Author Archives: 365 days of marriage

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About 365 days of marriage

I started this blog in April of 2011. At the time, Bret and I were wedding photographers and it was a way to share how marriage is more about the day to day and so much more than the wedding day itself. For about 5 years, I blogged about the joys and sorrows of the Christian walk, marriage, work, family and friends. I’ve blogged every day since a few weeks after I started. In May of 2015, we photographed our last wedding. Now, I have become passionate about simplicity, particularly in marriage, Christianity, business, travel and life. For a number of reasons, we have become minimalists. I’ve found that having simplicity makes life so much deeper, refreshing and joyful. I hope that this blog will help others see the benefits of living simply.

Day 1148 – Guest Post – Bret’s Musings On Working With The Rebel Race

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“My last post was about losing my job and being encouraged to start my own businesses and write a couple books. During this past month, I have had some really neat experiences, which I want to talk about.

I went to Texas for a few weeks working for Rebel Race. As I said in my last post, the work was tough, we worked every day, and sometimes all day. That experience was a blessing because I got to spend time with another entrepreneur, which meant I got to see lots of ways to run a business. I also learned some about construction, even if they were just obstacles, and got to see Texas and some of the rest of the states in between.

We drove to Texas in U-haul trucks. That was interesting because I had never driven a truck that long; I think it was like 35 feet. For the first couple hours I was by myself, going down lanes that were narrowed because of construction, with semi trucks getting a little closer than I was at first comfortable with. After stopping at a few hotels, and getting a flat tire, we eventually made it.

The race was set up in a little town about 20 minutes south of Dallas. I did get some time to see Texas. I got to get BBQ a couple times, and went to a local bar a couple times with the other guys I was working with. I also found a neat place to work out so that was a blessing. I also got bit by fire ants which was a first, saw some really weird spiders, and so many grasshoppers that I thought it was a plague. I didn’t see much of Dallas. It had way too many freeways and buildings for me so I wasn’t really comfortable there.

Probably the most notable experience of working with Rebel Race for the past few races has been getting to work with a range of people. In Maryland, I got to work with a man who was probably about 60 years old, rode his bicycle to the event, and slept under one of the canopies during the nights. After the last day of work, I offered to give him a ride, which he was thankful for. Through talking with him, I realized he was homeless, but he wouldn’t allow me to take him much further than Towson because he didn’t want me to go out of my way. But, I got to talk to him about God and being thankful in all circumstances, which I felt really uncomfortable doing knowing that I was going to be sleeping in a bed that night. But he was so thankful for the things I said. He started telling me about a number of bad circumstances in which he felt he had no other explanation for getting out of except that God had helped him. Really remarkable was that he started crying because he was so thankful for the things he had, which were pretty much a few clothes, a bike, and some work a few days a week. I couldn’t believe it; a homeless guy was so thankful for the things he had that he was crying. I reminded him that he already had the most important thing he ever needed. He told me that he was ashamed that he felt he had been thinking only about himself lately, but that he wanted to remember the ways that God had blessed him. I got to pray with him before he rode off, and I was just so humbled by that experience.
In my next post I will share an inspiring experience about not giving up. Until then, I hope that reading about these things will help some of you the way they have helped me.”

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Day 1145 – Bret’s Musings Replaced by Pigs and Coffee Dates with Friends

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Today I got a call from my friend Heather, seeing if I was free to grab coffee. I have to say, this is one of my FAVORITE things about working from home! Being able to drop everything and go see a friend! We had a really wonderful chat.

I took a quick picture of the key chain I gave her for her birthday…

I also showed her the blog post I wrote about her and got her reaction…

So, you know today is supposed to be Bret’s musings….and you also know it’s been a while since he was able to write a guest post….between traveling halfway across the country, starting school again, writing a book and working on his business…he’s been a little busy. Instead of nagging him….again….to write a post, I figured I would replace him….with pigs….

Ok ok, so I didn’t replace his post completely….he was actually there with me watching the pigs…

This is his “I’m not photogenic face”…

So why were we watching pigs? Well, it was our now annual trip to the state fair! As last year, we spent very little. We got our honey again. Very tasty! And we grabbed a basket of candy. That was it! It’s just fun to walk around, look at everything, try and win a scratch off at the Maryland Lottery booth (this year we won a hat and sunglasses) and avoid the shouts of the carneys running the games! All in all, a great trip and wonderful day!

Day 1143 – Update or Where The Heck Have You Guys Been?? or Life is Wonderful

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OK! So I did post about a week ago giving a mini update on where I was. Today I want to tell you what has been going on for the last month in the lives of the Gaitans!

First, Bret helped out with the Rebel Race again, this time he went to Texas! He left on July 31st and returned on August 22nd. Now, you may remember his musings about losing his job at the beginning of July. He shared what we both feel, bottom line, as he said “It really has been one of the best things to happen to me, and I have been able to give thanks in this circumstance.” We still feel this way, even more so now. The money that he earned in Texas, a payment from the GI Bill and we’re in the green until next year. Yea, you read that right, NEXT year. Bret thinks (and I agree) that it was God just covering our eyes to a certain part of our budget and making it clear the direction we should go (move back in with my family, him work with Rebel Race, etc). God is beyond words good. We are SO thankful!

Second, the day before Bret left, a woman was attacked in her home….right across the street from us. So, we decided that I should stay with my parents while he was gone. This also happened the day after we sent in our lease ending letter. Talk about a clear “yep, you made the right decision to move out” sign!

Third, to catch up on my posts, I thought I would share a few things! So, I’ll backtrack with a few wedding ideas, a few of my favorite wedding vendors and share a few anniversaries!

Lastly, thank you to all my wonderful followers, friends and new readers! I appreciate your understanding and patience about new posts! Our lives are getting back to normal…well, normal for us…so expect posts every day again!!! We have a number of engagement sessions and weddings coming up, so lots to look forward to!!!

Oh! And here is a picture of Bret and I in 29 Palms from a few years ago. The past two months have been a great reminder of what we have…and what we don’t have to worry about anymore….namely, the long distance relationship. As Bret says, we’ve been spoiled getting to see each other every day!