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Anonymous #8
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Re: Busted [Re: Grok]
#12734120 - 06/12/10 11:31 PM (13 years, 11 months ago) |
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Now that you're on probation, always remember that PROBATION IS NO JOKE.
You're most likely going to have to sign up for random drug testing. Depending on how strict your probation officer is, you may be testing anywhere from once a month to three times a week. Most facilities assign you a "color" and require you to call everyday to find out if your "color" tests that day. In addition, there will be days (usually on or after holidays) that your facility requires everyone to test. These don't count towards your monthly/weekly requirement. BE CAREFUL, especially with drinking. I know a lot of places that surprise people with ETG tests every now and then. Use this time to abstain from drugs and buckle down on school and work. You will need some extra money to pay for your drug tests as well as your probation fees (which are usually monthly payments).
Community service should be no problem at all. I was also assigned to do 50 hours, but was given less than 2 months to do so. I was able to do it quite easily. Just get it over with as soon as possible and don't rely on one place to supply your hours. Your P.O. should have a list of nonprofit organizations that offer community service hours.
Good luck!!
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illuminati
Strange


Registered: 06/17/07
Posts: 556
Loc: Aboard the T.A.R.D.I.S.
Last seen: 3 years, 8 months
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Thanks for the advice everyone. I agree that I should use this time to focus more on school and getting shit done. That's kind of why I took the deal, I know I can better myself if I'm not so focused on getting high and whatnot. As far as the drug counseling goes, I've done it before for something like this, and got away with 2 meetings. I have insurance, so hopefully the cost won't be too astronomical. I'm just going to say the only reason I had that much weed was for the money; I mean, I really doubt it's going to change anything as far as my charges go. I figure I'll tell them that the only reason I was in the drug game was to get money for college (good or bad idea?)
Any other advice on how to best work the drug counseling would be greatly appreciated.
-------------------- I didn't get turned on I just got turned I wasn't as aroused as I was concerned for each one of 'em I've hurt and every time I've been burned I've got a lot to teach but even more to learn
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fastfred
Old Hand



Registered: 05/17/04
Posts: 6,899
Loc: Dark side of the moon
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> I figure I'll tell them that the only reason I was in the drug game was to get money for college (good or bad idea?)
Bad idea. Never paint yourself as a dealer. Just tell them "shit, it was just a little bag, I've had it kicking around since the New Years before last when I went to a party."
One tip is to start going to AA/NA meetings. It's free and they're used to signing a card saying you showed. That way if they do suggest some sort of treatment you can fire back that you are already going to AA, and it is your preferred treatment option. If they suggest you're admitting you have a problem just say that you don't feel you have a problem but your current circumstances have convinced you that you need to explore the possibility that you may be helped by a support group anyways, and it may help keep you on the straight and narrow.
It's funny, but my alcohol evaluation was with a lady who's kid I smoked weed with. He even sold me a bag or two in the past.
You need to avoid all the trap questions...
Do you EVER drink alone? No. Do you EVER drink to escape from your problems? No. Do you EVER drink before noon? No. Has alcohol/drug use EVER caused personal or work problems for you? No.
You may think the test is geared to test your honesty because anyone who's truthful will answer yes to something or other. But that's not the case. It's a "answer yes to any of these questions and you have a problem" type test.
Here's how mine went...
Q. "Tell me about what led you here?" A. Blah, blah, blah. Just tell them what happened in as positive of a light as you can, they will already have your file, so don't lie.
Q. Do you think you have a drinking problem? A. My current circumstances have forced me to consider that my life may be improved by a better understanding of how my alcohol use affects my life.
Q. How often do you drink? A. I don't have cable TV, so during football season I usually go down to the bar with my friends to watch the games. Otherwise I don't usually go to bars or drink.
Q. How often is that? A. Sunday and Monday evenings.
[Puts down twice a week]
Q. How much do you drink when you go out? A. 3-5 beers over a two hour game.
Q. All the standard "you have a problem" questions. A. No.
Q. Do you use other drugs? A. Not usually. Sometimes at a holiday party I will smoke a hit of weed when my friends are.
Q. Any other drugs? A. No. Never. I tried mushrooms once when I was in high school. It was OK, but I had no interest in doing it again.
Q. How often do you smoke weed? A. Rarely.
Q. How many times in the last year? A. I smoked on New Year's eve and after the superbowl party. So twice. Sometimes I smoke a joint on my birthday if I have a party with friends.
Q. So you only smoke with others when it's around during special parties? A. Yes, I never buy drugs, but sometimes partake with friends.
Q. So you only drink 3-5 beers when you go out with friends to watch sporting events? A. Yes, the only other time I drink is a glass of wine if I'm on a date at a nice restaurant.
Q. Have you ever had a blackout? [Now is the time to lighten the situation] A. Not that I can remember.
Act like you're actually thinking about the questions and are being honest. It helps to count back and take your time answering, even discussing it with them as you go. That makes your answers seem considered and honest.
My evaluation stated that I was an average social drinker with no problem found, and no treatment needed.
I had actually went to two AA meetings with a friend as his moral support. I mentioned this at sentencing because the dick prosecutor was saying that I lied to the evaluator because I had failed to mention a previous inattentive driving arrest that had been dropped from a DUI. He wanted me to do some expensive 3 week outpatient treatment program. I told the judge that I was already going to AA to support a friend of mine and that the meetings had made me realize how badly alcohol could screw up your life. Anyways I got out of the expensive treatment.
That's another point. Your evaluator gets your case file, then you get evaluated, then the evaluation goes to the prosecutor and judge. It has a section on history, etc., etc.. What happened to me is my history section said no prior arrests/offences. When the prosecutor saw it he said I was lying, that I was arrested for DUI before. I told him "innocent until proven guilty" and that I had never been charged or convicted of DUI, so I had told the truth.
Anyways he was all pissy, so I called my evaluator and explained the situation and that the prosecutor was being a bitch about it. She said "Well I don't think that will change my recommendation," and sent the court a revised evaluation. Nonetheless the dick prosecutor tried to get me forced into the treatment program. The judge shot him down and followed the actual recommendation.
-FF
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illuminati
Strange


Registered: 06/17/07
Posts: 556
Loc: Aboard the T.A.R.D.I.S.
Last seen: 3 years, 8 months
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Ya know fastfred, I really like you more and more with each post. Anyway, after reading your post, my thoughts are this: (now keep in mind they caught me with an ounce and a bunch of pipes and bongs, etc...)
-I had that ounce for a while; I thought friends would pick up bags from me here and there, but it just didn't work out, probably because they all have other people they get weed from.
-I wasn't trying to grow illegal mushrooms, I just plead to that since it was the only way I could get the deal, they were actually button mushrooms. OR I tried my hand at growing mushrooms, but never got it to work. I've tried them before, but didn't really like them, although I have friends that like them.
-The reason I had all the paraphernalia was... (I really don't know how to explain that) 1. I simply enjoy collecting them 2. Most of them were gifts. 3. They were my girlfriend's, and I took the fall for her (I suppose it's not going to matter what I tell them about her at this point, or is there any way that could affect her?)
-I smoke weed once in a while, maybe once a month, simply because I had that ounce sitting around. If it wasn't around, probably once or twice a year.
I really don't ever drink, so I feel like I can answer any alcohol questions honestly.
Does anyone foresee any problems with these answers? My main concerns are explaining why I had an ounce of weed, why I had so much paraphernalia, and explaining the mushroom grow.
Thanks again for all the help guys, I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate it.
Also, as far as the community service goes, one of my clients for my computer business (who smokes bud, and who I have told about my situation) runs a resale shop and she said I can do my community service there, and she may just round up the hours
-------------------- I didn't get turned on I just got turned I wasn't as aroused as I was concerned for each one of 'em I've hurt and every time I've been burned I've got a lot to teach but even more to learn
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ReefaCheefa
Gimme Reefer


Registered: 08/24/08
Posts: 1,639
Loc: Florida
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You had an ounce because its cheaper to buy that way so you and your friends throw together to buy it so they can get it when they need it. They live with their parents so you had to keep onto it while they come by every now and then to grab a sack or two.
I wouldn't lie about the illegal mushrooms. I am sure they know all the legal jazz, so lying won't look good for any other questions asked. Tell them you wanted to try them out or something and they are so expensive to buy that you figured you would grow your own batch to have.
The pipes I would just say you collect because of w/e reason. Art..color..etc.. Don't put the blame on your girlfriend because that also won't look good.
Smoking weed once a month...I don't know their exact guidelines on addiction, but maybe if you pan it out to a social thing it will look better than smoking alone.
Thats all I have to say. Let me know if you have any more questions.
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sporeRider
Proud sporeRider :)


Registered: 09/11/06
Posts: 5,030
Loc: usa
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Quote:
but maybe if you pan it out to a social thing it will look better than smoking alone.
Very well said man This is def the way to go - your "file" doesn't mean they kno shit about you - these circumstances are where the info GETS IN!!!! So keep it to the "rare" social occasion - DO NOT TELL THE TRUTH - they want you stuck in the bogus costly classes - Just as Reefa said: state you don't have lots of money and just bought herb one time and "it only came in that kinda quantity" and say you "were" interested in mycology and the first info u found online was from a certain company talkin bout "majic"ones - and they just seemed like the most interesting kind that was easy to do for beginners( try n act kinda like a un-knowledgable kid ya kno _)and you have the best chances of dodging those bs classes GoodLuck bro!!! Glad you were able to get a deal at least your whole situation is what makes out system a "failure" i feel ya man - keep your head up - you beat it!!!
-------------------- http://
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illuminati
Strange


Registered: 06/17/07
Posts: 556
Loc: Aboard the T.A.R.D.I.S.
Last seen: 3 years, 8 months
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Ok, so as far as the mushrooms, I'm thinking I'll say I've never done them, I was just growing them because I wanted to grow some mushrooms, didn't matter what kind. I found some spores online, and decided to grow them and possibly try them, but my reasoning behind growing them was simply to do it as a hobby.
As far as the weed goes, I think the best explanation is I threw down with some friends to get a better deal, and just happened to get busted before I got it to them.
Thanks for the advice on explaining the grow and the amount of weed.
Any advice on explaining the amount of paraphernalia?
-------------------- I didn't get turned on I just got turned I wasn't as aroused as I was concerned for each one of 'em I've hurt and every time I've been burned I've got a lot to teach but even more to learn
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sporeRider
Proud sporeRider :)


Registered: 09/11/06
Posts: 5,030
Loc: usa
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Quote:
Ok, so as far as the mushrooms, I'm thinking I'll say I've never done them, I was just growing them because I wanted to grow some mushrooms, didn't matter what kind. I found some spores online, and decided to grow them and possibly try them, but my reasoning behind growing them was simply to do it as a hobby.
im not tryin to pick on that statement or you man but you keep incriminating yourself and adding in info that would allow others to believe you knew what you were doing - - -- you gotta just play dumb - specially with the mushies
say you recently saw a video online depicting how easy it is to grow mushrooms - (just any mushrooms) -and you love to eat them (on pizza) and thought it be a neat project to try out!!! and the first site u went to said they had the majic kind that grew EASILY indoors and was perfect for beginners - so thats just what you got - say you didn't even kno their were illegal kinds of mushrooms untill u got introuble ( you got them from a business online thru the mail, YOU THOUGHT THAT IT HAD TO BE LEGAL, to question it never crossed your mind!!!) - you thought the majic was them growing with EASE Work in some bs like that bro - don't admit to shit or give them opportunity to ask you "as to what else?" - - like n that last sentance - your giving away the hint already you may have intended to grow them for profit Gotta really work on ur game man The pipes n shit gotta be handled the same way Thats actually a tough one - can't think of shit now for that......... Be carefull man - and just kno you gotta get it over with no matter what - so just get the damn shit overwith so you can finally move on
-------------------- http://
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illuminati
Strange


Registered: 06/17/07
Posts: 556
Loc: Aboard the T.A.R.D.I.S.
Last seen: 3 years, 8 months
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Well, I just met with my P.O. today, and he seems like a pretty cool guy. It sounds like as long as I don't fuck up, I'll be off in a year. I have visits with him twice a month in the beginning. Basically all I have to do is do the drug counseling, 50 hours community service, and show up for any appointments I have with him, and then I'm all good.
So, as far as the drug counseling goes, I'll just say I was growing the mushrooms because I wanted to grow something, I didn't even know they were illegal until I was busted. Hell, I'm still not even sure they're illegal since they never tested them according to my lawyer.
My main concern with toning all of this down during the counseling is I don't need the counselor to tell my P.O. that I was uncooperative and withheld information or lied about anything. When I was on diversion when I was younger, I tried to tell the drug counselor that I rarely smoked weed (like once every couple months or so), and he told my diversion coordinator that I was not completely honest. I don't know how he would have proven that though, since the charges that got me on that didn't involve drugs in any way, and I had never failed one of the drug tests they gave me.
I'm still concerned about explaining the paraphernalia though; I'm thinking the best way to go about that is say that most of them were gifts, and I just kept them for artistic value because I like the colors and whatnot.
-------------------- I didn't get turned on I just got turned I wasn't as aroused as I was concerned for each one of 'em I've hurt and every time I've been burned I've got a lot to teach but even more to learn
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ReefaCheefa
Gimme Reefer


Registered: 08/24/08
Posts: 1,639
Loc: Florida
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Why don't you just tell the truth? I mean you're already admitting to smoking weed. What do they expect you to smoke out of? Your hands? If you have multiple paraphernalia charges, then you can also say you got charged for other things too like rolling papers.
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Epilson Lyrae
Armed with hammers



Registered: 04/07/09
Posts: 5,561
Loc: Woody Creek
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You are over thinking it. Be honest without divulging too much information. Do you honestly think that you are the first one to try and blow smoke up this counselors ass? Me thinks not. You are gonna have to do the counseling no matter what. You were caught with drugs and no one in their right mind is going to believe that you didn't know what you were doing. What's the point of bullshitting around and trying to remember what lie you told to who and when? I like to smoke weed. It's illegal and I got caught! End of story. My childhood was fine and nobody touched my dirty parts. I like to get high to relax and I got caught. The mushrooms are also illegal but I appreciate the spiritual aspect to them. therefore I tried unsuccessfully to grow them. I feel that the occasional use makes me a better person, more caring and balanced. I don't really drink.
 Don't get me wrong OP, remember that I have supported you from the beginning. I just don't see the smoke and mirrors thing doing anything but making your road harder to travel.
-------------------- "Freedom is something that dies unless it's used." H.T. I've come to believe that the heart is the filter of the enlightened mind. Epilson Lyrae
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fastfred
Old Hand



Registered: 05/17/04
Posts: 6,899
Loc: Dark side of the moon
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I don't think they're really going to ask much about the pipes. You aren't trying to say you don't smoke weed ever, so it's just expected that you'll have some sort of pipe around.
As far as what was said about lying... If what you tell them jives with the paperwork they have you'll be fine.
Just tell them "Honestly I don't smoke very often, I'm not a stoner I just like to smoke some weed at parties when my friends want to smoke." You can't always mooch so eventually you bought a bag when it was your turn and it's been sitting around ever since.
Most squares don't know shit about costs, weights and measures. One ounce doesn't sound like much to most people. If you bought an oz of oregano at the store one ounce would be a small and reasonable amount.
Overall just tell them you occasionally partake, you've never had any legal problems from it before, and it hasn't caused you any work or personal problems. The small amount you occasionally use is just because you experimented and you like to do it occasionally. IF you have a 3 day weekend, holiday, party, etc..
If you seem like responsible use that doesn't cause problems, but acknowledge that it has now caused you a problem, and say you've quit, they'll be fine with it.
It just doesn't make sense to send the occasional, responsible user, who's already quit and has regular drug tests, to treatment. Unless they fuck up and fail a test.
Tell them you have no problem quitting on your own and point out that the tests indicate that you've already quit since the incident.
Remember they see a lot of BAD junkies and alcoholics in their line of work and they'll know you're not one of them. They're used to seeing people at rock bottom who have completely destroyed their lives.
Maybe even tell them you went to an AA meeting and it scared you straight. It did for me. I realized I better watch myself because even one night of binge drinking can fuck up your life, you don't have to be an alcoholic for that to happen. I heard a lot of heartfelt horror stories from the AA people and it did help me to cut back and be more careful about watching my limits.
-FF
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fastfred
Old Hand



Registered: 05/17/04
Posts: 6,899
Loc: Dark side of the moon
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Oh, one other tip... if you get a tough question like on amounts, etc.. just start recounting incidents like you're trying to recall. Maybe ask if this or that counts, etc.. Just keep bullshitting on and they'll eventually just move on. They usually schedule it for an hour or half hour, so if you go into too much detail and start talking to them you'll run out of time and they'll just check off a minimal points type answer.
I just got into them with my life story, history of use, etc., etc. and we started wrapping it up pretty quickly. She totally believed my answers and we had a good chat, and the questions went quick and easy.
They do use a scoring system, so just remember that.
If you believe your answers they'll sound believable. I just told myself I didn't need forced treatment and presenting answers that were half true and would result in no treatment really was telling the truth.
-FF
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illuminati
Strange


Registered: 06/17/07
Posts: 556
Loc: Aboard the T.A.R.D.I.S.
Last seen: 3 years, 8 months
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gangsta, I definitely know you've been with me from the beginning, I guess the reason for the bullshitting is first they do an "assessment," and then they decide from there whether I need counseling. I'd like to avoid the counseling if possible, since I'm pretty sure that's where the big money comes into play. If I need to go, I'm sure I can get through it in a few sessions. I think you're right though, I am over thinking it. I should probably be honest for the most part, and just tone it down a bit. Thanks again for all the advice guys. I have a feeling the next year is not going to be so tough; I just have to make sure to get my community service done ASAP, and find a better job so I can pay for all this shit.
-------------------- I didn't get turned on I just got turned I wasn't as aroused as I was concerned for each one of 'em I've hurt and every time I've been burned I've got a lot to teach but even more to learn
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illuminati
Strange


Registered: 06/17/07
Posts: 556
Loc: Aboard the T.A.R.D.I.S.
Last seen: 3 years, 8 months
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So, I think I've come up with a pretty damn good explanation for all the paraphernalia. Since I was busted in the past for a non-drug related offense, but my parents told the person who was basically my P.O. at the time that I had a drug problem, I had to undergo some drug counseling. I was pretty naive at the time and just figured if I was honest, I'd be just fine. I did tell them that I smoked quite a bit, like more than once a week anyway, so I'll just tell the drug counselor now that most of those pipes and whatnot were from a long time ago when I smoked a lot, since I'm sure that's on file with the behavioral health department of the hospital. Does anyone foresee any problems with me telling them this? Is admitting to having a previous drug problem, which they most likely already know, going to negatively affect me as far as trying to get out with as little counseling as possible?
Thanks for any advice. I meet with my P.O. again tomorrow, so we'll see how all that goes.
-------------------- I didn't get turned on I just got turned I wasn't as aroused as I was concerned for each one of 'em I've hurt and every time I've been burned I've got a lot to teach but even more to learn
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fastfred
Old Hand



Registered: 05/17/04
Posts: 6,899
Loc: Dark side of the moon
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Just tell them you used to smoke a little more frequently, like once a week, on Fridays, etc..
It's highly unlikely they'll have your files from before on hand. For your evaluation they likely have only the rap sheet and plea deal. For mine all they had was the order for evaluation, date of my DUI, and a notation that I had pled guilty. They didn't have my rap sheet or anything else.
-FF
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afrosheen
9Lives the cat



Registered: 03/06/10
Posts: 1,878
Last seen: 2 years, 7 months
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If you wanna stay out of trouble on probation, stay away from troublemakers and keep your nose clean. That's all there is to it.
I've been lurking this thread for months. Glad to see it's getting wrapped up and you're not spending any time in jail. Having a felony arrest on your record is a drawback, but it's better than having a felony conviction.
Here's hoping that one of these days this fine country will stop the ridiculous "war on drugs" and legalize the small stuff like marijuana.
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illuminati
Strange


Registered: 06/17/07
Posts: 556
Loc: Aboard the T.A.R.D.I.S.
Last seen: 3 years, 8 months
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Well guys, it's been a while since I've been on here, so I figured I'd give you an update. Probation is going well, my PO is actually pretty cool. He seems like the kind of person that isn't going to fuck around with me as long as I'm not fucking up. I did my drug assessment thing the other day, and the lady pretty much said she didn't really see a need for me to be there. She said it sounded like I used to have a problem, but have figured out that I have better things to do. She gave me this packet which is like the 1st step for NA, and she said if I fill it out and bring it back, she'll tell my PO there's really no need for me to be there.
Pretty much all I have to do then is 47 more hours of community service and pay $60 to the court. Oh, and I still owe my lawyer like $600, but he rarely answers my E-mails when I ask when I can pay him. Weird, eh?
Aside from that, quitting smoking weed has actually been a good thing I think. I've had a lot more time to work on my business, which seems to be flourishing. In fact, that's all I'm doing for work right now, and I'm not struggling to pay bills or anything, and I'm going back to school in spring.
Thanks again for everything guys, I love you all. Without all your support through this, I don't think I would have made it.
-------------------- I didn't get turned on I just got turned I wasn't as aroused as I was concerned for each one of 'em I've hurt and every time I've been burned I've got a lot to teach but even more to learn
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curenado
73rd Man



Registered: 04/01/03
Posts: 2,662
Loc: North Central Arkansas
Last seen: 1 day, 1 hour
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What a harrowing, epic thread. Glad to hear you are coming out of it and especially that your bizz is thriving. All this over one fucked up shitty little kid. Wonder what shit he's sucking now?
-------------------- Yours in the Natural State Land of Enchantment! "The woods are lovely, dark and deep; but I have patches to keep, and jars to sterilize before I sleep...." "When psychotomimetics become cultural, so does cultural psychosis"
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andrewss
precariously aggrandized


Registered: 08/17/07
Posts: 8,725
Loc: ohio
Last seen: 5 months, 16 hours
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-------------------- Jesus loves you.
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