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April 2023
One Tough Mudder
The Boston Marathon takes place every April, drawing many of the best long-distance runners in the world. I try to stay active, but I’m by no means an endurance athlete, and I’ve never participated in a marathon. But I did something similarly demanding when I decided to run a Tough Mudder in 2014. It was an interesting time in my life, before my health issues began in 2015. I was excited to open Promise Law that September and was particularly conscious of my physical fitness. In addition to my usual yoga, I was taking kettlebell classes. Our instructor told us that Tough Mudder was coming to our area in a few months, and a few of us decided to sign up. Tough Mudder is an endurance obstacle race that’s widely considered the most challenging in the world. The course combines several kilometers of running with demanding and somewhat dangerous obstacles that aren’t revealed until the day of the race. And while its difficulty may be unmatched, Tough Mudder is open to anyone willing to sign their terrifying waiver. I did my best to put the scary paperwork out of my mind and prepare for the race with running training. While Tough Mudder is not a traditional footrace, with several miles to cover, you won’t complete many obstacles walking. I purchased a book called “Run Right Now” by Joe Henderson and began a run/walk program where I ran one more minute out of 30 every week — running for one minute the first week, two minutes the second, and so on. ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOP — ON DEMAND Promise Law now offers our 7 Hazards to Your Estate Plan Workshop on demand. This free workshop explains the key planning concepts and documents and the factors in selecting a plan option that is right for you. Plus, enrollees who watch the video in its entirety can receive a complimentary attorney consultation with no obligation to retain our services. The workshop is available at PromiseLaw.com/estate-planning- workshop . Call (757) 690-2470 for more information.
Over a few months, I built up my endurance, and I appreciated a distraction from the stress of opening a new law firm. But I’m not sure I was prepared for what I faced on the event day. A few obstacles, in particular, stand out. Charmingly called the Arctic Enema, one required completely submerging your body and head in a freezing pool filled to the brim with ice. Though you only had to swim a few feet, it was an enormous mental challenge I’ll never forget. Another involved running through a muddy pit that would give you light electrical shocks every time you made a mistake. I’m sure you can imagine how unpleasant that was. There was one obstacle I didn’t complete. I was born and raised in Wyoming, where there aren’t many large bodies of water. I learned how to swim as a kid, but I’ve never been particularly confident in my abilities. This obstacle included taking a zip line that dropped you a fair distance into the water, and it made me nervous. While the organizers had improved their protocols since then, someone drowned in an obstacle the year before I participated. It was a real risk. As I approached the obstacle, someone said, “Don’t do this obstacle unless you’re a strong swimmer.” It was like a lightbulb. I needed permission to acknowledge this type of event as a boundary. I was more than willing to push myself, but everyone needs to know their limits. Missing that obstacle didn’t lessen my feeling of accomplishment at the end of the race. I ran almost the entire time, completed every other challenge, and didn’t collapse at the end. I’ll never forget how proud I was of proving my mettle.
That said, one Tough Mudder was enough for me; I don’t intend to go through it again. But I think we should all test ourselves now and then, and there are other physical challenges I hope to accomplish someday. They’ll probably include much less ice, mud, and electrical shocks.
–Geneva Perry
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outdoors, and do not hang your clean laundry outside to dry. After you have been outdoors, remove your clothing and wash your hair and skin to remove any traces of pollen. Do not cut the grass, pull weeds, or do any gardening. Remove pollen from indoor air. It’s inevitable that pollen will get inside your home and vehicle. To combat this, utilize your air conditioning or invest in a certified allergy air filter! A dehumidifier and/or an air purifier will help to lower the pollen spore count in the air. Rinse out your sinuses. When pollen overwhelms your sinus passages, one of the best things to do is to rinse out your airways. A sinus flush with a saline solution is one of the easiest and most effective ways to eliminate the pollen that irritates your respiratory system. Take over-the-counter medications. After checking with your doctor or health care provider, choose an over-the-counter medication that is right for your symptoms. Medications like oral antihistamines, oral decongestants, and corticosteroid nasal sprays are all beneficial in reducing the effects of seasonal allergies. When Pollen Strikes Nipping Spring Allergies in the Bud
Spring has arrived! However, rebirth and renewal aren’t the only things in the air. During spring, trees, weeds, plants, and grasses release small grains of pollen into the air to fertilize other plants. Because the pollen is small and light, it travels through the wind and frequently causes allergic reactions. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include congestion, sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, an itchy throat, watering eyes, and irritation in the roof of your mouth. If you’re prone to experiencing allergies all spring long, here are some useful tips to keep them at bay. Reduce your exposure. During spring months, keep the windows in your home and car closed. On particularly windy or dry days, avoid spending time
Hold the Cheese, Please! McDonald’s Customers Sue for Being Forced to Pay for Cheese
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, things got a little crazy! Two McDonald’s customers sued the fast-food chain for $5 million, alleging they were unfairly charged when they ordered Quarter Pounders without cheese. According to the lawsuit, the fast-food restaurant chain historically had four menu options: a Quarter Pounder with cheese, a Double Quarter Pounder with cheese, a Quarter Pounder, and a Double Quarter Pounder. The “with cheese” options were roughly between 30 cents and 90 cents more expensive than the “without cheese” burgers. At some point, McDonald’s discontinued the “without cheese” options.
not receive cheese on their burger but were charged the same price as a Quarter Pounder with cheese. Their lawsuit states that they, and other customers who do not want cheese on their burgers, are forced to pay for two slices of cheese anyway, and they sued for damages as a result of being overcharged and required to pay for American cheese when they did not want or receive it on their burger.
According to USA Today, a McDonald’s spokesperson advised that the company does its best to allow customers to customize their food orders. If someone doesn’t want cheese as it is listed on the menu, the fast-food chain will not include cheese, thus they didn’t think the lawsuit has any merit.
Only a Quarter Pounder with cheese and a Double Quarter Pounder with cheese were available at the time these two customers visited the restaurant. The ingredients listed on McDonald’s website for these items include a sesame seed bun, quarter- pound 100% beef patty, ketchup, onions, pasteurized processed American cheese, and pickle slices.
And because the McDonald’s customers failed to prove they were damaged by an overcharge, the case was dismissed!
These customers ordered Quarter Pounders but asked for no cheese on their burger, and they did
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TAKE A BREAK
FIND MORE ‘YOU’ TIME Developing a Self-Care Routine
Life isn’t easy — when juggling a career, family, children, social obligations, and housework, finding time for yourself can be difficult. Studies show that roughly 59% of individuals only make time for self-care after they’ve become stressed out. Here are some ways to develop a healthy routine that suits your busy life. Become intentional. When developing a self-care ritual, it’s essential to identify your reasons behind taking better care of yourself and to pinpoint your needs. With a clear vision and motive behind your efforts, developing healthy habits to nurture and incorporate into your everyday routine becomes easier. Create large and small self-care options. You don’t need to do the same self-care ritual all the time, but make it a point to do something for yourself every day. On busier days, you may only have a moment to take a few deep breaths and mentally reset, but on other days, you may have time for a relaxing bath, massage, workout, or pedicure. Make time for hobbies. Most people find themselves constantly juggling countless tasks and obligations. With so much to do, making time for your least favorite activities likely won’t happen; instead, do something you enjoy. After all, self- care is about you! Yoga, reading, journaling, jogging, and meditating are just a few ways to get in some “you time.” If you like it, do it! Plan your self-care time. Without adding self-care to your schedule, your healthy behaviors may get placed on the back burner. Block off time for your favorite activities: Once it’s on your calendar, you’re more likely to work a routine into your day. Keep it simple. Complex rituals may create more stress or anxiety when you should be relaxing. Instead, keep it simple by focusing on relaxing, breathing, and recharging. Go for a walk in the park, take a nap, get a massage, stretch, or take a few moments to do absolutely nothing. Simplicity is the key.
ONE-PAN CHICKEN AND MUSHROOMS WITH EGG NOODLES
Inspired by MarthaStewart.com
Ingredients
• 3 slices bacon, cut into 1/2- inch pieces • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, halved • Salt and ground pepper • 3 tbsp butter, divided • 8 oz button mushrooms, trimmed
• 8 oz shallots, peeled and halved
• 3 cups chicken broth • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 8 oz egg noodles • 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill
Directions 1. In a large pan over medium heat, cook bacon until browned, 7–9 minutes. Remove from heat, discard fat, and set aside. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Return pan to medium-high heat and melt 2 tbsp butter. Add chicken, skin-side down. Cook, turning a few times, for 10–12 minutes until browned. Transfer to a plate. 2. Place remaining 1 tbsp butter in pan to melt. Add mushrooms and shallots; cook 8–10 minutes. Add broth and cream; bring to a boil. Stir in noodles. 3. Add chicken (skin-side up), cover pan, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring once halfway through. Cook about 10–12 minutes. 4. Uncover and simmer until thickened. Stir in dill and top with bacon. Serve and enjoy!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Surviving Mud, Ice, and Electrical Shocks
Combating Spring Allergies Hold the Cheese, Please!
One-Pan Chicken and Mushrooms With Egg Noodles Putting Together a Self-Care Routine
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Wine Tasting for Culinary Students
Sip … But You Must Spit Check Out This Strange Illinois Law!
By law, in the United States, the minimum legal drinking age is 21 years old. When an individual under 21 breaks the law and consumes alcohol, they are subject to arrest and hefty fines. However, there’s a loophole in Illinois. In 2012, the Illinois State Senate voted 48–6 in favor of passing a “sip and spit” law for Illinois culinary students over 18 but under the legal drinking age of 21. This strange law enabled these students to know their wine well without becoming intoxicated. The students can only sample the wines during their scheduled class times, and an adult that is 21 or older must supervise. Each sample of wine must be less than a shot’s worth in volume, and most importantly, they cannot swallow — they must just taste the wine, then spit it out. Culinary students nationwide rely on nonalcoholic wines to learn about the taste, color, and smell of wines and how to best pair them with their dishes, but
unfortunately, virgin wines taste nothing like actual wines! This leaves a gap in many culinary students’ education and may even force them to relearn the skill once they turn 21 and sample alcoholic wines. According to CBS News, Emily Williams Knight, the president of Kendall College, a private Illinois university that focuses on culinary arts, says “taste training” is an integral part of culinary education for young students, which includes learning
to pair dishes and meals with adult beverages. Understanding the different tastes and notes of various wines is essential to help these students succeed and prepare them for culinary arts and hospitality management careers. On Aug. 24, 2012, Governor Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 758 into law so Kendall College students over 18 but younger than 21 could better develop their wine-tasting skills to enhance their culinary abilities. However, the rule is clear: Sip … but you must spit!
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