The Great Space Coaster

Here I sit, in a tired stupor after having stayed up too late last night playing Shogun: Total War on the computer. I can barely keep my eyes open, or my mouth closed (from yawning, silly).
With our recent misfortune regarding the Jetta (long story short: transmission FUBAR, $5000+ repair costs, warranty will not cover outside USA) I have to wonder what my/our lives would be like if we had not left Minnesota 1.875 years ago.
Let's see:
First, the warranty would cover the car. There'd be no debate over attending Shane's wedding. I'd have the convenience and customer service to which I'm accustomed. I'd be gaming regularly -- RPG or otherwise. I might have a clue about current movies and music. I'm driving a $250 car. I wouldn't have more IDs than I can keep track of. We'd be using our own nice furniture. D-What would be happily working at Watson Wyatt. I'd (hopefully) have found a new job.
On the other hand:
I got away from West Group. I wouldn't have gotten to travel halfway around the world at someone else's expense. I wouldn't have learned even a portion of the Korean language that I know now. I wouldn't have been to Angkor Wat, or Bangkok, or the Great Wall of China. I wouldn't have written speeches for a U.S. Ambassador. I wouldn't have found the best candy bar ever (Violet Crumble). I wouldn't be driving a $250 car. I wouldn't own a tux and as many suits as I do now. I'm (slowly) building up a tolerance for spicy food (you hear that, Forest?).

I don't know. I guess it's got its ups and downs.