a prison. I called him at work to read him the letter.
When he got home looked online and realized the boot camp program was gone. He did attempt to try and "fight" serving 2 years in prison. But it was pointless. And he choose to stop fighting and get it over with.

I was a Kerry-person myself......but ....... aside from politics ---- this just plain SUCKS-EGGS. Rotten ones at that.

Ali don't feel GUILTY. You have done nothing to feel guilty about.....besides, look at the GOOD you're doing! You've cheered ME up and given me some hope. (thanks) Many here have. YOU ALSO are doing the time w/ Jay. He may be away in Indiana.... but you have your limitations now also. Our loved ones messed up (most, some are innocent I'm sure)..... and we ALL PAY. HOWEVER prior to this I didn't know much about the US Judicial System even though my own brother served for years. I just knew with HIM, that lots of letters from family members made a difference (my brother was in IL state prisons). That was in the 80's though. Look what we have learned! I also had a run-in with the locals in July 2004 that left a VERY SOUR taste in my mouth. It was unbelievable and I feel like I was a political hostage due to elections. It was NOTHING like Jay or Jim face....but my own private earthbound hell ensued.

My GOD... I never imagined the prison and judicial system was like THIS. ~~~~~ I'm still very grateful to the judge and PSI (also named Jim!!)...... but the rest of this...... and the more I read the horror stories.... holy buckets.

Hey what is MDMA? I'm naive in this and many areas. I hope it's not too personal......if so.....shush me. lol

Will Jay get the 15% off Good Time? That's 3.6 months.... every DAY counts. I am assuming that MDMA is a drug...so will he get RDAP of any sort? Maybe that will shave time.

***Dreaming Again**** I wish BOP had the time, money and personnel to look at EACH case and the REAL circumstances. Some may do longer time.... others may get out ASAP. Some may not go in at all.

Tomorrow is another day closer to bringing our guys home to us. Ya know I'll be hitting the post office in the morning........ I hope I can report that I have a letter in hand. However Michael's post about M.O.'s has me concerned. I trust Michael and his information....he's very on target.

Sending prayers to ALL of our loved ones....and US, the ones who stand beside them.....even from afar.

Blessings,

Doni

Have your prayers been answered yet?
Any mail?

MDMA is the main ingredient in the drug ecstasy.
MDMA was at one time legal. Many years ago.
MDMA is it's pure form can't kill you.
It's impossible to over dose.
The reason why people have died is mainly due to the fact that they didn't drink water and became dehydrated. There have been no deaths when taking pure ecstasy. Now the drug is cut with other things such as speed or cystal meth.

Jay was sentenced to 2 years. He surrendered on Aug 29th, 05.
He is supposed to be released from Terre Haute to the halfway house on March 24, 07. However, that is Saturday and they do not release inmates on Saturday or Sunday.

Good time is supposed to be 47 days for every year sentenced.
It does not work out that way.
The way we figure it, Jay will serve around 87% of his sentence.

Ali

Hi Ali --- thanks for checking up. No, nada mi amiga. Nothing yet. I checked the post office box yesterday and today. As far as the phone list and approval I don't know WHY I wouldn't be approved. The judge and PSI liked me a lot and helped get his sentence reduced. My name is all over the record in a positive way. I don't do drugs and I don't drink.... so the only think I could think of would have been an altercation w/ my husband 1-3/4 years ago (we're in the divorce process) where I got arrested. The charges were eventually dismissed. So it beats the heck out of me.

MDMA..... I'm so NOT-knowlegable about this stuff. Sorry... I hope I didn't offend you. When I was a youngin' I probably would have....... ya know. But this old, chunky-monkey body just won't tolerate even regular Rx. meds. LOL I even refuse antibiotics for the most part. hehe

Your calculations........ are you sure about the times? I THOUGHT that it was an 85% / 15% split with the good time. I don't know if they go by months or days. I'd GUESS months. So 24 months with 15% GT = 3.6 months off. Do they round up? (seriously) Do they keep it on the exact time schedule? If he's to get out on a Saturday.... would they make it a Friday.........and due out on a Sunday make it a Monday? Maybe his counselor can help. I fully admit that I know next to nothing about this stuff..... but maybe if you're in good w/ his counselor they can shift it one way and not the other????? WHO DECIDES anyway? ~~~ Just some food for thought.

Anyway, I'll check my PO Box tomorrow after an appt. The good news is that nothing has come back to me. I'd THINK if he wasn't getting mail that it would come back to me -- right?

Thanks again for the boost. Give Jay a hi-di-ho when he calls or you visit.

Blessings,

Doni

Sorry to hear that you still have not heard anything from jim.
I can't imagine what is takimg so long.
Have you called the prison to see that he has been placed in general population?

No offense, Jay sold drugs.
I'm not embarassed, he made a mistake and is now paying the price.

Jay hardly talks to his counselor.
I think he's talked to his counselor twice in 7 months.
I don't talk to Jay's counselor.
I never call the prison.
And it would be nice if things were done perfectly.
But Jay is in prison.
He's Government property.
They will let him out when they are ready.
Yes, he should only serve 85%.
There are websites explaining that BOP is in violation of certain laws.
But 85%-vs-87%.....it's only a couple of days.

ali

Well Ali...... you seems to have a realistic view on things.....good for you:) ! You're strong, very strong. Yet..... on Sundays, if you're near, I'll still go out to brunch with you... until Jay returns.:rolleyes:

I heard from Jim today by mail. I posted in this forum. I feel SO BAD for him. Yup, he did the crime, he'll do the time. Still.......like THIS?

I'm confused (that's my normal state anyway, LOL)......and just keep plugging along. I hope this will get better.

Thanks for helping me. You DID help me......and I wish you and Jay all the best. He'll do his time, you'll do his time........and then it will be DONE. He's 6 months into it....... he's well on his way HOME.

Blessings,

Doni

JaysgirlSS,

The truth is when you are Calculating GTC, it really does come out to something in the neighborhood of a 13% reduction. In order to get accurate calculations one needs to convert the entire sentence to days ad calculate from there using a rater tedious and long process of system of calculating based on 54 days of GTC for every yr SERVED. On a 1 yr 1 day sentence the GTC will equal rougly 47 days of GTC, but on longer sentences it changes again. The whole 85% thing is someones"Reader's Digest" condensed version to calculate a Ballpark Figure.

Doni,

I also wanted to say to you that I know this is a little out of context with this thread, but I do know that you have heard from Jim and how he expressed his fears. To the fact that you have heard from JIM... I am Truely Happy for you my friend. As to the subject of his fears... I will simply say.... There are energies at work that will always try and sabotage an individual when they are on the road to self improvement. Jim is on such a journey of self improvement, self awareness, and self discovery; therefore these negative energies will be working overtime to see him fail. That said, I know you will look after him and keep him safe and we (your PTO Family) will pray and send good thoughts your way. Keep in mind, if self improvement were an easy road to travel.... we would all be better than we are :D .

Keep the Faith

Michael :thumbsup:

Awww, my friend........ this thread can go ANYWHERE. It's open....whatever anybody wants to say......... say it. LOL I'm flexible, WE are all flexible. lol I would have to look to see what my original ? or comment was. rofl The folks here are just so lovely that we talk.

Would you mind Michael/TxRhino if I did two things? One is copy this to the thread that is about my letter...... so others can benefit from your wisdom (and a LOT of folks NEED to hear this...is very powerful and very comforting too) AND make a copy of this and send it directly TO Jim. I think it would do him a WORLD of good to see a MALE talking about this. He hears it from me.... I practice this as best as I can....he is LEARNING how to practice it....but I BELIEVE (his favorite phrase) that SEEING IT and feeling it from a respected male would help (yeah, he knows who you are already....known about you for a while). I'd really like to send it, but not break any rules or confidences.

I'm SINGING that my baby is OK. I will work on this end with the depression and other areas. I found two sites recently. Spiritual sites. Both offered a book and booklet respectively. I wrote each and asked them if they would please send Jim a copy.... and my two pen pal buddies. I feel like I'm repeating myself...did I post this? One man told me RIGHT AWAY to send him their names and addresses....this book was about discovering your own hapiness......where-ever your are, whatever you do or have done. Then the second man...originally he said SURE to send him the info...but today said he was uncomfortable having his organization sending to a prison. Ya know.... I wanted to shake him. This booklet was on FORGIVENESS. LOL He said he'd send me a copy.... but if I wanted the others then I'd have to send him a doller for each copy and he'd mail them to ME...and I could distribute. You know we can't do this.... even my King Baby booklet to my pen pal wouldn't go through. So I asked him to please, YES, send me a copy, and I will mail him a dollar...and that I'd like permission to copy the booklet since it's copyrighted. I would send it to the gentlemen after I copied it. I hope he gives permission to copy it.... I won't send unless I have permission. BUT of all things....a booklet on FORGIVENESS....and he won't send to a prison. LOL Oy and double aye carumba! I am not feeling like shaking him any longer... I'm gonna pray for him instead.

See, you can teach an old doggie like me a new trick.

Blessings to all.......and I'll await YOUR answer Michael.

Doni

Go for it.

Keep the Faith

Michael :thumbsup:

So Happy to hear that you have finally heard from Jim!
I know what a relief it is when you recieve that first letter.
How is he?

ali