Karma Cash

Sometimes I have to buy "props" for photo shoots. I do my best to find things among our staff I can borrow rather than going through the hassle of buying something and returning it. But when I can't find something, it's off to the store.

Last week we did a story on how parents are choosing to take their kids to soccer practice instead of church. The cover image we decide on was Jesus playing goalie in a soccer game and the ball is sailing by him. Because Halloween is right around the corner, finding a Jesus outfit wasn't a problem. As for the soccer equipment, I just ran around the corner to Woodbury Sports and picked up a ball and goalie gloves. Some men might have such equipment laying around the garage between their big metal tool rack and the vintage car they're restoring. You will find none of these things in my garage. In my garage the closest thing to sports equipment you will find is a hula-hoop.

I bought the items Tuesday, shot it at the park down the street Wednesday, and went to return the props Thursday. Thursday being Yom Kippur, Woodbury Sports was closed. At least that's what they thought. Lights were off and a sign stated Closed. The door however was unlocked. I yelled inside to see if maybe some employee had stopped by for a moment and they would lock up when they left. No answer.

As I drove back to the office I called the precinct to let them know the situation. The cop I spoke with said he would send somebody by to check it out and get in touch with the owners. He didn't ask anything about me including my name which I though was odd. I guess had I gone in and stolen anything I probably wouldn't be the type of person to call.

The following day I went away to the Bahamas (I'll tell you all about it as soon as I find a free moment). I didn't get back until last night and this morning I went to return the two items. When I bought them I told the woman cashing me out what I was using them for and that they would be returned. She said not a problem, I wouldn't even need a receipt because I was in the system now. Today, they let me make the return but because it had been more than 7 day I could only get store credit. I explained to the owner the relatively small deed I preformed the week before and he was relatively thankful. Enough so to give me my cash back. I did him a favor. He did me a favor.

Between the gloves and the ball it was about $100. That would have been $100 of store credit that would never get used... unless I break my hula-hoop.