Feels Like FIRE

58 Days. I haven’t been working for 58 days, which is about two months. I still can’t get over that. In a way, it really feels like I’m living the financially independent lifestyle. I get up and do whatever I want. I can choose to read or write a blog. If I want to go for a run, I lace up my sneakers and zip … Continue reading Feels Like FIRE

A Moment of Silence

March 11, 2020. Today is the anniversary of the Great Tohoku Earthquake that claimed the lives of thousands of Japanese people. Events had been planned to remember the lives lost this day, but they’ve been canceled due to the coronavirus. Instead, we’re asked to observe a moment of silence. It’s very sad, but unfortunately, that’s how life is. Still, that moment of silence is all … Continue reading A Moment of Silence

Vice and Money

According to dictionary.com, vice is defined as “an immoral or evil habit or practice.” That could mean anything, but I’m thinking more along the lines of alcohol, gambling, and tobacco. This past Wednesday was Ash Wednesday, which means Lent is upon us–or for those who follow this Christian practice. I’m not really religious, but this is one of those things from my childhood that has … Continue reading Vice and Money

Catching Up

It’s funny how work always gets in the way of the things I want to do. The last few weeks have been very busy for me. As an English teacher here in Japan, I had to prepare for our special Christmas lessons at school as well as other End-of-Year activities. I think every educator knows that preparation is key when you’re in the teaching field. … Continue reading Catching Up

Black Friday, Japan

Things that make you go, hmm… Last week was Thanksgiving in the US, but I live here in Japan and there was hardly any mention of the holiday except from fellow Americans. However, the big thing that was on people’s minds was Black Friday–which made me go, “Huh?” Black Friday is such an American thing: Lining up at Walmart, people getting trampled just so they … Continue reading Black Friday, Japan

Five Things I’m Grateful For This Thanksgiving

Today is Thursday, November 28, 2019 in Japan. In the US, it is celebrated as Thanksgiving. In that spirit, I wanted to write about things that I’m grateful for.   I’ve written before how gratitude is my superpower. But I wanted to re-visit it today. It only seems fitting. So here are five things that I’m grateful for this season: Knowledge I am grateful that … Continue reading Five Things I’m Grateful For This Thanksgiving

Rushing the Process

So I just hung up the phone with my nephew. Or more like: I just switched off Facetime with Baby Boy. Baby Boy is in college, in his second year of the University of Connecticut’s Business Program. He texted me this weekend, out of the blue, exclaiming that Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad was one of the best books he’s ever read. I’m so … Continue reading Rushing the Process

End of the Year

So we’re coming up on the last two months of 2019. Frankly, I have lots to do on my list, and I feel like I’m bowing to the pressure. For the past few weeks, every morning I wake up, I review the things that I have to do for the day. I start the day motivated and then I lose steam later on. I become … Continue reading End of the Year