Cool Dude quote: "The only way to become a craftsman is through doing
and doing and doing and learning from your own experiences. If you
are afraid to start because you might make a mistake then I encourage
to quit right now. Success only comes through making lots and lots of
mistakes."

The Cool Dude hit the nail on the head (craftsman reference not
intended but happy coincidence :) I am VERY grateful for all my
mistakes on the Virtual Trader - which may sound odd - but I have
learned much more from those mistakes than from my successes.

Some of my mistakes:
- Not paying close attention and placed a Buy to Open instead of Sell
to Open. Fixing mistake (Sell to Close) cost $890 virtual dollars.
- Not paying close attention and placed 2 contracts on aapl when only
intended to do 1. Big Lesson: Slow down and double/triple check order
before placing.
- Not understanding what "bid" & "ask" actually mean. I'm not
completely sure but I think I finally, after researching, have a
better grasp.
- Getting upset when a stock has been PUT to me and then stock price
drops off. I realize now that it's only a paper loss until I sell. I
just have to wait for opportunities to sell calls & till the price
comes back around.
- For stocks especially, I NEED to do all the fundamental analysis.
- Sometimes it's just better to buy or sell a stock outright rather
than place an option.
- Don't let greed outweigh logic.

These are just a few of my mistakes. Please share your own challenges
- it would be of great help to learn from everyone.

Theresa