Dear Fellas,

I can't believe how fast things move on the outside. I saw an automobile once when I was a kid. Now they're everywhere. The world went and got itself in a big damn hurry. The parole board got me into this halfway house called the Brewer, and a job bagging groceries at the Foodway. It's hard work, and I try to keep up, but my hands hurt most of the time.

I don't think the store manager likes me very much. Sometimes after work I go to the park and feed the birds. I keep thinking Jake might show up and say hello, but he never does. I hope wherever he is, he's doing okay and making new friends.

I have trouble sleeping at night. I have bad dreams, like I'm falling. I wake up scared. Sometimes it takes me a while to remember where I am. Maybe I should get me a gun and rob the Foodway, so they'd send me home. I could shoot the manager while I was at it, sort of like a bonus.

But I guess I'm too old for that sort of nonsense anymore. I don't like it here. I'm tired of being afraid all the time. I've decided not to stay. I doubt they'll kick up any fuss. Not for an old crook like me.

PS, Tell Haywood I'm sorry I put a kinfe to his throat. No hard deelings.

Brooks

The Shawshank Redemption is like dying and being born again, every time I watch it. It doesn't matter that I must have seen this movie over 100 times. From the amazing score, to the powerful messages embedded within, I'm deeply moved everytime I see it. The above passage is definitely the most sad in the movie, and I'm always moved by it. It's an amazing and uplifting movie. I reccomend buying it, THEN watching it. That way you will always own such an amazing film.

It's been a rough couple of weeks alright. Since getting back I've had tons of work to finish up after the break. It all went well without a hitch, and upon checking my grades today in a hopeful chancing moment, I found my first A of the semester. It's kind of sad that Megan's leaving tommorrow, who knows if I'll ever see her again. I hope so, since after returning to CA, and her London visit, she's going to move to NYC, a stone's throw away from home for me. As well Lauren will be graduating and leaving as well. I will miss her something terrible. I always felt like I could relate to her well and I've always enjoyed her company. Such is life-many meetings and many partings.

It's been snowing for about 2 days straight now. Thanks Syracuse for the dump on our heads. It's like not only are we supposed to be grateful, but say thanks for the hat too :P The snow drifts are making things annoying. I'll have to clean my car off tommorrow at some point. It looks like a big cannoli. One more final to go tommorrow, and then if I get motivated maybe make some additions to my website, due at 5pm. Hopefully leaving Tuesday, rather definitely leaving Tuesday, no matter how long it takes to get home. I must be home for the 17th. The Return Of The King is 2 days away! I cannot wait for this movie. I cannot wait to see my family. I cannot wait for Christmas. One of the happiest and heart-fulfilling times of the year is almost upon me. Yet time seems to stretch out like a road, traversable yet to no result. It will be good to get home; This semester has been taxing on the soul.