Day 3453 – We Don’t Give Christmas Gifts – repost

I read a fantastic article yesterday – The Case Against Buying Christmas Presents. It really struck a chord and I wanted to share it and my thoughts on gift giving at Christmas.

I stopped buying Christmas presents about 9 years ago. Like most things in my life, I started/stopped doing it for a superficial reason but the deeper reasons that resulted from the change became very important to me. I stopped Christmas gifts because of my own debt and the example of a close family from church who didn’t do gifts. I thought, huh, that’s interesting. So, I stopped. I’ll admit, that first Christmas was a little awkward, but my friends and family know I don’t do gifts. I still get a few gifts here and there (which I totally appreciate!) but now it’s expected that I won’t give one back.

As time went on, I still didn’t give Christmas gifts. Bret felt the same about giving gifts, so we didn’t. Looking back, I can see how those deeper reasons were a lot of the points the author of the above article made. Since we’re minimalists, we’re all about less stuff. And in turn, we don’t want to add to someone else’s “stuff.” It also frees us to give generously at other times of the year. The unexpected gifts are the best, in my opinion. 🙂

But I have to say, the biggest benefit has been a nearly stress-free holiday season, every year. There’s no “what am I going to get XXX for Christmas?” or “I have SO much to do!” Honestly, the biggest stress of our holidays is getting to and from the airport and flight delays. Since we’re not stressed about all the “stuff you have to do” at the holidays, we can truly sit back and reflect about the real reason for Christmas.

So, what do you think? Are we completely crazy?
(Just be glad I didn’t talk about some of the other topics that we’re REALLY in the minority about!)

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originally posted 12/1/16
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Day 3439 – How To Have A Good Marriage

The other day, Bret asked “what’s our secret?” i.e. how do we have such a great marriage? Here’s a few things we realized.

The biggest thing is communication. From sharing when something is bothering you, to not letting anything be off the table, to sharing even when it won’t be fun in the moment. We’ve learned a lot about each other’s communication style too – it’s SO important to know when the other isn’t actually listening. Sometimes I just want to share an idea without input. lol, like, this may not be a great idea, but I wanted to share it. Then later asking for practical input.

Another big secret is actually talking about the end. I think keeping in mind that you will go at some point helps you embrace the now. Almost every goodbye is laced with a “incase I don’t see you again, it’s been a great life.”

What are your marriage secrets?

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Day 3435 – What Does My Day Look Like?

A lot has changed and a lot has stayed the same as I’ve transitioned into real estate investing as my main job. I have adjusted my wake up time. It’s rare that I actually get up at 5 anymore, 7 is the typical these days. That is attributed to staying up later to work on things, which I’m ok with. My morning tasks have been lessened since I’ve put a number of things on the back burner….for now.

My morning
I gradually get up, enjoy some coffee and jump into devotions.
My devotions include an Ask Pastor John or two, followed by a few chapters in the bible. I’m currently doing a one year plan and am almost done.
After that, depending on how Bret’s morning is going, we’ll have coffee and chat about things. It’s really nice having that time together in the morning, whether it’s a quick chat or a longer one.
Next, I’ll spend some time reading. I used to read non-fiction/business/personal growth type books, but right now I’m using the time to finish up a few of my reading challenges.
After that, I’ll post in my Facebook group and respond to any comments.
I’ll then write my post here.
Then I’ll go for a run (3 days a week).
I squeeze in the wash here.

My workday
On come the work notifications at this point. I’ve really enjoyed that mental “clocking in and clocking out” of work each day.
The bulk of what I do in my workday changes from day to day. If we’ve recently signed a contract, I’m running the deposit up to our title company, and that takes a big portion of my day.
If our postcards have hit within the last two weeks, most of my day is spent on the phone and managing the leads.
Or I could be working at a client’s place.

I like that my days vary but also have a system and pattern to them.

My evenings
I finish up most of my work by about 3 or 4. Sometimes Bret will come home at the end of this day, right about 4, then we chat about anything that may have come up or just random things.

The evenings are spent either doing things around the apartment like dishes, putting clothes away, etc. Or reading. Sometimes preparing contracts or other work tasks.

I do think I need to do some refining to my mornings and my evenings. What I love about making changes is that sometimes just a small change or investment can make a BIG difference. My most recent investment was buying a Spotify subscription. Initially, the purchase was to listen to a setlist for Thrice while driving to their show, since you can download a playlist.

I got the trial but then decided to keep the subscription. See, I am on Spotify pretty much from 7 am when I get on the computer to about 8 pm when I go to bed. I mainly listen to movie soundtracks, Hans Zimmer specifically, so when a commercial would come on, it would really throw off my groove. Ahhh, it has made my workday much more peaceful, I have to say.

My weekends are mostly about working on reports and different projects, so my routine is much less strict.

Do you have a routine in your workday?

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Day 3434 – Reflections On Working With My Spouse Again – or – Our Tenth Closing!

Holy smokes, we closed on our tenth deal this week. It’s been a crazy, wonderful ride these past two years. While I didn’t expect to run another business with Bret, I’m not really surprised that we are doing just that.

Thankfully, I have an incredible marriage, to be married to your very best friend is one of the best things in life. We enjoyed working together in the photography business, but it was always MY business at the end of the day. When Bret started in real estate investing business over two years ago, it was his thing. I gave some advice here and there, gradually helping out in different ways, to where I am now, a full partner.

I think what’s made this business so much more fulfilling and good is that it’s OUR business. We’re both putting in a lot and we’re seeing the benefits of that. Talking about the business peppers nearly every one of our conversations.

I am so thankful to work with Bret again and look forward to doing so for years to come. 🙂

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Day 3431 – Childlike Wonder And Awe – or – The Secret To A Happy Life – repost

What’s really funny is that I was going to post about the importance of keeping your routine today….and here I am at 4:30 writing this post. I noticed this fun post in my memories and had to reshare it!

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Originally posted 12/2/17
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We hear over and over, have childlike faith. Be curious like a kid. Look at life like a kid does. There is so much to be learned from how a kid looks at the world, meets challenges, and how they play. One thing I’m VERY thankful for is a husband who loves to play too. This morning, I was reminded afresh of the power of childlike wonder. I watched a video about this guy who built Kylo Ren’s TIE silencer and BB-9E only from parts bought on eBay. He then shows the final product to a Star Wars kid’s club. The looks of absolute wonder and joy were enough to make me weep almost immediately. Take a peek at this short video about it. If you want to see the childlike joy reactions, start at about 1:40.

I want to live my life like that, to stop and say “WOW!” and not care what people think of my reaction. To appreciate what is right in front of me. And to actually play with it. How often do we build things, and then not enjoy them? I mean, seriously, you work so hard to have money in the bank, and “have a certain life,” but when was the last time you actually enjoyed it and played with it? I could certainly learn this lesson with books from the library. I’ll spend hours finding and getting new books, but I find sometimes it’s hard to actually sit down and read them.

In honor of playing today, I am wearing these.

I might even put on these.

How are you playing today? How are you seeking childlike wonder?

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Did you like what you read? Here’s some ways you can support us and this blog!
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