Day Trip to the Mountains of CO!

(click on photo to make larger)

These pictures were taken when we first arrived in Colorado. Since Kirk was only visiting for a few days we decided to head up to the mountains the day after we arrived. My friend Jenny, who lives in Denver, was a great tour guide and brought us to Lake Dillon, Breckenridge, Glenwood Springs, and Hanging Lake. Although I was suffering from altitude sickness (fatigue & headache), I couldn't help but enjoy the natural beauty of the great state of Colorado.

Cousin Tony's Graduation Party!

Aunt Lucy & Uncle Sherm

The black leather wearin', Harley ridin', and classic rock lovin' rebels of the family.

My brother Kirk holding my cousin Lindsay's baby, Trenton. Doesn't Trenton remind you of baby "Jack-Jack" from the movie The Incredibles?

My sister-in-law Barbie (a.k.a. "Ging") & my Aunt Sandra, who hates when I call her that.

Aunt Sandy & Uncle Dave

They're either fishing, on a cruise, or spoiling the grandkids right now!

Grandma Grace

One of my favorite people in the world. Isn't she adorable!

Caligula!

Andy McDowell in "Caligula" (1979)

Some may say I lacked discretion when bringing the film "Caligula" to Barry's party. In my defense, I had very little memory of the midnight showing I witnessed at the Uptown theater over a decade ago. Once again, my apologies to Beth, Matt, Barry, April, and Kirk. Although, I think some of you kinda liked it. Hubba Hubba! I'll say no more, except we got some great nicknames out of the deal.

An excerpt from Robert Ebert's movie review:

"Caligula" is sickening, utterly worthless, shameful trash. If it is not the worst film I have ever seen, that makes it all the more shameful: People with talent allowed themselves to participate in this travesty. Disgusted and unspeakably depressed, I walked out of the film after two hours of its 170-minute length. This film is not only garbage on an artistic level, but that it is also garbage on the crude and base level where it no doubt hopes to find its audience. "Caligula" is not good art, It is not good cinema, and it is not good porn.

Argosy's Echocardiography Class of 2008!

(from L-to-R starting from back row)

Beth, Kindra, Barry, Traci

Manya, April, Jessie, Kristi, Kassi (not pictured)

Out of 17 original echo students, only 9 of us remain. That's something to celebrate! Along this arduous road, we had several nervous breakdowns, incessant tears, sleepless nights, and rageful fits...but in the end it was worth it! I made some amazing friends that I have grown to admire immensely. Not to mention, we all made it through a grueling program, requiring many personal sacrifices, especially for our families. I am proud and honored to be a part of the last women standing (Barry's aware he grew a vagina). Go team!

Karen: Head of Echo Program (L)

Amy: Clinical Coordinator (R)

Kindra "No Nuts!" Nagle

Clincal site:

St. John's & St. Joseph's Hospitals, Maplewood & St. Paul, MN

Traci "Williams" or "Slater" Genia

Clinical site:

University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

Manya "Jodi Foster's Fist" or "Desert Rose" Denman

Clinical site:

Mercy Hospital, Coon Rapids, MN

Barry "Ah Longinus!" or "Fat Aspirate" Ptak

Clinical site:

Aspirus Hospital, Wausau, WI

Jessie "She's Like the Wind" Whemhoff

Clinical site:

Region's Hospital, St. Paul, MN

April "Grape Ape" Quast

Clinical site:

United Hospital & St. Paul Heart Clinic, St. Paul, MN

Beth "Marfan" or "Stilts" Decker

Clinical site:

Gunderson Lutheran Hospital, LaCrosse, WI

***Unfortunately, Kassi had already left for clinicals when I took these pictures. She's stationed in Fargo, ND.***