Alison

http://www.organissimo.org/mp3s/experiment_01a.mp3

I do watch TV and have thought many times about quitting all together, but haven't gotten that far yet. When looking back at my childhood I have come a long way. Once I could tell you every show and the order which they came on between 3 and 8pm. I swear I did play a lot but when giving the opportunity to watch I would take full advantage of it. Recently I became a stay-at-home-mom and unlike many women out there I don't watch any TV from morning until maybe 8pm. I indulge in mindless shows like Project Runway typically after the kids are asleep. Obviously I could eliminate this easily...though it is a fun escape. Jim and I do enjoy watching the Pistons together. Our daughter, Zora, watches movies we check out from the library or those that have appeared in our collection from friends passing them off (Thanks to Greg for about 30 of them). Some shows are on PBS and the Disney Channel that are commercial-free so it seems relatively safe (though Disney is never safe!). Because I hadn't watched a movie for the most part for about 3.5 years, I finally decided to start getting Netflix, one movie at a time, or getting them from the library. I have decided I actually prefer this much more than TV. We may one day rid of cable all together. We only have one active TV and we don't intend to ever put one in any bedroom. That, I believe, is a bad idea.

Tonight is orzo cooked in chicken broth tossed with feta, Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, and olive oil (if it needs it). I can only make meat-free dishes when Jim isn't around. No meal is complete for him without some kind animal!

Happy birthday, Randy. I thought I should mention, since I live in the house where many musicians walk through my door on a very regular basis, it is always a delight to see you and your nuttiness. Thanks for your friendship and your love for my family. Alison

I took my sister to see Carlin at a performing arts center at MSU in March. He was very funny, although it seemed like a bunch of his routine was reworking "skits" I'd heard before. Still very funny and I know I laughed out loud just about the entire time. I was even a bit embarrassed by some of it. Here I was, 8 months pregnant, and he is talking about how having babies is a totally selfish act. I certainly can't say what about it was so funny, but he just had a way at poking fun at any type of person who could be in the audience. No one was safe...but at the same time it gives everyone an opportunity to laugh and be laughed at. One thing Hillary and I both said as soon as the performance was done is he looked old and frail. He had a whole monologue about being old and all the benefits it can bring. Funny stuff. I'm very glad I got a chance to see him in person. I won't forget it.

Thanks to those of you who gave me some insight to the Isle. I have done some research on Wikipedia about the culture and government structure. One thing that I am curious about is where people have stayed on the island. We have the option of the country or in Douglas or maybe a bit of both since we will be staying maybe 2 weeks. So if anyone else has travel tips or other recommendations, please pass them along. AA

My parents have decided my sisters and our families (Jim, Zora, and Stella too) should all take a trip next summer to the Isle of Man. For those of you unfamiliar with the island, it is situated in the Irish Sea almost equidistant from Ireland and England. My father's lineage is originally from the Isle of Man so it has been a destination he, my sisters and I have wanted to take our whole lives. It is a unique place so we for some reason cling to it as part of who we are. My dad's name is especially Gaelic...Galen Corlett. My younger sister has even gotten a tattoo with the three legged man image from the country's flag. "The native language for the Isle of Man is Manx Gaelic. It resembles other Gaelic languages like Scottish and Irish and is part of the Celtic language family. The last native speaker of the Manx Language was Edward (Ned) Maddrell, who died in December 1974. Since then there has been a revival of the language as many people take up learning it at school or college. Manx has been formally taught in schools since 1992, but is not compulsory. There are a few Manx only schools (Scoill) for younger children. The main language spoken on the Isle of Man is British English. " Excerpt from http://www.iomguide.com/manxlanguage.php So the question is, has anyone been there? If so, any suggestions or recommendations? I appreciate your help. Alison Alfredson

I thought I should share a thought or two about my father-in-law. He was an amazing man and I clearly remember the first day I met him. At that time he was still in a state of recovery after Jim's mom's death. Within the last 7 years he proved himself as an exceptionally attentive man to his entire family and friends. He always gave advice, and the kind one wants to get. I was so blessed to have him in my life and in Zora's life. I am very saddened that she won't even remember how much she loved him and their time together. Jim and his dad are very similar. Beyond their musical interests and physical attributes, they both have a kindness and selflessness that I rarely see (to that extent) in others. I will miss him terribly. I understand the days, months, and years will be rough...to say the least. No one can prepare themselves for this loss. I pray Jim will be able to find comfort in his family and friends. Thank you all for the kind words. This community means so much to Jim and will help him get through this time. Alison

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes. Stella is a joy to behold. She is officially one week old and I think we are surviving the sleep deprivation just fine. However, Jim asked after the first night home if it was possible to get negative hours of sleep! It's amazing that even a night owl like him can be whooped by a 7 lb baby. Not that anyone would ever doubt it, but I have to say what a wonderful father and husband Jim is. Zora, Stella and I are so lucky to have him in our lives. I grew up with a father who was always around but not nearly as hands-on as Jim is. My girls will be richer by this experience and it makes my job as a mom much easier...and happier! Alison

I recently heard an interview on NPR with one of the scientific researchers who conducted the study. It was apparent he wasn't convinced there were any firm reasons to be concerned about the toxins. When the reporter asked him, based on his knowledge, would he stop drinking out of water bottles or recommend avoiding the use of baby bottles that had the plastics. His response was that he didn't have babies so it wasn't a concern of his and he wouldn't stop drinking out of plastic. When asked if he would suggest to parents/grandparents to avoid baby bottles containing the type of plastic since they were the most susceptible he said that it wasn't for him to say. I was completely unimpressed with him. He had no passion for the results either way. I know that heating plastic isn't a good idea. I do it anyway (for a couple seconds at a time) and feel guilty about it. However, there are so many plastics that don't get heated that we still consume out of...heavy OJ bottles, yogurt and cottage cheese containers, etc. Basically I think about all the plastics that are near to impossible to recycle are probably contaminating us. Now when it comes to canned goods, that would be near to impossible to avoid. As many people say, we will die of something no matter what, so go ahead a live life without letting all of these reports drive us crazy. Like an earlier post mentioned, it is probably best to avoid putting plastics and cans in the landfill. I try to focus on that since it is an easy thing to do and makes a difference to the greater population.

As for the wife of the man that everyone is saluting, I have to say that I am not nearly as jealous of the forum as I was in the early days. I'm proud of what has been accomplished and the respect he is given by so many members. I have also enjoyed meeting those who have attended shows, met us for meals, and graciously welcomed our family into your home. Thank you for being a part of our lives. And long live organissimo! Alison

I was able to finish round 6, but that's it. Playing it on my laptop and trying to maneuver the point on the touch pad slowed me down (plus it was so tiny)...or at least that's what I'm telling myself. I will try again!

I can attest that is was very scary, but at the same time I felt confident that the doctors knew what they were doing and made the right decisions. Zora is up and around even more than I wish she would be. She has already taken two tiny falls trying to run or stand on one leg. I keep thinking that if it was me, I would be in bed for days, but she is already playing with her toys. I do need to say to everyone that Jim did a great job responding to the situation. He did exactly the right things to make her as comfortable as possible and barely left her side the entire time. I love you, honey. Thanks for being such a wonderful husband and father! Alison