Gear Sherpa

Finding a job is tricky. Part on a whim and part on Chris' recommendation, I applied and interviewed for a bike messenger position. I got the feeling I was 'over qualified' and later heard from another messenger for the company that many of the others have 'substance abuse issues'. So, I was feeling pretty confident, presented myself pretty well (questionable self evaluation), got an offer, and turned it down. $12 an hour is not a lot. Then, I was offered less from a retailer off of Union Square. Who are they kidding? The sell jackects for $200 that cost them $5 to make in Vietnam and the store is doing record business every month. Come on.

Despite all these injustices, I've found a way to feed off the bottom in my spare time. Gear Sherpa is my little ebay business and basically I buy, repair, post, and sell backpacking equipment (about which I know waaaay too much). Shockingly, my little enterprize has gone pretty well and I was able to draw a paycheck this month. Look out world, I made a dollar.

It has been really fun to work out the simple business process for accounting, posting, shipping, tracking, and financing the business. I think Gear Sherpa is probably one of the most overmanaged companies in its class. :) So, I've created a fun little learning experience for myself that will hopefully pay for groceries. And, yes family, this year you will all be getting used outdoor gear for Christmas.

As I'm learning about bidness, I see that there's really some potential here. Ebay gives anyone access to a market for just about anything. Small operators who dont need a big margain to be profitable, unlike many larger businesses, can do salvage, repair, resell businesses. The possibility is really enormous - small appliances, electronics, small furniture. If it's light enough to ship and labor intensive to repair then there's probably an opportunity to make money off of it on ebay.

The Celtic Wheel of Prayer

One of the best things that has happened in our spiritual life in the last year has been taking up the practice of reading this book each evening. Chris and her friend Lisa were wandering through The Green Apple, which is a voluminous local used book store. Lisa bought it for Chris with the idea that it would be a good way to wind down the day. Chris and I really enjoy the wilderness and the old Celtic prayers really connect to the rhythms of the oceans, seasons, and farming. Most every evening we read and reflect for about 10 minutes with the guided prayers. There's a little thanksgiving section that's really helpful. And, occasionally we even do the morning prayer over breakfast together.