Trade #1

So this was my first trade. What happened was I read the Kyle MacDonald story to a small group of students and then, on a lark, offered them my BLUE paperclip for trade.

I immediately got offers of inch-long pencils, a pen with a chewed cap, and other paperclips. But not this kid. This kid (since he's a student, I'll call him "Bob" to protect his identity) offered me a silver Sharpie marker. He said that it could write on black paper. I thought that was cool and way better than a paperclip, so I happily traded with Bob.

Here is a pic of Bob as happy as a lark with his new paperclip.

When I asked him why in the world he'd trade me a Sharpie for a silly little paperclip, he said he needed one for his Science report and that he had 6 silver Sharpies in his pencil case. I guess you can't argue with that logic.

The last time I talked to Bob, he still had the blue paperclip tucked neatly away in his wallet. He seemed convinced that it was more special, more valuable, than a standard paperclip, even a blue one.

I hope he's right. I also hope he didn't get in trouble with his science teacher! Maybe I could put in a good word for him.

Either way, I have to thank Bob for his help. Without that Sharpie, I never would have gotten to where I am today.

I wonder, if I'd have taken the short pencil, would I be further on in my journey towards getting my wife a storefront for her cake business, or would I just be writing this story with a cramp in my hand?