5/13/10 Lilywhite

I raise my hand and touch the wheel
of change
taking time to check the dial

Thank the Lilywhite
I never knew her name
But she'll be passing my way sometime again.

For months I've pondered the following:

(a) The 'utility' of daytrading to my bottom line. Since January 1, 2010 my portfolio value has remained static. That's my best guess.

(b) Then I zoom out to the 'big picture,' and consider the 'minimalist' approach to trading. All-in early eighties, sell out late nineties. All-in post dot.com crash, sell out 2007. All-in Spring 2009, well- I would have to say sell out May 2010.

(c) How much does shorting add to the bottom line? It could be a considerable amount- if I get it right. Problem is I don't have time to get it right. It's easier to let the indexes drop to the point where sentiment has clearly disintegrated into a buy signal.

(d) In the absence of shorting, cash is the ultimate position during a sell-off.

In addition, on top of the day job, I am now moonlighting as a 'bounty hunter' or salesman for three additional employers/partners. And the eight-year-old is at the point where it takes more than 10-15 minutes to help him with his homework.

It all adds up to signing off the airwaves, and leaving short-term market timing to others.

I'll probably see you all around 8500. At that point I'll be reading the headlines and thinking it's time to get back in.