February 4th

I had only about 30 minutes to dip my toe into the markets for paper-trading today and I caught FAZ for a few small gainers in the short time I had available. I had some initial trouble reading what was going on but started to get a feel soon after I was watching. Both trades, one being a two-part position, were right but slightly early. Also, I sold too soon on both.
I am encouraged by my progress thus far but really need to "sharpen" my skills and try to determine why I tend to be early on both entries and exits.
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As of last Monday, this blog is 1 year old! My "year in review" will come soon.

January 28th

I had some extra time today to practice trade today so I took advantage.

Nothing unusual really... just looking for my favorite signs of direction change as guideposts for my entries. While my instincts seem to be improving, I still find myself in early, unable to sit back and wait for the candles to show me the way to a timely entry. Inevitably, I am also early getting out, though that is less of a concern to me at this point. When using 5-minute candles as signals for a call to action, I must allow the candles to complete unless it is an extreme move that is developing.

It is at my peril that I not develop the appropriate amount of patience.

January 27th

One lonely paper-trade today.
In between day-job appointments, I had about 15 minutes to stop at the office, eat a late lunch, and catch a glimpse of ERX while I ate a warmed up cheeseburger.
The 2:15 & 2:20 pm volume rush and the corresponding candles with their large wicks but relatively tight open to close ratios spoke of an impending burst of price. I was a shade early but correct in my idea when I took my long. I exited with a gain far too early but I was running late for my second appointment of the day as it was...
The close of the next large candle after the one in which I exited (2:40pm) was an ideal exit point; the big volume spike suggesting a change of direction might be approaching. Alas, I am still a prisoner to my day-job and don't have the skills sharpened enough to merit trading with real-money. However, with every practice trade I approach my goal.