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T he G reat S ummer S hift IT’S NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE!
JUNE 2025
Do you remember the excitement you felt when school let out for summer and you had the next few months to do whatever you wanted? There was something magical about the summer experience, and I think many others feel the same way. It was a fun time to enjoy the outdoors and everything the season has to offer. Whenever we reach this time of year, I often find myself reflecting on memories of summer from my youth. When I was young, I lived for summer. What kid doesn’t enjoy getting a break from school to explore the neighborhood and enjoy summer’s best activities? I used to go to summer camp, and it was one of the most fun experiences of my childhood. I’d be outside all day, swimming, boating, fishing, practicing archery, doing arts and crafts, and participating in any other activities that were going on. Even when I was back home after summer camp, the season didn’t disappoint. I loved all the different smells of summer, like the honeysuckles, grills, and even just the scent of the heat. It seems like we lose that love for heat as we grow older, and it becomes more of an inconvenience as time passes. But back then, there was nothing better than heading to the pool to dip in the water during a hot summer day! Summer lost some of its luster as we entered adulthood and started working full-time jobs. It can be a hard adjustment having summers off for a couple of decades, only to start working through them. I remember starting my first big girl job after graduating from college and thinking to myself that the long, hot summer days were for sitting
around a pool instead of being inside at work. It took a while to adjust, and I definitely experienced some depression because of it.
There are many other aspects of summer that change as you progress through adulthood. The heat can feel intolerable at times, and nobody wants to deal with the hassle of sweat and having to do extra laundry because of it. Those of us with wavy or curly hair have to battle with the humidity, too. And then there are the parenthood challenges. School provides structure for kids; when they’re out for the summer, they lose that structure, causing chaos and havoc to break loose. I know my kids can be wild and uncontrollable at times. Their excitement, rowdiness, and desire to always be doing something fun increase significantly during the summer months. While it might sound like I don’t enjoy any part of summer as an adult, that’s not entirely true. I still love how long the days are and how much sunlight we get. Plus, one of the genuine joys of summer as a parent is making sure the season feels just as magical for your kids as it did for you. I remember being out late in the neighborhood with friends, enjoying a popsicle or a treat from the ice cream truck, and I want my kids to have the same happy memories.
OUR FEELINGS FOR SUMMER CHANGE AS WE AGE, BUT WE CAN STILL FIND POSITIVES AND ENJOY THE SEASON.”
Our feelings for summer change as we age, but we can still find positives and enjoy the season. I hope you all have a great summer!
- Esther Vayman
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P rocrastination G ot Y ou D own ? THE ZEIGARNIK EFFECT COULD BE THE KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS
them for five minutes. Once those five minutes have passed, you can step away from the task. However, oftentimes, you continue working because you’ve found your flow and don’t want to leave it unfinished. If you continue to leave your tasks unfinished after starting them, try breaking them down into smaller steps. Each time you accomplish one of the smaller tasks, you gain motivation to continue your project. If you need to step away from your desk for more than a few minutes, write down the unfinished task. Doing so will keep it at the top of your mind, ensuring you return later to finish. This strategy shifts your mindset and increases productivity while avoiding the stress of starting something new.
Take a moment to reflect on your high school years. Were you the student who completed all your assignments well before the deadline? Or were you the student waiting until the last second to get started? Maybe you thought you could still do it in time with a passing grade, or perhaps you didn’t know where to begin. Regardless of the reason, you procrastinated. Many people associate procrastination with schoolwork, but you can procrastinate about work, household chores, and even fun experiences like vacation planning. Those who struggle with procrastination have likely tried countless strategies to improve their efforts, from adjusting their environment
to utilizing time management applications. However, we often overlook one strategy that’s been around for over a century. The next time you procrastinate, try using the Zeigarnik Effect to your advantage. The Zeigarnik Effect is a phenomenon wherein people remember unfinished tasks better than completed ones. Here’s how it works: When you have tasks you need to
Unfortunately, procrastination can be a roadblock to a happier, more fulfilling life. So, if other strategies have failed you previously, try the Zeigarnik Effect!
do, don’t commit to finishing them in a day or assigning yourself a deadline. Instead, commit to doing
BLENDING FAMILIES, BUILDING FUTURES
T he P ower of S tepparent A doption
Those who become stepparents take on an incredible responsibility. Many take pride in the experience, do everything they can to bond with their stepchild, and ensure they never feel unloved, unappreciated, or unwanted. It comes with many obstacles and challenges, but those who persist
will bring about a rewarding relationship that can span the rest of their lives. They may even consider taking the next step and officially adopting the child. By legally adopting a stepchild, you can make decisions about their education and medical treatments, and gain custody if something happens to your spouse. That said, you may still have limitations on your rights and should meet with an experienced family law attorney to look over options and determine your desired level of involvement. One of the biggest challenges of adopting a stepchild is the role of the biological parent. When you adopt a stepchild, the noncustodial parent essentially loses all rights and responsibilities to the child. They don’t retain any level of custody and no longer need to make child support payments. Once the adoption is official, they can not regain their rights to the child. In most cases, you will have
to get their permission to adopt the child unless a specific circumstance is at play. If they abandoned or neglected the child, are missing, failed to pay child support, or have passed on, you may not need their consent. However, they can challenge the adoption if they have any concerns. Once you receive the other parent’s consent or the courts decide to terminate their rights, it’s time to petition the court and initiate the adoption process. You must allow a social worker or adoption agency into your home so they can ensure the child will be in a safe and nurturing environment. The only step after that is the adoption hearing, where the judge will assess the situation and determine whether adoption is in the child’s best interest. While the adoption process can sometimes be daunting, working with a knowledgeable family law attorney can save you money, time, and stress. Call us if you have questions or need assistance.
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WHAT IS YOUR
Amanda D. Spending time with my bonus babies. Brooke
Natasha Finding a kitten in our yard and taking her in. Leah Joining V & T! Abby Going to Dollywood for the first time. Sara Going to San Diego.
“I HIGHLY RECOMMEND VAYMAN & TEITELBAUM, P.C. TO ANYONE IN NEED OF A TEAM THAT GENUINELY CARES AND DELIVERS RESULTS. #WINNER.” RAVE REVI EWS
FAVORITE MEMORY OF LAST SUMMER?
Graduating from UGA! Maggie
Seeing my baby get really good at walking. Ashlyn Going to the Movement Festival in Detroit. Amanda H. Going to Arkansas for the 4th of July.
Abigayle Moving to
Georgia. Andrea 25th wedding anniversary trip to Cancun.
G olden S ummer
ingredients • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 1 medium shallot, chopped • 2 medium summer squash (about 1 lb), diced • 3 tsp chopped fresh thyme or oregano, divided • 1 14-oz can reduced- sodium chicken or vegetable broth
BRAIN BREAK
• 1/4 tsp salt • 1 cup corn kernels (from 1 large ear) • 1 tsp lemon juice • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
S quash and C orn S oup
Inspired by EatingWell.com
This light soup offers the perfect combination of healthy ingredients and flavor.
directions 1. In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add shallot and cook for 1 minute. 2. Add squash and 1 tsp herbs; cook 3–5 minutes until the squash softens; stir occasionally. 3. Add broth and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 5 more minutes until squash is soft. 4. In a blender, purée soup until smooth. Return the soup to the pan and stir in corn. 5. Simmer over medium heat and cook 3–5 minutes until corn is tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice. 6. Serve garnished with remaining 2 tsp herbs and feta.
ADVENTURE BAREFOOT FATHER GEMINI HIKING JUNETEENTH
PARK PICNIC PRIDE
SANDALS SUNBURN VOLUNTEER
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THE EVOLUTION OF SUMMER
MEET PROCRASTINATION’S WORST ENEMY
WHAT STEPPARENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ADOPTION
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QUESTION AND ANSWERS
GOLDEN SUMMER SQUASH AND CORN SOUP
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NEW FAMILY AQUATIC SPORTS FOR SUMMER FUN
W ater F un for the W hole F amily MAKE A SPLASH!
SNORKELING Snorkeling is a great family activity for all ages if you’re vacationing near an ocean. Flippers, watertight goggles, and snorkels are easy to rent or buy. Exploring the wonders beneath the waves is as easy as floating on the surface and paddling your flippers. While any clear ocean waters can be fun to explore, consider trekking to Hawaii or Cozumel to see spectacular schools of fish and rock formations. CANOEING AND KAYAKING Few aquatic activities offer more opportunities for reflection and quiet conversation than paddling a canoe or kayak. These watercraft are usually available to rent near lakes and rivers, and, barring rough weather, navigating with them is relatively safe and easy. Pack a picnic, explore, and see what you can find along a river or lakeshore.
Few outdoor activities are more fun to do as a family than beating the heat in the water. A facility as simple as a community pool can offer fun for all ages, including wading, diving, and lap swimming. As summer gets underway, consider making plans to try more complex aquatic sports as a family. Here are four exciting options that will inspire the whole family to take the plunge. STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING This sport originated among Hawaiian surfers and began gaining momentum nationwide about a decade ago. Participants stand upright on a flat, buoyant board and propel themselves over lakes, rivers, and oceans with a single paddle. Paddleboards are bigger than surfboards and are stable enough to hold a picnic in a waterproof bag!
WATERSKIING While this sport requires access to a
speedboat and a skilled operator, arranging to try it can offer unforgettable thrills. Nothing can compare to the exhilaration as you first rise above the waves and stand on your skis; participants also get a full-body workout! Waterskiing poses a challenge for beginners when crossing the wake and keeping their legs beneath them, but the rewards are worth the effort! This summer, consider vacationing near a body of water to explore these aquatic activities or others, such as sailing or bodyboarding. You will create lasting memories and may ignite passions your kids will enjoy for years!
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