Captain's Log - Chapter 47
Weather - Cool
Mood - Light and chirpy
Still Reading
1. LOTR (the King is still returning)
2. Getting Rid of Gout
3. The Intelligent Investor (Benjamin Graham)
Almost there...Conquest of Gout - My Story
Hey, liked the way that the title of this update sounds. Perhaps I will write a book on my battle with gout when I am retired. Some may ask why not do it now. My answer to those who says live life in the present, I say to them, "yeah would like to do that, just give me more time to fulfil my other responsibilities!"
Managing time well is important, what is more important, to me, is that we live our lives in a highly 'aware' manner. That is, being aware of what you are doing each and every minute. This will make life more meaningful and rich. And hell, do enjoy a few hours with your PC or XBOX console if you want to. What's life without the fun factor. Just remember not to indulge too much! :)
Recently wrote a piece on leadership within my organisation for an upcoming publication. Well, you can say that this is my first foray into novel writing, all my previous experience revolves around company reports and briefs, thus, pretty dry stuff. Paired up with a co-writer, we targeted to write something inspiring... something that will uplift employees in time of crisis. Sure, that sounds like a good and fun idea.
My co-writer is truly ambitious, stating that Newsweek and TIME style of writine articles should be adopted for for our article. Well, I thought that'd be cool. But had to do some homework to brush up my writing skills to attain that level of expression. Lo and Behold! When I received his draft write-up, I was...... totally not impressed. He did precisely what he wanted to avoid. Using boring corporate speak, his portion of the article makes a for a good reading just before bedtime.
Flabbergasted, I started my portion. Well, at least I think my portion is better. Now I have to do some 'damage control'. as the saying goes, helping others often translates to helping oneself. So, better get back to that manuscript.
Have a good weekend!
Captain's Log - Chapter 46
Weather - Cool
Mood - Bored
Still Reading
1. LOTR (the King is still returning)
2. Getting Rid of Gout
3. The Intelligent Investor (Benjamin Graham)
Battle with Gout
Despite going gout free sometime back, the annoying, if not painful, affliction is back. It has been a source of pain since last week when it decided to pay me a surprise visit on my left big toe and ankle. This attack took place despite the fact that I have been watching my diet closely for close to a month. This round of attack is morale sapping. But I vow not to give up the fight.
The only cause for this attack can be pinpointed to the food I consumed at a colleagues wedding. Ate very little of the protein rich food served during the lunch - translate to meaty dishes. While my consumption level is low, I cannot deny that I had fish, chicken, mushroom and shark's fin (I know there are environmentalists out there - but I do enjoy a good bowl of shark's fin soup and I am not going to apologise for that). It may look like a lot but in reality, my consumption level was at best 30% of what the people at my table was consuming. Guess that 30% for a gout sufferer is not low enough.
Just sharing my thoughts on how I have accepted that gout is and will be a part and parcel of my life. Giving up certain foods are hard to do, but it must be done. Am doing this not only for my own sake but also for the love of those around me. Yes baby, if you are reading this, I am talking about you.
Gout is a disease that the sufferer has to accept. Lifestyles have to change. My word of advice is that while acute attacks keep coming despite best attempts at controlling diet etc, do not give up no matter what.
Goodbye buffet lunches/dinners... thanks for the good company - cow, lamb, sheep, oysters - on the dining table that is... love you my favourite soy bean drink, and yes not forgetting my favourites snack - nuts, all kinds of nuts. Thanks for the great meals.... :)
Captain's Log - Chapter 45
Weather - Cool
Mood - Ok
Still Reading
1. LOTR (the King is still returning)
2. Getting Rid of Gout
3. The Intelligent Investor (Benjamin Graham)
Intelligent Investing
Have been doing some research on stock investing recently. Based on the investment guru/sage Benjamin Graham's advice, I have researched and zeroed in on some local stocks. But having been burnt in my previous outings.... well, a profit of $500 plus is not that bad for one of my investments. But I do have a $900 paper loss on another. Making it a $400 overall loss.
Coming back to my most recent investments plans, I have actually zeroed in on Singapore Post. It last traded at 71 cents. A careful study has shown that its Price/Earning ratio is now around 12. So that makes it quite moderately priced at the low side. Moreover, there have been assessments that this stock is quite a good buy. My current worry is whether have I done enought research to ensure that I am not plunging blindly into another investment. Given up the idea of speculating - the activity where people buy stocks on their 'feel'.
While there's no doubt that we are entering a bull market, I do want to ensure that my principal is well invested and provide me with returns that will at least beat inflation.
Will update my investment decision here once I have decided on it!
