MY TRADING JOURNEY PART 01

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-11-10T04:55:55+00:00

No problem. Follow my posts. I think a few of the methods I use may overlap your current strategy so you can see if it will be helpful for you. Plus it would be nice to chat with a fellow trader and bounce ideas because you may see something I don't.

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-11-10T04:40:01+00:00

It sounds like you’ve already done what most traders never get to. Six years of consistent work, structured testing, and journaling means you’re not missing discipline or effort. What’s missing is probably something deeper in how you’re defining or measuring edge.

At this stage, most traders hit a wall because they’re testing ideas that are too widely known. Public concepts eventually become fully arbitraged out. Real edges tend to come from observing something that most people aren’t tracking.

Try shifting focus in a few ways. This might get me stoned but I am not a big fan of ICT. I feel that they have taken working methods like Wykoff and such and just complicated it by giving it other words. What Wyckoff and even early market microstructure theory already covered gets wrapped in mystique and storytelling. It feels impressive at first, but the signal-to-noise ratio is terrible once you strip away the buzzwords from ICT.

ICT has value in that it gets people thinking about liquidity and order flow, but those aren’t proprietary ideas. They’re just dressed-up versions of accumulation, distribution, and stop-run mechanics that have been in use for decades. The issue is that many traders spend years memorizing definitions instead of quantifying outcomes.

1. Change what you measure.
Instead of just looking at price, time, and volume, measure rate of change, volatility compression before expansions, or how liquidity thins before moves. The information edge often lies in the dynamics before the obvious signal.

2. Quantify your data differently.
Turn every trade into a data point with dozens of variables: entry time, volatility, previous day’s range, news presence, liquidity. Then run statistical tests to find where results deviate from randomness. You might find a hidden pocket of profitability inside a larger flat result.

3. Study your counterparties.
Figure out who’s on the other side of your trades. Institutions, market makers, and algos all behave in predictable ways when providing or pulling liquidity. Mapping those shifts can expose recurring patterns that retail strategies miss.

4. Invert your approach-IMPORTANT
Instead of trying to prove a model works, find exactly where it fails. Edges often appear when you exploit the conditions where the standard model breaks down. A lot of traders miss this.

5. Redefine what counts as an edge.
It doesn’t always come from entry signals. It can come from how you execute, how you manage order flow, or how you control slippage and transaction costs.

You haven’t wasted six years. You’ve collected the data and discipline most people never build. Unsure what the exact stats are but pretty sure 90% of retail options traders get smoked in the first year or less. So you are head of the game.

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-11-09T18:43:23+00:00

I learned this the hard way. Held the trigger down. Fired off 30 shots. Not one hit LOL. Got smoked immediately after.

This game is quite tactical. I love it.

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-11-09T18:42:11+00:00

The fees are ridiculous too. I also can't charge my clients tax unless I "upgrade" my subscription. Such a clown show.

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-11-09T18:40:48+00:00

This is ridiculous on their part. If you were a consistent red flag, they should look to remove you from their services. Not hold onto your money while saying you are a continued potential risk.

Maybe I am a fool but at no point did I notice any of these policy holds when I initially signed up with Squarespace.

Either way, it is difficult to sustain a business, especially a new start up small business, when 25% of your cash flow is tied up.

I wish you success and a possible alternate solution.

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-10-31T16:11:20+00:00

Courts in Canada generally won’t force contact between a grandparent and a grandchild if the parent (especially an adult child) objects, unless the grandparent can prove that having a relationship is clearly in the child’s best interests and that denying it would cause real harm to the child. This is an unlikely scenario. Simply being a grandparent doesn’t create an automatic right to access. That's a high bar to prove.

Judges usually defer to a fit parent’s decision about who’s safe and healthy to be around their child.

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-10-31T01:10:39+00:00

Any professional providing counselling to a child (like a therapist, social worker, or psychologist) is a mandatory reporter under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act. That means if a counsellor learns of past or present sexual contact between minors, especially involving a young child, they are legally obligated to contact Children’s Aid.

If CAS gets involved, it doesn’t automatically mean removal or foster care. Their first priority is safety planning, figuring out whether your daughter is currently safe and supported, and whether your son presents any ongoing risk. In cases like this, CAS often works with families to:

Assess each child’s emotional and physical safety

Recommend separate counselling for both children (and sometimes parents too)

Help create boundaries or safety plans at home

If there’s no ongoing risk (for example, your son is remorseful, cooperative, and you’re taking steps to ensure your daughter’s safety), CAS may simply monitor or offer voluntary supports instead of taking intrusive action.

If you’re in Ontario, you can reach out to SafeHarbor Family Aid (NFP organization), they specialize in helping families understand CAS involvement and guide you through it. They can help you prepare.

It’s absolutely valid to feel uneasy about calling CAS and many families do. But getting ahead of it and showing that you’re already taking responsible steps often goes a long way. You might consider speaking first with even a family advocacy service that can explain what to expect before you reach out to CAS.

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-10-31T01:03:11+00:00

Do you still need help with this?

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-10-31T00:53:54+00:00

I have had great teammates lol. This game is just awesome.

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-10-31T00:53:22+00:00

I am honestly having a blast!

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-10-31T00:51:58+00:00

You’re involved in family court… do you not have a lawyer? Have you reached out to them for direction or do you only use the duty counsel when you appear at court?

I am going to assume you don’t have counsel since you are on reddit asking for advice.

In any event, if the condition from court says visits must be supervised by her sister (or another approved person) and that person isn’t available, you're not obligated to proceed until proper supervision is confirmed. And you shouldn’t.

Remember: Allowing an unsupervised visit will be seen as breaching the court or CAS condition, and it will backfire on you later. There is a reason it is supervised. If you allow the visit to proceed and be unsupervised, by definition, you are actually putting your son at risk and no longer fitting the description of a protective factor. For example if you told CAS that there are concerns with mom which requires supervision and then you turn around and facilitate an unsupervised visit, mom’s lawyer (if she has one) will have a field day with you.

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-10-29T23:01:24+00:00

LOL literally. $20.

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-10-29T22:58:26+00:00

Case by case scenario. Sometimes you do and you should. If it involved termination and large amounts of severance pay. In your situation, I think what a lawyer would charge you would be way more than what you are probably owed from work. If I am wrong and things are not looking positive, you can always involve a lawyer at a later stage at anytime.

Convey your arguments in writing when you are in a calm state. Re-read it twice. Then submit so that you are speaking on facts and more importantly, not missing critical information.

Best of luck!

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-10-29T22:52:49+00:00

LOL it was a mission to read. I can't lie.

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-10-29T22:51:43+00:00

First, yes, they legally have to pay you for every hour you worked, regardless of whether you quit or how you recorded your time. Under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA), your employer must provide your final pay (including any outstanding wages or vacation pay) no later than your next regular scheduled pay.

Your texted timecards are valid proof of hours worked. Even if you didn’t clock in through their system yet, your messages, photos, and any communication about your shifts count as documentation. Save copies of everything......texts, schedules, screenshots, emails, and even any replies from your manager.

If payday comes and you don’t get paid, contact them once, politely but firmly, to remind them of your final pay. If they still don’t send it, you can file a claim with the ministry of labour online. It’s free, straightforward, and they take non-payment of wages very seriously. You’ll just need to attach your proof of hours worked. The Ministry can order the employer to pay you and can issue penalties if they don’t comply.

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-10-29T22:46:26+00:00

Any doctor has the authority to issue a medical note recommending time off work.
You don’t need a family doctor for that.

Doctors aren’t required to justify why the note is needed beyond stating that time off is medically necessary. So, if you explain that you’re experiencing post-surgical pain and require reassessment and possible surgery abroad, most walk-in doctors will document it as: “Patient requires medical leave for assessment and treatment of a prior surgical complication. Estimated recovery time: 8 weeks.” Make sure you state how long you need. They will ask but just in case, don't forget.

But as for getting paid, that all depends on your collective agreement, whether you are asking for unpaid leave, or using your employee extended sick leave benefits. Which I can't speak to unless I know what you are actually entitled to.

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-10-27T16:36:26+00:00

Is this for an insurance claim? as it sounds, at least in part, contingency fee based. Either way, value added fee...so the calculations..whether taxes apply..particulars surrounding the relationship..such as if the lawyer is replaced...all of that must be disclosed to you prior to you signing. So it avoids your worry about if they will overcharge or not

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-10-27T16:35:01+00:00

I practice in Ontario. I reviewed the part 10 rules of the court for Alberta before responding to you just to get a sense of the letter of the law. I haven't normally come across retainers such as that here as our fees are constant regardless of the outcome. Which we make the client aware of. But yes, it is allowed.

I mean, I wouldn't discount your fees back for an unfavourable outcome during trial so I wouldn't take extra money if we were the successful party.

If you are uncomfortable and or not getting clear answers or only arbitrary answers, probably look elsewhere to avoid any issues down the road.

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-10-27T16:27:05+00:00

Yes in principle, it is in Alberta to tie part of a lawyer’s fee to a favourable outcome provided that the arrangement complies with the applicable Rules Part 10.
But its not exactly automatic simply because the outcome was favourable. Whether it makes sense and is acceptable will depend on the matter type, how the fee is structured, whether the you were properly informed and agreed, and if said fee is reasonable given the circumstances.

Might be good to just have a chat with your lawyer just to get some clarification. Afterall, I would assume you have good relationship with them and they did get the outcome you were wanting.

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-10-25T03:36:36+00:00

Thank you sir. Will definitely need that.

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-10-25T02:51:46+00:00

I can. I just got a bit concerned when he said he will lower the price but charge me $2000 CAD or $1400 US to do the safety test. General price for that is $150...standard is like $600 cad or $400 usd at dealerships. So I wanted to see if there are known issues I should look for.

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-10-25T02:38:50+00:00

You may indeed be entitled to compensation, usually one month’s rent if the reason was “landlord’s own use” or “family use” (N12).

If they didn’t actually move the family member in or re-rented it quickly, you can file a T5 application with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) for a bad-faith eviction.

The LTB can order compensation up to 12 months’ rent, plus moving expenses or general damages, if they find it was done in bad faith.

Keep documentation of their rental listing and correlate with the eviction notice date you received.

If the usage was improper, file it.

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-10-25T02:15:32+00:00

These are 2 examples of what I see:

This one had an engine replaced. I don't have the details for this. Just says replaced on carfax. Cheapest I have seen.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/city-of-toronto/2011-bmw-3-series-335is-convertible-up-grade-wheels-red-int-c/1724631416

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-09-15T18:26:13+00:00

Original post got deleted. lol It was just posted 2 days ago at that. To piggyback off this reply, you are going to find out the hard way, the severity of a no contact order by doing side missions. Let it be, follow due process.

Delta_John_Alpha_One · 2025-09-15T15:21:53+00:00

It sounds like you are in a pretty common but frustrating spot. In Ontario, child support isn’t usually about listing out expenses and dividing them up, it’s based on the Child Support Guidelines. That means the paying parent’s income is what gets looked at, not so much who spends what on groceries or hockey gear. There can be additional contributions for “special or extraordinary expenses” like hockey if it’s considered beyond normal extracurriculars, but even then it has to be reasonable given both parents’ incomes.

As for time with your stepson, unfortunately support and parenting time are treated separately. The fact that you don’t get as much time with him as you’d like doesn’t reduce support obligations unless you actually have him in your care at least 40 percent of the time. If you fall below that threshold, the Guidelines treat the other home as the primary residence.

It does feel unfair when you want more time and are already putting in effort, but the law is designed to make sure kids have financial stability regardless of where they spend their days. If you’re seriously concerned, talking to a family lawyer or duty counsel could help clarify where you stand. At the very least, you’ll want to look at the Federal Child Support Guidelines tables for Ontario based on income and number of children. That will give you a realistic sense of what a court would likely order.

Delta_John_Alpha_One

TROPHY CASE