My Life in Scrubs: Denver

Buckhorn Exchange: Take Two!

2008-11-29T21:55:00.001-08:00

Once again, I made it to Denver's infamous Buckhorn Exchange, known for their wild game and rustic history. Their food and service are always exceptional. It's still, hands down, the best food and ambiance in Denver!

From L-to-R: Ryan, Angela, Jenny, Meagan, & Kristi.

Does Ryan remind anyone else of Tom Skweres?

Two well-known booze hounds!

My entree consisted of an 18 oz. dry-aged bison ribeye topped with whipped garlic butter.

I'm so proud of Ryan! He may have actually surpassed Dr. T's record by eating as many different animals as possible during one meal. Ryan consumed elk, bison, duck, rattle snake, alligator, salmon, quail, and Cornish game hen. Wow, that's impressive! Unfortunately Ryan, I have nothing to give you but my undying respect!

Taxidermy central!

Fried alligator tail.

What they don't realize is that a debilitating food coma eagerly awaits them.

Check out the freaky conjoined lambs! Yikes!

Jenny & Meagan split a 1.5 lb. steak. The waiter topped it off with mushrooms, onions, and garlic butter. Yum!

Our waiter created a first-class experience!

Thanksgiving: Denver Style!

2008-11-29T21:08:00.001-08:00

Although I undoubtedly missed grandma's cooking this Thanksgiving, I still had a blast with a great group of friends in Denver. Albeit, most of us are from MN. Angela and Ryan are from St. Cloud, MN and Meagan is from Santa Cruz, CA. Jenny, who currently lives in Denver, is originally from LaCrosse, WI but has spent several years in the Twin Cities as well. We were all assigned a few dishes to cook and, I have to say, it was pretty damn good! Being from the low-lands, I wasn't aware there was such a thing as high altitude cooking, so my stuffing and Swedish meatballs took forever to cook. I guess you learn something new every day. Here's some photos of the day's festivities.

Denver's 1st Snow Fall!

2008-11-16T11:43:00.000-08:00

Somewhere around 4am on Friday morning, November 14th, I awoke to water sprinkling on my face through my bedroom window. Thinking nothing of a little rain, I promptly closed my window and fell back to sleep. To my surprise, when I opened my blinds at 7am, it was a full blown snow storm! Luckily, Denver's nasty weather doesn't last long. As I left work on Friday afternoon the snow was all but a memory, and today it's sunny and 70 degrees. Here's a few photos of my walk to work on Friday morning.

My Trip Home: Echotastic!

2008-11-06T18:08:00.001-08:00

A few of my classmates from Argosy were able to rendezvous at the Muddy Pig in St. Paul for, sadly enough, our last hurrah! In just a few short weeks, Barry and Kassi start their new careers as cardiac sonographers in Fargo, as well as Beth in Green Bay. Congrats! Thanks for the beers, laughs, and teat grabbing! How will I survive without such kindred spirits? You certainly made my trip home echotastic!

Kirk, Barry, and Katie (Barry's wife).

April "Chester the Molester" Quast & Manya "No Means Yes" Denman.

The polls are in! Barry's been voted, "first to get fired for gross misconduct!"

Beth and her boyfriend Matt looking fairly cheesy. They'll fit in perfectly in Wisconsin. No pun intended!

One can only imagine how April and Manya keep their teeth so white. Ha!

Kirk and Barry - together at last! Another reason to vote NO to California's Prop 8.

My Trip Home: Dinner at Rudy's!

2008-11-06T17:19:00.000-08:00

While at home for a quick visit, I ventured to Rudy's Red Eye Grill in White Bear Lake for a brouhaha with a few family members and, of course, a bloody steak. Coincidently, my ol' pal Melissa Rose works at Rudy's and made some delicious recommendations. Here's a few photos from the evening's festivities. If you get a few drinks in my family, they're a riot! Take a look...

Aunt Sandy, Uncle Dave, Mama Joy, Grandma Grace, Grandpa Ronnie, Grandma Rosie, and Kirk.

Mom sporting her new fabulous hairdo.

My adorable grandparent's who refused to squeeze together for a picture. That's what 60 years of marriage will do to you!

One of my oldest and dearest friends, Melissa Rose. Mel actually has 2 friends named Kristi Davis, but I often remind her that I'm "the original."

Rosie counting how many Brandy Alexanders she's consumed.

Sandy and Dave after drinking a few glasses of wine. You can always tell when Sandy's been drinking, as her cheeks light up like Rudolf's nose.

Joycie and Gracie looking as cute as ever!

My Trip Home: The Gerths!

2008-11-06T16:23:00.000-08:00

While I was home, I was fortunate enough to drop by the Gerth residence at the perfect time - right before trick-or-treating! Brennan (2.5 years) was a ferocious dinosaur and Carter (6 weeks) was none other than a lil' pumpkin. This year Nick and Brandy decided to shed their costumes and celebrate as parents. Hopefully the kids shared their candy!

Happy Halloween 2008!

My Trip Home: Halloween Party!

2008-11-05T19:34:00.000-08:00

My first night back to the Twin Cities was as bloodcurdling as I could have ever hoped for. Christie Daluge was a hair-raising host in her haunted home in Crystal, MN. I'd like to share some pictures of the Halloween Party - that is, of course, if you can handle such hideous ghouls.

Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn, and caldron bubble!

John's inferno!

Molly and the red dragon!

Christie, the host of the party, dressed as a Packer's fanatic. Mitch is a cop by day and, evidently, a scarecrow by night.

What else could Brian be but a chick magnet?!?!

A close-up of Peter Pumpkin Eater's face. I'm not sure if this photo does Matt's costume justice, as there were pumpkin innards and seeds plastered to his face.

There was an actual fan in Jared's arse keeping his costume inflated.

Molly and John (a.k.a. MoJo) dressed up as characters from "Police Academy."

Some guy I don't know dressed up as a punk rocker or, quite possibly, a goth clown!?!?

Damn cheese-head!

A cute couple dressed as Wiley Wabbit and the Joker.

Kirk went as "Kirk 2007." That's right, last Halloween Kirk took a tumble, making his face look like raw hamburger. We tried our best, with temporary tattoos, to duplicate the experience for you. Honestly, it looks almost identical to last year's drunken face plant.

Johnny showing off his stellar crotch!

An outstanding interpretation of "Peter-Peter Pumkin Eater!" Kristine and Matt won first prize for their innovative couple's costume.

The party came equipped with its very own sexy French maid, Amy. Granted, cleavage bearing French maids should undoubtedly be called, Evette!

Mitch and Erin eating some of "Evette's" delectable hors d'oeuvres!

Annie's Trip: Glenwood Springs!

2008-10-21T17:31:00.000-07:00

As one of the top attractions in Colorado, Glenwood Hot Springs Pools are on the hot list of adventures. The pools are open year round and, in my opinion, would be an awesome place to warm-up in the winter. The largest pool, spanning 2 city blocks, is kept at 90 degrees, while the smaller pool is set at a steamy 104 degrees. Since the pools opened in the 1890s, they've been known for their healing properties and have attracted people from across the globe.

Annie's Trip: Just the Two of Us!

2008-10-21T16:42:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled that Lil' Annie was able to sneak away from the Twin Cities for a 3 day weekend in Colorado. Here's some photos of our mountain adventure.

Annie's Trip: Hotel Colorado!

2008-10-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

Annie and I were lucky enough to stay at the luxurious Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs. This hotel has an alluring past, as many former Presidents (Taft & Roosevelt) and old west celebrities and gangsters (Doc Holliday, Unsinkable Molly Brown, & Diamond Jack Alterie) stayed at the hotel to hunt, gamble and, of course, bathe in the hot springs. In fact, the world's most irresistible toy, the teddy bear, received its birth at Hotel Colorado. The hotel's maids gave Theodore Roosevelt a stuffed bear to cheer him up after an unsuccessful day of bear hunting. His daughter Alyce admired it saying, "I will call it Teddy." During WWII, the hotel was purchased by the government and made into a naval hospital for 3 years. It's rumored that the basement, where the morgue was located, is haunted. Unfortunately, Annie and I did NOT have a ghostly encounter while getting a massage in the hotel's basement spa, but it was worth it anyway.

Annie's Trip: Silver Plume!

2008-10-20T19:12:00.000-07:00

"Northern Exposure" is my favorite show of all time and the tiny town of Silver Plume, Colorado is the closest place to Sicily, Alaska that I've encountered in my travels. It's, by no means, exactly the same, but has an eerily similar feel. Annie and I stumbled upon this diamond in the rough after driving through "rich-bitch" central (Aspen & Vail). As you can imagine, this was truly an unexpected surprise. Silver Plume is proudly perched 9,100 feet above sea level and is home to 176 residents, most of whom are rustic mountain men who love to chop wood with their enormous biceps and broad shoulders. Hubba Hubba!

Annie's Trip: Annie in Sequence!

2008-10-19T18:56:00.000-07:00

Because Annie refuses to sit still for photos, I snapped as many shots as humanly possible. I, for some reason, find it amusing to look at them in sequence. I hope you thoroughly enjoy them, as Annie is going to kill me for posting these pictures.

Sequence 1: Round-n-Round!

Sequence 2: Hot Springs Pool!

Sequence 3: Thumbs Up!

Sequence 4: Shit Faced!

Sequence 5: Too Cool For School!

Annie's Trip: Thumbs Up!

2008-10-19T18:31:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize, until looking at these photos, that Annie and I really need to update our picture poses. Albeit, I'd definitely give our trip the ol' thumbs up! These pictures were taken at Hanging Lake and at a random scenic overlook on the way to Glenwood Springs.

Fun Facts: Men vs. Women

2008-10-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

PUBERTY

At 12 years old boys cry just as much as girls, but by age 18 women cry 4 times more than men due to their surge of estrogen.
During puberty testosterone production increases by 30 times in boys 13-14 years old.
On average, boys grow a foot during puberty.
Most girls reach their peak height growth 6 months before they get their first period.
During puberty a boy can produce enough sweat to fill a 6 pack of beer in just one hour of exercise.
During puberty boys produce 50% more muscle and 50% less fat than girls.

SEX

Men produce 7 gallons of semen in their lifetime.
Theoretically, one man could impregnate all the women on 571 planet earths in their lifetime.
In just one ejaculation, a man could inseminate 300 million women, or all the women in America twice.
If you took all the sperm in one ejaculation and put them in a straight line, they would stretch to over 12 miles.
Men produce 1,000 sperm per heart beat.
In one ejaculation, over 300 million sperm are excreted, with only 200 sperm reaching the egg and, of course, only one lucky sperm inseminates the egg.
Sperm can live in the vagina for up to 7 days.
Male sperm are lighter and, therefore, faster than female sperm because they carry 120 genes as opposed to over a 1,000 genes per female sperm. Albeit, male sperm are faster, female sperm have more endurance.
There are more male conceptions than female, but male zygotes are more susceptible to miscarriages due to their high levels of testosterone.
A fertile woman in her prime child-bearing years has a 25% chance of conception 2 days before ovulation, the greatest opportunity for pregnancy.
During pregnancy a woman will breathe 15-25% more oxygen and will produce 30-50% more blood for fetal circulation.
During pregnancy a woman's uterus grows 500 times larger than its normal size of 2.5 oz.
On average, couples under 30 have sex 112 times per year.
You burn 26 calories a minute by kissing.

MISCELLANEOUS

Alcohol effects women twice as hard and fast because men have a higher water content, larger blood supply, and bigger liver. Men also possess a liver enzyme that women do not produce, which helps breaks down alcohol and detoxify the liver, making men's recovery time faster and less severe than women's hang-overs.
Both men and women lose 80 hairs a day.
All of the hair on your head twisted together can support up to 10 tons of weight.
Both men and women pass the same amount of gas...over 200,000 farts or 15,000 quarts of air in a lifetime.
Humans consume approximately 85,000 lbs. (the equivalent to a humpback whale) of food in their lifetime.
Humans spend 5 years of their lives eating.
Humans spend 26 years sleeping, in which 6 of those years are spent dreaming.
Humans spend 17 weeks of their lives laughing.
Humans spend 28 weeks of their lives using the bathroom.
Humans replace their skin every 3 weeks, creating 17 new bodies of skin every year.
Humans grow 113 inches of fingernail in their lives.
The human body contains 30lbs. 13oz. of carbon.
The human skeleton weighs 30lbs.
Humans regenerate 12.5 skeletons in their lifetime.
Every 4 months new red blood cells are created. In a lifetime, we produce enough fresh blood to fill 2,060 blood donor bags.

INTELLIGENCE

Although men's brains are bigger, women have more neurons densely packed within the brain, making men and women equally as smart.
The right side of the brain is more developed in men, making them better at visual and spatial skills (ex: directions), while the high functioning left side of women's brains make them better at both written and verbal language.
The left and right hemispheres of women's brains have a stonger connection than men's brains due to a thicker corpus collasum and more densely packed neurons. This makes women better at multi-tasking and expressing emotion, where men physiologically have a harder time applying words to their emotions due to this weak connection between the brain's hemispheres.

AGING

After 40, both men and women need 120 calories less per day.
The capacity of the lungs decrease by up to 40% after age 40.
Between 45-55 years old women go through menopause, where the body produces less estrogen and progesterone, causing osteoporosis, insomnia, hot flashes, increased LDL (bad cholesteral) production, weight gain, and urinary incontinence. Men also go through a similar change called andropause, where the body produces less testoterone and human growth hormone (HGH), causing many of the same symptoms as women, as well as balding and erectile dysfuntion.
After menopause, testosterone levels increase in women making them "speak their mind" more often as well as grow hair in strange places (ex: upper lip).

***These facts were derived from Discovery Channel's, "Science of the Sexes" and "Body in Numbers," in which I highly recommend watching. They're not only fascinating, but are fun trivia questions to use at the water cooler at work.***

Flipping the Bird: The Decay of Western Society!

2008-10-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

Kirk the Curmudgeon!

Barry the Blasphemaous!

Annie the A-hole!

Jimbo the Jack-Ass!

After years of using this infamous hand gesture as my signature pose in pictures, I suppose I deserve a taste of my own medicine. I still care deeply for the four of you sinners, even though I now consider this phallic symbol to be the decay of western society. You'll never catch me using this heinous expression ever again (wink-wink)!

Flipping the Bird: The Origin of Everyone's Favorite Middle Finger Gesture

by Glenn Church

There are many colorful names for the middle finger: the highway salute, concert C, the New York hello, or for both hands-the double barrel salute, double deuce or dirty double. Yet, all the phrases simply say, "F*** you."

A common internet rumor has the 1415 Battle of Agincourt between the French and English as the birth of flicking the bird. The English had the best archers in Europe at the time. For the archer to use the longbow, he needed his first two fingers. Apparently, the French threatened to cut the fingers off the English longbow men. In a contemptuous gesture, the English gave the finger to the French showing they still had their fingers.

What is indisputable is giving the finger did not begin here. Its origins go back far earlier.The Romans referred to the middle finger as digitus impudicus (dirty finger). The Emperor Caligula insulted people by making them kiss his middle finger instead of his hand. Another Emperor, Augustus Caesar, expelled an entertainer from his presence by an obscene wave of his middle finger.

More likely, flipping someone off goes back into prehistory.The middle finger, extended outward from the rest of the fingers, is an unmistakable phallic symbol. Some have even suggested that the middle finger's use as a sexual instrument, in place of the penis, is its true origin as a phallic symbol. Somewhere between primate and human, caveman and civilized man, the middle finger found a way to make a profound statement.

More Photos From Kirk's Visit!

2008-09-07T09:29:00.000-07:00

While driving through the mountains to Estes Park, Kirk wanted to stop and check out the fly fisherman in the river. Ever since I saw "A River Runs Through It," I've wanted to try fly fishing...with Brad Pitt, Robert Redford, and Craig Sheffer as my instructors. Hubba Hubba!

I realize it's a where's Waldo situation, but if you look closely you'll see the fly fisherman.

A rest stop in the mountains. This may have been worse than using "Turkish toilets" in Italy, which are engineered with two foot grooves and a hole in the ground. A word to the wise if ever using a "Turkish toilet" -- do NOT wear overalls!

Kirk and I stopped at an Indian shop nestled in the mountains on our way to The Stanley Hotel. Although a little corny, they had beautiful Native American jewelry made mostly of their "mother rock," also known as turquiose. They used a variety of coral, sugilite, charoite, and gaspeite as well.

Redrum: A Night at The Stanley Hotel!

2008-09-02T17:53:00.000-07:00

One of America's most haunted dwellings, The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado.

Grady's Daughters: "Come and play with us Danny...forever and ever."

Kirk and me at the back entrance of The Stanley, also known as "The Overlook" in Stephen King's "The Shining."

Jack Torrence: "You WERE the caretaker here, Mr. Grady."

Delbert Grady: "No sir, YOU are the caretaker. You've always been the caretaker. I ought to know: I've ALWAYS been here."

(click on photo to enlarge)

Haunted History of The Stanley Hotel

Stephen King stayed at The Stanley Hotel in 1973, after the release of his novels "Carrie" and "Salem's Lot." After his stay at The Stanley, King had an idea for his third novel. During his visit, King drank heavily with the hotel's bartender, Delbert Grady. King was so intoxicated when heading back to his room, he got lost and found himself on the hotel's 4th floor. While stumbling down a long corridor, King saw two children playing with a red ball who soon disappeared into the dark abyss. Later King found out that in the early 1900's the 4th floor was reserved for wealthy children and their nannies. King spent the next few months in room 217 writing about isolation, telepathy, and spirits. He entitled it, "The Shining."

In 1980, when "The Shining" was made into a movie, Stanley Kubrick wasn't able to film at The Stanley because the town was too close to the hotel and adequate power didn't exist at the time. Kubrick used exterior shots of Timberline Lodge in Mt. Hood, Oregon. Sets of the hotel's interior were then built in England, where Kubrick also found the hedge maze.

In 1996, Stephen King remade "The Shining" into a 6 hour mini-series, which more closely followed the book. King also made sure the series was filmed exclusively at his beloved Stanley Hotel.

The Stanley Hotel has also been featured on the Sci-Fi Channel's "Ghost Hunters," where they captured footage of various paranormal activity, such as, electric voice phenomenons (EVP), orbs, and moving objects. Most of this occured in room 401, just three doors down from the room Kirk and I stayed in. Yikes!

While filming "Dumb and Dumber" Jim Carey stayed in room 217, the most requested suite in the hotel thanks to Stephen King. After only 3 hours, Carey ran down to the front desk and demanded to be moved to the Holiday Inn. The front desk clerk asked if Carey would like another room, but he insisted that he leave the hotel immediately. To this day, Jim Carey has never publically revealved what he experienced in room 217.

REDRUM! REDRUM! REDRUM!

The Buckhorn Exchange: Denver's #1 Suds & Grub!

2008-09-02T16:02:00.000-07:00

This is the infamous Buckhorn Exchange, Denver's oldest bar and restaurant.

The Buckhorn is known for their wide selection of wild game, such as elk, bison, quail, cornish game hen, Colorado lamb, alligator, and their ever-so-popular 4 lbs. steaks. Our appetizers, pictured above, were rocky mountain oysters (bull testicles) and rattlesnake dip. I wish I would have known what rocky mountain oyster were before I fellated those greasy balls. Ha!

I ordered the dry aged bison ribeye with the bone. It was, hands down, the best meal I've had in Denver! God, I love eating grub like a pirate, or cowgirl for that matter.

(click on photo to enlarge)

The ambiance was down and dirty, just how we like it out here in the old west. The Buckhorn is a two story brick building with bullet holes in the walls from a shoot-out occuring in 1900. The main floor contains the restaurant, with the bar and outdoor patio situated upstairs. Belonging to The Buckhorn is Colorado's first liquor license, which is still hanging behind their bar.

My Lil' Swedish Meatballs!

2008-08-23T18:34:00.000-07:00

At the request of friends and family, I've attached some photos of my co-workers at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, CO. Swedish's mentality is like most the folks in the West, "work hard and play harder!"

Here's Brian and Jim (both echocardiographers & my clinical instructors) throwing a manila envelope at me so I'd stop taking pictures of them. Plus, Brian thinks "in-motion" photography is a superior art form.

Brian towering over lil' Suzie, one of my favorite cardiac nurses.

Jim and I scan the "right way," which, of course, is left handed!

Helena's the medical secretary of cardiac testing. Lindsay, the charge cardiac nurse, is ducking behind Helena. I tried for 3 days to sneak up on Lindsay to get a good picture, but obviously she won. Lil' shit!

Dixie's a respiratory therapist that works within the cardiac testing unit. I observed Dixie performing pulmonary function tests with her hyperbaric chamber. It was fascinating, but I'm still glad I chose echocardiography. I already have Dixie hooked on "Weeds" and "Dead Like Me."

Jimbo being a pain in the arse!

Courtney's the newest addition to the echo lab. She was Swedish's last student and was just hired as an official echocardiographer. She's scheduled to take her board exams (adult echo & physics) within the next couple of months. Yikes!

Once again, Brian's version of "in-motion" photography. Although I like to believe Brian's practicing for his audition for the broadway musical, Brigadoon.

Jim feeling like crap after eating his millionth frozen Banquet meal for the week. Yuck!

Courtney and I have fun together dreaming about working abroad in New Zealand, Iceland, or the latest...Antarctica. Courtney cracked me up when she told me she'd, "like to be a penguin." You'd have to be there to really appreciate the comedic timing. I also have Courtney addicted to "Weeds" and "Arrested Development."

Brian's the baby of the echo lab at the ripe old age of 22. Don't let his age fool you, his tongue is as sharp as his wit.

Congratulations Lindsay & PJ!

2008-08-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

The lovely new couple, Lindsay & PJ Johnson.

My grandpa Ronnie with my cousin's Jackie & Katie, whom are both sisters of the bride.

Aunt Dee-Dee (mother of the bride) & grandma Grace looking as gorgeous as ever.

Uncle Dave, grandpa Ronnie, & cousin Anna living it up at the reception in Scandia, MN.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make it to my cousin Lindsay's wedding on Saturday, August 9th in Woodville, Wisconsin due to my long distance internship in Denver. Hopefully Lindsay knows I was thinking of her on her special day and couldn't be happier for her son Trenton, who must be thrilled his parents finally tied the knot. Congrats to my one-of-a-kind cousin, Lindsay and her husband PJ!

"A successful marriage requires falling in love several times, always with the same person."

- Mignon McLaughlin

LaShara: Party Girl Extraordinaire!

2008-08-20T19:05:00.000-07:00

LaShara looking as beautiful as Michelle Obama. Albeit, LaShara's boyfriend is a republican politician.

Copping a feel of a statue at the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver.

LaShara, Cheryl, and Basal at The Cheesecake Factory in downtown Denver.

LaShara, the great seductress!

LaShara is my old amigo from KQRS. In fact, LaShara still works at Citadel Broadcasting as the Internet Director. We met several years ago when I was newly on-air and LaShara was a new grad working as an assistant in promotions. LaShara came to Denver with her "fictional boyfriend," Tom. In reality, they've been dating for over 4 years, but whenever LaShara and I get together Tom's conveniently unavailable. Last night was my big chance to finally meet Mr. Wonderful and, once again, he was "under the weather" and had decided to "call it an early night." Perhaps Tom isn't fictional, but yet another married politician hiding from society??? Until the media scandal breaks, I guess we'll never know.

Just kidding LaShara! It will SOMEDAY be a pleasure to meet your better half.

And You Thought Starbucks Sucked!

2008-08-16T22:57:00.000-07:00

Ward, Colorado's coffee trailer.
It's probably a good thing it's out of commission.

(click on photo to enlarge)

Here's several photos from my stormy Saturday afternoon trip to the mountains. As you can see, the thick fog was somewhat intimidating to drive through on those narrow passes, but as a rustic Minnesotan, I kicked those fears in the butt and had a fabulous afternoon to myself in the great state of Colorado. These pictures were taken in Nederland, Ward, Caribou, and the outskirts of Boulder.

Nederland: Home of the "Frozen Dead Guy!"

2008-08-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

I agree with Dennis from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia when he says to his sister, who's hounding him to look at her scenic photos, "I don't want to look at your pictures unless I'm in them or someone's having sex." Obviously I'm not a big fan of scenic photos either, but what better place to take them than Nederland, Colorado.

This lil' artist's town is nestled in the mountains 20 minutes west of Boulder and 1.5 hours from Denver. This is the home of Grandpa Bredo Morstoel, more commonly known as the "Frozen Dead Guy." He died in 1989 and was cryogenically frozen in hopes of potential immortality. Typically, cryogenic patients are kept frozen via liquid nitrogen, but due to budget constaints Morstoel was kept on dry ice in a garden shed behind the home of his wife and grandson in Nederland.

Eventually, Morstoel's wife and grandson were evicted for having no plumbing or electricity. Afraid that Morstoel would inevitably melt, they made their family secret public. An emergency town meeting was held, but no one could find an ordinance stating why they couldn't have a frozen body on their private property. Now, of course, they've made it illegal, but they've allowed "Frozen Dead Guy" to stay. In fact, Nederland celebrates "Frozen Dead Guy Days" every Winter. The festival includes a tour of "Frozen Dead Guy's" shed, a "Frozen Dead Guy" look alike contest, a polar plunge, and coffin races.

Nick Turns the Big 3-0!

2008-08-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

So, you're turning 29
And you're looking oh so fine.
You seem so ageless and so fun,
Always full of laughs and fun.
So I thought I'd give you this,
A birthday rhyme as a special gift.
One more thing you need to know -
I wrote this poem a year ago!

Sorry I couldn't be there for the big one!

Nurse Skweres & Lil' Miss Fashionista

2008-08-11T19:35:00.000-07:00

Annie & Kandis
Oh, how I miss Annie & Kandis. These two fabulous ladies have been in my life...well FOREVER! Luckily, they're both adventurers who plan on visiting within the next few months. This picture was taken several months ago at Moscow on the Hill, an amazing Russian restaurant on Selby Avenue in St. Paul. Annie gave Moscow "the bird" (4 star rating), but Kandis wasn't a fan of the ethnic cuisine. In my opinion, if you're a mushroom lover, their beef stroganoff will knock you on your Russian rump!

The Windsong: My Denver Apt!

2008-08-10T20:42:00.000-07:00

(click photos to enlarge)

Here's some photos of my humble Denver abode. My friends Jenny, Aimee, and AJ lent me all the furniture. I picked up a few odds and ends from Target to make it feel like home. One of my favorite finds from Goodwill is my "cat puke orange" chair for only $9.99. Until the temp drops, I'm keeping my bed in the living room because the AC doesn't reach the bedroom. I agree, it looks ridiculous, but I can do WHATEVER I WANT living on my own! That's right, I can sit naked in my retro chair eating thai food out of the box while watching dodge ball on ESPN#3. As a gregarious being, it's relatively difficult to start anew in a stange city, so if the socializing doesn't speed up soon, I may end up like Tom Hanks in "Cast Away" talking to his volley ball, Wilson. Holy crap, you better come visit sooner than later!

"A Fish Called Kristi"

2008-08-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

After a long day of insufferable heat (usually 95 degrees) all I can think about is dipping into the Windsong Apartment's pool. After all, it's beautiful and shark-free! Unfortunately it's only open until labor day weekend due to unmanagable leaves. Not to mention, according to urban legend, there's been several Nessy sightings in the autumn months. I find it best to trust the locals!

"After Finals" Party at Grape Ape's!

2008-08-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

You would think healthcare workers, after what they've learned in school, would abstain from alcohol and cigarrettes. Not this crew of echocardiographers! April "Grape Ape" Quast threw a down and dirty "after finals" party in July. Sorry it took me so long to post the evidence.

Manya and her husband Justin, who actually stayed until dark...well, more like dusk.

Traci lookin' good for the camera. Don't be fooled, she's not as innocent as she looks folks! I heard she's on her 2nd liver.

Kindra and her husband Al drinking apple pucker or absinthe. What is that green shit?

Jessie imitating Mae West??? You work it honey!
"I didn't discover curves; I only uncovered them."
-Mae West

"After Finals" pictures continued...

2008-08-04T20:29:00.000-07:00

Barry being a douche like usual!

Jessie and her husband, Big Mike.

Can't tell if Beth is angry, surprised, or just plain drunk. Matt loves her no matter what state of mind!

The host of the party, Grape Ape, after drinking a 40oz. of Colt 45. Perhaps we should start calling her "AA" April!?!?

24 Hours in Dodge City, Kansas!

2008-08-04T19:08:00.000-07:00

Margaret and me at the infamous Long Branch Saloon & Brothel. Give me a bustier and I'd fit right in. They don't call me "DD" Davis for nothin.'

Old friends in the Old West. This is the replication of Dodge City's most notorious area, Front Street. Dodge City was also the location of the TV show "Gunsmoke."

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Out of boredom and lonliness, I begged my friend Margaret, who currently resides in Oklahoma City, to meet me half way...Dodge City, Kansas! That's right, an old west town known for its whiskey, women, and gun fights. Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson were hired to restore law and order and rid Dodge City of its dangerous reputation. Many of these photos were taken at the Boot Hill Museum, which is a replica of the original town and its cemetery. It was fun to be cowgirls for a day. Yeehaw!

Day Trip to the Mountains of CO!

2008-07-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

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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!

2008-07-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-03T20:49:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-02T20:31:00.000-07:00

(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.***