I'm a barterer.

Today has been a very productive day, and I feel like I am a bartering queen.

First thing this morning, I had a doctor's appointment. Bad news. Doubly bad news. But not bad enough to ruin my day, because it's not at all unexpected.

Then I went to Ed's cool office in historic downtown Provo to pick up some stuff that I bartered services for. A while back, I did some design work for Ed. In exchange, I asked that he take photographs of four of Murray's cool cameras for Murray's birthday. Things didn't work out to get them on the birthday in time, but that's okay because Murray had plenty of other birthday presents. But seriously. Look how cool this is:


Photographs like that make the news of needing a double bunionectomy seem like a trifling annoyance. Also? I have to admit that there's a small feeling of guilt accompanying this because I feel like I got so much more in return for my design service.

After getting the photographs, I went on another bartering errand, although I didn't know it would end up being a barter. I just figured I'd be a paying customer. I took a pair of pants that Murray bought me for my birthday (three months ago) to Jordan, goddess of sewing, to hem, because I tried and failed. And then I got to watch her surge and put in an invisible seam using machines. It was incredible. And I told her I'd be happy to do her baby announcement for free when the time comes. And that's how I bartered for a pant hemming. I am on a roll.

And then I got home and the oven repair man who was not Gordon Jump told me that we're going to have to spend $300 if we ever want to use our oven again. But really, that couldn't get my spirits down, because just think about all the money I saved by trading services earlier in the day!

Now, if only I can find a podiatrist who'll trade some design work for a double bunionectomy...

8 comments:

MTDA said...

I still can't believe your gift giving ability. I transcends your bartering abilities for sure....which are good obviously.

Jenny said...

I am so glad you had that idea. Cause now I will have the greatest prints in my living room, too!

AmandaStretch said...

It can't hurt to offer. My dad trades PR work for hearing aids.

-Love, Your DC area blog stalker

Christina said...

Ooooh, what can I offer you so that you give me a free baby announcement when the time comes?

Angie said...

If you ever want to talk foot problems, call me. I had surgery on a Morton's Neuroma one year ago... I can relate.

Kelly said...

As a fellow person with completely screwed up feet, I feel your pain. When I was 13, I had both big toenails clipped and cauterized because they wouldn't stop growing (very painfully) into the tissue on the side of the nails. The podiatrist injecting anesthesia into each big toe is still the most painful thing I've ever experienced. Even worse than the jaw surgery I had a few years later. And I also have at least one bunionectomy to look forward to in the future.

Or and my feet are completely flat.

Rynell said...

Ouch! I hope your feet feel better soon...
I just love bartering. Trading good old fashioned services is the way to go.

Jordy said...

I had a tic on my foot once. is that really your foot in the picture?