Chapter 1: The Modern Granny’s Challenge

Life has changed a lot for me since I retired, and while I don’t feel old, I do sometimes find myself feeling a bit weary. I’m not as busy as I used to be during my teaching days, but I still manage to stay active—at least by my standards. Embracing technology has been a journey, and this is a tale about a grandmother, her grandson, and how she cleverly turned the internet into her ally.

Each morning, I take my time to rise and shine. After decades of waking up before dawn, I believe I’ve earned the luxury of a slow start. I savor a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a cup of English Breakfast Tea, and catch up on the latest headlines that keep me connected to the world.

Having experienced a lot in my life, I’ve learned to adapt. Before I taught AP English, I was involved in politics and worked as a newspaper journalist—back in the days before computers took over. I’ve always believed that knowledge is power, a motto I just invented: “To the informed go the rewards.”

This knowledge helped me recently when my grandson needed infant formula. With the current shortage, many new parents were struggling to find what they needed. I had the time and the know-how to navigate this situation.

With a quick search on my phone, I began my mission. I was aware of various options available for purchasing formula, though I knew not all would be effective.

First, I considered ordering online, but the news suggested this might lead to frustration. Next, I thought about visiting local stores, from big-box retailers to pharmacies, all of which had been facing empty shelves. I also contemplated a combination of the two strategies.

Thus began what I dubbed “Operation D.” I checked off boxes, but my searches yielded little. However, I realized I had a few advantages:

• I possess a credit card, allowing me to make purchases with the assurance of refunds if necessary.
• I can manage multiple browser tabs, enabling me to contact various retailers simultaneously.
• I have ample time, which gives me the flexibility to explore stores when needed.

Importantly, I’m what my husband affectionately calls an “International Genius” when it comes to figuring things out. I didn’t need to waste time on a hotline to ask what to do if my attempts were unsuccessful.

In the end, I spent several hours online, mistakenly thinking it would be more efficient than shopping in person. My efforts resulted in little, but thankfully, an online shopper managed to find two cans of formula and delivered them to my daughter’s house. She even hung them on the doorknob to keep them safe from the elements.

I visited two grocery stores and a big-box retailer, only to find the shelves barren. The news had warned me about this, though I didn’t want to admit it.

Eventually, I turned to online shopping again, this time avoiding intermediaries. I was thrilled to discover that smaller pharmacy chains near me were more likely to have the infant formula in stock than their larger counterparts.

Here’s what I did next: I placed my orders online, opting for in-person pickup. After my initial exhausting trip, I chose the curbside pickup option for my next round. The store manager pleasantly informed me that I could stash my purchase in my car and come back for more without raising any eyebrows. So, I did.

Feeling a bit adventurous, after securing three more cans inside, I drove around for a few minutes, ordered more formula online from that same helpful manager, and picked it up curbside shortly after.

He chuckled when he saw me again, saying, “It’s always a pleasure doing business with you, ma’am.”

What I learned throughout this experience is that people generally want to help one another. The online shoppers who apologized for incomplete orders, the kind store manager, and even fellow customers all contributed to making this venture more rewarding than simply acquiring formula for my grandchild.

Staying informed and embracing technology truly pays off. What I achieved wasn’t overly complex or remarkable; it merely required a bit of knowledge and a lot of patience.

I look forward to my next adventure. Yes, I filled my shopping bag, but I plan to donate any extra formula that my grandson doesn’t need. Stay tuned for more updates!

The first video titled "Why I'm not breastfeeding (+formula feeding must haves!)" discusses essential items for formula feeding, providing valuable insights for parents navigating this path.

Chapter 2: Feeding a Baby Bird

In the second video titled "What to feed a baby BIRD | Homemade hand feeding formula recipe #babybird #birds #aviary," viewers can learn how to create a nutritious formula for baby birds, showcasing a recipe that will benefit avian caregivers.