Eye Opening

As the progress continues toward going off grid, a fairly sizeable initial investment was required.  I sincerely hope many will benefit from this endeavor.  In making the purchase, it was determined we'd use a credit card, for proof of purchase, date of purchase, etc.  I don't carry a balance, so there's no interest paid, and when it comes to major investments, I like a record.  I give all these details because I always encourage folks to get out of debt and stay out of debt.  If there is a temptation to use the card beyond what can be paid in the billing cycle, then please don't use one at all.   Aside from debt, I noticed something else that seemed rather ominous at the time of this recent purchase.

Mr. B and I went to the supply company to make this purchase.  It was a large warehouse with a huge counter surrounding rows and rows of electrical contractor supplies.  The building was old and the atmosphere was nostalgic; in memory of the old days of real customer service and American know-how.  Watching the contractors place their order at the counter and observing the operation took me back in time.  An older gentleman commented on the man behind the counter, telling all of us, "this guy knows his stuff!"

The nostalgia gave way to the 21st century as the order was entered into the computer.  When the gentleman asked for a phone number, immediately all the information about our previous purchase, became available.  I watched the man's face, considering his age; as he pulled together probably 35 years of his experience in this business.  Briefly I envisioned him as a young man with clip board in hand, organizing the stock and inventory, and wondered if he remembered the changes as they came.  He's now the man who feeds in the codes and sends the young men to fill the orders.

When the time came to pay the bill, I nearly had a spell.  The price was expected, and I'm aware that cards are now "swiped," but I hadn't seen this latest bit of technology.  There was no pen, no stick, no nothing, Mr. B simply wrote with his finger, on the screen to complete the transaction.  This is where I saw one more step in desensitizing the masses toward a mark of some sort on a right hand for buying . . .