about
Alisa. 36. New Hampshire. Married for two years to this wonderful, funny, smart guy. Previously married. Went through in-vitro fertilization to have my four and a half year old magical son Keegan. Stepmother to the charming Isabelle (5). Just had our first child together, a boy, Harper(born June 10). Policy Wonk and dreaded bureaucrat. Lover of fine cuisine, honeybees, truly romantic moments and the underdog.
cooking
Smoke's Chili

Yield 12 servings (serving size: 1 cup chili, 1 tablespoon sour cream, and 1 tablespoon cheese)

Ingredients
2 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided
3 1/2 pounds lean, boned chuck roast, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 cups chopped green bell pepper
1 1/2 cups chopped...continue reading

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Takeoffs & Landings

Most of the time I enjoy the travel part of my job. But this last trip I didn't want to go. I left the kids and Jeff behind grilling and playing in the yard. I wanted so much to stay with my family. But off I went and it was actually a good two days. I learned a lot and made some great connections. I was not able to see Andra because I really needed to go to dinner and smooze. Fortunately she understands these things and wasn't offended. I am sure to see her the next time I go down there in August. I got back last night around 8pm and snuggled on the couch. I swear airplanes kill brain cells because I always feel out of step the next day. This morning I forgot the kids' lunches and had to go home and retrieve them and go back to school. So I was late for my conference and I hate missing the pre-agenda coffee chats.
No travel for two more weeks when we leave for Alaska. We'll have a few days on our own before my conference starts. It is basically pre-season there so a lot of things are unavailable. But we'll rent a car, drive up to Denali and stay there. That is where I will spread Tom's ashes. We'll actually take a helicopter and land on a glacier. He would have absolutely wanted it that way. I want to get him as close as possible since he never realized his dream of climbing McKinley. I have been dreading this trip. It was making me stressed out and I cried just thinking about what that moment is going to be like. But I decided to re-frame it in my mind. Instead of thinking about it as sad and another goodbye. I think of it as a good thing, carrying out his wishes, setting him free. Because most of all he wanted to be free. And it's working because now I can talk about with positive language and smile. I am sure to cry when we're there actually letting him go but I won't be nearly the wreck I was imagining.

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Comments

I thank you so much for doing what Tom would have wanted. I am sure that he is smiling with surprise that he is actually going to be free in one of his most favorite
places in the world. I love you.

Shared by Barb at April 27, 2007 1:19 PM

How wonderful for you to do that for Tom. You are such an amazing person, Alisa.

Shared by Allie at April 29, 2007 4:33 PM









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