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BERT’S BUZZ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024
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An Unconventional Path How a Brief Stint as a Monk Influenced My Legal Career and Life
I decided to dive deeper. In Laotian culture, it’s common for young men to become monks for 2–3 weeks before fully entering Buddhism. On my part, it wasn’t a decision made lightly, especially since the political atmosphere in Laos at the time was still quite charged. Foreigners were regarded with caution, and becoming a monk wasn’t straightforward. I went through a whirlwind of bureaucracy, securing permissions that felt like they required just about every official’s stamp of approval. Finally, I was allowed to join the Wat Sok Pa Luang monastery for two weeks. That two- week period was about stripping life back to its essentials. We slept outside in wooden beds cloaked by mosquito nets and woke up at 3 a.m. for meditation. After, we went on our daily alms round where we, as monks, were not begging but allowing the community to earn merit through their generosity. We ate only one meal a day — a mix of whatever the villagers provided, which taught us humility and detachment from desire. Living as a monk, everything was about mindfulness — from how we walked to how we ate. My head and eyebrows were shaved, and every action was a meditation to cultivate inner peace and a deeper connection to the present moment. After those transformative weeks, I returned to my studies in the United States, but the lessons stayed with me. I’ve since tried to incorporate meditation into my daily routine, though admittedly, like most of us, finding the time can be challenging. Years later, in 2018, I returned to Laos with my wife and kids. We visited the monastery where I had lived. It was bittersweet, as the
Back in the spring of 1992, while I was rounding out my senior year at Rice University, I embarked on an adventure that veered fairly off the beaten path. I became a monk! My parents were living in Laos at the time — my dad was working with Harvard Law and the World Bank as a consultant to the government in international business law — and I figured it was as good a time as any to explore an entirely different way of living. Little did I know this experience would extend far beyond just an overseas journey; it would lead me into a brief but profound two-week soul search as a monk, shaping the rest of my life and work as an attorney. My journey began with a semester of independent study, armed with a stack of books about the history of Laos, French colonialism, and various perspectives from both Lao and Western writers. When I arrived, the serene beauty of Laos was immediately striking. In the early mornings, I’d watch rows of Buddhist monks in their bright saffron robes receiving alms from villagers amidst a backdrop of rice paddies and sunrises. Inspired by these sights and the stories of a high school friend who had become a monk,
head monk had passed away just a few months prior, but the visit reinforced the teachings that had become so integral to my life. My children even participated in a meditation class there, embracing the peace and simplicity that had once offered me so much clarity. Looking back at these experiences now, it’s clear how much that brief time as a monk has shaped not just the way I practice law but how I view the world. While I might not practice Buddhism as a religion, I do see it as a personal philosophy. Every day, I strive to bring the same sense of purpose, gratitude, and calm to my work and my interactions with others. In a profession often driven by conflict, having a foundation built on peace and understanding can bring a world of difference for my clients and team. It’s a philosophy that doesn’t just enhance my practice — it enriches my entire life.
—Bert Parnall
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YOUR GUIDE TO FALL FESTIVITIES IN THE HEART OF NEW MEXICO Albuquerque’s Autumn Agenda
so inspiring that we even feature the colorful balloons on our firm’s billboards!
Being based in Albuquerque, I have the privilege of living and working in a city that truly comes alive every fall. Albuquerque continues to become a hub of festivities my whole family gets to enjoy. I want to share with you my family’s two favorite local events happening from September to October that capture the spirit of our unique city. Celebrate Southwestern Culture at the State Fair From Sept. 5–15, the New Mexico State Fair is an annual event my family always looks forward to no matter how many years we’ve visited. Held at Expo New Mexico, this fair isn’t just a showcase of rides and games — it’s a vibrant celebration of our rich Southwestern culture. You can enjoy everything from live concerts and rodeos to art exhibitions that capture the essence of the American Southwest. Of course, it wouldn’t be a New Mexico event without a taste of our local cuisine. The fair offers an array of New Mexican dishes that are as flavorful and diverse as our community. And let’s not forget the competitions — ranging from livestock shows to horse exhibitions — which always help us appreciate New Mexico’s agricultural roots and the talents of local farmers. Witness a Sky Full of Colors at ABQ’s Balloon Fiesta October in Albuquerque is, without a doubt, magical, thanks largely to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, scheduled for Oct. 5–13. I spend many mornings driving to the office early, and during the fiesta, the breathtaking sight of hot air balloons fill the sky all along my commute. The scene is
The Balloon Fiesta isn’t just about the balloons, though. It’s also packed with activities like drone shows, chainsaw carving competitions, and even skydiving displays. At night, the sky lights up again with spectacular fireworks shows, providing a perfect end to the festivities. My Personal Favorites and Local Tips Having attended these events year after year, I’ve gathered a few favorites and tips. At the State Fair, make sure to try the blue corn dishes at Native Cafe — they’re a culinary delight you won’t want to miss. And while the rodeos are always thrilling, there’s something special about the quieter moments spent exploring the art exhibitions, which showcase incredible local talent. As for the Balloon Fiesta, I recommend arriving early to catch the Dawn Patrol, when balloons take off before sunrise. It’s a serene and beautiful start to the day, watching these gentle giants ascend into the waking sky. Embrace the Season These events embody the heart and soul of Albuquerque in the fall. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a curious traveler, Albuquerque in the fall offers a festive and welcoming atmosphere that’s honestly hard to find anywhere else. So, I hope to see you there, enjoying what I believe is the best time of the year in Albuquerque!
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Nature’s Playground Awaits!
SUDOKU
These National Parks Are Accessible to All
For decades, the 400-plus national parks encompassing over 84 million acres were unreachable for millions of Americans with mobility issues. Thankfully, recent advances at many national parks have made nature available for everyone. Let’s look at five accessible options for your next adventure. Great Sand Dunes Great Sand Dunes National Park has 5 billion cubic meters of sand and stretches 30 miles. The winds blow these sands into massive dunes with peaks reaching 13,000 feet in elevation. Now, with sand-friendly wheelchairs available for rent, utilizing inflatable wheels for accessibility, everyone can explore these natural wonders. Grand Canyon A scenic drive accessibility permit allows visitors to access roads that are closed to regular traffic, providing incredible views of the Grand Canyon without needing to get out of the car. However, for a closer peek, you can find wheelchair- friendly overlook platforms and a free shuttle to transport visitors around the park. Carlsbad Caverns Think again if you thought cave exploration was off the table for folks with trouble getting around. Carlsbad Caverns features an elevator that takes visitors 750 feet underground into a giant cave chamber, home to over a mile of paved trails through beautiful rock formations that took millions of years to form. Grand Teton Feel like going for a swim? Grand Teton National Park wanted everyone to feel welcome to cool off in the 1,200- acre Jenny Lake, so they built a path that allows wheelchair users to roll into the water. Nearby, Teton Adaptive Sports hosts climbing trips, so nobody has to abandon their dreams of conquering the cliffs. Yellowstone
Solution on Pg. 4
Perfect Peach Cobbler
Ingredients
• 6 cups sliced fresh peaches • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar • 2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces • 1/2 cup milk • 2 tbsp butter, melted
This national park is one of the country’s best, with over 90% of visitors reporting never needing to leave their car. For adventurers with injuries, age-related mobility issues, or other disabilities who want a closer look, most of the thermal features Yellowstone is famous for are easily accessible due to its excellent boardwalk system.
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. 2. In a large bowl, combine peaches, sugar, 2 tbsp flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix until blended, then spoon into prepared dish. 3. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. 4. Cut in butter with forks or pastry knife until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 5. Add milk and stir until just blended. 6. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto peach mixture and drizzle melted butter on top. 7. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until top is golden brown.
The accessibility changes made by these parks are a significant step toward ensuring our national treasures are inclusive for all who wish to experience nature’s wonders. Through innovative solutions like sand-friendly wheelchairs, cave elevators, and special driving permits, these parks give outdoor access to even more people.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Bert’s Journey From Rice University to a Laotian Monastery
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Visit Bert’s Family-Favorite Fall Events!
Take a Break!
Perfect Peach Cobbler
Parks Pave the Way for Accessibility
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Tips for Getting Along With Stepchildren
Creating a Happy Family How to Foster Positive Relationships With Stepchildren
be attentive to their hobbies and interests. However, it’s important not to come on too strong. You don’t want your stepchild to feel pressured to get along with you, so let them decide the pace and follow their lead. Plan Ahead You and your partner must be on the same page when parenting stepchildren. Taking a hard stance in the opposite direction can confuse and undermine your partner’s authority. You should cooperate when deciding how to discipline and care for the children and what boundaries to set. If you go in without a clear plan, you are planning for disaster. The last thing you want is for your parenting to drive a rift between you, your partner, and your stepchildren. Listen and Reinforce Be an active listener, and try repeating some of what you see and hear. Make it clear you
According to the Journal of Demography, 37% of married couples have at least one stepchild. Despite the prevalence of the stepparent/stepchildren relationship, it is often not as harmonic as it could be. Stepparents can play a vital role in the development of young children and be positive role models to teens as well. As your relationship with your stepchildren grows, so will your relationship with your partner. Here are some tips to help you form a more positive relationship with your stepchildren. Grow Comfortable When first introduced into a stepchild’s life, you often have to circumvent some initial animosity and awkwardness. This is normal. It may take a little while for your stepchild to warm up to you and build a rapport between you. Find things you have in common. Try to get to know them and
are listening and understand where your stepchild is coming from. If they can rely on you to listen, they will be more open to talking to you and building a rapport. Moreover, take strides not to badmouth their biological parent — you want to be a positive influence. You won’t better your relationship with your stepchildren by worsening their relationships with others. With these tips, you can improve your standing with your stepkids and foster a more powerful and positive relationship as you move forward.
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