Non-Cook of the Month

April, 2012
Picture
Not Giving Up Non-Cook Hallie Friedman
Interview With Non-Cook of the Month
Hallie Friedman
Hallie Friedman holds a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology  from Benedictine University with a certificate in gerontology. She acts as President of Emjay Laboratories, a 70 year old family business that distributes Pinxav diaper rash cream (pronounced "pink salve"), and is a founder of Elderberry Living, a service that assists elders in household and daily life management. Hallie lives in Cleveland, Ohio with her family.

This conversation was conducted through text messaging!
Picky Grouchy Non-Cook:  How long have you been aware that you're a non-cook?
Hallie Friedman:  I think since shortly after I had my children. So 15 years.  I couldn't make formula and full dinners the wat some mothers do.  Plus my husband eats very quickly standing up so what's the point?

PGN-C:  Do you think you'd be more of a cook if you had encouragement or a different attitude from your family?
Hallie Friedman:  I think I would enjoy it more if it was appreciated, yes.  The time cooking and cleaning must equal the eating time or at least make sense.

PGN-C:  I remember you once mentioned that you feel lonely when you cook. Can you say more about that?  I wonder where the feeling comes from?
Hallie Friedman:  I feel isolated in my kitchen, like everyone is out working or getting together and I am all alone!  Funny I am alone lots during the day at other times and I don't feel that way... It might be because I remember spending time with my mom cooking.  She would cook dinner every night when I was young and I was very attached to her... I'd sit and watch or help. I always set the table.  Kids don't do that any more.  They have computers to be with now...

PGN-C:  Do your feelings about cooking make you dread it?
Hallie Friedman:  I usually cook something every day for my kids so I can't dread it!!  I do feel frustrated if I make something and they don't like it.  I hate wasting food.

PGN-C:  Me too!  sometimes I think not wanting to waste it keeps me from wanting to make it at all.  What about grocery shopping?
Hallie Friedman:  Don't even get me started -- but I have changed it up.  You know how it's so hard to get together with friends?  I just meet them while they are grocery shopping -- it's fun, not lonely, and a great use of time plus you learn what they buy and make for dinner!

PGN-C:  Wow.  Very cool.  You are a non-cook who is not taking it lying down.