Saturday, April 23, 2016

New Address

The mower is on another yard now.  Find me at www.redridingmower.wordpress.com

See you there!

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Reflections

It is that time of year when some people take a moment and look back at the last year, and assess where they have been and where they want to go.
Here is my short inventory:
I traveled to many places, and got a perspective on how those people live.
I tried to integrate things I learned into my life, didn't always succeed, but at least thought about it.
I took a course in Project Management and Forex Trading to get a feel for what is involved if I want to make a career change.
I sat on the sidelines in many areas of my life, as I have done for a long time.
I got involved with serving others more by volunteering at AIDS Services of Dallas, but still gave into my fears of really getting to know those I served and who I served with.

So in all, there were some positives to come out of the past year.  Even so, there is a lot more work to do.  I want to make a bigger effort in the coming year to continue to serve, and break down the walls I have put up.

The other thing I want to accomplish in the new year is a focus on my overall health.  Life is too short to not be healthy.  I drink too much soda each week.  I want to lower my intake to no more than 32 oz of soda a week.  The other things I want to do in connection with my health is do regular exercise in the morning for 25 minutes and eat more healthy foods that are prepared at home, rather than fast food or eating out a majority of the time.

The last big thing I want to work on is communication.  This will require forgetting about my fears that I have had in the past, and move forward no matter what happens as a result of changing.

All of these changes involve planning, and that is another thing that I need to focus on.  Typically, I have been a live for the moment person.  I don't want to totally get away from that, but plan enough where I can accomplish my goals.

That is a good start for me, and I will let you know how it goes.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Christmas Thoughts

I never know what to ask for when Christmas comes around.  I also never know what to get people at Christmas either.  I don't get lists, even though I ask for suggestions.  It becomes frustrating, and then I end up not getting them much, which makes them frustrated with me.  

Last year, I took a different approach to shopping and what I am going to give.  Last year, I just bought whatever I thought they would like, and if it didn't work out, well everything can be returned or exchanged.

Last night, I saw "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", starring Jim Carrey.  He was wonderful as the Grinch.  I forgot how well this movie was made.  If you have some time to spare this Holiday season, I would highly recommend seeing it (again).  Yes, it is hard to expand a 30-minute cartoon into a 2.5 hour long movie.  This movie pulls it off.

My house is 85% decorated, with the tree being up and trimmed.  The last part to do is finishing lighting up the bushes in front of the house.  That will be done tomorrow.  I'll attach a picture later. Happy Holidays to you and your family!

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

FX Journey Notes - 11/18/2015

Today, I have to remind myself that I should blog regularly.  Apparently, blogging regularly is not part of my routine yet, so I have to set a reminder in my phone.

Okay, to the more interesting stuff....I have been in a Foreign Exchange Currency trading training class for the past week, watching videos from a trusted trader who is very successful.  I am learning how to trade Foreign Exchange currencies, aka ForEx, or FX.  I am trying to get through all the videos before my 2 week free subscription expires.  I have about 24 pages of notes to absorb into a daily routine when all is said and done.

My FX journey has been a constant barrage of emails from many sides from people that say they have a good, profitable system.  All of those people say that all you have to do is look at a chart to learn how to trade.  I have rejected that approach to one that makes more sense: trading the fundamentals, or trading the news.

Right now, I am trading on a $100,000 demo account, and doing okay to start.  I am starting out small, only risking a few dollars, and will work up to larger amounts.  I am not trading on a daily basis yet, as I am working on my routine and using all the other pointers that this successful trader uses.  I am not going to use his name, because I am not sure if I am authorized to use it.  Plus, I want to try this method first, and see if it works well.  If this approach works, I will be more than happy to share his name and let you know how I did, so you can do it too.

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Veteran's Day

Thanks to all veterans and your service to the United States!
My father was in the Army in the 1950s, and my brother was a Marine from 1989 - 2010.  I am thankful to them and all veterans for protecting our country.

Notice I did not say "protecting our freedom".

Yes, the USA is more free than most countries are, however those freedoms are eroding by the day. The loss of freedoms is a function of fear.  The thinking that by giving up freedoms for more security is a scary thing.

I am not saying that we need to have less security to prevent bad things from happening.  What I am saying is that we can be more secure without giving up more freedoms.  Here's an idea.  Why not enforce the current laws we have, rather than make new ones that encroach on freedoms.

Sounds simple, right?  Not so much.  What happens is that people want to see something done about bad things happening.  In the end, some people perceive that nothing is happening if we don't pass a new law or step up enforcement.  I am saying that we should do the latter before we craft new laws.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Miles To Go

A journey is beginning for me.  I have refocused my efforts on improving my outlook and self-talk.  Rather than put walls up to impede my progress, I have to fight hard to keep them down, and not be afraid of succeeding, much less failing at my new attitude.
There are many miles to go to get to a point where I change my mind and my perspective.  I am going to rely on experts who have been successful, and take their lead.  There is no reason it can't be me.
Writing this stuff down is the first step to making it happen.  If I write it and publish it here, then I am accountable to potential readers, rather than to people who have lost faith in me.
I used to think that I didn't intend to hurt anyone, but subconsciously I did, and without any regret or remorse in the process.  I know this is wrong, and I want to work on getting better.  I'll keep you up to date.
Even though things have been hard for me, and I have often been sad in the past, I hope to change that soon.  More to come soon.  Take care!

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Thoughts

No special theme today, just some thoughts that came to mind.  

1. I'm having trouble with getting over my fear of change.  I am looking for a new job.  There are a lot of them out there that I can do.  My challenge is strategy and confidence in choosing a position.  I find that in today's job market, a lot of companies don't have a lot of flexibility when it comes to matching my skills and abilities with job descriptions.  I get distracted by these thoughts, and have resorted to only online searches.  This is not working.  This week, the focus is going to be on relying on my current network of contacts, and making new ones to find what I am looking for.

2. I success a matter of luck, or hard work?  I think it is both.  Add the notion of making your own luck, and I become more hopeful.  I am working on starting to make my own personal brand this week, and taking the advice I have found.  It is a tough challenge, as I take an honest look at myself, and ask others to honestly evaluate me.  This scares me, but I am going to push on anyway.  Have you ever done what I am doing?

More thoughts to come.  My goal is to write something at least once a week.  Stay tuned!