Andrew Ferguson dot NET

I didn’t know what else to call this blog, so i just labeled it Ted Kalmus. Who is Mr. Kalmus? Ted is my old 8th grade teacher, one of a few who have joined the ranks of teachers I truely enjoyed learning from. And not because they were easy, mind you. No, Ted is part of an elite group of teachers that strive to making learning fun, but don’t skimp on the educational aspect, nor make it easy to pass. These teachers gave me many of the tools I have needed for life. Others in this category include Edwin (1st grade), Mrs. Vos (2nd/3rd grade), Mrs. Shy. (5th grade), Michael (6th/7th), and Haj (9th-12th grade). Anyways, I had coffee with Ted today and that was fun. We talked about college
and school and where other Billings Alumni were and even a little business. It’s teachers like Ted that make you want to be a teacher yourself.

I spent most of today tracking down people from my 8th grade class at Billings Middle School today. The project was really all Ted Kalmus’s idea. He suggested that I try and find out where everyone is. Well Ted, I did…almost. I tracked down everybody except for two people. It also sounded like everyone I talked to was excited that I was reconnecting with them and would very interested in getting together sometime this summer. I would like that. I wonder what my High School reunion will be like…that’s really scary. This is who I’ve found so far: Status of Billings Alumni.

Today was the first day of Day Camp. Four more to go. I am completely exhausted. Unlike last week, which went by at sub-snail pace, this week should be over pretty quick. Unfortunately, that brings me one week closer to the end of summer, ergo beginning of school. On the bright side, I have managed to track down everyone from Billings. We should be getting together soon and that should be lots of fun. In other news, Annie Mesaros left for Romania today. Jeff Staples leaves for Russia in a week or so.

We’re having a Billings Class of 2000 Reunion before everyone goes off to college and whatnot. Anyways, I’ve been able to conntact just about everybody. This is going to be really exciting!

Tyler Anderson: Attending

David Barker: Attending

Andrew Ferguson: Coming (duh)

Lindsay Hansberry: Unable to attend

Katherine Latimer: Attending

Ali Messinger: Unable to attend

Niel Radheshwar: Unknown

Sam Ricketts: Tentatively Attending

Maya Stessin: Attending

Stephanie Runo: Unknown

Mesa Schumaker: Attending

Adrienne Wilson: Attending

I had an exciting day today. After four years, the Billings Class of 2000 finally meet up again. Turn out was pretty good, all things considered; we had 8 of 12 people show up. Everyone who was there had a great time. We took a tour of the new school and accompanying satellites and then headed down to the Greenlake Bar and Grill for some entres.

I though it was really exciting to see how much everyone had (or hadn’t) changed in the last five years. As a quick note, these shouldn’t not come off as mean or cruel. If they do, I apologize in advance. Starting from the top: Tyler Anderson wins the least likely to change, but changed radically award. It really wasn’t that radical, he just grew his hair out. However, I never would have though Tyler would have done that. Next up is David Barker. David wins the found his inner self award. His change from “food friend” to what I will generalize as Gothic defiantly seems to suit him well. It really seems as if he’s found his place…at least for now. Katherine Latimer wins the most unchanged award. As Hershey’s says, “Change is bad.” So neither is Katherine for that matter: still showing up fashionable late, but always looking her best. It’s really hard to comment on Maya Stessin because I went to high school with her. However, I will give her the steadfast award for all the hardships she has gone through in life. Stephanie Runo wins the shoe size as age award. Stephanie is still up to her crazy antics as usual. Mesa Schumacher receives the hippie award. Granted, she’s not even close to full blown hippiness, but I surmise that it’s just a matter of time ;-). And finally, Adrienne Wilson-Muenchow wins the least unchanged award similar to the above mentioned “most unchanged award,” but different.

I was also named President of Billings Alumni Association. More pictures of the Billings Class of 2000.

Stopped by Billings on my way home from the dentist (where I think I saw Amy Wing, The Edge intern and sister of Katie Wing, an intern at The Rock when I was in The Rock oh so many years ago). Had a wonderful half hour chat about life and school. They’re looking for a network admin if anyone is interested.