I choose stocks I believe in. Not like the Jesus-or-Santa-Claus belief, but like the “my Seattle Seahawks would win the Super Bowl” belief.
Spoiler: they did.
Also, not a spoiler, because it already happened and is public knowledge.
I do turn a tad manic after I buy a stock. Once it’s snug in the portfolio, I pull up the real-time ticker on Robinhood and — much like grandparents scanning and drooling over grandbaby photos — I check on my latest arrival every damn minute.
It’s important to note: I am not a day trader. Nor a week trader. I’m a year-plus-plus trader. I ride the dips and the peaks, and yes, my mood swings a little with the highs and lows — all because I believe.
I research the CEO, employee satisfaction and culture, the company’s value, and growth potential. It’s a sound strategy, and so far, it’s been solid.
Onto running.
For funsies, I ran a 5K this morning. Black Eyed Peas and Smash Mouth kept my ears engaged while I focused on starting slow — very slow — especially up the first half-mile’s gentle incline. Then I gradually sped up after the mile marker, once I sensed my body and breathing were humming efficiently.
For the last mile, I kicked it up another notch. Fastest mile of the run.
Overall, I’m proud.
With training for a half-marathon in October, I’ve started browsing my stats to identify areas to improve. That first mile could probably speed up sooner. Now that my stamina’s increasing, I don’t need to be quite so cautious about burning out early. Not that I need to zoom-zoom, but shaving that first mile down to 11:30 (it’s currently hovering around 11:40–11:51) feels doable.
Lastly — I’m married, right? And every so often, there’s a flicker of grief that the flirting, the first-meeting jitters, are over.
But au contraire.
Running is wooing me with her enchanting ways — gifting me a fit body, strong lungs, and a powerful heart.
Well, goodness, it’s night now. I’m home from book club dinner and discussion, catching up with Dave on the couch while he watches hockey. It’s my Friday, and I’m contemplating using the upcoming weekend to shift the dining room from its boring whiteness to the dried thyme green I’ve already brushed onto two pieces of furniture and my office wall.
Who knew a gallon of paint could go so far?
Alrighty, I’ll meet you back here tomorrow.
Lots of love to you.
Love,
Jaclynn
Going On 40 