Free Fall
06-28-2006, 01:41 AM
I’ve done 2 stints in California womens prison, relatively short compared to some, but to me it was a life time. My first was in 1989, I was originally in CIW (Frontera) then transferred to Stockton which I believe is no longer. Then in 1993 I was arrested again on related charges to the first sentence and this time I went to Chowchilla for almost two years. I came back to London for 18 months went back and returned to the same line of business, which was all quite heady stuff and lots of money, travel and glamour but a constant worry, that you could be arrested at any time, associates could turn you in or you could be killed. I never trusted anyone, would always check to see if I was being followed as I have been under surveillance a number of times and know their tactics also had to be careful what I said over the phone. Even my door bell ringing made me jump or a loud knock on my door as I've been arrested in my home a number of times once when they kicked my door in. Just the sight of a police car made my blood run cold and wondered if they were after me.
I remained in the US for 6 years this time until my life started to unravel…I mean it was getting out of control and it was just a matter of time before I would have ended up in prison as I had been arrested 3 times over the course of just 5 months when I decided I’d had enough. My family begged me to come back to the UK as they were aware of what was going on, but even when I came back I still was planning to move back much to their dismay. Even here in the UK life was not exactly rosy, but that changed the moment I decided I was here to stay and I embarked on a business venture at the end of last year…what can I say, but that the moment YOU decide to live a different life some how good things will follow, it just does.
I started up a business that involves the passion of my life something I care deeply for – animals…it’s so much easier when your business is something you know a lot about and care for…it’s a joy to wake up to. It’s taken off to an amazing start and I am constantly busy as are the 4 people I employed. I get good feed back from clients who trust my judgement and me and I often get referrals from them, which is a testament to all my hard work. I work long hours, always go the extra mile for clients and my office is in my home. I’m always thinking of ways to improve the business, new services, things that will make me stand apart from competitors. I have even started up 2 other ventures one that is doing very well the other is looking promising.
Just last week I thought I was nuts for taking on a large financial commitment and wondered if I’d be able to keep the momentum up, for a while I was scared for the future, even though I knew I could do it, but as I look at my diary, my invoices, checks and email enquires (the phone is also ring off the hook) this morning, I know everything is going to be ok.
It’s all about having faith in yourself, being determined and living right and changing your thought pattern. The way you think makes quite an impact on your life…I’m not religious at all and don’t believe in the god many mainstream religions preach to us about. You can however call me spiritual.
To anyone thinking going straight is hard – it’s not. Once you start walking a certain path the sky can be the limit if you want it. I don't have a criminal record here and our system is so much different. I got a small grant for my business but most of the money I put in was my own, but there is all types of help if I want it. No looking over my shoulder constantly and constant fear...Life is good.
l'chaim!
I remained in the US for 6 years this time until my life started to unravel…I mean it was getting out of control and it was just a matter of time before I would have ended up in prison as I had been arrested 3 times over the course of just 5 months when I decided I’d had enough. My family begged me to come back to the UK as they were aware of what was going on, but even when I came back I still was planning to move back much to their dismay. Even here in the UK life was not exactly rosy, but that changed the moment I decided I was here to stay and I embarked on a business venture at the end of last year…what can I say, but that the moment YOU decide to live a different life some how good things will follow, it just does.
I started up a business that involves the passion of my life something I care deeply for – animals…it’s so much easier when your business is something you know a lot about and care for…it’s a joy to wake up to. It’s taken off to an amazing start and I am constantly busy as are the 4 people I employed. I get good feed back from clients who trust my judgement and me and I often get referrals from them, which is a testament to all my hard work. I work long hours, always go the extra mile for clients and my office is in my home. I’m always thinking of ways to improve the business, new services, things that will make me stand apart from competitors. I have even started up 2 other ventures one that is doing very well the other is looking promising.
Just last week I thought I was nuts for taking on a large financial commitment and wondered if I’d be able to keep the momentum up, for a while I was scared for the future, even though I knew I could do it, but as I look at my diary, my invoices, checks and email enquires (the phone is also ring off the hook) this morning, I know everything is going to be ok.
It’s all about having faith in yourself, being determined and living right and changing your thought pattern. The way you think makes quite an impact on your life…I’m not religious at all and don’t believe in the god many mainstream religions preach to us about. You can however call me spiritual.
To anyone thinking going straight is hard – it’s not. Once you start walking a certain path the sky can be the limit if you want it. I don't have a criminal record here and our system is so much different. I got a small grant for my business but most of the money I put in was my own, but there is all types of help if I want it. No looking over my shoulder constantly and constant fear...Life is good.
l'chaim!