April21

Carmic Retribution

Since messing up my car one week ago, the past week has been up and down in terms of good points and bad points. As I've stated before here, I'm not a big believer in regret – it just doesn't work for me. Things happen. You make choices and you have to live with those choices. If you spend time regretting those decisions, then what are you missing in the present moment? I say regret = bad.

Instead, I focus my energy and thoughts on the now... and the future. While I don't want to say it, I tend to feel that karma influences some of the decisions I make, the things I say or the actions I do. I fully bought into what your parents teach you, “what goes around comes around.” I won't throw gum onto the ground for fear that I'll step in some a few minutes later (but why am I thinking of throwing gum on the ground anyway? that's the bigger question). It's a simple thought, but it definitely enters my mind.

Last week, the reason for my trip to Arkansas was two-fold. First, it had been too long since seeing friends and family. Second, I had been invited by several of my old professors to speak in some Advertising classes at the University of Arkansas. I discussed how interactive things are changing advertising and gave some tips on job-hunting. I had a great time and have already been invited to do it again next fall.

Good karma.

Coming home from Arkansas, I spent a few hours driving around Stockton Lake, scoping out the campgrounds before the upcoming camping trip.

Good karma.

Shortly after that, I didn't pay attention to the road and screwed my car up.

Bad karma.

That evening, my pal picked me up and took me home from Missouri's ultimate destination, Nevada.

Good karma.

I get home and realize that my keys are STILL in my car. In Missouri's ultimate destination, Nevada.

Bad karma.

Luckily, I was able to get a hold of my landlord and he swung by to let me in, free of charge.

Good karma.

On Monday I talked with my insurance agency and pleaded with them to tow my car BACK to Kansas City for repair. I spoke with several agents and managers, and was told late Monday afternoon that my car WOULD be towed back to KC.

Good karma.

On Tuesday, I hitched a ride down to the body shop to get my keys out of the car and to see the damage. It looked like a lot of bad was going on and the repair man's list kept growing. I started to really wish that the car would be totaled.

Bad karma.

Wednesday, I was told that the car was going to be repaired as it feel a few hundred dollars under the total amount. The good thing, I have a small deductible to pay. The even better thing, my bumper that's been messed up since almost day one was messed up even more in the accident... it will now be fixed.

Good karma.

Also on Wednesday, I found out that I had won a free pass to the upcoming Future of Online Advertising conference in New York. I'll be able to visit friends and family!

Good karma.

While in Arkansas, I had my first cup of coffee. Technically, it was a latte – a Chai Tea Latte, to be exact. I enjoyed it so much, that I've had three cups of it in the past week. On Thursday, I got a cup on the way to work. As I'm walking, I spill the coffee on my shirt.

Bad karma? Or just an omen?

As you can see, my past week has been pretty up and down. I really don't know how this karma thing works, as some of the items above aren't really in my control. That's how it goes, though. I'll just keep focusing on doing things the right way and not throw gum on the ground.

+ original post date: April 21, 2007 12:32 PM
+ categories: All About Seth, Automobile, F-Town, Family/Friends, KC, Web Stuff, Work