Where has the time gone? Everything is moving way too fast for me. As I look back and reflect on the year that was I realize how lucky I am. Lucky because I am surrounded by friends and family who are there for me no matter how stupid I might be...and believe there were times when I was really stupid.

To my friends thanks for sticking by me. To those that I may not have talked to recently, never fear I treasure our friendship and I will be talking to you soon I hope.

Somethings did not go my way this year, and yet somethings have gone my way. Then there were surprises that came, that I wish would have come a long time ago.

Now as this year comes to end it dawns on me that I will be 26 years old. 26 That is half of 52!!! Does this mean I am officially getting old. Still no plans on the party, but I know there is going to be one. A family friend has invited me to come to her house and celebrate the new year with her and her family. Or I could go to tejanoville and celebrate with my friends out there and see if I can get a free drink or two.

As we go through this holiday season my wish is that you and loved ones are safe and happy.

Until next time,
Michael

Time has flown so fast. Things are looking up for me, yet I have so much to accomplish still. To all my friends in cleburne I will be there again soon. To the one who took something from me that I can never get back... It's okay I hope you are truly happy and I wish you the best. To my friends I am eternally thankful.

Life is short you only live once so have fun and party

So what was supposed to be a weekend of relaxation turned into one of grueling yard work.

I was notified that a tree needed to be trimmed....which really means cut down. I went to town cutting branches with anything I could find. Then came the chainsaw made easy work out of everything save the stump. There I was just like Van Heflins character in Shane, not one to back down I finally got the son of a gone down.

The only band thing is now I have one more huge tree to trim and get ready to cut down. This one though I am going to need major help with.

Yes, I finally weigh 170lbs. It would not be possible without anheuser-Busch, Miller Brewing Co, and Jack Daniel Distillery 1 beer or one shot a day helps.  I would like to thank the makers of Ensure plus a six pack a day does do wonders. Soon I hope to be 180lbs. We shall soon see. 

 As you sit here and read this do you think happily of me.

 Do you wish things could have turned out a little differently?

 I promised I would see you sometime down the road and I mean it.

 Maybe one day in the not to distant future.


So things at work are going good.

Things are at home are getting better and better.

My father has finally been approved for medical disability. Now, they look at the none medical aspects to see how much his payments will end up being.   Which that is only better news for me because now, I can finally move out soon and start that life I have been hearing about. Do not get me wrong I am glad I could be there for my family when they needed me. However, its time I am held back no longer. Its time that we all move on.

Yeah I am still alive. I have just been a little active elsewhere. Things are looking up for me.

Have had a lot of phone calls from several friends and spent numerous hours catching up on old times.

I miss Cleburne and my friends all over Texas.

hope to hear from everyone down the road sometime.

Well here it goes folks, please do not throw me in the nut house once you read this.

For the past two weeks, things have been going on in my room.

A chill will fill the room or just hings being moved around.

Then came the figure, yeah you read it right figure.

The past four days really I have seen someone or something standing in my room

So my first reaction is too turn on the light thinking its just a shadow. of my radio display.

Well I turned out to be wrong.

Whatever was in my room still was in my room.

I have tried taking a picture, but I cannot get a good enough picture.

I am more intrigued than anything.

Who or what is it, and whats the purpose of my room.

    As the world turns one more time my weight continues to drop. I dont get it. I eat like a horse and nothing. Matter of fact, I made one of my infamous 3lb hamburgers, then I ate three sandwhiches, and then had another burger.The result not a damn thing. Not a single pound gained. Its freaking insane. It appears my goal of 250 will not be met this year. Thats right I threw 215 out the window and have decided to aim for 250. I want to be sweating crisco every morning as I struggle to put on my damn jeans. Besides, when I get my tattoos this year I need some meat on my body.

Alas though It appears that I will be lucky to be over 150 lbs

Do you remember me?

Do you think of me?

Ok so this is not pointed at one general person but to all my friends.

Though we may only talk once a week, once a month, or once a year. You all mean a lot to me. Your impact on my life is great and I thank you for being there. Even when I was an asshole you stood by me.

So many times I have wanted to pick up the phone and call or just drive and see you.

For some I did drive and got with in 10 miles of your house, but just turned around out of fear.

Anyway...how in the hell are all of you.

Somewhere there should be for all the world to see,
A statue of a fool, made of stone.

The image of a man,
Who let love slip through his hands.
And then just let him stand there all alone.
And there on his face, a gold tear should be placed,
To honor the million tears he's cried.
And the hurt in his eyes would show,
So everyone would know,
That concealed is a broken heart inside.

So build me a statue,
And Lord, build it high,
So that all can see.
Then inscribe, "The World's Greatest Fool."
And name it after me.
After me.



By Ricky Van Shelton