I was an Optical Engineer until a car accident messed up my eyes. It was then I found out I had MS, which accounts for me being sick a lot, even back in high school. I am on disability now but always looking for ways to earn a few bucks and have some fun.

Concert Band, playing flute and piccolo. Seeing the look on Mr. Golden's face when we finally got it right was worth the work. I also had nightmares for years about not being able to find my locker. :)

I like to crochet and sew. I play flute and piano when I have the energy.

When I got to college, I wondered where all the rest of the guys were... No longer was I a vast minority; being in Minnesota I also found that "the blonde girl with glasses" was not enough for someone to find me.
My married name was Branic. When I got divorced, I went back to my family name rather than my maiden name. When my dad came over from Norway, the folks at Ellis Island thought Almennigen was too long, so they took my grandfather's middle name, Monson, which just meant his father's first name was Mons. So when it came to changing names, I decided to go back to the original.
As far as accomplishments go, I helped develop the first video endoscope and the first jaw endoscope (TMJ arthroscope). I worked on developing a non-invasive glucose meter, but it didn't work out. I worked with lasers, fiber optics and imaging systems for various industries and had a lot of fun playing in the lab.

I learned how to work hard, study and organize my time. I learned how much fun it is to work with others toward a common goal and realize that goal.