Summer Parenting

I am home with my kids full-time this summer. I did it because I really wanted too. My son is going to be in first grade this fall, my daughter in fifth. I wanted to be there for them fully for at least one last summer. (After that even if I work from home I think I may hire help.)

We have been having a great time. We have done all sorts of fun things. Beaches, play dates, cabins, walks, long bike rides, a visit to the Raptor Center in St. Paul, movies, baking, etc. etc.

That said, I am feeling a bit tired. I am craving a little adult time...a little alone time. Well, maybe that is an understatement, but this is the hardest job on Earth, especially if you pour your heart and soul into it.

I have been trying to trade stocks, learn more about options, blog, get started on studying for the CPA exam, in between laundry, yard work, cooking, cleaning, trying to work out, playing games, and managing the worst allergy attack (to swimmers itch) that I have had in seven years.

All for no or little money.

Then I get hear a story about a woman making $50,000 a month and I sort of lose it. Ok - I have crossed the line into complaining.

So I had to ask myself again: Why do I do this? The answer: I don't know. Something deep in my soul tells me it is the right path for me.

Some part of me feels I must find total peace with it before moving on.

Plus, my kids are great. 90% of the time I have great fun with them, and even when its not fun, I am there. I am there. At that is where I belong, NOW. It may change in the near future, but for now, I am here. I am.

To all the mothers (and fathers) of this Earth who struggle with balancing their love for their children and their spiritual journey which the "cares of this world" - I get it.

Great Article

The article below makes many great points. I have been very bearish for the last 18 months or so. Here is the deal: I think we are in a sort of holding pattern. We could bounce again, only to make new lows. If you are a trader, there are some great short opportunities. If you are very small time, like me, you can accomplish this through owning puts on certain stocks. DO NOT play the options market without first educating yourself, though. It is very risky, and unless you understand hedging strategies, you don't want to do it.

Anyway, my point is: I think there is another substantial down leg coming. (Maybe this summer, maybe this fall.) If you are retired, and some broker or financial planner is telling you to take your money out of cash and get into stocks because this is the opportunity of a lifetime, run the other way.

Be conservative. Save. Make sure you can take care of yourself in retirement and don't buy into any of the get rich quick schemes floating around. NOTHING is wrong with cash during a period like this. Oh, I can hear it already: but...inflation, but the missed opportunity, but, but, but.

No, No, No. Hang in there. Hopefully you will have an opportunity to buy some dividend paying stocks very cheaply within the year. And then you will need a very good investment advisor to help you pick them. Or, do your homework over the next four or five months and you can pick them yourself.

All I have today!

http://www.minyanville.com/articles/AAPL-GS-GLD-FSLR-NAZ/index/a/23536/p/1

Even After Today

Remember, this info is for TRADERS. I am still short.