I’ve been making mistakes that aren’t me. I took a Lyft out to run errands and eat a quiet two-hour lunch. The list was done, so I called another car. Frank pulled up on time.

I always liked the restaurant business. By the time Akaisha and I bought a place of our own, I had already done every job in it, right down to the dishes. Ownership only finished what the work had started.

From the videos and live streams she sent me from her hair salon, I could see how much that shop means to her. She has poured herself into it the same way we poured ourselves into our restaurant.

I know how this may look—me writing about love so soon after Akaisha’s passing. I want to be clear:

That’s exactly what has happened to me. Every once in a while, you get shown the light in the strangest places—if you look at it right. I’ve been hit with a spotlight.

I met with the immigration lawyer again and signed more documents. Mexico loves papers and stamps. They must have a different stamp for everything.

It would have been nice if someone had mentioned this to me.

Sixteen days in the States. Ride shares, including the airport, groceries, and restaurants: $145.56. That’s $11.60 a day.

When all my friends think I am crazy for moving so fast in this new relationship, I remember something I learned long ago: when everyone is on the same side of the boat, I go to the other side.

As I get to know my Thai friend, language is certainly a challenge. I find myself speaking very basic English. Slowly. I recently learned that Thai does not even have verb tenses.

That is what my friends are telling me about my new relationship with my Thai lady friend.

An Open Book, Still a Private Man
Billy Kaderli

I never wanted to be a man of history. I am, at heart, a private person. The early-retirement FIRE movement grew organically from people like us who simply ventured out with a dream—no phones, no computers, no grand plan. Just backbone and curiosity.

A few weeks ago I went down to the Havana Club, and my good friend Mr. Bacardi was there. Latin jazz was playing in the background. As we were sipping some fine rum and swapping tales, Mary Jane walked in.

Two kids from Ohio on an accelerated college plan — aka dropouts — raised with a strong work ethic pretty much describes Akaisha and me.

I’ve been pondering this question since Akaisha passed away. Thank you for giving me this platform to think and write honestly, from the heart.

I find this information interesting, and it follows my own situation of wealth growth and spending.