Every time I open a local newspaper, the advertisements for consumer goods catch my eye. The costs of appliances, furniture, clothing, vehicles and other items have increased since 1987 when I was last free. After reading those advertisements, I spend time making lists of the items I will need to purchase to launch my life once I return to society.
I’m fortunate to be married. Carole and I have been planning for my release ever since she came into my life. She has lived frugally, committing to stretch our resources through this lengthy prison term. When I come home, we’ll have some stability but I estimate that we’ll spend more than $30,000 during the first week of my release.
That figure may seem high to others but I will return to society without the goods that people my age take for granted. I need to equip myself so I can function in society. The expenditures I envision do not include costs for housing, I will live with Carole, of course, and we’ve already budgeted for her housing costs. The expenses I envision will establish me so that I can begin earning an income.
Since I intend to build my career as a writer, consultant and speaker, I expect to spend a considerable sum on electronics. From the advertisements I’ve seen, I’m anticipating that my computers, software and phone expenses will approximate $9,000.
Then I will need clothes–an entire wardrobe, everything. With suits, casual wear, athletic gear, shoes and so forth, I’m expecting to spend $7,000. Those expenses include clothes I will buy for my wife.
On top of that, I presume that I’ll need a reliable vehicle. I budget $15,000 for a car.
These expenditures have been on my mind for a long time. I’m prepared for them as I deem them necessary for my adjustment to society as a productive citizen. We’ll see how close my estimates come when my release arrives.
This morning I ran 10 miles. I followed the run with 600 pushups.
[consecutive running log: 3,800 miles over 428 days]
[pushups in 2010: 15,600]
Saturday, 13 February 2010
PDF 
