Daily Archives: July 8, 2013

I know how to paint–I did our kitchen–but would rather
barter to find someone who can do the rest of the house.

If the world worked on a barter system, how would you fare? Would you have services to barter? Would you be successful, or would you struggle? (Monday’s prompt from The Daily Post.)

I think it would be AWESOME if the world worked on a barter system. Then I could finally create a resumé that really represents what I can do. I feel like I have a wide range of skills in a whole host of areas (and am adding to the list every day), so I think I’d be able to manage quite well in a bartering society. Here’s what I can offer:

• teaching/tutoring (elementary math, science, and social studies; elementary through college level writing; ELL instruction for all ages)
• custom picture framing
• animal care
• creating newsletters/flyers for your business
• travel planning (Give me your travel dates, preferred mode of transport, and the type of activities you enjoy, and I’ll provide an entire itinerary)
• assembling flat-pack furniture (can supply my own Allen wrenches)
• handy(wo)man services (recaulk showers, minor plumbing repairs, install towel bars, hang pictures, program the DVR, etc.)
• cooking (nothing gourmet, but I can follow a recipe)
• house/office cleaning (I even do windows)
• laundry (I can do minor repairs, such as stitching up a hem or sewing on a button, and will even iron under duress)
• painting (interior–walls, ceilings, trim. I warn you, I am not fast, but I’m really type-A, so it’s quality work.)
• tile floor installation (I learned to do this via Google, but I did a damn fine job, if I do say so myself.)
• lawn care (mowing, weed-whacking, weed pulling–I will have a go at trimming the hedges, but do not guarantee results)
• personal shopping
• organizing (It’s much more interesting organizing other people’s stuff than my own)
• spoon carving (*NEW*)

In return, I am seeking someone who can trade:

• painting (Remember I said I’m not fast? I’ve got an entire house that needs painting.)
• carpet cleaning
• hardwood floor installation
• mulch spreading
• patio/deck design and construction
• landscaping
• tree removal
• Thai foot massages
• personal training

What do you think? Would you be willing/able to live in a barter-only society?  Know anyone who has studied Thai foot massage?