Where's Bert?

And by the way, just who in Heaven's name is Bert? Heaven is not where she is from, but it is where she is going. I have the privilege of knowing Bert through my work...she is a customer of mine, working to order supplies for Indiana's maximum security prison near Terre Haute, Indiana.

Bert reminds me of the angel in "It's a Wonderful Life". Remember Jimmy Stewart trying to solve everyone's troubles and helping anyone who was going through a tough time? Well, he was merely a human and he needed help. That is when the "Big Guy" sent an awkward angel down to earth to give Jimmy a hand. The angel was trying to earn his wings and do you remember how you knew an angel had earned its wings? It was whenever you heard a bell ring.

The difference is Bert just wants to help for the pure joy of helping others. If you looked up "Christian" in Webster's Dictionary, you would see Bert's picture. She defines what it is to be unselfish. She always thinks of others before herself. Why? She's a Christian. I'd like to say there is more to it than that, but there isn't. She just has the most steadfast faith and expresses it with all of her heart.

As for me, I am one lucky person. You see, Bert has prayed for me, my wife, my grandchildren, and countless others. What a blessing. Oh, just by coincidence, Bert's last name is Bell.

We miss your comments, Bert. They lift everyone who reads them.

Something is Always Broken

Only once in my adult life did I not own something that was broken. That brief moment would be when I had just graduated from college and moved out of my parents' house. I also, coincidentally, did not own anything except my RCA stereo and a B & W Phillips television with rabbit ears. Life was simple. Then, my old man talked me into buying a house. Need I say any more?

I started by replacing the roof, painting the entire house inside and out, and hanging wallpaper in the kitchen which my smart ass little brother noticed had been hung upside down. Shut up! No one will notice. I'm not doing it over. Next, was the A/C. It was too hot in the house to make out with my future wife. So, I called up Love Heating and Air Conditioning to install central air. The A/C worked fine, but it was still too hot to make out. Hubba! Hubba!

Anyway, I'm getting off the subject. I have been a wonderful consumer over the past 37 years and have come to realize that most "things" have a shelf life of about 7 to 10 years before they break, self-destruct, or just aren't worth the effort to take care of anymore. You name it. I've bought it, broken it, fixed it, and replaced it.

Today, I have come full circle. I am having my A/C replaced by Love Heating and Air Conditioning because my older unit gave up after seven years. However, the goal isn't to cool down the kissing. It's her hot flashes.

It's not Personal. It's Just Business.

Ever heard that before? Well, AskIndyTed just got the business end of a stick stuck up my "you know what". Yesterday, Eastman Kodak Company terminated the company my father started in 1950 as a reseller of their products. Kodak also terminated twenty-three other closely-held small dealerships like us across the USA. They have decided to market their goodies through "Big Box" companies. The decision to whack us was made by upper management. Hey, it's "just business".

Well, the Meek's small business was started with $5,000 borrowed from a man who baked pies for a living. He was grateful for the nursing care my mother gave to his wife who was dying from cancer during World War II. He loaned the money to my father with a handshake. He trusted my Dad would pay him back. That's "personal".

My father built the business into a successful enterprise with Kodak as his flagship product line. The partnership was a win-win for both companies. Kodak was a wonderful company because they developed "personal" relationships with all of their resellers. We pointed with pride to our Kodak partnership as "bleeding yellow".

That success made it affordable for my father to send all six of his children to college. It was something he was denied due to the war and the Great Depression. He was a proud papa when we all graduated. It made it possible for me to do the same for my three sons and my wife as well, through her 3 degrees.

But, the last decade has been a mess. Kodak has been unraveling as they have tried to convert from a film-based company to a digital-imaging company. Translated, that means moving from a very profitable business model to a huge money-sucking vacuum. Meanwhile, the management team at Kodak has been completely replaced with people whose history at the company probably spans less than five years and they have very skillfully driven the stock price down to $2 per share. Bleeding yellow is a forgotten culture. Can you believe this...our customers found out and called us before Kodak did..how's that for class?

What could be the problem? Evidently, someone in Rochester thinks small independently-owned companies must be the problem. So they sent out the order to shoot 'em all!

Now, I take that "personal".

Eating Well for a Week in a Recession

Did we cook? No. Did we go out? Yes, once with friends and once with a coupon. The rest of our food was given to us by long-time friends. As you all know, my wife has cancer. People want to help and there is no better way than to make you comfort food.

They not only brought us food, the brought us the type of food that has a story. Brenda Rittenhouse brought us the chili her mother taught her how to make when her Mom was sick with breast cancer. And the pretzel dessert, chocolate chip cookies and fruit bouquet were fab.

Marilyn & Julio Fernandez invited us to dinner. I am sure she thought of her parents. They both died of cancer and she just wanted us to feel loved. Marilyn, mission accomplished.

Jim and Julie Freeman made us a chicken dish that was frozen. It's still frozen. It won't be by Tuesday. You can't eat everything hot out of the oven. Some things need to wait, but friendship never does. Thanks, Julie. Jim, I know you can't cook. But, you are married to a sweet lady.

Roxanne made us meatball soup. I love meatballs! It is a family specialty. Did your family sneak the recipe across the border? Just kiddin'. We've had it twice and there is enough for one more round. I'm eating it before the Mrs. comes downstairs tomorrow.

As for the recession? Screw it. We're well fed and well loved. That's good enough!!

Can You Afford It?

Alright, I'm back from vacation and I had a tough re-entry. I'm a bit grouchy. So, if you're under 18 years of age, get lost!

I am sick of hearing about people who are on the verge of losing their homes. I do not mean to sound mean, but some of these folks should have never been allowed to buy a house in the first place. Since when is it the United States government's responsibility to bail out homeowners who cannot make payments on time. Excuse me for being surly, but if you have not made any contingency plans for unemployment, medical crisis, getting clobbered by an uninsured motorist under the influence, and any other unfortunate everyday occurrence of modern day living, start packing your stuff.

Never take on a debt unless:
1) You can afford it. All of your monthly debt payments should not exceed 35% of your gross income.
2) You have SIX months of income stashed away in a savings account. Oh, you have no savings? Rent something or move in with your family. That is, if you're invited.
3) You have a rich aunt who really, really likes you.
4) You just purchased the winning Power Ball ticket.
5) You expect Obama to be President for the term of your loan.

Grow up America. It has been an entire generation since we've had a recession and it is time for individuals to take responsibility for their actions. Read the contract before you sign it. Then, pay up on time!