The Story

So in October, I allowed my cousin to come out to Atlanta. I hadn't seen him in years. He had been in jail for this and that since he was 16. He was my favorite and I was glad to have him back in my life. We were supposed to put our heads together and start an enterprise. Apparently, he had some ideas that had impressed my dad. So I was eager to get him down hear and hear about his plans.

So he gets here. I am excited. But immediately, the excitement begins to fade. This is not the boy I grew up with. He looks the same. He doesn't talk the same. Some things are similar, some are different. This is a changed man. And his plans...
To call a spade. There are none. Specifically, he wants to sell Chronic. The plan initially sounds good. The risk is low. The profit is good. Something is missing though. I couldn't see it then. Obviously, I wish I could have seen it.
What was missing was discipline. Everything was loose from day one. And it got looser as the days went by. I was so wrapped up in showing my cousin a good time, reconnecting and getting him comfortable enough to stay, that I missed the opportunity to build a successful enterprise. Illicit as it was.
To the point. In November, I let my cousin use the truck while I was at work. Later we were supposed to go out. He was supposed to have sold the last two ounces of weed that day. When he showed up, though, it was bad business. He wasn't able to sell the ounces. I automatically assumed he left them at the house. I should have asked. I didn't until we were getting pulled over. (I had pulled out onto the street with out putting my headlights on.)
So now, I (since I was driving) am on probation for possession with intent (a felony). It will be reduced upon completion to a misdemeanor and discharged.
Initially, I was under the impression that it wouldn't be that bad. Just have to check in and stay straight for a short while. The only bad thing was looking at living in Georgia for longer than I wanted.
Then I went to the orientation for probation.
I came out nervous as hell. The first six months is supposed to intensive. I had no idea what that meant. I do now. I can't drink. I can't have alcohol in my house. I have a 7pm curfew everyday of the week. (it would be 5pm if I wasn't working) Since I work at a restaurant, I can only do lunch shifts. (That's the big money time of day!) And I can't leave the state, under any circumstances. I have to get permission to leave the county. So, I am cancelling trips to Ohio, Florida, LA and Jamaica.
So that's the major change in my life. The good side is I will be home and sober. That means I can write more. Read more. Plan more and make a few power moves from the comfort of my home. I am depressed now. I 'm sure that will go away. Hopefully, I will be richer in February for the experience, both spiritually and financially.
I hope you all understand. Even though I set this as preferred, I will most likely add everyone who asks.

Not many would share this or see the optimistic aspect.

"No drugs or alcohol, so I can get the signal clear,"

This is a blessing. Never forget that. You will come out richer since you obviously see the error in your ways. God's just leading you back to Him so you can get yourself back on track to the road He's paved for you. Remember THAT plan, that I as the reader, should come to a conclusion of?? Well get packing cause God's leading you back to it. This is good. You have the understanding, now have patience. It'll be over soon. And just in time, right? FEBRUARY >> Vegas. Yay for me. I'm curious. How was your cousin during that pullover and after? Is he still out there with you? Did he learn any lessons?

He didn't learn. He actually went to jail last month in Vegas. I don't know if you heard about it on the news. That was him. It’s probably a wrap for him. It’s sad.