Folks, the last 5 days have been profoundly difficult. The surgery I went through is something many others have gone through as well. But it was major surgery and most people are not sitting in the hospital writing newsletters two days later. That I can tell you.
I’ll spare you the gritty details of the surgery and the recovery, but there are many, including pain relievers and other meds. With a crappy little TV in the hospital room I was left with my laptop to communicate with and receive information from the outside world. But there was a lot of off and on sleep and constant distractions from people taking vital signs, administering meds, and providing information and prognoses.
Bottom line? Here I am. Back at my own desk and functioning better than I thought I would at this point. But yesterday a little frustration may or may not have come through in the Trade Log. Honestly, I was pissed because a political firestorm is taking place and I could not keep up with its details (or more importantly, filter it out).
That is emotion and it made me realize on the spot that I am trying to do too much, too soon. And while that is not good for me, I don’t think it is that great for you either. So, I had my first little post-op epiphany: “Calm the eff down, Gary, and look out for number one for a few days.”
I don’t know how I’m going to go about this over the next 1.5 weeks. This morning I feel great and ready to take on the world again. But that can unravel at any time, leading to frustration once again. So I am going to set my motor at medium and your expectations at moderate and we’ll see what we have over the next little while. I would suggest you avoid the Trade Log, assuming I even update it. I came this close to shutting it down, because I don’t want it to damage anyone else.
The thing that pissed me off the most is that Trump got in the news cycle big time while I was forced to be disengaged. And then seeing myself trying to give you advice or direction or anything worthwhile just added to the frustro.
I guess the most bottom line is that you should consider me off my game for a couple weeks and subject to mistakes, misreads or just plain impatient or illogical market management. I guess I have the right to be faulty. But I don’t have the right to pretend not to be faulty and not inform you of how I am feeling or of the effects of my situation. You are my customers (and some of you I consider friends), and I care about you more than you know.
To be continued. ;-)
I knew — and you probably did too — that the market would get wonky with you getting sidelined…
Welcome back and yes, take it easy for a while!
It seems to happen every time, doesn’t it? But I only thought it was when I go on vacations. :-)
Just a comment. As an EMT there is a core principle that I consistently remind myself of. If you don’t take care of yourself first you can’t take care of those that depend on your help. Rest up and recuperate and be well.
Very wise advice, sir. I shall heed. Thank you.