Happy 4th Anniversary Cinda (Goodman) & Curt Voiles!

03/30/05 (12:00 AM) -- Sick  [Music: "The Dance" by Garth Brooks  I  Mood: Sick]

The Levi Smith Band performs at The Aardvark in Fort Worth, TX @ 9:15 PM!

03/29/05 (12:00 AM) -- Sick  [Music: "One" by Metallica  I  Mood: Sick]

Happy 8th Anniversary Jamie (Marroquin) & Chris Cervantes!

The Levi Smith Band performs at Standard & Pours in Dallas, TX @ 8:00 PM!

03/28/05 (01:00 AM) -- The Weekend...  [Music: "Bent" by matchbox twenty  I  Mood: Congested]

I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend.  Mine started out really fun, but then quickly turned shitty...

So Friday was fun.  It was my sister's birthday, so I did the family thing.  After dinner, I was happy to see Duke go down ... on Texas' home court!  Sure, I wish it was Texas that beat them, but I hate Duke so much, I was just glad to see them lose!  That night there was a party for a friend Omar who was moving away.  But I was really tired for some reason.  Then Larry called checking to see if I was going.  Juan called too about going out, so I decided to venture out for the evening.

The party turned out to be a lot of fun.  Anytime there is New Kids On The Block paraphernalia around, you know the party's gotta be good!  (And for those who are wondering, nothing can be confirmed, but it is a slight possibility that Big Mike might have dusted off the ol' New Kids dance moves!)  Joanna and I were doin' the dish on our respective reunions (I'll talk about that later in this post, so keep readin').  We all then went downtown and had a kick-ass time.  I ended up seein' a ton of peeps.

When we decided to leave, Joanna and Rosaura felt the need to take pictures with the dolphin things that are on the streets right now.  I gotta admit, it was pretty fun too.  They actually have a Texas Bevo inspired dolphin!  Who can resist that?!?!  After a lot of pictures (and a ton of alcohol) we finally were on our way home.  Even that was fun.  You know those rides home when anything and everything said is funny as hell?  Yeah, that's what we had that night.  Good times.

I didn't get to bed until WAY late that night.  When I woke up, I was hurtin' SO bad.  It felt like I had the worst hangover!  The thing was, I did the whole water thing Friday night and didn't drink one drop!  So I had no idea why I felt so sick!  The whole damn day I spent in bed, not getting a thing done which totally sucked.  I just had the hugest headache, and killer stomach pains.  So yeah, I stayed in bed the whole day and night.  Easter Sunday was pretty much the same.  My stomach wasn't hurtin' as much, but the fever and symptoms started to set in though.  I started getting congested.  So again, I spent the damn day in bed!  Totally sucked.

... Friday, I had so much fun with my family and then going out.  I hadn't had that much fun in a long time.  Apparently I caught something though (not that kind of something!) because the rest of the weekend was spent horizontally, and I don't mean in the fun way!  That was my Easter weekend.  Fun at first, then shitty.

Now on to the reunion stuff.  I hope I don't embarrass Joanna by writing all of this (don't worry Jo, it's all good stuff and praise).  I want to shed light on a few things though.  Speaking specifically to the Carroll 1995 readers out there, y'all are very lucky to have someone like her planning your reunion.  She is going out of her way in order to make sure the 1995 reunion is something to remember.  It's not easy planning a reunion, as I know all too well.  It takes a tremendous amount of time and effort, not to mention financial efforts, in order to get the gig off the ground.  And I'll be honest, I sometimes get sick and tired of hearing people sometimes explain how they are "extremely busy" with regard to things that they, themselves, volunteer to get done.  Everyone's fuckin' busy!  You think Joanna and/or I don't have lives of our own?  Please, we're busy too!  We find time though because we want to put on a good show for our respective classes.  '95 peeps, she's really working hard for y'all.  From what I understand, Rebecca and Jimmy are also being a big help to her.  My hat goes off to y'all.  I know y'all will do a great job.  Keep up the awesome work!

Another thing I would like to touch upon is the supposed rivalry between 1995 and 1996 about which reunion will be better.  I am getting so tired of hearing about this.  FOR THE LAST TIME, there is no beef between us!  And again, being honest, this is probably directed more towards my class then 1995's.  I probably hear about which reunion will be better at least three or four times a week.  It's ridiculous.  Yes, we 96ers think we have a badass class.  But that isn't meant to tear down any other specific class.  Regarding the reunions, how can I explain it?  Sure, we are wanting to put on the best show possible, which pretty much translates to the best show ever.  I'd be lying if I said otherwise.  Yes, that is another way of saying that we want to be better than the year prior to us.  But what's wrong with that?  Isn't that what 1995 is also trying to do right now?  Shouldn't that honestly be the goal for every class reunion?  However well we do, isn't 1997 going to try to put on just as good of a show, if not better?  And if so, why should that bother us 96ers?  Where's the harm in setting goals?  Seriously, the whole 95/96 reunion thing is getting old.  People make it seem like it's the crips vs. bloods, Hatfields vs. McCoys, Longhorns vs. Sooners, and the biggest cat fight of them all ...Hilary Duff vs. Lindsey Lohan!  Seriously y'all, let's follow the words of wisdom of sage prophet Snoop Dogg when he prophecies with "Drop it like it's hot".  -- Michael

03/27/05 (11:45 PM) -- Sick  [Music: "Dumb" by Nirvana  I  Mood: Sick]

Happy Easter!

03/26/05 (10:00 AM) -- Sick  [Music: "Lithium" by Nirvana  I  Mood: Sick]

I hate being sick!  -- Michael

03/25/05 (06:00 AM) -- Good Friday  [Music: "Jam" by Michael Jackson  I  Mood: Hungry]

Happy Birthday Debbie Sanchez!

03/24/05 (01:30 AM) -- Psychic Mike  [Music: "Close Enough"  by The Levi Smith Band  I  Mood: Sleepy]

Okay, so yesterday (Wednesday) was another long ass day.  It was pretty productive, yet long nonetheless.  I'm tired as hell right now.  Most of the day was spent still playing catch up, trying to finish stuff from last week.  I found a few free moments to talk with a few peeps, which is always cool.  It keeps me sane.  I have a ton of e-mail piled up in the inbox again.  I'm going to try to hammer some of those out today.  Hopefully I'll get completely caught up, thought that might be wishful thinking.  In any event, I'll respond to everyone as soon as I can.

I briefly conversed with Austin yesterday.  It sure as hell was great to hear that he is doing well and is officially back in the U.S. of A..  That was the best news I'd received in a good while.  My convos with the other peeps were cool too.  Nothin' special, just good talkin'.  It's too bad that doesn't happen more often because it's always good to hear from good people.  Oh well ... it's something to look forward to for when it does happen.

I really don't have anything special to write about, with regard to yesterday.  Like I mentioned, the day was long.  But that pretty much translates to nothing that is really worth writing about.  So I'll move on to the website.  It's cool that a lot of people have joined the Classmates section this month.  It sometimes goes in  spurts.  Some months will have a ton of people list, and others might not see as much activity.  It's cool that this month is one of the good ones though.  As I've always said, the more people listed the better.  Yes, I am in the process of working on that section more, with a lot of possibilities being thought about.  All that, though, is dependent on time.  And right now time is VERY stretched, so things like that, including the Photo Album, have to be put on the back burner.  I know, I know ... I say that a lot.  But people keep asking about it, so I feel compelled to write one more time on the subject.

Moving on ... it's flattering how many people apparently think I am psychic or something.  I do have a pretty good memory, but it's not THAT good y'all!  I'm referring to all the dates, birthdays, anniversaries, etc., that are listed on the site.  Pretty much all that stuff is sent in to me by others.  Otherwise, how the hell do y'all expect me to know all that?  I mean, I do remember some stuff like dates from my best friends and stuff.  It's also easy to remember dates that are close to mine, like Amy being the day before me, and Austin, Cinda, and Richie being the day after.  Given that we all have been to school with each other since 1st grade, and especially Amy, Austin, and I being in Ms. Mojica's class, it's not hard to forget.  (BTW, it's great to have Amy newly listed in the Classmates section.  Great to have you on!)  The others though, of course people write me and let me know!  If y'all want something written on the site like that, don't be shy.  Write me and let me know.  Unless it's something like Hunter's gay porn festival coming up, I'll post most anything.  Ahh, who am I kidding, I'd post about Hunter's party also.  I just won't post any pictures from that shindig!  And all y'all who's jaws are still dropped to the floor, of course I was kidding.  Hunter isn't into gay porn.  Rather, it's animal porn.  J  Haha, it's late.  I'm going for the cheap laughs.  That's usually a sign that it's time to wrap it up.  -- Michael

03/23/05 (06:00 AM) -- Frustrations  [Music: "Roses" by OutKast  I  Mood: Frustrated]

Before I start this post, one quick thing.  Someone told me yesterday that they didn't get to read my post from the other day, it was one that someone else told them about.  Apparently it is not obvious enough, so I'll point out the fact that all old posts can be found in the News Archives section, located on the bottom of this very page.  When I make a post, the previous one gets added into the archives.  So, for future reference, if you ever miss a post, just scroll down and go to the month and year it was written in.

I don't know, maybe I have been on edge recently or something.  But there have been so many things that have been pissing me off and that totally just haven't made sense to me recently.  These frustrations have just been getting to the point where they become comical; they literally start to make me laugh now because they are so absurd.  Here is my rant...

Religious Hypocrisies:  I don't want to get into to too much detail on this one because religion is a VERY touchy subject with some people, so much so that I hardly ever care to discuss it because I never know how strongly the other person feels for or against what is being discussed.  Anyway, I have a few friends that are going to take part in some fun and it just happens to fall on a "religious" day.  Who am I kidding here?  I'll just say it.  There going to have a party, and I'm sure it will be a lot of fun.  But now there is a small opinion about where it is "right" to have it on a religious day.  To me, that is so stupid!  Why the hell not?  What are they afraid of, religious persecution?  You meant to tell me that when y'all drink on Christmas it's not the same thing?  It's not cool to party on a religious day, but it's cool to have premarital sex?  Live in sin?  Lie?  Impure thoughts?  How many Sunday services have y'all missed?  Hell, aren't things like alcohol and smoking and other "poisons" frowned upon all together?  Go thump your Bible somewhere else.  You're not as perfect as you think you are, so stop trying to be!

Judgmental People:  I can't stand it when people think they can judge others.  There are a lot of people out there ... good people ... that for one reason or another, sometimes by no fault of their own, don't have life as easy as some of us.  That doesn't make them any less of a person than anyone else.  Everyone's path in life is going to be different.  "Success" is a term that, I believe, should be relative to the individual, not the masses.  Just because someone isn't done with school, or doesn't have their dream job, or doesn't own their dream home, or doesn't bank tons of Benjamin's, etc ... it doesn't make them any less than you, or me, or anyone else.  Two things stand out to me are two stories that two different people told me...

One friend told me that he saw so-and-so at a food shop the other day.  He said that it was cool to see the old friend because he hadn't seen him in a while.  He introduced his co-worker to his friend, and then they got their food and sat down.  The co-worker then expressed, "wow, that's kinda sad.".  My friend told me he asked "why", and his co-worker then explained, "because you and him went to school together and now he is serving you your food.".  I thought that was the most stuck-up, snobby, egotistical, rude, bitch thing I have ever heard.  Who cares if the person was serving food.  The co-worker doesn't know a thing about that person, and yet he is so quick to judge?  People like that make me sick.

A different friend told me how they saw someone recently and how that person is such a "loser".  I asked why they thought that, and my friend explained that the person is a loser because he/she never finished college, has a child and isn't married, and drives a "piece of shit".  I literally wanted to slap my friend as I was in shock that they were such a judgmental bastard.  My friend doesn't know that person's story.  My friend doesn't really know anything about that person!  What gives them the right to rush to judgment like that and call him/her a "loser"?  Look within yourself before you judge others!

... I really can't stand people people act like that.  I guess that's just the society we live in.  It doesn't make it right though.  As someone pointed out to me today, "You (and your website) are in a position to remind all of us that no matter what our background or station in life, we should treat each other as brothers and be honest with ourselves and each other.".  I couldn't have said it better myself.  The 60's pacifist peace and love anthem "Get Together" by The Youngbloods comes to mind ... "Come on people now, smile on your brother ... Everybody get together ... Try and love one another right now".

Michael Jackson Haters:  Were y'all in the room?  Did y'all see what happened, or rather what didn't happen?  Because if y'all did, then why the hell aren't y'all on the witness stand?  I love how there are so many jury members out there right now.  Everyone thinks MJ is guilty.  What's their reason?  Because he did this, or he did that.  How do they know?  Because they saw it on a TV special.  I must have missed the memo that was to inform me that everything that happens on TV is now true.  I mean, networks don't edit stuff to give off a certain effect to ... I don't know ... maybe ... boost ratings?  That's preposterous.  What was I thinking?  Television networks are as honest as can be!  Please y'all!  Give me a fuckin' break!  Michael Jackson isn't on trial for being weird, or for perhaps holding hands with a child.  He is on trial for child molestation.  And none of us have the right to say whether he is guilty or innocent.  Let's trust that our justice system will prevail and leave the judgment up to it.  The only way it is ever going to work is if we have faith in it, flaws and all.  In my personal opinion, since everyone seems to want to know what I think with regard to this trial, I have yet to see any evidence of any crime committed on the part of Michael Jackson.  Yes, I worded it that carefully!  And given that, I must assume that he is innocent, because he has yet, if ever, to be proven guilty.

Lost Writers:  I am totally hooked on this show.  But these dudes need to start giving us some answers!  The show is great, but I am getting tired of not knowing what the hell is going on on that island!  Come on boys ... start explainin' shit!  And quit with the reruns already!  Today is yet another one!  Hurry up and get to a new episode!

SPAM Mailers:  I am so tired of receiving this crap in my Inbox.  I don't like SPAM filters because a lot of times they filter the wrong stuff.  And so because of that, I have to deal with all the crap that gets sent.  And no matter how many times I try to get off a mailing list, it never really seems to work.  This stuff gets annoying pretty damn quick.

Gas Stations:  I know this isn't their fault, but I don't feel like taking the time to follow the problem all the way up, so I am just going to bitch about the gas stations.  Two freakin' bucks a gallon minimum to fill up!  Seriously people, let's get this thing under control!  These prices are getting out of hand.  Something needs to be done on this problem because aren't the prices supposed to go up more?  What happened to the days when it was less than a buck a gallon?  They weren't THAT long ago, were they?  I remember filling up on MLK right off campus for like 0.88 cents/gallon in undergrad!

Website Readers:  Haha, caught ya!  Kidding of course.  Just checking to see who actually reads all the way to the bottom!

...I have other frustrations, but this is long enough and a hot shower is calling my name.  I'll write more tomorrow.  -- Michael

03/22/05 (12:30 PM) -- Updates  [Music: "3 AM" by matchbox twenty  I  Mood: Hungry]

Happy Birthday Heather Ochs and Chelsea Wilmot!

Okay, so today I'm really backed up with stuff to finish.  I kinda need to get back on track today after pretty much not doing a whole lot while being sick all last week.  I'm pretty much back to normal now, so nose to the metaphorical grindstone it is.  I did want to get a post on here today though in order to address a few topics.  I'll start accordingly...

Carroll 1995 Reunion:  I only post what is told to me.  Likewise, I only know what is posted.  All is in the Carroll 1995 Reunion Info page.  Of course any and all Carroll 1995 peeps are welcome to list in the Classmates section.  Joanna Garcia is the person who is spearheading this year's event.  If anyone has any questions about Carroll 1995, y'all can contact her.  Her info is on that same mentioned page.  Jimmy Guerra is also helping her with the contacting tasks.  So contact him also if there are any questions.  They're both better equipped to answer any '95 questions that I would be.  The questions that I do get, I'll forward on to them.

Carroll 1996 Reunion:  The process is coming along nicely.  Please visit the Carroll 1996 Reunion website for more information.  When information becomes solid, it will be posted on the site accordingly.  The committee is a great group of people and will be workin' hard over the course of the next year to make sure the event is the best yet.  What can YOU do to help in the process you ask?  PLEASE make sure that your information in the Classmates section is up-to-date, specifically your e-mail address.  If you aren't currently listed, please do so to ensure that you will be contacted for the event.  We'll do our best to contact everyone, however being in the Classmates section is the only sure fire way of knowing that we will be in touch.  Also, TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE WEBSITE.  Our best method of getting the word out is definitely through word of mouth.  The more people you tell, the more they will tell, and the more that will hopefully we will be in touch with.  Capisce?  (To Committee Members: I'll get the next round of e-mails out today.)

Classmates:  This is kinda touched upon in the reunion stuff.  However, one thing I'd like to specifically point out are the Guidelines for the Classmates section, as well as the Disclaimers, Rules, Policies, and Explanations section for the website.  They're written for a reason y'all.  I'm pretty positive that any questions y'all might have, the answers can be found in there.  Just letting y'all know to hopefully save time.

Photo Album:  Okay, listen.  The Photo Album is what it is.  Thanks very much to all who have sent contributions.  I have tons.  I'll try to get the next round of high school ones up soon, and then work on 2003.  Again, thanks for sending in pictures.  However, IF a picture doesn't make it on to the site, don't take it personal and start askin' 'why' and shit!  I do my best to make a great comprehensive album.  Not every picture can make it on the site though, for a variety of reasons.  Don't take it personal.  Believe me, if it's person, I'll let you know!

Going further, the Photo Album, as explained in the in its Guidelines, is designed to be a collection of pictures, focusing on friends.  Yet, peeps want me to post their personal pictures in their own personal photo album section.  Yes, Austin has a section.  But c'mon y'all!  The man was in Iraq!  He sends pictures and words to show what his tour of duty was like.  Of course I am going to post those, because he is my friend.  That doesn't mean though that I am going to take the time to do that for everyone!  I, myself, don't even put that many personal pictures on the site anymore, and that's because it's my damn site!  So it fathoms me why some people think to send me their whole family collection of pictures, and then wonder why they aren't on the site!  Think McFly, Think!

Well, I am out of time.  So I'll get to more stuff tomorrow.  Until then ...  -- Michael

03/21/05 (06:00 AM) -- The Real World ... Austin!  [Music: "Mr. Roboto" by Styx  I  Mood: Tired]

Friend: honestly, you know what I liked about what you did the other night?
Mike: huh?
Friend: the other night, you know what you did that I liked the most?
Mike: oh, what?
Friend: i loved how you just told (name) that you didn't like (her/him).  you just didn't give a shit.
Mike: haha, yeah, that was funny i guess.
Friend: seriously, it was cool because (she/he) was trying to be fake and you just weren't having it.  you're not one of those people that when you don't like someone, you'll be nice to their face, but then talk about them when they leave.
Friend: you straight up tell someone like the other night.  i hate it when people are fake and shit.
Mike: lol, that's me i guess, sorry
Friend: dude, don't apologize!  that's what I love about you.  YOU aren't fake, even when other people are to you.  you're real, you're just you and you don't pretend to be something else like SO many other people do.  like even on the website and stuff.  you just write the truth and don't give a shit.  i so love it.
Mike: haha, thanks I guess? i try

I appreciated that compliment last night.  I do my best to not front.  I guess that means that sometimes I might come across not so PC.  I don't care though.  That's just me being me and I don't apologize for it.  Thanks for recognizing that in me.  I'll try to stay the same.

Man, I have been pretty sick this past week or so.  It's sucked pretty bad, especially while driving.  I was feeling a little better yesterday though.  Hopefully this week will be better.  I feel like I haven't written in a while.  Given this past week, it's pretty much true.  I don't know, these last few weeks have been a bitch.  Honestly, I've been pretty frustrated as hell because I have a lot of balls in the air right now.  And since I can't juggle worth a shit, y'all can probably guess what that means.

Right now there are so many things that are going on, in addition to the normal crazy ass stuff.  Deadlines have recently passed, yet new ones are again on the horizon, events near and far need to be planned, people asked for help on things of which I said "yes" to even though time-wise I probably shouldn't have, weddings are coming soon, travel is looming, there are a few people that I don't feel like dealing with, there are people that are far away that I wish weren't, and personal decisions on things need to be made soon ... like I said, it's a bitch.  And that's because I didn't even mention the website!  I'm glad y'all like this thing and it gets so much praise, but it can be time consuming at times.  I do my best at it all, but sometimes it bogs down pretty hard, and it doesn't help when I feel like someone people who should be helping on certain things, aren't, or when I get sick like this past week.

So yeah, I've been pretty to myself lately.  I kinda haven't really wanted to deal with people at all.  And that's pretty weird when it happens because, according others, I seem to have an "outgoing" personality by nature.  "Always smilin' happy-go-lucky Mikey" is what they say.  I guess I don't know what to say to that.  I can't help it when this happens.  Sometimes Mikey needs his time to himself so he can breathe and not feel like he is being tugged in so many different directions.

At least I'm straight up about it though.  I'm proud of that.  I hate it when people are fake and shit.  What makes me laugh is I know there are going to be people reading this and be like, "Dude, Mike needs to stop complaining and being so miserable.".  No dudes, Mike's just human and honest about it, unlike a ton of people out there.  Right now things are busy, hectic, tiresome, and it all can be frustrating and provide for some unhappy times.  Again, at least I am straight up about it.  I can't stand when people act like they are SO happy in their lives, just to give off that impression because they want people thinking that much.  Like when people talk about their job and how they love it.  Isn't it funny how EVERYONE seems to LOVE what they do?  That's more of a horseshit line than saying Ashlee Simpson has vocal talent.  Or you know another classic one I love?  It's kinda like what was described at the very beginning of this long ass post.  I love it when people are like, "OMG let's get together soon and have dinner or go out or something!".  How many times have y'all heard that one, only to know that that person surely doesn't mean it!  I hate it when people do that, say something when they really don't mean it ... hence being fake.

I mean seriously, how hard is it to just be honest and say what you mean and feel?  It's called The Real World ... try living in it from time to time!  Speaking of which, I saw the Austin cast recently.  It's still weird to think that they are filming the show in Austin right now.  Okay, so that was a tangent, I am known to take one from time to time.

Anyway, so how was that for being real and honest?  Like I said, that's me dude ... take it or leave it.  If y'all don't like what I have to say sometimes, disney.com is just one click away.  Judging by the responses I get though, y'all seem to like me this way.  That's good too because I ain't changin'!  So put that in your pipe and smoke it mister!  -- Michael

03/20/05 (03:40 AM) -- Sick ... But Slightly Better  [Music: "Unwell" by matchbox twenty  I  Mood: Sick]

This being sick is getting old.  On the phone ... will write tomorrow ... probably.  -- Michael

03/19/05 (12:00 AM) -- Sick  [Music: "Unwell" by matchbox twenty  I  Mood: Sick]

The Levi Smith Band performs at The Bean Counter in Abilene, TX @ 8:00 PM!

Only a minute later, but still sick ... lol! -- Michael

03/18/05 (11:59 PM) -- Sick  [Music: "Unwell" by matchbox twenty  I  Mood: Sick]

Yes, it's that bad ...  -- Michael

03/17/05 (05:30 PM) -- St. Pat's ... Sick  [Music: "Unwell" by matchbox twenty  I  Mood: Sick]

St. Patrick's Day!

Happy Birthday Brittany Fowler!

Yet again ... tomorrow ...  -- Michael

03/16/05 (09:30 PM) -- Yet Again ... Sick  [Music: "Bright Lights" by matchbox twenty  I  Mood: Sick]

Sick.  Will write again when I feel up to it and have the time.  -- Michael

03/15/05 (02:00 AM) -- Still sick  [Music: "Time After Time" by matchbox twenty  I  Mood: Sick]

Happy 2nd Anniversary Amy (Herndon) & Brent Holt!

Happy Birthday Kelly Sanders!

03/14/05 (06:00 AM) -- Sick  [Music: "Unwell" by matchbox twenty  I  Mood: Sick]

Happy Birthday Amanda Gohlke and Robert Arredondo!

03/13/05 (04:00 AM) -- Pass It On  [Music: "Disease" by matchbox twenty  I  Mood:  Tired]

Today was a long ass day.  I'm glad it's finally drawing to a close.  I mean it was fun too ... but just long.  It's pretty late, but I still feel rather awake, so I thought I would write...

By now, most everyone knows about our ten year reunion that is in the works.  The Carroll 1996 Reunion Website has received good praise, which is really good to hear.  There have been a few new people who have joined the Classmates section, and also I have received TONS of e-mail from people about it all.  It's great to see that 1) people are excited about the upcoming reunion, 2) people are listing themselves on the site, and 3) the e-mails that were sent out this week about getting the word out are doing just that ... they are getting the word out.  Fantastic!  Please keep forwarding the e-mail and site to all of your friends.  Seriously, the more people they reach, the easier it will be on us when we have to start contacting people.  I hope the enthusiasm and excitement that is currently present continues to be throughout the duration of the planning process.  As always, I'll be posting new information about the reunion once it becomes available.  In the meantime, keep listing on the site.  Thanks again for all the e-mails.  I'll respond to all as soon as I can.

I'm almost finished with the next round of pictures that will go in the Photo Album.  I am really close to completing the year 2002.  I hope to have that finished tomorrow, or I guess today considering it is now Sunday.  Then before I work on 2003, I'll try to get the next round of high school pictures up.  I've received tons from people.  I hope to have those up hopefully within this next week.  2003 will definitely be later though.  These next few weeks will be much busier than normal.  So after I finish 2002 and the next high school round, I won't even think about the Photo Album for a little bit of time.  It will have to take a back seat for a while.

...I wish I had more to write about, but I don't.  I have been so busy lately, it has totally sucked.  Hell, it's 4 fuckin' o'clock in the mornin' and I am STILL up on the computer tryin' to finish shit!  If that doesn't describe my recent weeks, I don't know what does.  It blows too because the weather has been so unbelievably badass recently.  At least that's how it has looked through windows ... since I have yet to be able to enjoy it damnit!  Anyway, enough ranting ... time to get some rest.  Talk to y'all later.  Bye! -- Michael

03/12/05 (12:00 AM) -- Phone  [Music: "Yeah!" by Usher  I  Mood: Full]

Happy Birthday Travis Vaughn!

The Levi Smith Band performs at Sugar Brown's in Lubbock, TX @ 8:30 PM!

On the phone ... will write more later.  Later y'all.  -- Michael

03/11/05 (02:20 PM) -- TGIF  [Music: "Caught Up" by Usher  I  Mood: Tired]

Happy Birthday Hallye Wilkinson!

Don't have much time today.  E-mails for the next hour or so and then startin' the weekend early!  -- Michael

03/10/05 (01:00 PM) -- Reunion Website Up  [Music: "Rock With You" by Michael Jackson  I  Mood: Hungry]

Hey everyone.  I don't have a lot of time this afternoon, but I wanted to get a quick few words in this afternoon.  Things have been pretty routine these last few days.  I still have a ton of e-mails to respond to, but I have every intention to getting back to everyone this afternoon.  Hopefully by the end of the day, my Inbox will be completely responded to and up-to-date.  I am going to try to work on the Photo Album this weekend.  That's been on the back burner recently because of everything else.  This weekend though, I'm gonna try.  Hopefully I'll make some headway.

The official Mary Carroll High School Class of 1996 Reunion section of the website has been created.  The links are now on the main page, where the College Football Pick 'em used to be.  Also, you can reach the site directly at: http://www.michaelcarrizales.com/chs96 .  The reunion committee e-mail address is: chs96@michaelcarrizales.com .  It doesn't have much up for now, but it's good for starters.  Are more progress is made on the reunion, that will be the place for people to go and gather information.  For now, please take a look at the Class Listing.  There were TONS of us!  If you are a 96er and you are reading this, please make sure that 1) your name is in the list, and 2) that you then list yourself in the Classmates section of the website.  Having as many people listed in the Classmates section will be very beneficial for when we need mailing addresses for invitations and stuff.  Likewise, contacting everyone is going to be a HUGE task.  So please visit the above mentioned website, and also please PASS THE WEBSITE TO ALL YOUR CARROLL 1996 FRIENDS!  Again, this will all help the reunion committee in terms of contacting people.  As always, get in touch if you have any questions.

That's all for today.  I'll talk to y'all tomorrow.  Laterstz!  -- Michael

03/09/05 (12:50 AM) -- Ooh ooh ooh, Honey!  [Music: "You're The One That I Want" by John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John  I  Mood: Tired]

Happy Birthday Justin Lentz!

03/08/05 (11:50 PM) -- Busy  [Music: "Smooth" by Santana feat. Rob Thomas  I  Mood: Busy]

Still busy right now, I'll write something in the next day or two.  -- Michael

03/07/05 (04:30 PM) -- Updates  [Music: "Lonely No More" by Rob Thomas  I  Mood: Relaxed]

Hey y'all ... sorry it's been a few days since I have last written.  The weekend proved to be busier that I had originally thought it would be.  I have a few minutes to write right now, so I thought I would give e quick update accordingly...

Photo Album: Dude, sorry, but this has just had to take a back seat recently.  I am close to finishing 2002, but I haven't yet had the time to sit down and finish all the pages.  There are a lot of pictures from this year on, so it's going to take more work to finish 2002 and beyond.  I'll get to it when I can though, which will hopefully be soon.  Thanks to everyone who has continued to send in pictures.  Most have been from the high school years.  I'll get those on the site just as soon as I can.

Reunion:  Our reunion planning is in full swing.  I am working on creating a page for it.  I hope to have that up on the site by the end of the week.  It will hopefully serve as a place for people to go and learn how the whole planning thing is going, as well as a place to gather general information about the shindig that is will happen next year.  In the meantime though, please send in your information and/or list yourself in the Classmates section of the website.  As time moves forward, that list will prove VERY beneficial for us in terms of knowing how to contact people.  Please let you friends know about it also.  The more word-of-mouth we get going about it, the better off we will be.  Thanks in advance.  On a side note (for my 95 readers), the info about y'alls reunion is listed on your 95 page.  As more information gets sent to me, I'll post it accordingly.

E-mails: I am SO backed up on e-mails right now.  Sorry if I haven't responded to anyone yet.  I am going try to hammer out some as soon as I finish this post.  I have a lot to respond to though, so hopefully I'll get caught up soon.  In the meantime though, thanks for everyone's patience.  I'm working on it, I promise.

...There isn't much else to write about right now.  Pretty much everything fun has taken a back seat because of more pressing shit.  I'll try to get on tomorrow though and write more about the last few days, and things in general.  Until then, I'm out!  -- Michael

03/06/05 (02:15 PM) -- Busy  [Music: "Amarillo By Mornin' "  by George Strait  I  Mood: Busy]

Happy Birthday Amie Hammons!

03/05/05 (11:50 PM) -- Tomorrow...  [Music: "Of Me And Angels" by The Levi Smith Band  I  Mood: Tired]

Tomorrow...  -- Michael

03/04/05 (01:45 AM) -- Tired  [Music: "Go With God" by The Levi Smith Band  I  Mood: Tired]

The Levi Smith Band performs at Firewater Bar & Grill in Dallas, TX @ 9:30 PM!

03/03/05 (01:30 PM) -- Austin Moffitt Coming Home!  [Music: "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival  I  Mood: Relieved]

Thank God, Austin Moffitt will be leaving Iraq in three days!  His latest letter is a very poignant one about his experience in Iraq over the last year.  I just loaded it up onto the site on the same page with all his other letters.  It can be found by going to his post in the Classmates section.  He also sent more pictures from Iraq.  I'll try to have those up later this afternoon, if not by tomorrow.  Nonetheless, it was very great news to hear that he will be coming home to Texas soon.  Again ... thank God!

I don't have much else to write today, nor do I have much time.  There is a lot of stuff in front of me right now that needs to get done.  So I need to start gettin' on that.  I just wanted to get on here though and share the good news.  I hope everyone is having a great day.  I'll talk with y'all tomorrow.  -- Michael

03/02/05 (03:00 AM)  -- Texas Independence Day!  [Music: "God Bless Texas" by Little Texas  I  Mood: Sleepy]

Texas Independence Day!

Austin Area Texas Exes Celebration at The Tavern @ 6:00 PM!

Corpus Christi Texas Exes Celebration at The Orchid Room @ 6:00 PM!

Happy Texas Independence Day to my fellow Texans!  Be proud to be from this Great State of ours.  Celebrate by downin' a Shiner or Lone Star, eat come barbeque, two-step with someone, remember the Alamo, and anything else y'all can think of.  We are the only state that actually celebrates our own independence day.  I guess that makes sense though since we are the only state to ever be its own sovereign country at one point in time.  Nonetheless, as a state we are cocky sons of bitches, with good reason.  To all my non Texan readers readin' this right now ... we all know you wish you were one of us!  J  

Dude, yesterday (Tuesday) I tried to get caught up on stuff, particularly volunteer and extra-curricular work since I have kinda had no time for it recently.  I literally spent the whole damn afternoon workin' on stuff, and am pretty much just ending right now!  I am so freakin' tired right now.  I did get a lot of work done though, which was good.  While hammerin' on the computer, I listened to the live feed of Justin's band while they were playin' in Dallas.  It was cool because I listened to their concert online.  Hunter and David went to the show; I talked with them briefly right before Justin, Levi, and Trevor went on stage.  As always, they sounded great.  It's so cool that people, peeps that read this site, are venture out to see Justin when they roll into each person's respective town!  That's awesome!  I'm glad the word is getting out.  I'll continue to do my part as far as that goes.

Anyway, I am tired as hell right now and don't have much else to write right now.  Time to get some brief rest.  I'll talk to y'all biatches tomorrow.  Latertz!  -- Michael

03/01/05 (01:30 AM) -- March Already?  [Music: "Of Men And Angels" by The Levi Smith Band  I  Mood: Tired]

Happy 2nd Anniversary Jason & Alice (Watson) Ahuero!

The Levi Smith Band performs at Standard & Pours in Dallas, TX @ 8:00 PM!

Holy crap it's already freakin' March!  This year is flyin' by so fast.  Of course it seems like I say that every year!  Still though, it seems like the winter holiday was just a short time ago.  Ahh, I guess that's the way life goes.  That was a good Janet Jackson song.  Wait, was it "Life" or "Love"?  Crap, I don't remember.  Let me check.  Just checked and yeah, it's "That's The Way Love Goes".  How stupid am I not to remember that?  It's late dude and I am tired as hell ... cut me some slack!

I got nothing special for y'all tonight.  Today was pretty busy.  I was able to write back to a few people today, which was good because I still have tons more.  It was nice to get in a few though so the inbox didn't continue to pile up.  I'll try to do some more tomorrow (today ... whatever).  The pictures are still on the back burner though.  I got a lot this week, so that will have to wait, along with the rest of the site that needs to be updated.

Anyway, I just wanted to take a few minutes while I had them to get on here and write a few lines.  For anyone in the Dallas area today, I highly recommend y'all check out Justin's band today at their show.  Details for their upcoming shows are below.  Okay, so I am tired as hell and I am about to face plant right here on the computer if I don't get some rest right now.  So I hope everyone starts March of great, and I'll talk to y'all tomorrow.  Bye!  -- Michael