I went to visit the Weber State Correctional Facility last night AKA The "Sheriffs Compound". I have a friend who is spending a little time up there. I was sitting writing him a letter when I thought to myself 'I wonder how far away Ogden is'. Well folks Ogden is closer than I had imagined! It is only an hour away! So right then and there I decided that the letter writing would have to wait and I was going on an adventure. Five O'clock hit and I was out of work and into my car driving up to see my friend. I was stoked, I haven't seen him in a few years but we have been writing each other since he went in. I am pretty sure that the state should sponsor a prison art show because I get some of the coolest artwork in my letters from guys who are in there. My friend doesn't draw much more than stick figures so he has some of the guys jazz up my letters for him. They are my favorite! If you are looking for a pen pal with some art skills I could probably hook you up....just saying.
So I head up there, I had called earlier to let them know that I was going to come up and the lady said that would be fine and that I should be able to get in. I get up there and I was a little scared. See I know that all the prisoners are locked up but that is not who makes me nervous. It is the people on the outside that make me nervous. So I made sure my doors were locked, my purse was in the trunk and I am pretty sure I even said a little prayer on the way into the compound just for safety's sake. I get in there and there is this lady behind a sheet of bullet proof glass! Someone had the same idea as me. She wasn't scared about being inside the prison but of the people on the outside who were coming in. Smart choice I say, Smart Choice. I went up to the front of the line for her to tell me that I have to make an appointment a day in advance. Me telling her that some lady told me it was okay to come had no effect on her decision to turn me away. I can't believe it, it was such a valid argument (note the sarcasm).
So my prison adventure for the day had ended and was not a success but I was able to make an appointment for Sat. I made sure that it was during daylight hours this time so I would not be walking in the dark parking lot alone. I feel like it was a smart choice.
You might all be laughing at my little excursion but it was inspired by a quote from a very prominent man. Thomas Jefferson once said "Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today". And that is the lesson for today. Stop waiting for the tomorrows of life and do it today. It might not always work out but it might make for some opportunities down the road.