Frontier Airlines denies father's right to sit next to 2-year old son

Frontier Airlines is making some major changes in the way it handles airline fares. According to their advertisements, they are lowering their fares while the competition is raising theirs. Really? Yes really, but only by charging you for every conceivable part of your trip. Not only have they started charging anywhere from $20 - $50 for (1) carry-on bag (not checked folks, carry-on), they are charging you for reserving your seat during online check in. "As a businessman, I can appreciate Frontiers new business plan developed in the boardroom of some high-rise office; well done, Frontier, on making as much money possible for charging the lowest possible amount upfront to potential customers then racking up the fare to be even higher than competitors in the end. As a father, however, it's hard for me to understand how I could pay over $1,500 for three tickets and not be able to sit next to my two-year-old and five-year-old sons," complains Rick Meyer who recently tried to reserve seats through online check-in prior to a flight only to find it would cost an additional $8/person. 

"After asking Brandy , Frontier Airlines spokesperson, if she was comfortable with the situation created by their terms and conditions of having a father separated from his two children on a plane full of people unless he paid an additional $8/person, she hung up on me." Looks like 20 years in business is really paying off, Frontier.
But, you say, at least when I pay through the nose for my ticket, then pay again for my checked bag, then some more for my carry-on bag, and more to reserve my seat on a ticket I already paid through the nose on, I can sit back and relax on my flight while drinking a nice, cold, free soda...nope, that'll cost you a $1.50.

Rick Meyer
July 5, 2014

Crazy or True

As Faye & Asher were flying to Portland while I stayed behind a few days, my mind did what it always does when we are apart: it fears. My sense of being in control was lost for they were out of my sight, out of this state, and scenarios of disaster and death race through my brain before I can even stop to realize not only are these thoughts irrational, but also improbable. So I must take concerted efforts to curb such mind-wondering that grips me with fear.

Jump ahead a week: I joined Faye & Asher in Portland and we decided to get out of the house and take a hike in Forest Park. As we were exiting the car, beginning on the trail we pass a seemingly homeless man and exchange pleasantries. Here are pictures of our nice little stroll through the woods:




As we were approaching the end of our hike, that same homeless man was sitting by a tree. I smiled and gestured a head nod as we strolled by, then he spoke after we passed, saying "God is watching over you, nothing can harm you." We continued walking as I yelled back "thanks" without thinking of anything. As we continued to walk I began to wonder: was this simply a seemingly homeless man, who are sometimes crazy, saying something from his mind that meant nothing really, or are these the words of God? Could it be that God's overflowing love for his children left the heavenly realms for an instant and was verbalized through the voice of this man, exactly what my heart needed to hear? I struggle to push aside the rationalizations of this world where we dismiss heavenly interjections and choose the latter.

The best 28th birthday, ever!

There's a book I read in class whenever someone has a birthday, called The Best Birthday Ever. It's a funny little story about a kid (insert child's name here ______) who goes around all day looking for birthday wishes and surprises and finds nothing, thinking that everyone has forgotten their birthday. In the end, a surprise birthday party unfolds and it turns out to be "the best birthday, EVER!!" not because of any presents or treats, but because the day was spent with family and friends.

It's still the beginning of my special day, and while I definitely don't feel that I've been forgotten, it already is the best 28th birthday ever! As I grow further away from the monumental birthdays, and closer to the next ones, it really has come to be more about who I'm spending the special time with.

Hats off to my husband, who knows and loves me so well. He's done it again folks! After a nice dinner and zoo lights outing yesterday, I woke up to an amazing breakfast (pictures to come). Let me add too that Rick researched probably more than 60 restaurants trying to find the perfect one. Thank you Honey for your wonderful food! How fitting that they were playing one of our favorite bands, Over the Rhine, when we walked in.

Fruit, little pancake balls filled with chocolate and fruit, a German-style egg, flowers from Asher, and a food processor. You may laugh about this last gift, but with the amount of cooking I do, it's going to be a God-send! Imagine how much time I'll save by using a 7-cup processor, compared to the 1-cup that I've been stuffing things into for the past several years. Lastly, Rick made an online birthday card of sorts with pictures and lyrics to the tune of "Twelve Days of Christmas." He's a creative one, that's for sure.

So, thank you to my champion for all that you do to make me feel special. You have truly made this the best birthday ever! And of course, special thank you's to the other loved ones in my life who have already made me feel extra special - my mother and father-in-law taking me out to dinner and gifting our family with a zoo membership, Judi and her amazing cooking and presentation, and my own Mom, Dad and Sister for their thoughtful gifts and well-wishes. I love you all!

Old Man Winter

It seems that old man winter has awaken from his long warm weather hibernation to bring us a truck-full of snow. It is kind of pleasant, big fluffy flakes collecting lightly on the ground. With Bing reminding us in the background, it is beginning to look alot like Christmas. Asher is enjoying it as well. He tries to eat the snowflakes.

For Faye's birthday, she got a zoo pass from my mom & dad, so we managed to sneak down there for a few hours. It was quite the treat to see all the animals, Asher had a ball.

From spoon fed to spoon feeding...

What happened to the little baby we brought home 17 months ago? Where did he go? Check out this little video of Asher feeding himself. He's well on his way to toddlerhood!