What an incredible journey the last 50 years has been!

After working as a secretary in Minneapolis for 2 years, I moved to Phoenix, AZ in July 1959. I have never regretted my decision and still love my adopted state. The next 12 years I worked at Mountain Bell Telephone and 4 years of that time allowed me to travel all over Arizona and New Mexico. In 1972 I entered the nursing profession. In addition to my RN, I got my BSN and MBA. The career change was very good to me, since I was able to work in several different areas of nursing, including hospital administration, teaching nursing at a local college, writing nursing articles which were published in numerous nursing magazines and medical journals. I did consulting work with medical personnel, setting up their individual businesses and small medical companies. The big pat on the back came when I was asked to assist in writing the test questions for the RN State Board of Nursing Licensing exam.

When not working, I enjoyed traveling to Africa, Europe, Central and South America and of course all the Scandinavian countries. One of my favorite trips was a 2-week African safari tour when one of the “big cats” jumped on the hood of our jeep and hitched a ride. The guide advised us that it would be best not to move. Trust me – it was easy to stay frozen! Too bad we were not allowed to take pictures of “the cat”. Some of my most memorable adventures included hot air ballooning in Scotland, parachuting out of an airplane (tied to the instructor of course), river rafting down the “wild” Snake and Salmon Rivers, bungee jumping at Lake Tahoe, hiking the Grand Canyon as well as riding the Colorado River rapids, and riding a mule to the bottom of the canyon (which I only did once)!

Since retiring in 2005, I find myself busier than before! I continue to travel, hike, and enjoy attending the cultural, performing and fine art events in Phoenix. I also participate in various volunteer/charity works, which includes tutoring 1 st and 2 nd graders. I am a member of the Red Hat Society – LOVE those red hats!!

What lies ahead for me in my "spare time??"  I plan on learning French and improving my golf game.

Since this is my first class reunion, I am so looking forward to seeing everyone and catching up on the last 50 years.