Bit in the Butt by Karma

I am a very active member of my local freecyle and craistlist communities. They are both places where you can pick up free things other people just want to give away, give away things you no longer want, barter, or sell/buy items from individuals.

In the last 4 years I have gotten for free the following items: 14-foot trampoline, 12 foot metal slide (park quality), nice large BBQ/smoker, printers, commercial copiers, cases of envelopes, toners for my color printer, scrapbooking items, twin bed for Will's room, dressers, ceiling fans, desks, chairs, kitchen hutch, running go cart, pop up camper I turned around and resold for $500, RV that we sold for $250, double vanity, tile, concrete pavers, bricks, riding lawnmower that we sold for $200, 36 inch color TV that worked great, DVD player, VHS player, and so much more I can't even remember.

I've also managed to purchase things for amazingly low prices as well. I have bought two high quality laser jet printers with duplexing capabilities and extra trays for less than $100 each (worth almost $400 each used). I bought a 36-inch plotter for $250 (worth $750). High quality color duplexer that originally sold for over $20,000, I got for $100. I bought a heat press for $50.

To say both Craigslist and Freecyle have been good to us is an understatement. They are largely responsible for my ability to have and run my home-based business. They are also responsible for a lot of the extra cash or fun stuff we get. I believe in Karma and in giving back what is given to me. So I offer free stuff as often as I pick up something free from someone else.

But I have to be honest and say that the last few years I've found myself becoming more critical and picky about others and their supposed needs. Those of you that know me well are probably laughing your asses off about right now, because I am still way more aware of others and their needs than most people. It's just a significant decline in my own perspective. I'm finding it easier to load up and drop off things at Goodwill than to take the time to post, deal with emails, and put stuff out for individuals who may or may not show up when they say they will.

I've even gotten pissed at someones attitude or inability to pick up when they say they will, and told them it was taken mysteriously by someone else. Then I just drop it off at Goodwill. Once, I had already told one woman she could have something. But she kept dragging her feet about picking it up. In the mean time another woman who REALLY needed it contacted me and I gave it to her instead.

So, I was floating down Denial when Karma bit me in the butt today. About 10:30 this morning a woman posted a 3-5 year old's bike up north of us about an hour. Now, I purchased Will a used bike a year ago but it is so wobbly he's afraid to ride it. The weather is pretty and I would really like to start riding my bike again. While I feared the bike might be to small; as Will is 4 and in the 97% for his age group; it had to be a step up from his current bike.

I emailed and told her I would love to pick it up and we could head her directing as soon as we heard from her. She emailed back and gave me her address and asked for a set time I would be there so she could set the bike out. By now it is 15-20 till 11:00. I emailed her back and told her that I would leave around 11 and it might take 1/2 to an hour to get there depending on her location and traffic; so I 'd be there between 11:30 and 12.

Then I woke Will up and got him dressed. Right before leaving the house I checked my messages again and nothing else. I printed out directions and we left about 10 minutes before 11. All the way up there I was talking to Will about the bike, his bike. How we'd go riding. How much fun we were going to have.

We arrived about 11:45 (it was a good 40 miles one direction) and I didn't see the bike at the address she had given me. I could see the front door open, so I turned the car off and got Will out of his car seat. It is not uncommon for mothers given away children's toys to like the child see "who" the toy is going to. Give them a part of the experience. We went up to the door and knocked and a woman come to the door.

She looked really surprised to see me and I thought I must have the wrong house.

"I'm here to pick up the bike," I told her with a smile.

"Misty?" And I could tell by the look on her face she was hoping I was not.

As it turned out she sent me two emails telling me it was too far for me to drive so she was giving it to another woman who was coming over to pick it up. And of coarse, the other woman had already come and gone. Now, she was sorry.

But I have to tell you, sorry doesn't cover: 2 hours out of my day, 4 gallons of gas, a son who doesn't understand where his new "bike" went (he went to bed still asking for it).

I just ignored her and walked away. I tried to comfort Will and we drove back south. I stopped at a McD and let him play for a while. Then we came home feeling let down.

I posted an ugly message telling other members on craigslist not to bother driving to her place to pick up stuff (gave her email address and physical address) if they couldn't afford making the trip for nothing. Yep, a little alligator slipped out. I knew it would be flagged and removed quickly, but it made me feel better.

I got three emails from different people who did read the post and had similar experiences happen to them. After writing the post, I calmed down and accepted the experience. Even figured I deserved it as I hadn't been giving out what I was trying to take in.

While online, I went ahead and posted a few free things I had been meaning to offer anyway. Felt more balanced and accepting of my ass chewing by Karma.

Then I got an email from a guy that just bought his 8 year old son a new bike. He had the older bike, in great condition, just the size for a 5-7 year old, and he would be happy to give it to Will. We're meeting this weekend to pick it up.

That Karma is a fickle bitch. I think she's part alligator too.