App obsession - cut the rope

I never got into angry birds, but I have to say that I love cut the rope, as does my Son. Happily, I got it on my Dell Streak tablet for free from the Amazon app store. This game is quick and requires some thought.

Mind murmur - finance focus factor

I am new to the stock market as an individual investor. My small portfolio is teaching me so much, most of all that I will not increase my personal involvement in this pursuit.

Today's interesting lesson is the value of diversification. Since entering the market 10 months ago, I have purchased 10 stocks. My overall investment is insignificant to so many people, but I decided that I had to start somewhere; something is better than nothing.

Despite recent volatility, I am not too far below my initial investment. Six of my stocks are up and four are down. Two show double-digit gains, and four show single-digit gains. Unfortunately, the four stocks that are down are way down, well into double-digits. Stop-loss orders probably would have been a wise approach, but....

For now, I will continue to watch and learn.

Mind murmur - sometimes it works out

Coming home from piano practice today, my seven year old son said to me, "I think the piano is a good fit for me." Be still my heart; I may have done right by my child! I will relish this victory as I don't know how long it will last. This was a luxury that I chose for me by way of my son, and I am glad that I did. I am learning to trust my instinct!

Today's lesson -- try new things; they may work out for the best. Based on that lesson, I will call today a success. Lest I not forget the productive work day and cross-training session.

Mind murmur - hp change

Whitman as hp's CEO? That certainly is interesting.... Might that provide some upward movement for the stock?

Chosen luxury - bracelet

Today I purchased my first Alex and Ani bracelet! I have been thinking about this purchase for some time now. For the past few months, fate has landed me at references to this company. More recently, I noticed that a shop was opening in Wayland Square, my new favorite area. The shop now is open!

After much contemplation, I chose the path of life charm for my first, but certainly by no means my last, bracelet.

The timing of this luxury is perfect, as I am feeling that I am giving so much with little reward of any kind. I choose to reward myself with this luxury and the luxury of a run later today.

Remaking again....

Where does the time go?  It's September, and my favorite time of year is here!  My mind has been running, but my body, not so much.  On the morning of July 31st, I ended up in the emergency room getting 10 stitches to the instep of my foot.  That part of my life certainly was not planned, and certainly took me off course. 

Fortunately, I have been making my way back to the course.  This past week, I found it and was hugely productive.  Strides were made in all five focus factors -- food, family, finance, fitness, and fun!  I am back on course and ready for the next remaking phase.

My current remaking is going to require a bit more organization and a lot more contemplation.  For me, contemplation must be accompanied by writing and thus back to blog.