Does anyone know if they've been on lockdown at USP Victorville this weekend. I was expecting a call from my man last night, but he didn't call then or tonight. I leave in a few days to fly there from MD to visit him and I'm totally freaking out that something's happened. If anyone has any info. that would be great!

I would call and simply ask if they are on lockdown. They will provide you with that information.

Thanks for the tip. I had no idea you could do that, but I just called and that's exactly what's going on. I love this website!

Your welcome.

My bolyfriend is in Victorville USP. I do know they are on lock down, but does anyone know why? I went up there this past saturday I got there around 11:00 and two CO's were leting us know that visits were canceled. It has already been 4 days and they are still on lock down so I was just courious as to why.

I wish I knew myself. I've been calling all week to get the status because I'm supposed to be visiting this weekend. My flight is Friday morning and I'm coming all the way from MD...we've been looking forward to it for months. Finally, yesterday, one of the CO's called me to tell me that my boyfriend asked him to call me and explain what's going on. He said that he doesn't expect the lockdown to be over until at least the beginning of next week because, from what he understands, the incident was really serious (whatever that means). I tried to get more info. because I need to know by this evening whether to cancel my flight and save a little money, but he couldn't give me any definite answers. He just said that if he were me, he would cancel everything. Needless to say, this really sucks and all I want to do is sit here and cry about it.:confused:

Jensmcm, well if that's what you were told then I also suggest you canceled your flight and try to reschedule it for the weekend of the 12th. I just pray everything is okay with my boyfriend. I also feel the way you feel I just want to CRY. Well Jensmcm please keep me updated on any information you have. I would reazlly appreciate that. Thanks. jvavau

I'll be sure to let you know if I hear anything, but I'm wondering if it has anything to do with all that drama at the California Institution for Men (CIM-a CA state prison) that happened on Sat. If you go to the CA forum you can read all about it. I know that state and Fed are different systems, but I did read that most CA state prisons are on lockdown and this one in particular had to call in help from many local prisons over the past few days. Victorville is in the same county as CIM so maybe some people that work there have to help out at CIM. Just a thought...

I'll be sure to let you know if I hear anything, but I'm wondering if it has anything to do with all that drama at the California Institution for Men (CIM-a CA state prison) that happened on Sat. If you go to the CA forum you can read all about it. I know that state and Fed are different systems, but I did read that most CA state prisons are on lockdown and this one in particular had to call in help from many local prisons over the past few days. Victorville is in the same county as CIM so maybe some people that work there have to help out at CIM. Just a thought...

Most prisons go on lockdown when a riot takes place, they lockdown all or most prisons in order to avoid a statewide disturbance which happens sometimes, if word spreads then other prisons start rioting too, they may not stay lockdown as the prison where the riot happened, but they do lockdown until they feel it is safe to remove the lockdown. From what I have heard in some of the other threads on this website, CIM will resume visiting on January 13.

I was going trough alot more threads I i'm pertty sure it does have to do with that riot from CIM and to what it looks like so far, most prisons will resume with visits on the weekend of the 13th. I'm just hoping there will be visits this weeken for Victorville USP cause i miss my baby, but if there is not then i guess i dont have much of a choice till the weekend of the 13th.:( :( :( :( :(

Believe me, I know how you feel. My flight is supposed to be tomorrow morning and I can cancel it up until then (with a $100 penalty) so I was hoping so badly that the lockdown would end today and I could still go. I still have my hotel reservation because that was non-refundable. I just have this feeling that the lockdown will end sometime tomorrow, I will have missed my flight, and I could have gone all along. That would be horrible, but, for your sake, I hope they have visits this weekend.

so this explains everything ..... why i havnt heard from my guy.. i was so worried.. LOL...

I think i got a call from my guy at victorville tonight.. it said unknown caller on the caller id.. and due to my family being over and being obnoxious.. i missed the phone call..maybe lockdown is over? Who knows.. i would call once more before your flight to find out and make sure.

I guess it could have been him, but I doubt it. I called there last night and this morning and they're still on lockdown. The guy said that he would seriously doubt there will be any visits this weekend.

Yes they are still on lockdown. I just called and the CO said that YES they are still on lockdown, so I guess i wont be seeing him this weekend. Well jensmcm it is much better paying a hundred dollar fee than flying all the way over here and not being able to see your honey. Even if they do get off lockdown on Saturday better safe and sure then sorry.

I am supposed to go down and visit in Feb.. i really really hope this does not happen to me.. i dont have the money for all the cancelations and stuff... did you ask the airline if you could just have it as credit? I know they did that for my friend, he was supposed to go to oregon and his mom passed so he couldnt make it. Now he has that extra "credit" on that airline. This all makes me nervous. Im thinking why ould they be on lockdown so long for riot that happened some other place? Maybe some of the guys in there got dumb ideas and had to ruin it for everyone =/... sorry guys.. i hope u get to visit sometime soon.

I just got a call from my boyfriend, he said they only gave him 5 minutes to shower and to call home so he can let us know that he is doing fine. He said they still remain on lock down due to the CIM riots but he will be able to call as soon as they are off lock down. So i guess it is a foresure thing that they wont be having visits this weekend up at USP Victorville.
It was good to hear his voice for that one minute.:)

I am supposed to go down and visit in Feb.. i really really hope this does not happen to me.. i dont have the money for all the cancelations and stuff... did you ask the airline if you could just have it as credit? I know they did that for my friend, he was supposed to go to oregon and his mom passed so he couldnt make it. Now he has that extra "credit" on that airline. This all makes me nervous. Im thinking why ould they be on lockdown so long for riot that happened some other place? Maybe some of the guys in there got dumb ideas and had to ruin it for everyone =/... sorry guys.. i hope u get to visit sometime soon. No I dont belive that the guys at Victorville got stupid, but since USP is close to Chino Prison and the riot there was perty big I think they did it for precaution. Since my boyfriend has been in Victorville it has been an okay place. Well I hope when it is your turn to come down here to visit your love one everything is all under control and that nonsense stops. The good thing about me is that I only live about 45 minutes away so I don't have to go trough the flights and reservations. So ladies my heart goes out to you guys cause trust me before my man got transfer closer to home i use to do all that flying and hotel stuff.

jvavau I'm so glad you got a call from your boyfriend, even if it was only for a minute. I know you had been worried about him. Now I'm really hoping I get a quick call too, but I'm not sure he would call if he knew he only had a minute because he'll know how upset I am about not being able to visit and I already know he's okay since I got that call from the CO. You are soooo lucky that you live so close! We're going to be talking about requesting a transfer as soon as possible, that's for sure. Do you happen to know how often they grant those and what is required? Anyway, even though this lockdown thing really sucks, at least there are a few of us here to talk to one another...it really helps!

jensmcm, I really don't know how them special request work, but my boyfriend was in Penssylvania for about 3 years that was real hard for us cause he was on the other side of the US. I hope your love one gets transfer to home soon cause like i said i know how that is. I also agree with you, there my be a few of us in this forum but at least we have us few to support each other. Be strong and patient.

Thanks for the support. Well, I just got my one minute call too and it was great just to hear his voice. He thinks it will be at least another week until they get off lockdown! Can you imagine? That's ridiculous. He was like last time someone got killed it was 3 weeks. Now I'm wondering if someone there was killed...maybe it's not just about the CIM riot?

Well, I'm so glad for you that you got your one minute call. That one minute kind of puts your mind at ease ha? Well It will be sad if they have to remain on lockdown for another hole week. I miss him so much I already want to go see him. About someone getting killed, OH God I hope not. Well jansmcm I'm glad you got your one minute call cause I know how you are feeling:o Happy but at the same time worried. Well if anyhting changes that you know about or if i hear about any other changes please keep me infor and i'll make sure i do the same. Take Care

My friend, who is at the Victorville Women's FPC, asked me to search the Internet for information on what happened at the Victorville men's prison last Saturday (she heard there were two deaths). All I could find was information on the Chino riot. I told her about that and how all other local prisons were in lockdown because of it. She just sent me another message saying that the new "A & O" girls at Victorville FPC have to go work at the Victorville men's facility every day because of the "lock down". Apparently, the girls make 1700 box meals times 3 everyday. There are 30 girls that work 12 hour days every other day. It's very rough on their feet on an assembly line. The men can't work. Anyway, the guards told them that 2 inmates were killed and guards were hurt. When my friend's husband was on his way to visit my friend at the FPC on Saturday, he saw all the emergency vehicles going to the "pen". My friend also said that the girls on the track heard the gun shots in the air and the inmates were told to get down on the ground in english and spanish. The girls were told that they are talking about the lock down lasting 30-90 days. My friend's final comment to my was "why no article in the paper or news? I hope she's wrong, but since she's adjacent to the men's facility and heard it from the new girls who are working at the "pen" . . . This is very wierd.

Sandy

My friend, who is at the Victorville Women's FPC, asked me to search the Internet for information on what happened at the Victorville men's prison last Saturday (she heard there were two deaths). All I could find was information on the Chino riot. I told her about that and how all other local prisons were in lockdown because of it. She just sent me another message saying that the new "A & O" girls at Victorville FPC have to go work at the Victorville men's facility every day because of the "lock down". Apparently, the girls make 1700 box meals times 3 everyday. There are 30 girls that work 12 hour days every other day. It's very rough on their feet on an assembly line. The men can't work. Anyway, the guards told them that 2 inmates were killed and guards were hurt. When my friend's husband was on his way to visit my friend at the FPC on Saturday, he saw all the emergency vehicles going to the "pen". My friend also said that the girls on the track heard the gun shots in the air and the inmates were told to get down on the ground in english and spanish. The girls were told that they are talking about the lock down lasting 30-90 days. My friend's final comment to my was "why no article in the paper or news? I hope she's wrong, but since she's adjacent to the men's facility and heard it from the new girls who are working at the "pen" . . . This is very wierd.
Sandy
Thanks for all the info. That really worries me. I just hope the lockdown does not last 30-60 days, that will really suck. I have been looking at the news and at the internet and i dont find anythig relaying to this. I'm really worried. But like you say your friend works adjacent to the Pen. so she must know more then us. Once again thank you for the info that is really appriciated. Can you please keep us inform of any new information your friend relays to you, that would be highly appriciated. Thanks jvavau

I knew it had something to do with death and a CO getting hurt...i am hoping they arent going to be on lockdown for another week!!!.. ahh.. i dunno what id do with myself.. i have a Q.. are they allowed to write/send mail during lockdown?? Like i said.. i am still pretty new to this.. been writing for a year but never dug too deep into questions like that..

I saw many sad visitation cancellations while I was behind bars. There is nothing either of you can do about it, you are just fortunate that this time it didn't happen while you were on the way, or out in the parking lot. I have seen this happen a number of times, and listened to the guy on the inside trying to figure out how to get a message out to his loved one. It is equally hard, on both sides of the fence.

you know... i dont want to theadjack.. but since i have never visited.. can you guys tell out wht your first visit was like? like the process? did you know your loved one prior or no?.. im probably goign to hve 100 questions on ll this stuff.. im glad to have PTO =)~

ohh yea.. if i wanted to go about in calling victorville to ask them to see if my friend is ok (since i havnt heaard from him).. how would i go bout doing so? would they tell him i called? Do i have to be on some kind of list in order to get the info on him?..

I still haven't been able to locate any further information on last week's purported incident at the Victorville prison. As you all know (see my prior post), the CO's at the Victorville "pen" told some women prisoners at the adjacent women's FPC where my friend is located that two were killed and some injured, gunshots were heard and emergency vehicles seen approaching the prison. But if such an indicent resulting in injuries and/or death did occur, I find it very hard to believe that there would be nothing about it in the media. Surely an injured person's family member would have been notified and alerted others out or someone at the hospital would have said something and the local paper would have quickly picked up on it (we all know that even idle gossip get's sensationalized by the media). I guess it's not completely out of the realm of possibilities for CO's to make up such stories, but what about all the other stuff? Anybody else hear anything further, especially about the length of the lockdown?

Sandra

I got a letter from my guy today.. all he said was "weve been on lockdown all week, there as a pretty bad killing so everything is under investigation"... they are also having a super shakedown.

I got a letter today too and my boyfriend said that he doesn't have any details, but "apparently someone got killed." The lockdown actually started on Friday though (seems odd since the incident was rumored to have happened on Sat.). He also said that tension has been very high there for awhile now and there have been a lot of stabbings recently, but he never mentioned it before because he didn't want me to worry about him. That's all I know, but it would be nice if we could get some definitive answers!

Yea.. lots of stabbings.. i hear about every one of them.. weird ythe lockdown sarted friday.. i got an email from my guy on friday night.

I agree.. i need to know how long they will be on lockdown..

I just got another message from my friend who is at the women's Victorville FPC. She heard the lock down will last for a least 30 days. They say that officers were hurt too. She is not on lockdown and neither are the other 2 men's facilities. Just the maximum security. There has been fighting in the cells as well.

UUUGGGHHHHHHHH WTF that pisses me off to no end! im supposed to visit that first weekend of feb, which if it were 30 days that would be the first open weekend.. which means it would be packed and i would possibly not be able to visit the whole time right?

i knew this would happen.. its just my luck.

I don't know anything about how the next visiting day would work if things got too crowded, but I wouldn't worry about the length of the lockdown until you know for sure how long it will last. My friend heard at least 30 days, but how can anyone really say for sure? I guess someone thinks it will take at least 30 days to fix some security issues?

I think its so crazy to lockdown for that long. Or even hen people are locked down 23 hours a day.. absolute madness. Its always someone ruining it for everyone, AND their friends and families. I called there to see if they would tell me anything (i knew they wouldnt...) i asked how long they thought it would last and the guy said "dont know" and slammed the phone down.. WOW. These people can be so rude. I think fter having these guys locked up for so long is sut going to make them feel even more wild once they are let out dont you think? My friend has a cell to himself and i know he is BORED. Poor him =(.. maybe i will send a lot of mail to keep him company.. thanks for all the info sandy

hello everyone.... i'm new here!!!
i have a brother and close friend who are both at victorville usp.
i just called the facility and as of tonight at about 6:30 seattle time, they are still on lockdown until further notice. :cry:

I know that they can receive mail while they are locked down-but does anyone know if they are able to post mail out as well? I missed his call christmas eve(my daughter spoke to him)and as you can imagine-I am really kicking myself now!!

Well what ever the situation is all we can do is just pray for our love ones to be safe and hopefully the lockdown will end cause I already miss my baby and i want to go visit him. It is also good to see more people join the USP victorville forum, atleast we know we aint the only ones going trough with this, Hopefully it continues, not only in the bad times but hopefully in the good ones to.

still on lockdown... =(..

Have you guys gotten any more calls?

Ah no!!
It's my birthday on wednesday and I was really hoping I'd get a call!
I have asked before-but,does anyone know if they can send letters out while on lockdown?
:thumbsup:

They can send letters while on lockdown as long as they have stamps. I've gotten 2 letters during the time, but nothing very long since he can't type them. As for the phone calls, I did get a second call this past Thursday for like 7 minutes, but that's been it. I know that's the only other call my boyfriend's been able to make because he asked me to call his mom and let her know what was going on. This is driving me crazy!

i have gotten 2 letters too.. no call though =(... guess im not high enough on his list... damnit..

This is also making me crazy.... he also still has not recieved my xmas packge i sent him.. and they never sent it back

I have gotten NO calls or No mail that sucks. I guess USP take there lockdowns very serious.

I hope you get to hear from him soon..... From what my guy told me its a thing between 2 groups of people, they are trying to negotiate and will probably let the lockdown go for over 30 days. He said "as depressing as it is.. i hope you havnt bought any tickets to come see me".. i was supposed to go early feb. I cant wait for this man to get out... less than a year.. less than a year....

Jva.. maybe he doesnt have stamps?

Can you send them stamps in the mail?

Well,I just hope for all of us that everything is back to normal soon..
As I'm so far away I really worry about him-especially as he has been stabbed before and nearly died....It's so hard not knowing whats going on :(

I hope you get to hear from him soon..... From what my guy told me its a thing between 2 groups of people, they are trying to negotiate and will probably let the lockdown go for over 30 days. He said "as depressing as it is.. i hope you havnt bought any tickets to come see me".. i was supposed to go early feb. I cant wait for this man to get out... less than a year.. less than a year....

Jva.. maybe he doesnt have stamps?

Can you send them stamps in the mail?
O he has stamps all right, I just hope i hear from him soon, ans i also hope who ever or what ever is doing the negotiations can hurry up cause i want to go see my baby.

yea really.. they need to hurry up.. how could it possibly take that long? I think they keep them down longer than they should because its less work for them! That and i dont think it makes a difference how long they are locked in their cells.. if someone wants to do stupid things, they will do it no matter how long they sat in their cell alone.

Well ladies another day and they are still on lockdown. No mail and No phone call, I'm really feeling very depress. I miss my bavy so much.

Awww, I feel your pain. It feels like this is never going to end and it's so hard just waiting. Sometimes, I feel like I'm being punished too. It sucks, but we just have to hang in there because it can't go on forever!

im feeling you too!... this kind of stuff makes me so very frustrated

I was wondering if you ladies could answer soe of my q's about there.. i have asked some before but there wasnt any response.

I'd be glad to help if I can, but you'll have to run those questions by me again...

what was the first visit like? the process and ion scanner.. the guards? .. how is the room? the setup? do you or they come out first? Does visiting ever get crowded? what happens, do they send people home? hat do you usually wear at visit? I know you can hold hands but can you touch hair/face? Is there a barrier so your legs cant touch? if not CAN your legs touch? What kind of stuff do they have in the vending machines? Can you bring pictures or anything to visit?

I have a whole crap load.. this is the first time i ever planned on visiting anyone in prison.. i have no clue on this kind of stuff. Plus im nervous =)

alright, I think I can answer most of these, but if I do it now, I'll be late to work! I'll be sure to reply to them when I get home this evening though.

what was the first visit like? the process and ion scanner.. the guards? .. how is the room? the setup? do you or they come out first? Does visiting ever get crowded? what happens, do they send people home? hat do you usually wear at visit? I know you can hold hands but can you touch hair/face? Is there a barrier so your legs cant touch? if not CAN your legs touch? What kind of stuff do they have in the vending machines? Can you bring pictures or anything to visit?

I have a whole crap load.. this is the first time i ever planned on visiting anyone in prison.. i have no clue on this kind of stuff. Plus im nervous =)
Well Chitownbird, as to my experience from visiting Victorville this is it........ Visiting is pertty dicent when you get tere you got to fill out the visiting slip then you hand it to the CO with your I.D then you have sit, after they process you to make sure you are in the visiting list they call you and you go trough the metal detector then you sign in then you get your hand stamp. (randomly you do get drug tested with the testing machine, so make sure once you fill out the visiting form you go into the restroom and wash your hands cause if the machine detectes anything and you dont clear they will not let you in) after that they do I.D check and stamp check they walk you to the visiting room, once you are in there they sit you down then you wait for them to come out. You could only hug and kiss them when they first come out, you guys have to sit across from each other and NO you could not hold there hands or anything, they don't get up for nothing at all the only time they get up is to go use the restroom and to take a picture and he needs to get the attention of te CO and the CO has to say ok. You are the only one that can get up to go buy him what he wants to eat and heat it up for him. As for the food well i have had a couple of bad experiences were i get there and there is hardley anything or no food at all. So when you get there go straight to the vending machine and get a little something just to be on the safe side and when he comes out asking what does he want and then you go get it.
The visiting is calm and okay and there is only one visitng room since the times i've been there it has not gotten over crowded were they have to terminate visits, and well after you are done with your visit then you can hug and kiss him again.
As to what to wear for visiting as long as its not kacky, plain white gray or camouflage clothing and appropriate clothing you should be okay oh make sure nothing with hoods cause they wont let you take a hooded jacket or to just nothing with a hood. To play it safe i always take jeans with a sleave top, I make sure the top covers very well in front and long enough to were i left my arms up and it still covers the belly.
Well Chitownbird i hope i was of some help and if you have any other questions and if i have the answer i'll be more then happy to answer them.

Last night I received a message from my friend at the Victorville women's FPC. In it she said the pen is still on lockdown (I know that's not news to anyone here), but she also said another prisoner had died. She went on to say that the new girls at the women's camp are working to death (I know that doesn't really affect you) and are even doing the guys' laundry. She heard from the girls that do the gardening for all the prisons that they have been moving prisoners all over to different prisons within the Victorville complex. The rumor is that they are trying to split up the two black gangs which are the crips and the DCs. Apparently, The DCs are from Washington DC. I wonder how these guys made it way out here to serve time in California? Maybe it was necessary to segregate them. Anyway, that pretty much sums up what she said. I'll let you know if I hear anything else.

SandyinCA

I am relieved that they come into the room after you... i am shy and it would be my first visit.. =)

I could have sworn that you can hold hands... i thought i read it in the rules.. its going to be hard not to touch him.

This is his last year there.. how about your guys?

I wonder if i will have a problem with my piercings in the metal detector?

how many people are in the visiting room? how many co's?

How long can the hug/kiss be?

I am still so nervous

Im happy they are seperating the 2 groups.. this way they wont start trouble again and maybe i will acctually get to visit!

Yay!!! I got a call today-the best b/day present ever!
Bad news-they're still on lockdown with no end in sight.
Apparently,none of the inmates know for certain what's been going on and when it will end.:(

I am relieved that they come into the room after you... i am shy and it would be my first visit.. =)

I could have sworn that you can hold hands... i thought i read it in the rules.. its going to be hard not to touch him.

This is his last year there.. how about your guys?

I wonder if i will have a problem with my piercings in the metal detector?

how many people are in the visiting room? how many co's?

How long can the hug/kiss be?

I am still so nervous

Im happy they are seperating the 2 groups.. this way they wont start trouble again and maybe i will acctually get to visit!

Chitownbyrd, I've only been to visit there once, but my experience was basically the same as jvavau's. The only thing I would really add is that you can't wear white shirts of any kind. My first day, I was wearing one and you couldn't see through it or anything, but they made me change it. Luckily, I had extra outfits in the car so I completely changed...in the car. haha.

The ion scanner is really sensitive too! I came up positive for something they said they've never even seen before and they wouldn't tell me what it was, but I was able to hurry up and wash my hands while they were busy with someone else and then I passed it. I know a lot of people come up positive from pumping gas, handling money, or smoking cigarettes.

I'm not sure about the holding hands. We didn't do that, but he was rubbing the inside of my hand at one point just to feel how soft my skin is and no one said anything.

The vending machines are an issue because they do run out of food quickly. I visited all three days in a row and everything was completely wiped out after the first day so that sucks.

There were only 3 CO's in the room I think- two at the desk and one over by the vending machines.

As for the hug and kiss, we would always hug for several minutes as tightly as possible and that was never a problem. I wouldn't kiss too longly, but I saw some people really get into it. However, I think most people try to be pretty tasteful from what I could see.

Hopefully, that answers some of your questions...

My baby tried calling me but when i pressed 5 it hung up. I dont know what happen and he has not tried calling me back. Well atleast i know he is okay.

thank you guys for answering my questions.. im sure i will have more sometime

I want a dang phone call =(... i guess that means im not very important to him .....lol

I am relieved that they come into the room after you... i am shy and it would be my first visit.. =)

I could have sworn that you can hold hands... i thought i read it in the rules.. its going to be hard not to touch him.

This is his last year there.. how about your guys?

I wonder if i will have a problem with my piercings in the metal detector?

how many people are in the visiting room? how many co's?

How long can the hug/kiss be?

I am still so nervous

Im happy they are seperating the 2 groups.. this way they wont start trouble again and maybe i will acctually get to visit!

As to the holding hands that's only in state prison not in victorville. The visits' are pertty calm. It will be okay, it's just getting over the first minute you see him. About the piercings, I don't know how many piercings you have but try not to take as many. I'm not really sure how strick they are about piercings, but to play it same and safe some time running back and forth i would not take none. GOOD LUCK on your first visit, when ever they get off lockdown.

ive got 6 piercings.. i can just find some plastic or silicone jewelry.. if i dont have something in my ears they will look weird (they are stretched about the size of a drinking straw)

Well i received a call from my baby (about time) he said they're still on lockdown till who knows when but they were able to have an hour today to shower and use the phones. I'm glad he called that way i know he is doing fine. He also mentioned that he has not received any mail from me. That's weird cause i've been writing to him almost every day.

Well i received a call from my baby (about time) he said they're still on lockdown till who knows when but they were able to have an hour today to shower and use the phones. I'm glad he called that way i know he is doing fine. He also mentioned that he has not received any mail from me. That's weird cause i've been writing to him almost every day.

That's great that you finally got a call! What time was it? I haven't heard from my baby today :confused: It upsets me even more that they might not be getting our mail. I've been writing almost everyday too. Considering they don't really have to deal with the inmates all day, you would think they could at least process the damn mail. Soooo frustrating!

UUUUGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!... i got my phone call today.. FIGURES i get the call when im not home.. sons of a b*tches... (sorry... very frustrated by this ALL)

Chitownbyrd, that really sucks! I'm sorry you didn't get your call. What time was it? I'm just trying to figure out if they were able to call while I was at work today or later than that.

Chitownbyrd, that really sucks! I'm sorry you didn't get your call. What time was it? I'm just trying to figure out if they were able to call while I was at work today or later than that.
My baby called me around 1:45 p.m. so you were probably at work. I was at work too but he called me to my cell phone.

it was at 12:45pm my time (central)...... Im sure it was him because my moms husband said it was

I m also upset they arent getting our mail.. i wrote him a letter asking him kind of what are his intentions.. i need to make sure were on the same page.. but i would take his title in a hert beat.. so i been nervous about getting the reply.. and for what? nothing.. because they arent getting our mail.... i agree.. u would think they would fine something to do with their time.. LIKE MAIL.

damn, I knew that's what happened. I was at work until 4:30 and I just turn my cell off because it gets absolutely no signal in the building. Considering it's the middle of the week, you would think they'd be able to call during evening hours when most people are at home, but I guess that would be far too logical.

Anyway, thanks to both of you for letting me know about the call times!

So i was wondering.. how do you know your loved one? was it MWI? How much longer do they have to go?

So i was wondering.. how do you know your loved one? was it MWI? How much longer do they have to go?

Actually, my guy and I have known each other for almost 8 years. He's from MD like me and we met when we were working together. I was in high school and he was much older so we were friends for a couple of years, dated for a year, and then he was arrested for something I never even knew he was involved in or would have ever imagined. I went almost 3 years without speaking to him and then we found our way back to one another about a year ago. Unfortunately, he has 7 more years, but I'm trying to hang in there because we both really want a life together. By the way, in case you're wondering, he's all the way out in V-ville because his mom's address was his expected release residence.

So, what about you?

I met him through my friend. She had been riting to this guy for awhile when my guy asked him if he knew of anyone he could write to. He remembered my friend mentioning me in her letters so they asked me and i took him on. I been writing for about a year now and his release is in Oct if he doesnt get his HWH time.

Thats cool that you are willing to hang out so you guys can have a life together. 7 more years huh? You can do it.. i bet you cant wait to go visit.. especially since you were screwed out of it last time!... that would be pretty funny if we visited on the same weekend lol.

As far as I can tell they are getting our mail just the same;well,at least mine is.He has had two letters in the last week and I got a reply to one on wednesday and the other today...I'm a very happy bunny.:dance:
P.S. It definately says no hand holding on the BOP website-darn it.:blah:

hmm... well then who knows.. the past 2 saturdays i have gotten letters.. maybe tomorrow ill be just as lucky

That sucks about no hand holding.. im a really touchy feely person in general.. and i know i am going to ant to play tattoo inspector.. i do it ith everyone i know lol... thanks for nothing BOP!!!!

:yay: YAY!.. he called me again... i was home i got to talk to him.. he said everyday they have an hour out. hes gonna call me back tomorrow:D .. you know that means i ill set up camp and make tomorrow a mommy and baby movie day. I missed that voice of his :drool:

oh.. he said hes written me everyday for a week... SO.. hopefully tomorrow i will get something!

I know that feeling:) . That's good that he called at least you know he is doing good. I did not get a call from my babe but I did get mail.:)

I had another very unexpected call last night. : )
They are being allowed out of their cells for an hour to shower and to make calls.But as of yet no news as to the end of lockdown.But perhaps someone else's hunny might know more as mine tends to keep to himself!
Yeah,I'm cheesed off about the hand holding as well.But at least they are contact visits. Whereas alot of people don't always have those-imagine a visit behind a glass panel!?
I'll be making the most of every precious minute being able to look into his beautiful eyes...:thumbsup:

my guy said his family called and asked hen ould be the best time to visit and they saide the first weekend of march... He said he thinks their lockdown will last until the 1st or 2nd week of feb.

I'm starting to get so worried. You all keep getting calls and I haven't heard from my man all week. I got a letter today, but that was written a week ago. I thought I didn't hear from him all week because he knew he couldn't call me while I was at work, but now it's Saturday and still no call. Ugh, I hate not knowing what's going on...

I wonder if they were allowed to call today? He didnt call me back like he said he would.. and hes pretty good about sticking to what he says... hmm? Also i think mail isnt getting out too quickly from them because he has written me everyday since last week and i havnt gotten anything yet

Jens... i am sure he is ok and that you'll hear from him soon.. Is this the first big lockdown you all have had to deal with? It is for me.. and its hard on me because i am so impatient!

Hmm, yeah maybe they weren't allowed to call today. I know I'm probably worrying for nothing, but I can't help it and it drives me crazy not knowing. I'm going to call his mom tomorrow to see if she heard from him this week. This is my first big lockdown too and I'm just like you...so impatient!

As for the mail, I think it is taking at least a couple of extra days in and out, but it was like that for awhile even before the lockdown. Fortunately, from what I can tell though, they are getting our mail right now.

I hope we all get calls tomorrow!

I sent him some pictures and i think they got rejected =(.. he got the 2nd letter but not the first w/ the pics.

I hate the feeling of not knowing too.. thats why i ask SO MANY QUESTIONS.. i have to know it all before it happens. Thats why i rote him a letter to make sure ere emotionally on the same page.. this way i know.. and i wont get hurt in the long run =)

I am hoping we get the calls tomorrow too... Its killing me..

DOH!.. i just thought of another question... at visiting do they have to sign in? on this paper they sign does it have a picture of me????? (like my id picture).. is the picture of my state id or are they going to make me some kind of visiting id?.... ohh man.. i am ondering becaus emy Id picture is horrid.. i really never looked so bad in a picture! i just got done giving birth a few days before i took that picture and it was 100 degrees outside.. ahh!

They take a photo of you the first time you visit, but as far as I can tell it just goes into their computer system and no one really sees it. I guess it's there in case there's some kind of problem and they need to refer to it.

ok... im so happy its not my state id picture... i really should "lose" that and get another pic taken... LOL.. BTW.. did you get your call?

that's funny...I'm glad you don't have to deal with the whole bad picture crisis!

No, I never got a call and I haven't been able to get ahold of his mom today. I don't think there were any calls this weekend...you didn't get one, did you?

nope.. no call for me... hopefully tomorrow..... do u ever feel like you dnt want to leave the house because your afraid he will call? LOL... i do all the time! I am hoping i will get this job at outdoor world/bass pro shops... This way i can alays have mins on my cell phone!

Oh.. i did call victorville this morning to ask them a visiting Q and they ere rude to me again... are they usually really rude during visit?

that's weird...no, they were really friendly to me all three days that I visited. When I failed the stupid drug test the first time, the guy did everything he could to help me pass the second time. He gave me like 20 minutes before I did the swab thing again and he never said anything when I went and washed my hands again even though you're not supposed to be able to do that. I'm thinking maybe they're just being rude now because they're so tired of getting a lot of phone calls. I know I was calling there several times a day for the whole first week. You'd think they would expect to get all those calls, but I'm sure that's why they haven't been too pleasant. Hopefully, we won't have to deal with them much longer because the stupid lockdown will end!

They can swab your wrists, ankles and belt right? after reading the posts about the ion scanner I am so afraid of failing that stupid thing! Do find you can get away with wearing perfume? i alays liek to smell good.. i am the kind of person to put perfume on after a NIGHT shower.. And i am definately hoping they arent rude to me when i get out there... i guess i would be pissy too after hearign the same question 1000 times a day =)

I think they can swab all those places you mentioned, but for me they just did my hands, shirt, and thighs. The thing is crazy. It's pretty sad when you never touch a single drug EVER and you worry yourself sick about being able to pass a drug test. They really need to do something about the machine because it's ridiculous. My guy's mom even failed the test and didn't get in that day and she's this devout Christian who doesn't even drink alcohol, let alone do drugs. I recommend that you wash your clothes in some dye/perfume free detergent as an added precaution. I read that on here before I visited and my clothes never came up positive. And, about the perfume, just don't spray it on your wrists and you should be fine. I sprayed mine in hidden places, like my bra and underwear. LOL.

LOL... i will give my bra and undies a good spraying!!!!!!!!!!!!.. maybe my hair?... I know another guy thats there.. who is older and his mom is 80ish.. and she keeps failing the dang test!!!... it really is ridiculous.. and now the guy i know is in the hole for making a threat to the guard who keeps failing his mom.. he has to do the rest of his time in there! (18 months).. can u believe that???... I dont write to this guy, hes is my friends pen pal.. thats how i met my guy is through my friends pen pal =D... If you fail the test can u come back the next day? or is it 48 hours?.. i would be so angry if i missed out on one of our days!

When you go to visit, you should be careful pumping gas because that can cause you to test positive for explosives. So can zippo lighters. Also do not handle any money that morning. Be careful touching bills because money is so dirty, and so often it is used with drugs. (tooting, purchasing, etc.) Put your quarters in a baggie the night before. Don't rely on their change machine because sometimes it is not working. We always carry in the car some antibacterial gel for our hands. The restrooms do not always have soap or paper towels. I figured most regular visitors to USP know of these things. I guess this is more for the newcomers. I received a call from my son on Friday, the 19th. The inmates are being told maybe a few more weeks of lockdown. He was let out for an hour so he could make calls (at 1:00 PM) and to shower.

TLH

They said they will be let out every day for an hour to shower and call but didnt get to this weekend, my guy also said that they will probably get off lockdon the first or 2nd week of feb. I have never visited there or any other prison so thats why i have all these questions.

Well I got a phone call from my baby earlier today and he told me that they are still on lock down but they are giving them a little bit more of a program so i guess that's good. He said he is hoping it ends soon.

This schedule they have them on is really getting irritating. The whole hour out to shower and make calls is great, but why can't it be later in the day?

Thats what id like to know... I didnt get a call so far today so i am guessing i wont get one =(.. i really needed this phone call today... i asked him in a letter where e stand and all that good stuff.. now since he didnt call i am worried i scared him off!.. i did get a letter today and he said i am officially approved to visit AND i got a job today... this is so frustrating for me.

aww, I'm right there with you in the land of frustration. I got to talk to my guy's mom this afternoon and she said he did call her one day last week and he mentioned not knowing how much money he has in his account right now. She's sending a money order tomorrow, but I'm trying to decide if I want to Western Union some money tonight in case that's why he's not calling. With my luck, if I send it, he probably won't even know it's there because he's not expecting it. Plus, I'm not sure if the issue is just the timing of when they're allowed to call. Based on Jvavau's post, I would have to assume that they got calls sometime before 10:45 AM their time this morning...of course, I was at work with no signal. So anyway, I don't know what to do and I need a phone call too! Hang in there...you're not alone.

=D... i got my call!!!!!!!!!!!!.. woot! i am excited!... hehehehheehe

He said that they are getting calls and showers at different times depending on where they are at in the facilty.

Look at it this way jensmcm.. if you do send money and he doesnt realize its in there.. then when everything is normal you can still use that money to talk.. so either way its going to benefit you. I say its worth a shot!

Yay, I'm so happy for you!!! I think you're right...I have to send the money and see if that helps because I'm dying to talk to him!

at least with western union.. its in there prettymuch right away.. and not have to wait FOREVER like in the mail =D... i hope you hear from him soon!.. oh and now im nervous because he said he responded to my letter here i asked where this was going! Im shakin in my pj's! lol....

I wouldn't worry too much about the letter if I were you. I know that's easier said than done, but look at it this way- he's been calling you whenever he gets the chance so he has to be really interested in you...hope you get that letter soon!

Well i just noticed i missed his call yesterday areound 11:13 central while i was busy drug testing for my new job... they are letting them out at a whole variety of times!... ive gotten calls from 10:30am-5:20pm.. i cant wait for normal to come.. hopefully theres no longer than 2 more weeks of this crap. And im hoping to get that letter by friday =)~

Well ladies good news, my baby called me today at 6:20 a.m. and informed me that they are OFF LOCKDOWN i'm so happy cause i'll be visiting this weekend. So jensmcm and chitownbyrd you guys should be planning your trip down to sunny California so you guys can visit your love ones. I'm glad this is over:)

FINALLY!!!!!!!... My trip is already being planned lol... for the 2nd eekend of march.. he just wants to make sure they are off lockdown and tensions arent high.. were afraid of me going ALL the ay out there and not being able to see him... i always joke around that if that happened he would know.. becaus ehe would hear about the "crazy B*tch" they had to drag out of the place.. lol.. ;)

FINALLY!!!!!!!... My trip is already being planned lol... for the 2nd eekend of march.. he just wants to make sure they are off lockdown and tensions arent high.. were afraid of me going ALL the ay out there and not being able to see him... i always joke around that if that happened he would know.. becaus ehe would hear about the "crazy B*tch" they had to drag out of the place.. lol.. ;) That's funny (lol) I would'nt blame you if that was to happen, specially coming from so far away. I think the weeken that you're planning on coming down here willbe a good one because for the next weekend or two everyone is going to try to go see there love ones so it will be probabaly a litlle bit to crowded. I'll let you guys know how it goes this weekend. I'll keep you guys updated in to how was the visiting, was there any tension, how were the CO's and all that other stuff.

sweet!.. i say we should all visit the same weekend ;)... i will admit i am a bit flustered becuse if i woulda had the tix for the original dates i was going to go.. i would have been approved and lockdown over already nd i coulda visited on the 3-4th... but with my luck the lockdon woulda lasted longer!! ... you are super lucky to live not too far from there... do you visit every weekend??

sweet!.. i say we should all visit the same weekend ;)... i will admit i am a bit flustered becuse if i woulda had the tix for the original dates i was going to go.. i would have been approved and lockdown over already nd i coulda visited on the 3-4th... but with my luck the lockdon woulda lasted longer!! ... you are super lucky to live not too far from there... do you visit every weekend??
Yes I go every Saturday for sure. I try to leave Sundays open for his family to go visit, mainly his mother but if she dont go then he calls me up and lets me know and i visit him both days. I was not this lucky all the time, he was up in Pennsylvania for three years and i was not able to go visit him. That was the hardest part of our relationship. He just got transfer back down to California this past September so that really works and he is only 45 minutes away from me. He's so close but then so far from me. Hey Chitownbyrd why is it that you had to get approval to visit? You just can fly out here and visit when ever you want? (just courius question) Well it will be nice meeting you in person so that way we meet our pto friends in person.

pennsylvania and cali is a whole lot further than chicago and cali!!!!... thats crazy... You must have been crazy excited when he got to Cali... I needed an approval to be on his visiting list.. see i filled one out a couple months ago.. but on the "did you know this persion prior to his incarceration?" i put no.. and they denied me!!... so his counselor said he would approve me if i sent in another after the new year and it said yes to that question.. so i lied and got approved.. LOL... he just called me while i was typing this out and he said they arent off lockdown yet.. but they were let out in the yard for awhile and let out for lunch.. he said next week they will start sending them back to work and on an acctual "normal" schedule... I wish i could fly out and visit whenever i want... but i do have the money right now to come for whichever weekend he decided on... his counselor said the best time for people to travel far for visits will be in march.. so the 2nd weekend of march it is!

I just got another call from my baby about 2 minutes ago which is about 1:31 p.m. my time and I asked him if they were on lock down and he again said No. He said they are running regular schedule and he said they are having normal visitations this weekend. Well anyways we'll see, but as long as i keep getting those calls and i'm able to visit it's all good.

LOL.. my guy said they re getting locked down at 4 or something like that.. but who knows!!!... i hope email returns soon.. i loved my emails lol

LOL.. my guy said they re getting locked down at 4 or something like that.. but who knows!!!... i hope email returns soon.. i loved my emails lol
He Emails you? That's cool if he does. I did'nt know they can email you. I'm gonna have to tell my man he is going to have to start emailing me. :)
How funny his been locked up for almost six yers know and i did not know they can email. His in bif trouble.(lol)

LOL... OOPS!!!!!!!.. its $2 for $40 min or something like that... hmm.. i wonder uf he can email tonight!!!

LOL... OOPS!!!!!!!.. its $2 for $40 min or something like that... hmm.. i wonder uf he can email tonight!!! Oh yeah!!! Me and him are going to have a talk this weekend when i go visit him:p. That's pertty resonable price, if it's 2 dollars for 40 minutes.

I have 104 emails from my guy ... i saved every last one of them.... aybe you should ask hi if he even knows how to use it.. maybe thats why.

OMG, I'm going crazy...still no call! I wish there was some way I could get a message to my guy to let him know there's money in his account. When I finally get to talk to him, it's going to take everything I have not to flip out on his dumb ass. By the way, I just called and was told that they are still on lockdown.

oh man.. sorry jensmcm!!.. i hope you get your call soon.. i know how it is not hearing from them... but im betting when he calls u will be excited... have you written to him? i would try to and let him know you sent him money... what would be messed up is if he didnt know you sent it to call you.. and he spent it on something else =O.... MEN....

Yeah I sent him a letter letting him know this morning, but he probably won't get it until Monday, which is the same day he would most likely be expecting the money from his mom so it wouldn't matter much anyway. It just annoys the hell out of me that I might have to wait till next week to talk to him when the money's been there all this week and he just didn't know it. I just hope it's nothing else like he's in the hole or something...there should be some way to get this kind of info.

So, Have you gotten "the letter" yet?

Will the counselor tell u if hes in the hole??.. You know what i dont understand... is if they can afford their own cell phone.. why not let them have one!!!!.. because with all the Patriot act.. a lot or most of our phone convos are heard anyway... its not lke its impossible.. but maybe thats just me being hopeful... 8 more months without HWH... 8 more months....

I havtn gotten the letter yet.. i am SO nervous ... lol.. he sent it out monday so i should have it at least by saturday... but will prolly get it on friday... keep ur fingers crossed lol...

Will the counselor tell u if hes in the hole??.. You know what i dont understand... is if they can afford their own cell phone.. why not let them have one!!!!.. because with all the Patriot act.. a lot or most of our phone convos are heard anyway... its not lke its impossible.. but maybe thats just me being hopeful... 8 more months without HWH... 8 more months....

I havtn gotten the letter yet.. i am SO nervous ... lol.. he sent it out monday so i should have it at least by saturday... but will prolly get it on friday... keep ur fingers crossed lol...

I will definitely keep my fingers crossed! I'm sure you will get it by Friday.

I'm not sure if I can ask his counselor. I've never tried to talk to anyone. Do you think when they ask you "Is this call in reference to an inmate?" I could just say yes and they would let me talk to someone about him? I have no idea how that works.

I think they can tell u if hes in the hole.. but they just cant tell you why... im not too sure.. but it wouldnt hurt to try.. the only thing they could say is no.... I say go for it.

jensmcm; If you call ,they will definately tell you whether he is in general population or not if you ask them.:)

Thanks everyone for your advice, but I finally got my call last night!!! He said that they've been letting him out in the morning most days and I'm still at work. Of course, I thought that all along, but I still had to get all worked up about it. He also said that the phone lines have been really long and, when he can call me, a lot of times he can't even get to a phone before they lock them back down. Anyway, it was so great to hear from him (of course I had to answer the phone "You're damn lucky you called me tonight because I was getting pissed." lol, he loved it). He says that the lockdown is expected to end officially on Monday. Yay!!!

Jensmcm... its so hard not to get worked up about silly things... i guess its what we all have to deal with right?? Did you tell him about email? or were you too ecxited to remember???

OHHHH MAN.... i got "the letter".. and i am melted into a big puddle of mushy doo!!!!!!! it says whole lot of good..lemme cite here ::cough cough::"when i am released and adjusted back into society or basically have my own place and a job then i can pay your way to Ut and we will go from there".... thats what i was lookin for!!! lol.....the rest was full of the emotion stuff.. and well its exciting because were not the love letter writers you know... we just keep it real =D

Chitownbyrd, see I knew it would turn out well. That's great!!!...just what you needed right now.:D

that is just what i needed =)~.... I started my new job yesterday and tomorrow is my first official work day.. i am not looking foward to it because i will be standing for 9 hours, but i need the money so i can save up....i ut in a request time off for the 3rd weekend of march because when i asked her about the 2nd weekend she got snappy.. i guess theres some kind of expo there for 10 days during that time.. so the 3rd eekend will have to do....im rambling.. sorry LOL.... hopefully ill get a call tonight.. even though he said he would call me later on or next week... LOL

ohh yea... he said at visits the chairs are like lawn chairs and there is a really small table about 1 foot high between the 2... is that true!?!.. i was hoping to have somehtign to lean on so i wont fall over or something... how far apart do u have to sit??.. if there is not table to lean on doesnt it get uncomfy?.... tsk tsk

oh wow, good luck with your new job...I just started a new one last week so I know how you're feeling right about now. I want a call today too! He called again last night and said he'd try to call tonight since they probably won't get let out all weekend. I won't know how to act if I get to talk to him 3 days in a row! It's been since Christmas since that happened.

Oh yeah, the visiting room chairs and tables are real ghetto. They are plastic and the table is def. like a foot off the ground. The only good thing is it's like not even 2 feet across so we would always lean over it so are faces were only a few inches apart if we wanted to whisper...that's about the only good thing I can say!

I am kind of upset about having to work.. becuse it might take away from our talk time.. but in the end its going to be better for me and US.. if i have a job and save up some money.. i really want nothing more than to get out there and start a life with this man!...i feel like such a dork.. LOL...i havnt gotten my call yet and probably wont.. have you?? I wanted to talk to him before i have to start work tomorrow.. rawr.

Thats crazy about the visiting room.. i imagined that it would be like tables and chairs how it was in school you know??? ppfftttt... plastic chairs. do they at least have arm rests? I am already nervous thinking about this.. i think i am more nervous about that first kiss than anything!...

Is there anything else i should know?

How is everyone else holding up? Been hearing from the loved ones?

Hope we all get letters and calls galore since this should be back to normal on monday!!!

I just got my call :D :yay:

I missed my call!:( He called twice and I never heard it because I was playing the slots with some friends and it was so loud in there. That's what I get for wasting money. Damn!!!...but good for you getting your call.

I think the chairs do have arm rests, but the thing is- I know you're worrying about all this stuff now while you have time to think about it, but when you get in there it's a whole different story. You'll be so focused on your man and the time the two of you have that you won't be thinking about any of that stuff. At least that was my experience anyway. There were people all around us and it was like I barely even noticed or heard anything anyone else said. Even with the lame circumstances, I'm sure you'll make the most of it.

i know... im such a friggin walking anxiety attack.. LOL.... i always worry about everything till its happening!..

That really sucks about missing your call.. what u gotta do is stick it on vibrate and hide it between your boobs... LOL.. everyone will think your crazy.. but so what youll get your call!!! LOL.... i used to do that in school ;)... hopefully they arent locked down this whole weekend.. i wont be able to hear his voice until next week anyway..

Do any of your family/friends think your crazy?

My friends are really pissing me off by trying to tell me what to do (2 guy friends).. they are saying hes going to "abandon" me and my daughter just like he "abandoned" his daughter when he went in.. I dont even mention him to those 2 friends anymore but they alays seem to bring him up to argue with me.. i dont get it. Oh and my mom with her stupid comments too.. "hes not coming to my house"..your right... because im leaving.. LOL

Chitownbyrd;All I can say is that, unless you've ever been in the sort of relationship that we have with our loves,then it's VERY hard for other people to comprehend.Unfortunately ,there are alot of bigotted people around that cannot for the life of them,see the good in our inmates and seem to get pleasure from putting our relationships down as being meaningless,worthless and worse,they view us as naive idiots!
I for my part,have only told those that I knew, that even if they couldn't understand my relationship,wouldn't knock it either.God!It's tough enough as it is without having the snide remarks as well.
As it has been said many times before;If it feels good then it probably is!
I didn't realise until this lockdown ,just how much your baby cares for you when he makes that call...In all probablity(as I was told yesterday)they miss you so much,they are waiting in very long queues very patiently for their turn on the phones!
I used to think that perhaps it was a little of out-of-sight...
No such thing-mine called me three times yesterday-the third time being 1.15 am my time-but boy!I didn't mind a bit!!Haha!
They were locked down about 5.30 yesterday(of course they are being l/down at different times according to where they are in the prison) and he said he'd try to call over the w/end.I'm like you-I really need a w/end call otherwise it goes so slowly,even when you're going about your normal day.:)

Chitownbyrd and the kern, I'm going through a lot of the same things myself. My friends are not too crazy about it, but they do their best to be supportive. My mom knows about it, but she's totally against it and says she will never accept it so I try not to ever even bring it up and I let her think that I'm always open to meeting other guys when I'm out with my friends. I understand her concerns, but she was biased against him from the start, before this ever happened, just because I was only 16 when we met and he was 30. The thing is, we were entirely friends for the first couple of years and he was all about being cautious in our relationship, but people will always make assumptions. She assumed he was taking advantage of me then and now she assumes he's just going to get out and re-offend. I can understand that's a possibility, but I don't feel like I have to worry about it because I know the circumstances surrounding what he did and I'm confident that he's learned from this 11 year sentence. I think all that's important is that you can accept everything and trust what the future will bring. When your friends and family see all that working out and how happy you are, they will come around. That's how I like to look at it!

....now, how about some weekend calls for all of us!!!

Yay! They are getting out to make calls over the weekend...I just talked to my baby and he's planning to call back tonight. I hope you all get your calls too:)

aww!!! i wish i could send him some money... but i am broke.. and he only has enough $ for 1 10 min phone call and is saving it for next week..... damnit.. lol

Well happy for u guys!!!!.. ill write more later because i gotta go to work.. wish me luck.. lol

Wow-thanks for good news..Trouble is,now I will be constantly hanging on to my phone incase I miss a call-and in the past I've missed quite a few!!
Mmm,but also,it will mean now that if I don't hear from him,I'll start fretting about why not!
By the way,I haven't sent back my visiting form yet-too scared to incase they deny me as I didn't know him prior to 'incarceration'.My Sweetie is going to speak with his counselor to see if he can swing it our way as we desperately want to see each other.Does anyone know if the Counselor can actually do this?:)
P.s. Chitownbyrd-loads of luck to you!!

You have to lie on the form or they WILL deny you. They denied me for it and my guy talked to his councelor.. he said as long as it says yes i would have been approved, so i sent in another saying that.. i would just go ahead and put yes. =)

thanks!

The kern... I also didnt realize how much a part of his life i as until the lockdown and when he could call he called everyday.. but esp with the sweet letter he sent. When people make their comments i usually just say "your miserasble and jealous!"... heh.. =)

Jensmcm... so how old are the 2 of you now? i am 19 he will be 34 in a week... i love me some older men =D.......My mom has never asked his age..or really anything about him because she thinks he doesnt matter.. My mom is definately biased.. even against my lifestyle.. and with him being a "bad influence" she thinks hes making me this way.. lol... (with the tattoos is what im talkign about..).. MEH.. she can have her loser husband.. and i can have someone who will make me happy :thumbsup:


Work was BORING... ugh.. and i have to go back today. I dont understand how they think you will get everything and everyones name in one day. "can you run this to elaina and stay at her register for her break?".. uhh who is elaina? where is she? :rolleyes: ... i hate being new at jobs.. makes you feel DUMB

Well no calls this weekend-I'm totally gutted and will have to go to bed early so tomorrow comes quicker!!:cry:
How about you girls-any calls for you-I hope so?! :)

I don't want you guys to worry too much, but I felt like I should share this bit of info. with you because I know you've been thinking about visits. I talked to my guy again this morning and I was asking him if the lockdown will definitely end on Monday and he said they don't really know because that's just been a rumor. Then he said he's not sure how much it matters anyway because there's more trouble on the horizon. I was like what does that mean and he said he couldn't get into all the details right now, but there might be more drama to cause another lockdown if they get let out soon. I really hope he's wrong about that, but I just wanted to give you a heads up. Why can't these guys just grow the hell up and stop messing things up for everyone who wants to have normal life in there?

Chitownbyrd, it's really funny you brought up the age thing because you and your man are almost the same distance apart as me and mine. I'm 23 and he's 37. I always go for the older ones too!;) Hang in there with the new job. I feel like that too- like an idiot when I don't know all the little things everyone else knows. It's especially bad for me too because I supervise a bunch of people who are older than me. It'll get easier though!

The kern.. i go to bed early when i feel bummy.. hoping tomorrow and MAIL will come sooner!

Jensmcm.... that really pisses me off.. i really dont undersand WHY everyone has to suffer because 2 gangs have issues.. why everyone else has to suffer because they want to misbehave! I have no patience for people like that........Thanks gods hes getting out this year!

well im feeling bummy.. no letter today.. i guess after a week of getting one everyday and then not for 2 days in a row it just sucks! hopefully you all are hearing from your men.. and hopefully he will gimmie a ring tonight.. any word on this lockdown??

Well ladies I went to go visit this weekend and it was very packed up but i seen my baby saturday, sunday and monday. The CO's were like howks and they had about 6 to 7 CO's in the visiting room. Well everything went well the only thing of course the food ran out so quickly. Well ladies I dont know what race your boyfriend are but wht my baby told me that the blacks are on lockdown till this moment because it was there problem and that's why the facility was on lockdown but as for the other races they are running normal routine, but he did mention that there is still some drama going on so he just told me they might be going back on lockdown but its not due to them.
Well ladies i see you guys were mentioning about age, well my man is 10 years older then me and i think that's better because they are more mature. Well ladies i'll be visiting my baby this weekend as well "that's if they dont go back on lockdown".

We are both white.. i wonder if since they are on normal routine if email is working?.. well i havnt gotten one.. but i am getting frustrated with this whole damn lockdown. Im glad your visit worked out... i didnt know if they were REALLY going to have visits this weekend! And yep.. older guys are better because that same reason.. i think he has read some books or somethign because he knows me all too well =)~

We are both white.. i wonder if since they are on normal routine if email is working?.. well i havnt gotten one.. but i am getting frustrated with this whole damn lockdown. Im glad your visit worked out... i didnt know if they were REALLY going to have visits this weekend! And yep.. older guys are better because that same reason.. i think he has read some books or somethign because he knows me all too well =)~
Well Chitownbyrd, eventually the lockdown situation will end. As to us woman who are with jail birds all we can do is hang in there. We have to remember that they live a HOLE diffeerent lifestyle and all they have to do is go with the flo. So if there way of survival in there is riots or what ever it may be all we can do is pray each and every day that it aint our love one getting hurt and thanking GOD that our love one is save, cause only they know what they go trough in there. So all we can do is hang in there and give them love and support, cause we are all going trough this, the inmates and us. They physically live it and we emotionally feel it.

I completely understand.. Its still irritating though =).. especially a straight week of calls and mail.. and then going to nothing.. i just miss him a whole lot =D.. yesterday i was watching videos of prison fights and riots on youtube.. and all i could think about was i cant wait for him to get out of there. Im here for him for any kind of support he needs. He stays out of trouble though, so i never have to worry TOO much. Im ready to get out of here and help him to live the lifestyle he wants and deserves. ::sigh::

I completely understand.. Its still irritating though =).. especially a straight week of calls and mail.. and then going to nothing.. i just miss him a whole lot =D.. yesterday i was watching videos of prison fights and riots on youtube.. and all i could think about was i cant wait for him to get out of there. Im here for him for any kind of support he needs. He stays out of trouble though, so i never have to worry TOO much. Im ready to get out of here and help him to live the lifestyle he wants and deserves. ::sigh::
I feel you. I know it's very fustrating and irritating so just hang in there. It sounds like you realy like this guy and that you care for him alot, that's good. You also got to remember there on a point system each month so he also might of used his points up and since it is the end of the month it's most likely. He is probably waiting to the first of next month, because that is when they get there points again.

Well i dotn think it as anythgn with pts.. i know he is low on cash.. but he said hed give me a call sometime ths week.. I *THINK*.. i am going to send him some money for his birthday.. depends on my check.. because his bday present is supposed to me me coming to visit! lol.. he had $2 left.. so it would only be like 10 min call... but id take a 1 min call if it was offered.. I hope he got the card and stuff i sent him =)..... have u ladies read about the valentines day project on here? The post card one.. what do u think about it?

I'm so confused about the status of the lockdown. My boyfriend's white too and I was able to talk to him twice on Sat. and then on Sun., but he said they were still on lockdown and he was hoping it would end Monday. That's when he told me that there was other drama that might cause them to stay on lockdown or go back on it right after they get off. It must not be completely determined by race since he was locked down all weekend. Anyway, I'm just confused about the whole thing...

Chitownbyrd, what's this Valentine's post card project? Oh, and I wouldn't be too concerned about not getting a call yet. Since he's so low on money, he's probably trying to space out the calls more so he doesn't have to go forever without talking to you after he makes this call. And, it could be that he's locked down and can't call. My guy's supposed to call tomorrow or Thurs. so I'll have to see if he gets to use the phone.

That IS pretty confusing...and irritating.. i guess i still dont understand how they can punish ALL the inmates for something someone else is doing.. they already got their punishment and thats called prison!

The project is theres a list of people sending post cards to everyone on the list .. and they will write whatever message the person wants so they can send to their SO in jail..like i had everyone write "Nikkis showing Ryan some love! Happy Valentines Day 2007! Your on your way!" .. then i will send him the cards from all over the states and a couple from different countries.. and explain to him how many people from all over are cheering him.. and US on.. =D... ... we usually try to space out calls so we dont get super frustrated... i really hope he can call soon!!..

Just want to let u all know email is working... i got mine.. happy to hear from him, but in a way i still am kinda down? i dunno...weird feeling.

yyyeesssss.. now i got a call..=)... feeling much better.. he said he took new pics for me too.. yay =).. hope u all got your calls

sorry for announcing everything!!!! you are the only ones who understand.. now when i tell certain friends or family they just roll their eyes or change the subject.

yyyeesssss.. now i got a call..=)... feeling much better.. he said he took new pics for me too.. yay =).. hope u all got your calls

sorry for announcing everything!!!! you are the only ones who understand.. now when i tell certain friends or family they just roll their eyes or change the subject. Girl I feel you on that. Some people just wont ever understand and dont trip that's why we are here on PTO to hear each other out.

Girl I feel the same way...this website is great and so are you guys! It's nice to know we'll always have someone who understands:)

hmm i wonder.. i didnt hear from him at all today and usually when email works i hear from him all the time. kinda dissapointing... like all days i dotn hear from him lol.. any luck on your ends? any change in the lockdown crap?

I did get a call last night:D , but I forgot to ask him about the lockdown. It seemed like it was over though. He mentioned some things he's been doing so I don't think anyone's locked down now. Yay! Maybe you're guy's out of money on email now. I'm not sure, but hopefully you hear from him or get some mail soon!

well he called tonight.. which is exciting.. Though he was drunk.. but hey they celebrted his birthday tonight before the CO made them get rid of their "wine". Im in a weird mood though, he siad hed call back and he didnt im not mad though.. this would have been the weekend i would have flown out there to visit if it wasnt for the lockdown. Part of me feels like i miss him so much, and yet i never met him.. hmm

Hi;
Sorry I haven't been around ,I desperately needed the PC debugging!!
I got two calls yesterday-the first one he was sounding rather upset in..He is crochetting me a 'wedding'(like a promise) blanket and was upset that he was having a hard time getting the yarn.Then he starting fretting about whether or not I would be denied visiting-which I'm sure I will be...As we all know the rules of the Feds!!
But so you know(I just need to get this off my chest ,I suppose),he is on probation at the moment for being under the influence of alcohol,and so now has some restrictions placed on him e.g not being able to order from the commissary.He knows it was a dumb thing to do but he was feeling very down and couldn't get hold of either me or his family to talk to.
Now I am concerned about whether I will ever be approved for visiting?!
He has served twenty years and hasn't had a visit for over fifteen years..Did I read that if I write and sort of plead his case-well,after that length of time,it's almost unheard of to maintain friends prior to incarceration isn't it?Could I use that as part of the argument do you think?I'd be very happy for any input ,as I'm feeling pretty useless at the moment.Plus,I couldn't lie as it's obvious from my home that I didn't know him before!
Anyhow,I hope everyone else is getting their letters and calls-well thats we wait for-I know I have a letter on the way.So I should get it tomorrow all being well!:thumbsup:
Donna

Oh, P.S. I believe the l/down has now ended as he is now working again
and I don't think they are allowed to while there is one.

The kern.. good luck with the visit approval. I still would have lied being from different countries... heck how would they know?.. I am not too sure about how you could get around it, i am new to this stuff myself.

Thankfully my guy hasnt gotten in trouble for any alcohol.. or acctually he hasnt been in trouble at all. His guys take turns being the "sober driver" to keep eachother out of trouble.

ohh yea... he is working again too.. he said the lockdown is over and everything is "normal" again

Hey ladies I went to go visit my baby this weekend, it was as wonderful as ever to see him are visits are always real good. Yesterday the terminated visits early cause of the super bowl (which was pertty dum because there is some of us that don't like football) But I know my baby does like it so it was probably good. Well I thought i share this with you guys.

jvavau, I'm glad you had a nice visit, even if they did kick you out early for a damn football game!

None of us have talked on here for awhile...I miss you guys! LOL

Today is his birthday and i have my fingers crossed that he will call me!.. UGH lol.. I wish i could call him. He sent me a sweet LONG email last night, so he must have gotten birthday money hehehe.. also got new pics for me in the mail.. exciting week it SHOULD be =D

I still am having trouble when i think about visits.. still nervous and self conscious!

How have u all been?????

ohh yea.. what are u guys doing for valentines day?

Hey ladies, we're loosing the Victorville thread little by little. Lets not let that happen, I see other threads from different prison that keep going and going like the energizer bunny and it seems like the victorville usp there is only a hand full of us, so ladies lets keep it going, remember we only have us that understand each other and the fustrations and happy moments that we go trough dealing with them being incarrcerated. Also remember we can talk about anything we feel we need to speak about so we can vent.
Well ladies i'll be visiting my baby this weekend if God permits, i'm so excited. So when are you ladies planning your trips to Beautiful Sunny California to go visit your men up at Victorville?

I agree! We should definitely try and keep this thing going. I hope you enjoy your visit this weekend. Let us know how it goes!

I just wanted to say that our son called two or three days ago and the lockdown is over. I am so glad to hear that!! Someone was discussing emails earlier in this thread. The inmate has to know your email address and them he can send an email through inmatemessage asking if you want to receive this correspondence from him. It's really a good idea, since so many people are always on their computers these days. I was told it cost the inmates ten cents for every minute to read and to write email. The server probably logs their time on the system. I did remember one problem that the girls and women were having while visiting...underwire bras. They are not allowed! There was one woman guard many months ago that would let us slide by. But she is no longer at the front desk when you visit. They have gotten very strict about this, so if you are going to visit, please dress with this in mind. Although this is only my second post...I do enjoy reading everyone elses comments. It helps to know that we're not the only ones dealing with this, the feds, the rules, the lockdowns,the uncertainness, the dangers of their lifestyle behind the walls. Not too many people I know can say they have a loved one behind bars. It definately takes its toll on you and your family. Sometimes it feels as though we are doing the time with them. Thankfully, only six more years until 2013. :)

Take care everyone,
TLH

Hi Everyone;
Mmmm,I'm so envious(and of course,very glad) of you that are visiting over in Victorville.I've had some great advice of what to write when I send my form back but was wondering how many times can you send it back if you have been denied previously..Does anyone know by any chance?I know that I can't put off sending it back any longer as my Sweetie is starting to think that I don't want to see him, and it's nothing like that at all!!
But anyway I agree-let's try and keep this thread going...Even if it's only to say 'hi.I'm still here'!I know you ladies have been a great support,and I'd like to think I can be the same.
So until next time..:)

TLH..... i am so worried about no underire bra.. I am a D cup and hmm.. i need support!.. I am thinking hmmm... they should make under-plastic bras.. LOL... welcome to the victorville thread ;)

The Kern.. I am not so lucky with the visiting.. it seems like everytime i have a plan.. it goes out the window.. i was supposed to go with his friends wife.. but i cant because she got denied another 6 months. So... i start from the drawing board once again. ::rolling eyes::.. good luck with yours

As for me.. i got my card and pics for vday... YYYUUUUMMM... =D.. tehehehe

Chitownbyrd...Please don't give up-stay strong-you'll make it to him..I mean ,I'll have to travel over 5,000 miles to visit with mine-and just the thought of it makes me feel sick(I've never been to the States before)but I know I'm going to have to do it!!Stay resolute and don't let anything else get in your way.It's important that you see eachother okay?!
I know that you can get plastic underwire over here if you look hard enough..But just a thought;since underwire and soft bras are shaped around the rib cage differently,why don't you try just taking the wire out-it might feel a little funny at first but it'll still give better support than a soft one anyway..It might sound daft but try looking on ebay-you never know what you may come across-it's been a revelation to me!!:thumbsup:
I've had my calls too,the trouble is ,the minutes are starting to get used up pretty rapidly mainly because he's teaching me some Salish,and by the time I've said 'say that again' a few times-well,you know the rest-time goes doesn't it? And when he asks if he can call back, I just can't say no to him!
Thanks for the luck-I've a feeling I'm gonna need it!
Take Care all
Donna

My ex just transfered to USP Victorville. That's the one place we hoped he wouldn't end up . But I'm glad I have this thread. Can anyone tell me what it's like in there . I heard it's a high and I'm waiting for a letter. He's gone from Detention in Vegas to a CCA in Florence and now he's no longer listed as in transit. They show him at Victorville USP....I went into shock !!!

Hi Vallan;
Well, for a start it is a maximum security institution and they do seem to have quite a few l/downs in any one year.But from what I have been told by my hunny, is that it isn't that bad as far as max prisons go-but he might be biased as he was transfered from Marion,IL and any where would have been better than that place!Haha!
..No seriously, it isn't all that bad-so don't worry..Easy to say I know(and we all do it here-frequently)
I've always found the mail and calls to be pretty regular and just to let you know,when mine was transferred,it was roughly a week before I got my first letter-it all depends on whether he has the necessary stamps,envelopes etc.
Oh!They have the e-mail service there too!!
If ever you want any particular news of anything-we're always here...Nice to meet you:thumbsup:

vallan.. welcome!... I think its an ok place to be.. you would think it wasnt a high security.. everything will be fine. =)

The kern.. I know its important that i go and see him... i especially need to see him for the sake of knowing.. i am sure i will come with a plan and make it out there before this summer =)...i will have to do some ebay searching.. i tried removed the wires from my FAVORITE bra (they were starting to poke out anyway) and it was bad lol.. if i lifted my arms over my head the girls would fall out of it LOL... but wth it tightened all the way it was OK.. i would have to put a stitch in the strap because it keeps sliding down.

Haha!!The things we women have to go through to keep ourselves decent huh? I'm not exactly small breasted myself so I know what you mean!!

Hey ladies, well here i am again. This past weekend I wen to go see my baby and let me tell you, WELL the CO's are trying to establish a new way of doing visiting processing, well IT SUCKS. I got there at 9:30 a.m. and did not get in to te actual visiting room till 1:40 p.m. it was a horrible experience. The visiting room was so packed up and the process just suck i'm hopping it goes back the way it was cause i only got to see my baby about onw hour and by the time i actually got in there to see him i was just so fustrated and very irritated. The CO's were pertty ass#@!$% this weekend they were on every ones bussines. I guess i'm just pertty upset cause my visit was ruined by the hole way of being processed in.
I guess they try to discourage us from visiting our love ones but it aint going to happen cause i'll be there as long as i'm able to. I'm hopping this weekend is not that bad and they realize that the new way of processing just aint working "just venting".

My ex just transfered to USP Victorville. That's the one place we hoped he wouldn't end up . But I'm glad I have this thread. Can anyone tell me what it's like in there . I heard it's a high and I'm waiting for a letter. He's gone from Detention in Vegas to a CCA in Florence and now he's no longer listed as in transit. They show him at Victorville USP....I went into shock !!!
Hey vallan14213, from all the state and federal prisons my baby has been at, I think Victorville is the most decent one. Sometimes the CO's are on a good one but other then that it's worked out fine. When they are an normal schedule and NOT on lockdown they pertty much run a good and steady routine. It's not bad at all.

WOW!... what the hell did they change that it took THAT long to process you in there??? What did they do differently? So there was more people than usual visiting?.. sorry your experience was bad! =(... lets hope they change things back to the way they were before for the sake of us all... we missed ya in here!

Thank girls!!! I just wrote him a letter but I'm not sure if he's in the main building or the satellite camp. The BOP website had two adresses, so maybe I should just wait. I know he'll write as soon as he gets settled in. I will definately be checking this thread out on a regular basis now that I know where he'll be finishing his sentence.

I think the camp is only for women.. i would go ahead and try the regulat po box 5500 addy

Hey ladies, well here i am again. This past weekend I wen to go see my baby and let me tell you, WELL the CO's are trying to establish a new way of doing visiting processing, well IT SUCKS. I got there at 9:30 a.m. and did not get in to te actual visiting room till 1:40 p.m. it was a horrible experience. The visiting room was so packed up and the process just suck i'm hopping it goes back the way it was cause i only got to see my baby about onw hour and by the time i actually got in there to see him i was just so fustrated and very irritated. The CO's were pertty ass#@!$% this weekend they were on every ones bussines. I guess i'm just pertty upset cause my visit was ruined by the hole way of being processed in.
I guess they try to discourage us from visiting our love ones but it aint going to happen cause i'll be there as long as i'm able to. I'm hopping this weekend is not that bad and they realize that the new way of processing just aint working "just venting".

Ahh..I'm so sorry that you didn't have a good visit,I would have been more than mildly irritated myself;but that sounds about right of the Feds-taking a perfectly good tried and tested system of doing things and then ballsing it all up!Surely to God ,after a few days of that they'll see sense and revert back to the original system of processing in?!
Vallan;as Chitownbyrd said the camp is for women so send anything to the 5500 P.O. Box number.

WOW!... what the hell did they change that it took THAT long to process you in there??? What did they do differently? So there was more people than usual visiting?.. sorry your experience was bad! =(... lets hope they change things back to the way they were before for the sake of us all... we missed ya in here!
Well before when you go into visitng, the way they processed you in was as soon as you walked in you get the visiting form and fill it out then give it to the CO with your ID and then have a seat and they would processes you in as you would be coming in. There is a CO doing all the computer things while the other CO is calling you in to clear you to get you back to the visiting room. Well this time they make you line up, they are calling 5 at a time to fill out the form then you have a seat then he process you in at the computer then he clears you to go in the visiting room at this point about 15 to 20 minutes gone by well by this point the line is getting bigger and bigger and it's taking longer and longer. Anyways it was a real BAD idea.

It does sound lie it was a bad idea.. i mean didnt they think that was going to happen? DUH.. How many perople usually go and visit?? How close are you put next to other people? I hope not too close. I have never been to visit in any kind of jail.. so i dont know about these things. be sure to let us know if they changed it back to the smarter way.

It does sound lie it was a bad idea.. i mean didnt they think that was going to happen? DUH.. How many perople usually go and visit?? How close are you put next to other people? I hope not too close. I have never been to visit in any kind of jail.. so i dont know about these things. be sure to let us know if they changed it back to the smarter way. They put you real close about 5 to 7 feet away from the other people, and I sure will let you know if they change it up to the smarter way. Hey by the way Happy Valentines Day. Did you send your honey a card? Well Have a good one and i'll keep you guys updated on the smart things Victorville COs are up too.

5 feet?.. ugh...thats close enough to smell someones raunchy breath! LOL... whatever.. as long as i get to see him.. Happy Vday to u all... i sent him 2 cards, one from me one from my daughter.. i also sent the postcards (17) from the PTO swap. Some "coupons"... they are for books/money.. and a little love note hehe =D

Well I mailed him a letter today. I moved back to New York because of health reasons and he's in California. We have a 14yr old daughter together and he was pretty pissed at first when I flew back and got custody of her. But she's where she belongs finally and so happy, but part of me is angry that he got himself in this mess and has never apologized to her for the nightmare he put her through. My poor baby stood there and watched as a bunch of US Marshals hauled her dad away. He'd been a major meth dealer for years. She never talks about him and isn't at all interested in writing him. I don't have the heart to tell him that in the letters. I often wonder if he's going to come out worse than when he went in. He was an SOB when we were married to each other but I really would like him to do better when he gets out for his daughters sake. 3 more years to go. It seems do far away, he's already been in 18mos. His sister said he's getting huge from working out. Thanks for all the info girls.........you're awsome.

Now I'm really pissed !! I just looked him up on the BOP and they've changed his location to USP Atwater.....further north on an Air Force Base no less. What the hell is he doing to make them keep messin with him like this? He just did a month in the hole in Florence , Ariz for tampering with a locking device. I wonder if he scewed himself good this time ?

where ya at ladies?

Vallan.. sorry they moved him.. again

I ust thought about something... Maybe they changed up the way they were doing vsits last weekend because people ere coming for their valentines day visits?

Well i freel like i just have to post.. i feel lonely and in that "blah" kinda mood. Work sucked, my feet hurt from standing all day (crappy flat-bottom non supporting shoes!), no call from him, no email from him. Im not mad ofcourse, Its just comforting to come home to "him" after a rough day. To top everything off my best friend found out her boyfriend has lukemia. They started Chemotherapy today. I think i will visit him on thursday when im in the area. ::sigh::.. i need my inmate.