The compounding nature of life- the health things

I think it is quite easy for things and events in life to multiple..
I first learnt about compounding when I looked at the interesting example of finance.
In the example I read it stated that the multiplying of money due to interest, interest on top of interest, was called the compounding principle. Einstein called it the 8th wonder of the world. In fact, I like to think of it existing in other areas of life.

In the Middle East for example. Who would have predicted several states protesting in the streets, with so much passion and dedication they would overthrow their own dictator? I don't think anyone saw it coming in Egypt. Then Tunisia, Libya,Yemen, who next? This spread, the impact from one nation spread maybe through the internet- but it spread.

In my own life over the past few weeks I have noticed how health compounds. In around 2004 I would say I was at my healthiest. I was super strong, fit, ate well, had plenty of friends and a stunning, loyal partner. A slight knock to my health didn't really cause much of a problem, I was super healthy after all. I had a high muscle to fat ratio, meaning, my metabolism was great. I could eat fast food and not put on weight, no problem. I could adapt and turn my hand to any sport, pretty much. I think this is the same for many athletes at the peak of their fitness. Ok, they might not be able to do well at every sport ( I can't play golf at all, or can't shoot, or ride horses) but they will have an advantage over someone completely unfit in regard to flexibility, strength, cardiac fitness, spacial awareness, competitive drive etc..

Recently, unfortunately, my luck hasn't been great. I first got ill from food poisoning in Jan 2011. Then, with bad advice from peers, I ate the wrong food. I went to hospital a second time, two weeks later in Feb 2011. I was very ill, though mainly because I had Just Been Ill.
At home while recovering I noticed pain in my teeth. I was off dairy products and as a consequence of being off dairy(they apparently help oral health, I heard this today- was a bit surprised) so had a lack of calcium. Also, I was on a strict diet, no protein really.
Anyway. I had been very dehydrated in hospital and out of hospital. So I had to take re-hydration fluids. You might have guessed what they had in them. Concentrated sugars. I was also recommended to drink lots of fizzy drinks. Result? Now I need 3 fillings, I have gum damage from over brushing (I thought I needed to brush harder and more often!)and because of the stress of my whole experience I have started to grind my teeth, unconsciously, in my sleep. For those worried about your teeth/gums here is a good article:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_9_32/ai_94639442/?tag=content;col1

I didn't write about my recent health issues for sympathy. I do not require or need sympathy. This is mearly an illustration of how something in real life, as opposed to financial life, can compound.
Health really does, as the body never really forgets what you put it through. Wow, that sounded serious! I guess, had I known about the consequences of too many antibiotics, or too much rehydration sachets, or not enough dairy, then I wouldn't have had compounded health problems. But, it is much easier in hindsight! Maybe I was ignorant,.. still...

I see myself as a positive guy and I'm sure right around the corner I'll be on the positive end of the compounding machine that is life,..

For everyone, remain positive. :)

Ciao for now...

New Youtube upload Cost of medical care

New Youtube upload Cost of medical care

I just uploaded a new video, took me over 3 hours to edit, 2 hours to upload and filming in both the UK and Thailand. Getting ill in Thailand is.... well check out the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OXd-XpGid4

Check it out. Like it. Share it. Email it. Love it!

ps. Good for people thinking of going traveling in Thailand/South East Asia.

Trials and tribulations of a good addict.

Recovering from two intestinal infections back at home in B'ham. After being hospitalised twice in Thailand and being forced to swallow a whole host of anti-biotics, over two or three weeks- my body is well and truly screwed.

I've been told my digestive system could be affected for up to 4 months or longer. The most hopeful prognosis is 4 weeks, and no diary, whatsoever.

So, apart from gritting my teeth when my madre eats some cheese, or worse still, cheesecake, in front of me, things aren't too bad. A lack of energy and weird ups and downs in my stomach, like there's a party I'm not invited too inside my chest, are the worst of it. Actually, the lack of strength combined with the fact that I can't, literally as it makes me worse, train or do any kind of physical exercise. Quite hard for me, as a wannabe pro bboy.

The first few weeks, especially in hospital, I watched films on HBO- possible in Thai hospitals. Back at home I've exhausted day time TV to the death. So what now? I've re-introduced myself to.... poker.

I have had a chequered career within poker. My first intro was facebook poker, where I learnt.
Going from 1500 chips, or something like that, to over 1 million. Before losing most of it and settling back to having about 75000. At that point I decided to play for real money.

Then, I joined partypoker. I was quite astonished when I managed to turn £15 into £150. In 3 days play, about 6 hours in total. I was high on my success, as most beginners get. I lost it all within 6 weeks. My first time going 'broke' (at least my poker funds were bust, anyway.).

Then, I joined full tilt and titan poker, maybe 4 months later, the cooling off period. I put maybe £15 in both. Ups and downs ensued. Followed by going bust for the second and third time.

I 'quit'. Felt good to say it. But, like all good addicts, I am no quitter.

I started playing live poker with a friend who moved to my city. And I started winning again.
I cashed in a tournament of 30 people, coming 3rd for £30. I won a small tournament at a friends, for £15. Then, I had planned to go the real local tournament, £25 buy in, £1000 or thereabouts, first prize. Flight to thailand. Guess what? Not only did I miss the casino game in B'ham, but Poker in Thailand is illegal. Game over.

Fast forward 8 weeks, 6 in pokerless Thailand, 2 for lack of energy.
I start playing 'free' poker again. Then, deposit £25, as you do.
Easy to do really.

I start winning. I go up to $48 from (40), then I join a $10 tounrnament, 1100 players. I play pretty badly and go out somewhere disgracefully shite like 900odd. Down to $38, or thereabouts.
I play a $3, 90 player tournament, today, after reading some poker books in town. As you do.
I, the quitter, come 2nd out of 90. Second place. Needed to repeat it, lame I know.
Bankroll boosted to over $80 and the quitter is back in the game.

Now just need to stay focused and not blow it all, again, for the 4th time.

Wish me luck, skill and the ability to stay as calm (think thai people calmness).

Ciao for now folks,..