I just came back from the grocery store and I've literally been reworking my pantry and freezer trying to fit everything in. Granted, I don't have a large kitchen. But I keep hearing myself say I need to get to the grocery store so we can have some food for dinner. Hello, are you awake in there? I'm going to step back and use some of the food we already have at home for the next week. If all goes well and I'm in a groove, I might even add a week. Ok, so I'll probably have to get some milk and maybe a couple others after a week but I'm fairly confident we won't be starving.
Over the summer, we purchased a deep freezer with the intention of saving money buy purchasing produce in season in bulk and by making larger portion meals. I think it's time to tap into the food before it goes bad or is lost indefinitely in my pantry. Have you bought something you were sure you didn't have at home only to find it in the back of your pantry? Yep, that happened to me today. Foolish!
So if you find yourself in a similar situation, join me....even for a day. One more disclaimer. We won't be giving up our Kid's Night at Moe's on Monday and Tuesday I have a cooking club. But Cooking Club doesn't violate my system.
Who's with me? What's in your freezer and pantry waiting to be eaten?
Bon Appetit!
Jen Starks, Owner www.ecologicalbabies.com ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 850.284.5887
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Delta=Success, FAA=Still Pending
I just spoke with Delta's CEO executive assistant about what happened to me on Delta's flight a couple weeks ago. It was a great conversation and honestly, I applaud Delta for their customer care services thus far. They initially followed up with me very promptly and were courteous. Then this follow up came shortly after we all sent our letters of concern. Thank you again to all who sent your letters and made our voice heard!
It has helped that both representatives are mothers who are proud supporters of breastfeeding and babywearing. They both put themselves in my position and were horrified by the way I was treated. What's more, they both welcomed my/our suggestions to help make Delta a family-friendly and safe airlines.
Once thing I did find out was that MOST of our suggestions need to be heard and taken seriously by the FAA. They are the ones who call the shots regarding carriers and they basically inform and train Delta. SO, if we want to press forward (and I do believe we should), then we need to pressure the FAA (more to follow). I now understand the chain of command, the grievance process, and ways we can make positive changes.
Here's what Delta is doing to make this right:
1. They compensated me for my ticket.
2. They are having a Delta liason involved in the "investigation" regarding the flight attendant and my situation, since it was with "Pinnacle Airlines" contracted with Delta.
3. Effective immediately, they are sending out a memo to remind flight attendants to do pre-boarding for families with small children.
4. They are going to strongly suggest to Delta's Social Media Team to initiate a "family section" for all families to be near each other during the flight.
5. They are going to look into adding the educational section for parents and attendants on their safety video and their presentations, so all are aware of the FAA regulations for keeping "infant in arms" safe.
I feel positive about my phone meeting and am going to press on with the FAA. The changes with FAA, I was told, is a SLOW and resistant to change process, since it deals with laws being directly changed and consider. Next I want to work on a new letter we can all send the FAA, focusing on exactly what we want changed and demanding them to take us seriously as parents who want their children to be safe.
Stay tuned and thanks again to everyone who helped make this possible.
Peace and love,
Jen
Jen Starks, Owner www.ecologicalbabies.com ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 850.284.5887
It has helped that both representatives are mothers who are proud supporters of breastfeeding and babywearing. They both put themselves in my position and were horrified by the way I was treated. What's more, they both welcomed my/our suggestions to help make Delta a family-friendly and safe airlines.
Once thing I did find out was that MOST of our suggestions need to be heard and taken seriously by the FAA. They are the ones who call the shots regarding carriers and they basically inform and train Delta. SO, if we want to press forward (and I do believe we should), then we need to pressure the FAA (more to follow). I now understand the chain of command, the grievance process, and ways we can make positive changes.
Here's what Delta is doing to make this right:
1. They compensated me for my ticket.
2. They are having a Delta liason involved in the "investigation" regarding the flight attendant and my situation, since it was with "Pinnacle Airlines" contracted with Delta.
3. Effective immediately, they are sending out a memo to remind flight attendants to do pre-boarding for families with small children.
4. They are going to strongly suggest to Delta's Social Media Team to initiate a "family section" for all families to be near each other during the flight.
5. They are going to look into adding the educational section for parents and attendants on their safety video and their presentations, so all are aware of the FAA regulations for keeping "infant in arms" safe.
I feel positive about my phone meeting and am going to press on with the FAA. The changes with FAA, I was told, is a SLOW and resistant to change process, since it deals with laws being directly changed and consider. Next I want to work on a new letter we can all send the FAA, focusing on exactly what we want changed and demanding them to take us seriously as parents who want their children to be safe.
Stay tuned and thanks again to everyone who helped make this possible.
Peace and love,
Jen
Jen Starks, Owner www.ecologicalbabies.com ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 850.284.5887
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Ready, Aim.....FIRE!
This is it everyone. So far I've felt nothing but absolute support from everyone and I know you're itching to play a significant role in seriously making some positive changes. All that's required is for you to flood the policy makers' emails and the media contacts with letters asking them to take this issue seriously. Good news- I've make it VERY simple for you to do this and I promise it will take maybe 2 minutes MAX. Below are 2 letters for you to simply cut and paste into an email body. The first is the big guys who have to make the decisions on everything. The second is to hopefully grab more media attention, in case the "big guys" still need more pressure.
A Couple of Notes:
1. Send a mass email cc'ing everyone from each section. That shows them that they aren't the only ones who are hearing from you. It adds the pressure and intensity of what you're saying.
2. The BIG guys have hidden emails. I have their link to email them below and they will receive the letter individually.
3. The optimal time to send these emails are Sunday evening and Monday morning. As the week presses on, they have other "issues" to compete and catch their attention.
4. I'm not asking but FEEL FREE to send the same email everyday this week...maybe even next week. We want them to think we're not going away.
Policy Makers:
Richard.anderson@delta.com, allison.ausband@delta.com, Heidi.gould@delta.com, toby.broberg@delta.com
FAA Hotline: http://www.faa.gov/contact/safety_hotline/
SUBJECT: "Infant in Arms" Safety Regulations Need Updating!
To Whom it Concerns,
______________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA:
belkin@nytimes.com, chris@elliott.org , eileen@takingthekids.com, abratton@ap.org
SUBJECT: Join Us--"Infant in Arms" Safety Regulations Need Updating!
Jen Starks, Owner www.ecologicalbabies.com ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 850.284.5887
A Couple of Notes:
1. Send a mass email cc'ing everyone from each section. That shows them that they aren't the only ones who are hearing from you. It adds the pressure and intensity of what you're saying.
2. The BIG guys have hidden emails. I have their link to email them below and they will receive the letter individually.
3. The optimal time to send these emails are Sunday evening and Monday morning. As the week presses on, they have other "issues" to compete and catch their attention.
4. I'm not asking but FEEL FREE to send the same email everyday this week...maybe even next week. We want them to think we're not going away.
Policy Makers:
Richard.anderson@delta.com, allison.ausband@delta.com, Heidi.gould@delta.com, toby.broberg@delta.com
FAA Hotline: http://www.faa.gov/contact/safety_hotline/
SUBJECT: "Infant in Arms" Safety Regulations Need Updating!
To Whom it Concerns,
I am writing to ask you to review and update your safety policies regarding “infant in arms.” A friend of mine, Jen Starks, was recently escorted off an airplane because a flight attendant attempted to force her into following an FAA “regulation” that did not exist. While the attendant acted poorly and abused her position, the situation illustrates the importance of proper guidelines and adequate instruction of parents and flight staff regarding infant safety on airplanes. Parents should feel secure in knowing that the regulations have been purposefully constructed to ensure safety and all involved should be adequately educated on the proper procedures. I am joining with many other people in this movement and believe that the situation requires serious consideration. I hope that you will join with us and work towards improving standards and ensuring the excellence of air travel in the U.S.
Sincerely,
______________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA:
belkin@nytimes.com, chris@elliott.org , eileen@takingthekids.com, abratton@ap.org
SUBJECT: Join Us--"Infant in Arms" Safety Regulations Need Updating!
Hi,
I am joining with many people in a movement to improve safety standards and policies regarding “infant in arms” air travel in the U.S. A friend of mine, Jen Starks, was recently escorted off an airplane by armed police because a flight attendant attempted to force her into following an FAA “regulation” that did not exist. While the attendant acted poorly and abused her position, the situation illustrates the need for proper guidelines and adequate instruction of parents and flight staff regarding infant safety on airplanes. Parents should feel secure in knowing that all regulations have been purposefully constructed to ensure safety and all involved are adequately educated on the proper procedures. Jen’s story has recently appeared in Mothering Magazine, and I am asking you to write a story that puts additional pressure on policy makers to update and improve guidelines and education. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jen Starks, Owner www.ecologicalbabies.com ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 850.284.5887
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