02/29/04 -- Happy Leap Day!  Don't forget 2004 is a Leap Year!

So I am going to see 'The Passion of The Christ' this afternoon.  I am keeping an open mind  with this flick.  I have been hearing so much about the film...I can't wait to see for myself just how good of a movie it is.  I'll let y'all know.

So does everyone have their Oscar picks ready?  I like watching this award show every year.  Here are my picks...

Best Picture:  The Lord of The Rings:  The Return of The King
Best Actor:  Sean Penn (though I am pulling for Johnny Depp)
Best Actress:  Charlize Theron
Best Supporting Actor:  Tim Robbins
Best Supporting Actress:  Rene Zellweger (Hook 'em Horns!)
Best Director:  Peter Jackson - LOTR-TROTK

Let's see how I do.  Not much else has been going on.  I have been pretty busy the last few days.  I will be happy to catch my breath today, and relax a bit.  Talk to y'all later!  -- Michael

02/28/04 -- Sorry y'all, I am a little late with today's entry.  Not much is going on right now.  I find a free minute this afternoon to make a quick entry.  I am looking forward to watching the Oscars tomorrow night.  I have my pick ready and waiting.  We'll see how I'll do.  Okay, I gotta run go, so I'll talk to y'all tomorrow.  Bye!  -- Michael

02/27/04 -- Dude, last night's 'Friends' was so freakin' good!  Wow, Do y'all think they will really have Rachel move to Paris?  I doubt it 'cause of the baby.  But I wonder if Ross and Emma will go with her?  That would suck; they can't make her move!  But then again, I guess that might make sense...'cause Monica and Chandler would move out of the city to raise their family, Joey goes out West to be an actor, Phoebe and Mike...well, not sure on that one.  Damn, I wouldn't like it if Ross and Rachel pack it up and move to Europe.  Only three more new eps left!

All the shows were really good last night!  'ER' was better than it has been in a good while.  Yes, the whole tank scenario was kinda far-fetched, but I like the plot line they are developing between Sam (the nurse) and Luka.  The only thing that sucks now, is that February sweeps is over!  So there will be a few weeks of repeats until they show new episodes again.

Okay dudes, time for me to get this show on the road!  (Damn, it's already 6:50 am!)  Hope everyone has a great Friday!  Talk to y'all soon!  -- Michael

02/26/04 -- I am SOOO pressed for time this morning.  Sorry y'all...but I gotta get!  Take the quiz, and post your results on the Message Board!  Talk to y'all tomorrow!  -- Michael

02/25/04 -- Ash Wednesday!

For those who observe, today starts the season of "fasting, penitence, and sacrifice" that runs until Easter Sunday.  Does anyone give up things for Lent?  If so, what is it that y'all are giving up?

Today Mel Gibson's 'The Pasion of The Christ" comes out.  I have been hearing so much about this movie.  Alot of what I have been hearing has been positive too!  I mean, given the sensitive nature of the movie, of course there are going to be rumbles from people who feel they are offended by the depiction.  However, I have been hearing alot of critical acclaim for Mel's movie, so much so that I want to go see it just to see what all the hype is about!  At the very least, I bet it will be something to talk about!

Feel like finding out just how Southern you really are?  Do you think you are a Yankee at heart?  Take the Southern Quiz to find out.  Let me know how you do!  I'll have a post on the Message Board which will allow you to post how you did!  

Okay, I need to cut this one a little short also.  Hope y'all are well.  Keep in touch!  -- Michael

02/24/04 -- Happy Mardi Gras!  Laissez le bon temps rouler!

I hope everyone divulges in all the Fat Tuesday excesses.  So where will everyone be?  Bourbon St.?  6th Street?  Galveston, TX?  There are plenty of places to do it up nice tonight.  I have had some great times on this day in the past.  Ahh...being young...I wish it lasted forever!

Yeah, well I really don't have much to write this morning.  I am kinda running late, so I need to cut this one kinda short.  I should be back to writing more tomorrow.  In the meantime though, please keeping visiting the Message Board, and adding names to the Classmates!  Talk to y'all soon!  -- Michael

02/23/04 -- Happy Birthday George Yesian and Niko Cantu!

Okay, so I have a guilty pleasure to divulge.  Guys, sorry...but I do like 'Sex and The City'.  And you know what?  I am not the only one either!  I know there are a ton of you boys out there who watch that show also (lol)!  Actually, I started watching the show from the pilot episode way back in 1998.  Haha, I remember it was my 2nd year of undergrad (I think), and we were living at College Park off of Riverside.  And I am not going to BS y'all by saying that a girl got me watching that show.  Honestly, I remember seeing all the promos that HBO was airing for it, and plus it had the word "sex" in the title!  Haha, I actualy liked that first episode, and off-and-on watched like the first two seasons I think.  Then I didn't pick it up again until like the middle of the fourth season.  And yes, this time it was at the advice of a female!  Anyway, I have watched it since then on a consistent basis.

Yeah, so last night I caught the last episode and I must say it was pretty good.  Granted, shows tend to try to tie up loose ends, and give most all the characters a happily-ever-after ending.  Annnnnnnnnd even though I think the series is far from it's original premise (the lives and sexual/relationshipy misadventures of four single thirty-something women living in Manhattan), I still liked the way the show ended.  I guess they had to grow up sometime.  I particularly like how they ended Samantha's character.  She learned alot through her bout with cancer, and ended up allowing herself to be happy and to no longer be afraid of love.  I thought that was very poetic to her character.  'SATC' was a great show, in which I learned alot (LOL)!  But I got to be honest, I sure am ready for 'The Sopranos' when it comes back in two weeks!

Man, that was just 'SATC' too!  It's going to be tough watching 'Friends' go away!  Can y'all believe that 'Friends' has been on since high school!  Yeah!  Alison Friedrich and I used to watch that show religiously!  We still do.  I remember at the beginning of senior year, in Ms. Rains theater arts class, talking with Ms. Rains and Rachel Horton about the second season premiere that night.  Was Rachel going to tell Ross at the airport?  What was Ross going to do?  I have not missed an episode since.  Damn, I really am going to miss that show!

Okay, enough TV talk for this morning.  It's time to be productive.  Hope all is well out there and I'll talk to y'all tomorrow!  -- Michael

02/22/04 -- Hey y'all.  I actually have alot to do this afternoon.  So I am going to get to that.  Keep checking out the site for all the new updates.  Talk to y'all tomorrow.  -- Michael

02/21/04 -- Not much to write today.  I'll talk to y'all tomorrow.  -- Michael

02/20/04 -- Man, I have really been on a role lately.  Somehow I find a way to make an entry everyday!  At least for this month, I am 20 for 20!  Haha, I am doing my best to communicate each and every morning!

Not much is going on this morning, just very tired from last night.  Like every Thursday, I was trying to work on some stuff at night while watching all of my shows.  I was SO pissed at 'Friends' last night!  I wish Ross and Rachel would just hurry up and do it!  LOL!  We know that they are going to get back together by series' end.  I should have expected that they will probably drag that storyline out until the last episode.  But still, I wanted them to hook up last night.  There are only five episodes left of (tie for) my favorite show of all time!!!  Oh well, we still have reruns!

'ER' was good as usual.  I am loving 'The Apprentice' also.  I taped 'Survivor' and 'CSI' like always.  Though, I felt like watching them last night, rather than waiting until the weekend, so I ended up stayin' up kinda late.  Ahh, it's Friday anyway.  Though tired, I can always find my way through a Friday with some delight.  That being said, I am off.  I hope y'all have a good weekend, and please keep visiting the site and the Message Board.  Talk to y'all soon!  -- Michael

02/19/04 -- Hi everyone.  Thanks to all who have become a user, and who have checked out the Message Board.  I hope people continue to go to it, and make posts.  It provides a little more interaction to the site for y'all.  If you haven't already, please be sure the check out the Reunion thread, and reply to the thread if you would like to be involved.

I wanted to post information on a fellow classmate of ours, Joey Palacios, Carroll Class of 1995.  He left this morning for his second stint serving our country as a marine stationed in Iraq.  He recently returned stateside for a short amount of time.  It was great seeing him during that time.  As I hope y'all can imagine, serving in Iraq is a major task for him, as well as all our troops overseas.  I have his information, and I wanted to post it, asking everyone ... whether you knew him or not, to please send him anything from the list below, any correspondence, etc.  Those troops, Joey included, miss home alot, and love to receive things from us, even something as slight as a letter.  It may only take you a few minutes to write, but it will mean so much to him.  Please help us support Joey.

His mailing address is below.  Please copy it EXACTLY as it appears below...

cpl palacios
3/11 I btry (1st plt)
uic 41640
fpo ap 96426-1640

Stuff you can send that would be very much appreciated...

- Baby wipes (plenty of them!)
- Gatorade powder packages
- Beef jerkey
- Pictures (of anything - you, your family, friends, parties, etc.)
- Newspapers (particularly front page & sports sections - this is their only link to the "regular" world)
- Maxim & FHM men's magizines (CANNOT receive any adult publications i.e. - Playboy, any porn)
- Plenty of letters about anything going on here at home.

Again, anything from the list above would be greatly appreciated.  My advice would be to take your letter/package to your local post office, and pay the small postage fee there, as it would assure the letters/packages to be properly delivered.  I'm sure Joey is not the only one out there in Iraq.  If anyone knows of anyone else, please let me know and I'll post their information also.  Thanks y'all.  I really hope everyone can send a little something to show support.  Talk to y'all tomorrow.  -- Michael

02/18/04 -- Wow!  I am so freakin' tired!  Travel, lack of sleep, being sick, and overall burning the candle at both ends is taking it's toll right now.  I am okay though, the week is halfway over!  So yeah, thanks to those who registered on the Message Board!  I hope everyone does soon, that way we can have alot of posts up real soon!  I really think it will be a great way to communicate with others out there.  If you haven't visited and registered already, please do!

I don't have much else to say this morning.  In my free minutes, I am going to work on the site a bit.  I hope to make it to y'alls liking.  If anyone wants to respond to the reunion post from yesterday, please do.  Talk to y'all then!  -- Michael

02/17/04 -- I added a Message Board page to the site.  The link is, for right now, placed above the "Latest News" Title.  Please visit the board, register as a user, and then post away!

Okay, so last week (Thursday 02/12/04) I got an out-of-the-blue call from a women.  She politely introduced herself by giving her name, and then mentioned that she worked for a party planning company, specializing in class reunions and such.  She mentioned that her company recently planned and helped coordinate the Carroll Class of 1993 reunion this past June.  Someone from that class gave her my name, as well as the names of Gabe Rodriguez, Jason Ahuero, and Juan Araiza (all of us being elected class council officers at one point) as referrals for coordinating and planning our upcoming Carroll Class of 1996 reunion.  She mentioned that, traditionally, the responsibility of a class reunion falls on us.  Granted, our reunion is still two years away, she said that good quality reunions, especially ones of a large class and/or ones with an optimistically high potential turnout of classmates such as ours, usually get the early planning stages started about 18-20 months from the date of the reunion.

All that being said, Jase, Gabe, Juan and I all talked this weekend and collectively decided to accept this monumental responsibility of being the coordinators of our 10 year high school class reunion, to be tentatively held sometime in 2006.  We imagine that over the next six months or so, we will be doing some brainstorming and creative thinking in order to better prepare for the planning process.  I mean, it is still two years away.  But we want to be proactive enough to not drop the ball on this, and truly plan a kickass reunion.

Y'all, good reunions don't just happen on their own.  Pardon my expression, but this is probably going to be a bitch to plan.  Jase, Gabe, Juan and I all still talk on a consistent basis, all of us still being best of friends to this day.  We obviously can't do this alone though.  Plus, we would very much want the input of everyone out there who would want to volunteer to help with the process.  So, I am writing today asking y'all to contact me if y'all would like to be involved in the planning process, volunteering time to do whatever needs to be done to make this little shindig the best thing ever.  We hope to establish a small effective "reunion committee" that will pledge to help make this thing a reality.  Through casual conversation, I mentioned the idea to a few friends of mine this weekend.  Hunter Thompson and Larry Olivarez both were excited about it and committed to the project.  That makes six.  I figure a few more people would make for a great committee.

So, if anyone is interested in volunteering to help plan and coordinate, as well as be involved in the decision making process, please get in touch with me via phone or e-mail.  Also, you can respond to the thread that was created on the Message Board.  I am going to inform the school today that we will be putting this thing together, and that we are currently finalizing a solid reunion committee.  I would love to hear everyone's thoughts.  Hope to hear from y'all soon.  Talk to y'all later!  -- Michael

02/16/04 -- Happy Presidents' Day!

Okay, so I am almost finished with some of the things that I have been trying to work on recently.  I should have a few items up by later this afternoon, and/or tomorrow.  So please come back to check on the progress throughout the day.  If y'all have any suggestions, please let me know.  I have already received some wonderful ones, a few of which I am currently working on.  I plan on spending alot of time on the site this afternoon.  I figure that this will probably be the best opportunity in a while for me to spend some quality time on the site, given the holiday.  Sure, I do want to get a little rest in this afternoon, especially since I get like no sleep these days.  However, the site is important and I want to put in some hours today.  That being said, I hope y'all like what I am working on.  More information is to come.  Y'all have a great day!  Talk to y'all again soon!  -- Michael

02/15/04 -- Happy Birthday Daddy!

Hi everyone.  I hope y'all are enjoying this long weekend.  What are everyone's plan?  Most people have tomorrow off as it is Presidents' Day.  The weather this weekend has been pretty crazy.  It's obviously been pretty cold lately.  But it snowed in Austin Friday night, and a little in San Antonio from what I heard.  Haha, that's pretty crazy when it snows as far south as Austin and San An.  I like the cold of winter, but I am ready for the warmth of spring!

I don't have much time to write today, but I will have more time tomorrow.  Also, I am working a few new things for the site.  Hopefully there will be some of those new things up by at least Tuesday, depending on how much time I can spend working on then.  I'll do my best though.  In any event, I'll talk to y'all then.  Have a good rest of the day.  Bye!  -- Michael

02/14/04 -- Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Birthday Haley (Rogers) Duke!

02/13/04 -- Happy Birthday Cathy Berlanga!

Hi y'all!  I hope everyone is having a great Friday morning.  Once again, I am tired from a lack of sleep last night.  No worries though, I'll get some much needed sleep tonight and this weekend.

So did y'all watch 'Friends' last night?  I thought it was pretty good.  So was 'ER'.  Thursday night is my TV night.  I catch a few shows every now and then on other days, but it is no biggie if I miss them, you know what I mean?  But Thursdays are definitely "Must See TV".  Even if I am not home, I'll tape the shows 'cause they are THAT good.  I try to watch the NBC lineup.... 'Friends', 'ER', and mostly 'Will & Grace' and 'Scrubs'.  But now they moved 'Scrubs' to Tuesdays, so I guess I won't be watching that anymore.  But they did add 'The Apprentice'  which I love!  I guess it just appeals to the business major in all of us.  If y'all haven't seen it, I suggest you watch it, 'cause I like it.  Since I watch the NBC lineup, I tape the CBS shows, 'Survivor' and 'CSI'.  I like those also.  Most of the time though I don't get to watch those until Fridays, so I try to steer clear of the outcome of the 'Survivor' vote until after I watch the taped show.  Nonetheless, last night I was watching my shows.  I can't wait for next week!

I hope everyone has a great three-day weekend!  Have fun y'all and I'll talk to y'all tomorrow!  -- Michael

02/12/04 -- I don't have much to write about this mornin'.  Yesterday was a pretty routine day, though very busy.  I was feelin' a little sick, which kinda sucked.  I am still feelin' slightly bad today, though not as much.  I had to finish alot of stuff yesterday, as well as try to finish up some readin' I had put off.  I did manage, however to respond to everyone's communication last night!  Sorry it sometimes takes me a little time to do so.  I have been really tryin' to get back normal in that regard.  Normally I am a very fast responder.  Nonetheless, if I missed anyone, please e-mail or call and 'cause I might have forgot about our correspondence.

Despite the ill feelings and busyness, I was still able to catch 'The OC' last night.  Did anyone watch it?  I love sweeps time because there is always great episodes and story lines in the TV shows.  Haha, I also must admit, I am a closet fan of Nick's & Jessica's 'Newlyweds' on MTV.  That girl cracks me up with her utter naivety.  I find myself sometimes feelin' sorry for Nick's havin' to deal with Jessica's clueless nature.  But then I realize, heck, he is married to Jessica freakin' Simpson!  There is no need to feel sorry for that guy.  Haha, it's a great show.

Okay, time to get a move on.  Hope all is well...keep in touch, and I'll talk to y'all again soon!  -- Michael  

02/11/04 -- Good Mornin' y'all!  I hope everyone is havin' a great start to y'alls Wednesday.  I know, I know...I said I would post a story by today.  I apologize, I was so busy all day yesterday that I didn't get a chance to sit down and write.  I am going to try to accomplish that later today though.

BUT...I did post a video clip at the bottom of this entry for y'alls viewing pleasure!  It's from, by far, THE BEST American Idol audition contestant this season.  Just let your mouse move over the video, and it will start.  To stop it, press the 'Stop' button on the menu bar at the top of your browser.  And to start it again, mouse over it one more time...and so on.  Make sure you have your speakers turned on to get the full entertainment experience!

So did y'all love that video or what?  I think it is a classic!  Okay, so my friend Marissa is helping me write this post!  Haha, actually she is just laughing at me while I am typing.  Come to think of it, she is not being a very big help!  Haha, she is just listening to me write, and listening to Incubus "Drive".  That is a pretty damn good song in my opinion.

I'm sure most of y'all would probably make fun, but I do watch "The OC" on Fox!  Sorry y'all, but it is a good show!  If there are any haters out there, I suggest you check out an episode when you have time and see or yourself.  I am happy that it is finally back in time for sweeps.  They haven't shown a new episode in like three weeks.  I don't watch much TV, but when I do I try to catch the shows that I like.

Okay, so it's time for me to get my day started.  Thanks to everyone who is keeping in touch.  I'll try to respond to everyone this afternoon.  Bye y'all!  -- Michael

02/10/04 -- Wow, I am tired as heck this morning.  I didn't get much sleep as usual.  I stayed up late last night trying to finish some work, and then I made a few updates to the site.  Thank God for my Matchbox Twenty CD!  That always keeps me going.

Yesterday was a pretty routine day.  While I was finishing up stuff last night, I talked with Kelly for a good while.  She is doing great.  It's always a good time when I get to talk with her.  We hadn't talked in a few, so we caught up on the usual stuff.  Haha, I have known that girl since we were five years old!  We got into some of the things that Larry and I talked about last week.  It's all is crazy stuff when you think about it in retrospect.  Man, those really were the days!  I promise to try and write about at least one story either later today or tomorrow.   It has been hard recently to find the time to just sit down and type away.  I really am going to make an effort though, so keep checking back!

I hope y'all have a great Tuesday.  E-mail me and let me know how things are going with y'all!  Talk to y'all again soon...bye!  -- Michael

02/09/04 -- So did y'all watch the Grammys last night?  I was glad to see Timberlake and OutKast win some awards.  I thought Justin rocked with his "Senorita" performance.  "Hey Ya!" was also a good one.  All in all it was a good show, though I wanted Matchbox Twenty to win in the categories they were nominated in.  They are awesome in my opinion.

I don't have much to write this morning.  Sorry y'all!  I'll be sure to write more tomorrow, when I'll have some more time.  I still want to write about those stories that I mentioned last week on 02/05.  Hopefully at least one will be up by tomorrow.  In the mean time, here is Angel Martinez's engagement announcement that was in the paper yesterday.  Congrats to Angel and Clark!  Have a great day and I'll talk to y'all later!  -- Michael

"Mr. and Mrs. John Martinez are pleased to announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Angel Stacy, to Clark Caldwell Mabry, son of Dr. and Mrs. E. Winters Mabry of Charlotte, NC.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. Juan Martinez and Mrs. Gloria Martinez, the late Mr. Lee Colton, and Mrs. Irene Colton, all of Corpus Christi, Tx. The prospective groom is the grandson of Dr. Earl H. Mabry, and the late Jean Mabry of Enid, OK, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Paul Morton of Guilford, MA.

Ms. Martinez is a graduate of Southwest Texas State University, and received her M.S. degree from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. She is a Therapist/Casemanager for The Open Arms Agency in Corpus Christi, Tx. Lt. Mabry is a graduate of The United States Airforce Academy, and is an AC-130 Pilot for The United States Airforce at Hurlburt Field, FL.

The couple will exchange their vows on Saturday, June 5, 2004 in Orlando, FL."

(Information courtesy of Corpus Christi Caller~Times.  Information can be found at this link.)

02/08/04 -- Hi y'all.  I am pretty tired today.  I feel sick too.  I'll write more tomorrow.  Talk to y'all then.  Bye!  -- Michael

02/07/04 -- Happy Birthday Chris Gates!

02/06/04 -- Hey y'all!  I hope everyone is having a wonderful Friday.  The weekend is always a welcomed event.  I am running late this morning, so I'll hurry to write this entry...

So last night I was with a group of friends.  We were socializing and havin' a good time.  Then I saw someone who I hadn't seen in a while.  Since I subscribe to the spoken word of Destiny's Child (from the song 'Survivor', "...I'm not gonna diss you on the internet, 'cause my momma taught me better than that..."), I refrain from naming names in situations like these.  Nonetheless, I saw this person walk in.  I hadn't talked to her/him in over a year or so.  To be quite honest, there was some bullsh*t that went down back then, which in retrospect was really stupid sh*t.  That is one thing that I really can't stand, stupid immature unnecessary bullsh*t.  Rumors and all that crap are just plain ass stupid.  Anyway, I decided to be the bigger person and say "hello".  I mean, she/he totally walked right in front of me like twice.  It's not like it was obvious or anything!  So on the third time I thought it was ridiculous to play the "I don't see you" game, so I gave my greeting.  She/He completely acted immature and gave a slight glance, rather a stare, and then continued on her/his way.  I could not believe how childish that was.  It was such a bitch move!  I mean c'mon!  If you are reading this, then I just want to advise you to grow up!  Whatever reasons you may harbor to make you act in that childish manner, let them go!  Otherwise I feel sorry for you.  You will go through life a very negative person.  Good luck with that!  I hope that doesn't happen.  There is something to be said for being an adult.  I suggest you start acting like one!

On an entirely different subject, I want to express my sincere "Thanks" to whoever wrote that nice message in my Guest Book last night!  I appreciate you visiting the site, and taking the time to write a nice message in the Guest Book.  Please e-mail me anytime if you ever want to get in touch, and/or if you ever want to join the Classmates section.  It is open to anyone from any year!  I hope to hear from you again!

Okay y'all...that is it for me this mornin'.  Have a great weekend and keep visiting the site.  Talk to y'all tomorrow!  -- Michael

02/05/04 --Good morning everyone.  I hope y'alls day is getting off to a great start.  I have a little extra time this morning, so I thought I would write for a bit...

Man, for the life of me I cannot get a certain song out of my head.  Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar" is such an awesome country song!  It has that "Friends In Low Places" feel to it, don't y'all think?  Anyway, haha, I just can't get it out of my head.  I hear it like everyday, and it never gets old to me.  I guess it was #1 on the charts for a reason, huh?  It just makes me want to two-step every time I hear it.

So yesterday I had a great conversation with Larry.  He and I are still very good friends, since the Windsor Park days.  We are probably better friends now than we ever were before.  Anyway, we were doing the normal conversation thing, and then we started talking about some of the classic moments from years past.  It's funny, 'cause when we experience things at certain ages, it never really hits us how important and/or significant those moments might be until years later when we reminisce with someone over them.  Some of the events that we talked about, I had actually forgot until he brought them up, and visa versa from me to him.  Our conversation actually had me thinking all day about some of those times.  I think I might take time, perhaps this weekend, to sit down and write about some of the events that we had talked about.  Maybe some of y'all will remember what I will describe because y'all were apart of it, or maybe y'all will just read about it for the first time.

Another thing Larry and I talked about a few weeks back actually came up in a conversation I had with Priscilla yesterday.  I really think that we were a unique group of kids growing up.  It makes me feel lucky to have shared my years with y'all, and proud at how we are as adults.  What I mean is, we did alot of things that other people/schools/classes did, but at the risk of sounding arrogant, we just did it with a little more effort it seemed.  I really mean no disrespect to anyone, but my opinion, jaded as it might be, is just that.  We seem to put the effort in.  We have been that way since we were kids, and we continue to do so now.  Specifically, all my Windsor Park people out there.  We have been friends since we were little "athena brats".  I think we became very close knit, especially at Baker because we were separated from the "non athenas".  We were always tight, even after we split to go to different high schools.  At Carroll, my year of athenas meshed well with the other students coming from other junior highs.  We had fun and we left our legacy.  I remember when Carl Young (Calculus teacher) used to tell me that things were never quite the same when we left.  I thought it cool of him to say, but I understand it more now.  Seriously, I just think we were good kids with good parents and it showed in our actions.  I remember when the spirit contest started our sophomore year, and we won it.  We won it again as juniors, and again as seniors.  It's no wonder alot of us kept in touch during college.  But the thing is, that we never had to talk with each other every single day to stay in touch.  But when we did talk, it was like no time had passed.  I think that is a measure of good friendship, and that's why I feel lucky to be friends with all y'all.

People think that I like still talk to everyone from school.  That usually makes me laugh, because it actually is not true.  I just do my best to know how to contact y'all, that's all.  People think that is hard to do, and some even wonder who I do so.  That makes me laugh even more.  It's not hard people.  All you have to do is try.  Yes, I do have very close best friends from the day like Jason, Juan, Larry, Gabe, etc. etc. etc.  I'm sure I'll be friends with those people for the rest of my life.  And yes, I do keep in contact with others.  But it's not like I bend over backwards to do so.  I just try to do the little things that others forget.  I try to keep people updated with my current e-mail addresses and/or phone numbers, etc.  Heck I received an e-mail the other day from someone; they were updating me on their e-mail change.  That's what I am talking about.  I write down things, or just plain 'ol have a good memory in terms or people's birthdays and other dates.  When I see someone, I try not to shy away, and instead go to say "hello".  Keeping in contact with someone and knowing how to contact someone are two different things.

There are a few of my good close friends that, for one reason or another, I have not communicated with in some time.  That doesn't diminish my friendship with them though, they know that when they need me, I'll be there.  And I know the same about them.  That is what I am talking about in reference to our years.  We stay tight, and we stay true.  Meaning no disrespect, a '94 friend of mine was telling me recently that he/she has heard nothing about any upcoming reunion for their class this year.  I found that odd because usually that ball should be rolling for them by now.  I know that won't be us though.  I will go out on a limb in saying that I think our reunion will be pretty damn successful in large part to how cohesive we are with one another.

The Windsor Park letter I posted last month was merely something that was sent to my parents house one day.  When my parents then passed it on to me, I just posted it on the site, and sent out an e-mail about it.  I was happy to hear that alot of y'all responded to Julie with kind thoughts about her mother.  Even so many years removed from those days, I think Larry said it best when he said, "Dude, it's just our class.  Leave it to us to get the ball rolling.  When it comes to something like that, we get the job done.  All of us have been pretty tight.  She'll get responses from us."  I also remember when WP had a 20th anniversary of the school, and it happened in our senior year of high school.  Seven years removed from our 5th grade year, there were so many of us there.  Yet another example of how we stay connected.  To all my peeps out there, pat y'alls selves on the back.  I think we really were a great class.  I am proud to be apart of it, and I hope my website serves a purpose in keeping people in touch with one another.  (okay, okay...getting off my soapbox now!)

Oh yeah...Larry's daddy, Sheriff Larry Olivarez Sr., is running for re-election this year.  So for all the Corpus Christi registered voters out there, I suggest you vote for Sheriff Olivarez in the upcoming election!  For any non-registered voters in the Corpus area, I suggest you first go get registered, then go vote for him!  J  He is a great Sheriff and an even better person!  Any support I'm sure would be greatly appreciated.  Just thought I would get that out there in case any were unaware!

Sorry this turned out to be a long entry.  I got flowing as I was typing.  At lease y'all have something to read this morning, right?   I added a "Recent Updates" box on the main page so y'all can see what I have been working on.  If anyone out there has any suggestions, please let me know.  Talk to y'all again tomorrow...bye!  -- Michael

02/04/04 -- Wow, I am so tired right now.  I got like NO sleep last night.  It was actually alot of fun though.  I hung out with a few friends, and I ended up seeing someone that I hadn't seen in a long ass time.  It was really cool seeing her.  It's always nice to see someone that you haven't seen in like a long ass time.  Seriously though, I am SO sleep deprived!  Haha, it's worth it though.  Good friends are hard to find. So when you have a chance to hang out with them, I suggest you do so.  That being said, it was wonderful seeing you again Carrie!  I hope to see you again soon!  Ok, I don't have much else to write right now.  Y'all get in touch when you can.  Bye!  -- Michael

02/03/04 -- So, have y'all had enough of the Janet/Justin thing yet?  Haha, it has been all over the news.  I can't believe people are asking for charges to be filed against both of them.  That is just absolutely absurd.  Criminal changes?  That is probably the funniest thing I have ever heard!  I can't believe the media is making such a huge deal out of it.  It will all blow over soon.

I hope everyone is having a good Tuesday morning.  I am kinda tired because I didn't get much sleep last night.  I was up late finishing up some work that needed to be completed.  I ended up doing that, and then because I wasn't tired yet I finished alot of other things that had been put on the back burner.   Sleep has become a foreign concept to me lately.  Perhaps that is why I have felt so ill recently.  Who knows?

So yeah, please send me any of y'alls information that y'all would like to have posted on the site.  I would love to have everyone's birthdays, anniversaries, special events, etc. so that I can post some love when the time comes.  The birthdays and dates and such that I do post are either because my elephant memory remembers the date from back-in-the-day, or because I still keep in touch with that person.  Either way, I know that days go by when I miss someone's special day.  So please e-mail me your information if you would like it to be posted.  Also, please keep letting people know about the site.  Thanks y'all!  -- Michael

02/02/04 -- Happy Groundhog Day!  The little guy saw his shadow this morning, so we got six more weeks of winter!

WOW!  What a game!  That was one of the best Super Bowls I can remember.  I mean, don't get me wrong.  I still remember Joe Montana's game winning drive in '89 against the Bengals.  Who can forget the Titan's Kevin Dyson being 1 yard short against the Rams in '00?  Adam Vinatieri's kick to win it two years ago was amazing!  But to do it again two years later?  Are you kidding me?  That was an amazing game!  I am starting to believe all the hype about Tom Brady.  He marched up that field with ease.  The pressure never got to him.  He just went out there and took care of business.  Maybe he IS the next Joe Montana!

What was your favorite part of the night?  Vinatieri's kick?  Brady's performance?  The final drives of the fourth quarter?  They all were great!  However, none of those were mine.  My favorite moment definitely was Janet Jackson's and Justin Timberlake's performance!  Haha, that was classic!  They are claiming that the flashing of Janet's breast was an accident, a "costume malfunction".  Psh...whatever!  Michael Jackson is not only the King of Pop, he is the King of Publicity!  Janet, being his sister, knows a thing or two about self-promotion.  Justin is no slouch either.  Already being coined as Michael's heir-apparent, he knew being the "secret guest performer" would only help his case in becoming the Prince of Pop.  Given that Janet's new single gets released today, and her album drops next month, you do the math.  I think it was a great PLANNED stunt to keep both Janet and Justin on the tongues of America.  The newspapers are writing about it.  Heck, I am writing about it this morning, aren't I?

I really do think it is ridiculous how the media is tearing up the stunt though.  Who the hell cares?  It was funny, accidental or not.  I think it is so hypocritical to overly criticize Janet and Justin for this incident, yet you can see bare breast and/or butt in shows like CSI, NYPD Blue, ER, etc.  What, those are adult dramas?  Okay, fine, but are you saying that kids don't ever watch those shows either?  That's crap!  What about all the videos out there on TRL and other MTV shows?  How many music videos show cheek and breast!  How many lyrics express sexual innuendo?  Britney & Christina can kiss Madonna and that's not THAT bad, given it's homosexual connotation?  There was even a Bud Light commercial where a dog bites the crap out of the dude's crotch (which was VERY funny I might add)!  Why aren't people storming that add?  It didn't show nudity like the halftime show (of which was only for like a second), yet it still referenced the male genitalia to an audience with children included.  Why aren't people tearing that add up?  The Janet/Justin thing was a funny incident, whether it was planned or not.  The media should get off their damn soapbox and stop bitching!  Bravo Janet and Justin!  Bravo!

My favorite quote was definitely from President Bush.  When asked who he was pulling for in the game, he responded with, "Unless it's a Texas team, I'm not pullin' for anybody.  I am just pullin' for a good game...I wish it was the Cowboys and Texans playin' today."  Haha, awesome GW!  I couldn't agree more!

Here are some pictures that came out good from the game.  They are from the top level of the stadium.  I know, the top level is high, but still!  They are good shots.  The game proved one thing...everything truly is bigger (and better) in Texas!  Also, I found these AP photos of Janet!  (Warning, nudity below.  If this offends you, then don't read any further.)  Haha, enjoy y'all.  E-mail me and let me know what y'all thought about last night's festivities!  I hope everyone had fun.  Bye!  -- Michael

02/01/04 -- Super Bowl XXXVIII !!!  NFC Champion Carolina Panthers vs. AFC Champion New England Patriots at Reliant Stadium in Houston, TX @ 5:25 PM on CBS!