Time capsule

I have mixed feelings about Facebook. Most people probably do, so I won't get into a discussion about the pluses and minuses. But every now and then, something shows up that makes me appreciate this crazy social network that I've bought into. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Terrace Park Elementary 6th Grade Class of 1991-1992:

Apparently I was a vain little nerd -- notice I removed my glasses before posing for the class photo

Oh the days of thick bangs and bad clothes! Even without the benefit of Facebook tags, I can name all 20 kids pictured and the 1 who is missing (Kate Scherff, she sat behind me). I went to a pretty small elementary school -- this wasn't just my 6th grade class, it was the entire grade -- and for the most part, we were all friends. I ended up going to private school after junior high and lost touch with most of the kids I grew up with. But within minutes of this photo hitting Steve Early's wall, I had friend requests from half the class and an email from my very best friend growing up, Christina Ehrnschwender (the dark-haired girl sitting next to me). Yes, I still remember how to spell that crazy last name of hers. I can't tell you how happy it made me to see Christina's profile pic with her 3 year-old son and to hear that she's happily married and teaching in Cincinnati.

It doesn't feel so long ago that I was in that 6th grade classroom learning long division and hoping that Mr F would throw a bead at my head (the prize for being good. I did mention I was a nerd, right?). But looking at the date, I realize that it has been almost 20 years. 20 freakin' years! Sheesh. Too bad there isn't a 6th grade class reunion in the works. But hey, we're all on Facebook now, so who knows what could happen!