Trade #2: Worm farm for laptop (May 09)

In May I was offered passage as crew on board a yacht sailing North of Port Stephens. How could I refuse? I had planned to leave my job, LJ was gone and Winter was drawing in with it's frosty mornings. It seemed like an exciting way to tour up the East coast of Australia into the sunshine. I didn't have many belongings to take. The only thing I had tying me down was the worm farm! If I wanted to go sailing I'd have to trade up, and fast!

Captain Yacaaba collected me from Bundabah Creek at work and I went to stay the night, see if we were compatible sailors and happy for me to join as crew. It went well so I stayed for 3 nights. Before I returned to work to collect my things I sent a few texts to the staff to see who might want the worm farm. I crossed my fingers hoping I might secure a laptop from Matt. It was a long shot but you never know!

I got dropped off and collected a few hours later. Captain Yacaaba couldn't believe it when I arrived with the laptop under my arm! Matt had traded me for the worm farm! I couldn't believe it! I had traded up to something that was portable and of greater value! It had a damaged screen but it was still good. Enough. I guess.

Tiwi stood in for Matt on the photo as he wasn't around. (No I didn't steal the trade item!) And I shortly set sail into the sunset with a shiny new (ok maybe not so shiny or new) laptop! Yay!

Trade #1: Staff shirt for worm farm (April 09)

The rules of trade up stated that the first trade had to be work uniform. A hard first trade, LJ pointed out. I assured her that starting with a tough one would ensure good future trades. She offered me her worm farm for my t-shirt. In terms of value for money it would be a good deal, but the worm farm would be even harder to trade than a t-shirt! I don't think such an item is in high demand. Not to mention it's heavy, bulky, can't be transported without spilling (true story, don't ask!) and time consuming. She wanted it to go to a good home and I thought it would look cool as a first trade. Almost novelty infact. So I agreed and the trade was done! Now I'd just have to work on off loading the thing. Whilst trying to secure a new tradee I decided to name all 1000 worms Chris. And fed them banana skins.

All things begin with a DREAM

Why do people dream? Why do we strive for greater things in life? Is it pure coincidence that LJ and I met at The Great Aussie Bushcamp at the start of January 2009? I don't know the answers to such questions. Maybe we were just bored but our odd ramblings and hyperness gained us many a bemused look from anyone unfortunate enough to overhear us. LJ and I gave birth to the much loved Batmanesque expressions of "Giant jam rings!" and "Sweeping generalisations!" Together we could make even the most mundane tasks at work exciting. Notably forming Team Bin Run! (Smelly) service with a smile. We also entered the world of couch surfing together and found the most awesome host (James Nash...legend). To cut a long story short, when 2 open minded (is that a euthamism for mad?) young go getters come together, the world can become your oyster, so long as you ignore the puzzled looks and 'sensible' warnings around you.


"Success is not the key to happiness, happiness is the key to success." A wise man once coined this phrase. He needs no introduction. The point is that we should enjoy the journey. I believe that if you enjoy what you do it will lead to more things you enjoy. Simple enough. Well, trading up for me is about the journey. It's about meeting new traders, inspiring others who take a keen interest in what we do. Its about friendship and bringing people together. More importantly it keeps me sane. Trading up is a healthy hobby!