Monday Notes - Back to Work

6:00pm First, some thoughts on today's performance. Whether it was too much food in New York, a sore back, or just my too-typical Monday doldrums, I had major trouble getting the engine started, and as a result my energy level on a scale of 1-10 today was a minus 3 (hence the red on today's scorecard to the left).

And speaking of the scorecard (which as a reminder remains an experiment), I actually had a tough time grading my size management, as on the one hand, I kept things appropriately light in the morning given the low energy level and as I was providing some long liquidity on the early drop on TICK extremes and divergences to get a feel for the market's pace, yet didn't step it up nearly enough in shorting the 2:30pm abysmal attempt at a rally. So I settled on yellow although I have reasons to shade it both green for the morning and red in the afternoon.

And while I'd like a mulligan on that afternoon climb toward resistance, I suppose I should accept the day which may be best summed up by the offsetting "focus" grade (red) and "avoiding trouble" grade (dark green) ... for they could have easily both been red. Been there, done that.

As is said, know thyself ... and for whatever reason, thyself wasn't particularly sharp-minded today.

Now to respond to a few questions and discussions I had while in New York.

One person comically asked me how that "increasing size" goal was working out for me. Yup ... I'm having a tough time making the move, and fog-brained days like today don't exactly provide the best environment to do so. Remember the classic Airplane quote: "Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit amphetamines" ?? The plan is still there ... I just need to get off the pot.

Another person (two actually) suggested that I have too long of a leash with comments that address the same topic over and over again which lessens the focus on relevant dialogue and current issues. And after thinking about it, I think they may be right. So while I continue to encourage open debate and dialogue in the spirit of strengthening each other, and can probably count on one hand the ones violating the FAQ which I couldn't post, I'll try to do a better job there. And yes, I'm very much aware of when people are creatively abusing the privilege or otherwise crossing the line ... you cross, you lose the privilege to post. Time and energy are both finite quantities in this life.

And speaking of the blog FAQ, here's the re-post of the link to the left as a reminder to all:

What It Is:
- First and foremost, a personal historical journal (diary) and motivational tool;
- A therapeutic forum for me to share my thoughts and opinions or otherwise vent (usually to myself);
- A forum for interested onlookers to participate in the dialogue by submitting comments (see Comments guidelines below).

What It Isn't:
- A commercial site, including a platform for referencing, advertising, or selling services;
- A "Gee, Look How Swell Don Miller Is" site (there's not enough space on the Internet to list my weaknesses);
- A site that in any way suggests anyone to engage in trading or other activities I may pursue;
- A site recommending any particular trading method or style.

Comments Guidelines:
I encourage all to submit comments in the spirit of strengthening each other and engaging in other constructive dialogue, and will publish all comments -- including those that share opposing views -- under the following guidelines:
- Submitters must be registered. The blog "switch" for posting of anonymous comments is off;
- Comments with links (or link requests) to commercial or subscription sites won't be posted;
- Unprofessional, disparaging, or threatening comments won't be posted.

Bottom line is it's a personal journal currently open to interested "onlookers". Those looking for something else are always welcome to "change the channel".

One recent post who asked to remain private "opined" (gotta love Bill O'Reilly) that I may have subconsciously crossed the line at times to blog "coaching", a comment that he/she meant with all sincerity. That one got me thinking -- a lot -- and I don't have a good response for it other than to continually reinforce that we're all wired differently and there are many ways to "paint the canvas". Kevin Garnett gets mentally prepped for a game by screaming at the top of his lungs, while others meditate.

So that's pretty much it. I remain more than willing to share what this soon-to-be 48-year old brain may be thinking about, but don't have any magic potion to sell.

If you're new to this diary, welcome. If you're skeptical of hidden agendas, history in this industry has certainly given you that right.

I just try to get up every day and see if I can make it through without stepping all over myself. That's pretty much my definition of a successful day.

Have a pleasant evening.