Letter to my children...

You are right. It is not fair.

As a matter of fact, I never promised you that your life would be fair.
You really should get used to it now..
Life is NOT fair.
The sooner you learn to accept this fact, the better off you'll be.
Now that you know this you can refrain from informing me ten-thousand times a day that It's not fair.
Guess what??!?
I KNOW!!!

Oh and by the way...

I really don't care if you were sitting there first.
Seriously, does it really matter?
Each of the cushions on the couch face the same place, what does it matter which one you sit on?
Is this really something worth fighting over?
I think not.. and I really don't care!

Shut the door.

Yes.. as a matter of fact, he IS allowed to look at you!

Oh and are you on fire?
Is there water flooding the house?
Is a stranger after you?
Are you bleeding profusely?
No?
Then DO NOT SCREAM!

I am very happy he farted, thank you for pointing it out to me.

Now means now.
Not in a minute, Not in a little bit, Not when your ready, Not when you think it's time, Not during a commercial, Not when you feel like it...
...it means NOW!

I know for a fact you see that piece of trash on the floor.
Even though you pretend not to see it and walk around it every time you pass through the room in hopes someone else will bend over and pick it up.
You know you see it, I know you see it.
PICK IT UP!!!

Shut The Door!

It's your turn?
Really?
Would you like a cookie?
Get over it and stop telling me it's your turn... I don't really care!

I am in the bathroom, I did not run away...
I promise I will come out as soon as I am done, do you really have to come looking for me every time I disappear into that little room?
There is no exit from it, have faith, I will be out soon, so Go Away and leave me alone to do what one does in the bathroom....
all will be well with the world once more as soon as I am finished, I promise.

SHUT THE DOOR!

It's called a phone. I am allowed to talk on it for 5 min without being interrupted. Really.. it's OK.

I love you.

Mom

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Three Emotions (A follow-Up/Resolution post)

This is an update to my "Open Letter To Jack" post.
If you missed all the drama, you might want to read it first to get caught up.  HERE

The "Resolution" to this very emotion-filled incident has left me with three very distinct emotions.

Pride - Disappointment - Disgust

Let's start with the 
Pride -

I had a meeting today with the Area Franchise Owner/Group that operate this particular Jack in the Box location.

• I was prepared for excuses.
• I was prepared for stuffiness.
• I was prepared for intimidation.

I was NOT prepared for the three men I met.

Now... keep in mind I do a lot of work in Public Relations...

I know what I would tell a client who was dealing with this type of situation.

I know how I would want them to handle it to make it "right".

These men could NOT have handled things any better if I coached them myself!

Instead of meeting men full of resentment and anger because I was the one who started what turned out to be a very uncomfortable situation for their business, They were genuinely concerned about my son and his feelings, as well as my own.

They listened to my story, They even shared some of their own.

They were humble, they were apologetic, they were genuine and sincere.

these are not things you can fake.  It was real.

But.. what made it even better?

They had a plan of action to make things right!

Here is what they are going to do.

1. They talked with the employee who we had our contact with, There is no confusion on what is and is not OK to say to future customers.
2. They are having a managers meeting next week and will address "sensitivity training" for all current and future employees.
3. After giving me their heartfelt apologies, They asked for My son's address so they can send him one as well.
4. After talking at length about my son and his unit and hearing about the kids that mob these soldiers every time they  go outside "the wire" they asked what the children wanted from them.  I explained that Chris told me the one thing the children wanted, even more than candy, toys and stickers was... Writing Pens. Yes, seriously! They want any and every pen the soldiers have! Upon hearing that, the area manager ran to his car and returned with a product catalog and ,together, we chose a really "cool" pen.  After our meeting, these men went straight back to the store and ordered a BUNCH to send to Chris and his unit to give to the Afgan children.  

I am Proud of my Local Jack in the Box owners & Managers!

I was pleasantly surprised by their swift and sincere actions to fix things!

I am completely satisfied by their actions to rectify the situation.

I couldn't and wouldn't ask for more!

--------------------------------------------------------

Disappointment

--------------------------------------------------------
I am disappointed in the Corporate Jack in the Box for offering little more than a sanitized impersonal form letter of "apology" that was pasted and re-pasted as a reply to any negative comment anywhere online.

Yes, they did call me today...
But there has been no mention of what actually happened,

No plan to change anything.
Nothing....
I am disappointed in the corporate Jack in the Box folks!

-------------------------------------------------------

Ashamed

-------------------------------------------------------
I learned that there have been many calls to this store with threats of violence and profanity.
The employee we dealt with has received personal threats, so much so that she is frightened to go to work!


Look!
She DID say something insensitive, She DID say something offensive to myself and my son, She should have  answered our simple question differently...


But.... Is that really reason to terrorize her?
I don't even think she should be fired.
Yes...  she needed reprimanded and counseled on how to handle these things in the future (and she was),  
 NO ONE should be threatened because of something they say or something they believe!


Apparently, the people threatening her are doing so because they believe she doesn't respect the military and is rude...
Well guess what.....
 THAT kind of behavior is EVERYTHING America and the Military are fighting against!!


Our troops have fought and died to make sure NO AMERICAN, no matter what they say or believe be terrorized for those words and/or beliefs!!  


I am, ashamed that I have been a part of something that some people took that far and turned into something that I am so totally against!!


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There ya have it!
in a nutshell...

• My local Jack in the box guys ROCK!
• The corporate Jack in the box, doesn't seem to care.
• And there will always be someone who has to turn something that could be used for a positive change, and make it so you are ashamed that you are even associated with it.

Aside from my Local Jack in the box Franchise Team...  We still have a LOT of work to do if we EVER can even come close to being worthy of ONE american soldier giving their life for!

Lets think on that one for a while.

-------------------------------------------------------------

My Closing thoughts in response to some nasty e-mails and comments...

This has NOTHING to do with the discount. 

Yes, we asked if that location had one, because  other Jack in the Box locations told us to ask! 

We are/were not upset in the least about not getting a discount. It was the nasty comment said directly to my son who was in full uniform that was upsetting. 

Yes.. another day, or a time other than when I was already emotional because we were literally driving to the airport, and I might not have said a word and brushed it off. 

My question is... why should we brush it off when someone is uneducated about what "they have done"? If we don't say something... who will? There are SO many other examples of much much worse treatment and/or neglect for our veterans and soldiers, maybe.. just maybe, if someone stood up and said something when those things first started, it might be different now. 

I would rather be known as someone who stood up and fought when she saw something happen she disproves of than just another apathetic American who is afraid or too speak up for what they believe. 

Have a great day!

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What Have "They" Done? (An open letter to "Mr. Jack-In-The-Box"

NEW UPDATE/RESOLUTION added at the bottom of this post!

WARNING- If you are opposed to angry and/or ranting posts, you might wanna read about one of my great recipes instead of this post. 

This is an open letter to Jack.

www.JackInTheBox.com

Dear Jack,

Today has been a difficult day for me.
Today I dropped my son off at the airport.
After being home for two weeks of R&R, he had to go back to Afghanistan, where he is a soldier in the United States ARMY. He will be stationed in Afghanistan for at least 9 more months before he gets to come back home.

I am not writing to tell you about our tearful goodbyes at the airport or about the countless hours of sleep I have lost worrying about my son while he is in a place where is gets shot at and can be hurt at any moment.
This letter isn't even being sent because I thought you would be glad to know that my son wanted his last meal in the United States to consist of one of your breakfast sandwiches and some of your Tacos.
I am sending you this letter to make you aware of one simple sentence that one of YOUR representatives said today that, not only enraged me, but also insulted my son, my family, and quite frankly, would insult every AMERICAN I know.

While on our way to the airport, we stopped at your Jack in the Box store #3692  Located on FM 1960 in Humble, Texas. We placed our order in the drive thru and pulled forward.

My son (who was dressed in his full ARMY camo uniform, and was VERY clearly visible while riding in my Jeep with the top off) asked the drive thru employee if this particular Jack in the Box offered the 10% military discount that he had been enjoying at some participating other locations during his time home.

(edited at 8:26pm 4/27/12 I did decide to alter this pic of the employee, 

but have her name and a full copy of the pic on file if requested by management)

Below, find a word-for-word script of the brief conversation I had with your representative (pictured above,  we'll call her "C")

Soldier- "Does this Jack in the Box offer a Military Discount?
"C"- "Military Discount? No,.. we offer a police officer discount sure, but have never offered a military discount... "Why would we?  What Have They Done?"
Me- Excuse Me?!?
"C" - "Yeah, I don't even give the police their discount because of what they did to that boy who was wearing a hoodie and carrying Skittles!" "But, we've never had a discount for the military.
Me- "A simple no would have been enough!"


We got our food and left.
As I drove away, I began to fume.
NOT because this location didn't offer a Military discount, but of that one careless and rude sentence..
"What Have They Done?"...
What have they done??!!?? Really?
What "They" have done is defend our country.
What  "They" have done is fight so YOU can have the right to say such insulting things without worry of punishment.
What "They" have done is put their lives on the line so we don't have to worry.
What "They" do every day is for Every American... Even the ones (Like "C") who don't support or respect them!

I know that the opinions and statements of your employees may not represent the feelings of Jack in the box, the company, but your employees are representatives of YOU!
When one of your representatives speaks to YOUR customers, they are speaking for YOU!
And today, Jack... I was extremely disappointed and hurt.
Today MY son left to fight for our country, and one of the last Americans he spoke to while home was someone who insulted him, his buddies, AND his country.
For that, I say Shame On You Jack!

Today, he left to fight for "Us", that's why I am fighting for "HIM" by bringing this incident into the light. 

The food was very good by the way.
It's a shame that neither myself,my family or anyone who I can share this disturbing incident with will visit your establishments in the future to enjoy it.

Yes, I did try to contact your Guest Relations by calling 1-800-955-5225, I sat on hold for 32 minutes, and e-mailed them,  before I gave up and wrote here instead.


You can feel free to contact me anytime at-  Dana @ DanaClover.com

Sincerely,
Dana Clover
Proud ARMY Mom and AMERICAN!

UPDATE 3/28/2012 12:21pm-


I got a call from the area manager that serves this location.
He was very nice, he apologized profusely, He informed me that he does not agree with the employee's views and Jack and the Box does not either.
He said that this employee should have known better than to say what she did and she has always been a great employee that has received many compliments in the past.
He assured me he would talk to her.


He informed me that the reason I could not get through to the store manager any of the 17 times I called was because the phones must be broken, because when he called there today, they didn't answer either.
He is going to have someone check the phone lines.
He asked me to please come back to Jack in the box, and even gave me his personal cell phone number so I can contact him should this ever happen again.


I thanked him for reaching out to me, and told him I appreciated his sincere apology, BUT I was waiting for someone... anyone, from the corporate Jack and the Box offices to reply to one of my numerous messages, e-mails and/or phone calls. 
After-all...  THEY are the ones who might have the power to offer to make things "right".
What would make it "Right" you ask?
Well, I've given it a LOT of thought while waiting for the phone to ring (it hasn't).

1. I would love to hear that they are going to include a little snippet in all new employee orientations simply stating. "If you have a problem with the political views, race, job, handicap, sex, religion, or other beliefs of one of our guests, KEEP THAT INFORMATION TO YOURSELF or you will be terminated."  It is simple... it's also called "Sensitivity Training", This should NOT be needed... It SHOULD be common sense... But, unfortunately, it is becoming more "UN-common" each day. 
2. A written apology from this employee that I could send to my son would be nice.
3. Want me to really sing about the AWESOMENESS of Jack in the box??  Load up a plane of your Yummy food and feed some troops! :)

No...  I do NOT expect these things to happen, although, I don't think they are outrageous dreams. 

BUT... As someone who has trained employees in customer service in the past, and who currently works in Public Relations,   an offer to make things right, or SOME form of contact after an upset customer has reached out to you would be a REALLY great place to start! 




UPDATE 3/28/2012 4:08pm-
Just finished an interview with FOX News.... eeek!


UPDATE 3/28/2012 7:10pm-
Just got a voice-mail from the corporate headquarters for Jack in the box, They are closed now, but she said she will be calling me back in the morning.


RESOLUTION UPDATE can be found  HERE

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Tater-Tot Casserole (my #2 most popular Recipe!)

Sometimes you just need the extreme comfort of a good, easy to throw together, casserole.
This one fits the bill!
It's super-easy to make.
And even easier to eat!

I have never found a man who didn't inhale this dish!

Tater-Tot Casserole
SERVES 4

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can condensed cream of celery or cream of chicken soup (undiluted)
• 1 16oz package frozen tater tots
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• salt & pepper

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Brown ground beef. season with salt & pepper.
3. Add chopped onion, cook until tender.
4. In a casserole dish, combine ground beef mixture & cream soup.
5. Top mixture with tater tots.
6. Bake , uncovered, for 30-40 minutes till bubbly and Tots are golden brown.
7. remove from oven & top with cheese, return to oven until melted.
8. Enjoy!

TIPS -
This casserole freezes great!
Just put it together then freeze until ready to bake. (adjust cooking times accordingly)

I always double or triple this one!
 It re-heats beautifully!

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I am surprised.......

Worker #2 came home from Afghanistan last-night.

He will be home for two weeks for R&R.

I am surprised....
By how tired he looks...
By how thin his face is...

I am surprised how big his muscles have become....
And how badly he smells because he hasn't had a shower in a month.

I am surprised by the stories he had to share,
And how he told these stories as if he was talking about a trip he took to the grocery store to pick up milk...

I am surprised that he walked into our bedroom asking for his old .410 shotgun because he misses the constant presence of his weapon and can't sleep without one by his side...

I am happy to have him home...
I am happy he is safe for the next two weeks....

But... I am surprised by the man who came home, when I sent my boy away.

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Best Pancakes in the World EVER!

That's what my family said.
These pancakes are from an old old recipe.
They are just as easy as the pre-bought mix stuff.. and soooo much better!!

Ya gotta try em...
throw in some blueberries.
bananas and walnuts.
apples & cinnamon....
raisins..
or even chocolate chips for something different.
We just made em plain and I quadrupled the batch..
there are none left!!

Don't you wish you had 7 kids (4 of them are teenage boys!) at your house??

INGREDIENTS:1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons butter, melted

1 teaspoon Vanilla (or to taste)*optional

DIRECTIONS:1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.

Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.

2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat.

Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake.

Brown on both sides and serve hot.

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