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APR 2025
Clearer Skies, Calmer Minds
A Most-Welcome Midwestern Spring
I couldn’t be happier to write this cover article for April because it means spring has finally arrived. This time of year has always held significant meaning for me. Sixteen years ago, I moved here from my little hometown of Bolinas, California, a coastal village in Marin County just north of San Francisco. When I say “little,” I mean it — the population is only about 2,000 people, and I grew up on a dirt road. I had traveled extensively in my early 20s, including internationally, and I always wanted to live in a big city. I wasn’t a stranger to the Midwest, as my mom is from Wisconsin, and I have visited this region in the past. When deciding where to attend law school, I figured that giving Chicago a try would be an opportunity to get to know someplace new and go on an adventure.
Based on my past Midwestern experiences, I wasn’t naive to the fact that winter existed here. That said, I had zero concept that I would be living here for the rest of my life — and less than zero concept that I would be living in the suburbs with my Midwestern wife and our children. Moving to the Midwest was the best thing that ever happened to me. As much as I love living here, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the winters. Aren’t they a grind? After experiencing more than a dozen of them, I’ve learned things you just need to survive — which gets 10 times harder when you have little kids. They’re just little balls of energy who always want to do things, and it’s rough when the weather keeps us all huddled indoors. Now that another winter is in the rearview, my wife and I look forward to sitting on the porch and watching them play in the water or the bouncy house in the backyard. Everything just feels full of life once it gets warmer around here. I’m also happy to get my outdoor hobbies back finally! I’m a big golfer, so I look forward to many great rounds with my good buddies this season. I’m sure you’re also looking forward to seeing some of your tried-and-true social activities return. Spring is nature’s way of helping us all boost our physical and mental health, and I hope to get as much out of the next few months as possible. In many ways, the change from winter to spring is similar to how we should always
consider hardships in life. Yes, winters out here are brutal , but the snow will always melt, and the sun will come out if we wait long enough. It’s the same with any period of pain or struggle we face. We’re all here now because we didn’t let whatever challenged us in the past win. We can always depend on the sun to eventually appear no matter what, and we should always rely on ourselves to get through the dark times. Sure, the Chicago area isn’t California, but it doesn’t have to be — you can find happiness anywhere if you look hard enough. Congratulations on making it through another winter! I hope the sunny days ahead warm your spirits as much as they do your homes.
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Finding Peace in Modern Parenting Unpack Parenting’s ‘Mental Load’ Parenting is a labor of love, but let’s face it — sometimes, it just feels like labor. The mental load of raising kids and running a household creates a constant to-do list in your head: planning parent-teacher conferences, organizing meals, managing schedules, and worrying about everything in between. With nearly half of parents saying their stress is overwhelming, it’s clear that we’re carrying more than we can handle. But the good news is that you don’t have to carry it alone. FORGET THE INSTAGRAM FANTASY We’ve all been there — scrolling through picture-perfect family photos on social media and wondering how everyone else makes parenting look so effortless. But let’s get real. No one’s life is as polished as their posts. Instead of measuring yourself against unrealistic standards, focus on what makes your family happy and healthy. Spoiler alert: It’s not homemade Pinterest lunches or spotless playrooms.
FIND YOUR VILLAGE (AND USE IT!) Parenting wasn’t meant to be a solo sport. Whether it’s friends, family, or other parents, building a strong support system can make all the difference. And if you have a partner, open conversations about sharing the workload can lighten the load for everyone. Remember that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a superpower. PERFECT IS BORING — BE REAL INSTEAD Let go of the idea that you need to be the perfect parent. Perfection is overrated and impossible. Life throws curveballs, and part of raising resilient kids is showing them how to handle challenges without losing your cool. Be kind to yourself, and embrace the “good enough” mindset. You don’t need to do it all, and your kids don’t need you to be flawless — they need you to be present. FROM OVERWHELMED TO EMPOWERED The mental load of parenting will never disappear entirely, but it doesn’t have to weigh you down. When you ditch unrealistic expectations, lean on your village, and embrace imperfection, you can find more balance and joy in the chaos. Parenting is messy, exhausting, and sometimes downright hard — but it’s also beautiful, rewarding, and full of unforgettable moments. So, take a deep breath, give yourself some grace, and remember: You’re doing a great job. You’ve got this.
Spring-Clean Your Soul
The physical and mental strains of divorce may be inevitable, but struggling under a mountain of clutter in its wake is optional. Here are three tips for using the spirit of spring-cleaning to give more than your closets a much-needed makeover. A CLEARER, CALMER HOME When it comes to “cleaning house” and moving on after a divorce, nostalgia is often your biggest nemesis. If your living space is still packed with photos and other keepsakes from your marriage that trigger negative feelings but are too meaningful to throw away, consider consolidating them in a box or a space in your home you are less likely to use or see too often. While reducing your emotional clutter, also take stock of clothing or personal possessions you no longer use. These items may serve you better if they were discarded, donated, or sold. Sometimes, the simple act of reorganizing your space and removing unnecessary elements can revitalize your sense of purpose and make you feel less overwhelmed by your surroundings. A SELF-CARE REFRESH With winter weather finally gone, now is the perfect opportunity to focus on redefining your self-care routines. Spending more time Tips for Post-Divorce Decluttering
outside in natural light will provide you with vitamin D, and following a more consistent sleep schedule will help your body rebound from the lack of energy that often accompanies the previous season. Additionally, exploring new hobbies and activities may add fresh excitement and open new avenues for personal growth and contentment. Most importantly, use the
new season to cultivate a stronger support network by scheduling more time with friends and loved ones. A FRAMEWORK FOR FINANCIAL FREEDOM
Along with tidying up your social and logistical needs, spring- cleaning could also involve rebooting your finances. Start by getting a current copy of your credit report to ensure you’re not still attached to joint accounts and access areas where reducing costs would be beneficial. If your newfound hobbies or outdoor activities result in less time spent at home, consider reducing or cutting your monthly subscriptions to streaming services or other forms of entertainment. Who knows? Perhaps skipping those seemingly small purchases will add up to the funds you’ll need to go on that dream vacation you’ve always wanted!
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A Steady Beat of Resilience and Leadership Rock Drummer Earns Military Child Honor
When Noelani Martinez pounds out a rhythm on her drum set, she’s not thinking about anything — she’s just jamming. But the teen has plenty to think about. The Brennan High School senior is the beat behind San Antonio’s School of Rock House Band and the recipient of the Military Child of the Year award from the Air Force. Martinez and six other children of service members were honored by the nonprofit Operation Homefront in April 2024 for embodying strength, resiliency, and service. The year before their nominations, the six performed over 3,500 hours of volunteer service, and Martinez herself earned top accolades for ROTC leadership, was part of a first- place winning drill team, and is in the top 2% of her graduating class. Noelani’s father, retired Colonel Melchizedek “Kato” Martinez, spent 29 years in special operations and tactical communications roles. Due to his career, Noelani and her three siblings have traveled the world, calling places as varied as the Netherlands and Hawaii home. “It’s amazing to be able to make friends from various places in the world and share our experiences,” she said of her life as an Air Force “brat.” But the Martinez family suffered a devastating loss: Noelani’s mother, Gail, was killed, and she and her siblings were severely injured during an April 2016 terrorist bombing of the Brussels, Belgium, airport. At just 9 years old, Noelani was the one comforting her siblings as they awakened from comas.
Summing up his daughter’s strength in the face of adversity, her father said, “She continues to bear both the physical and emotional scars of that tragic day, but rather than allow it to defeat her, she uses the pain to fight on and honor her mother’s love.” In an interview with an Ohio TV station, Noelani said she hopes the Child of the Year honor illuminates the challenges of military family life, particularly the frequent household moves that require starting over again and again. Her advice to other military kids is, “Give yourself grace” to get through the challenging parts.
TAKE A BREAK
Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on • Salt and pepper, to taste • 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth • 2 tbsp heavy cream • 1 lemon, zest and juice • 2 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter • 2 cloves garlic, minced
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 F and season chicken with salt and pepper. 2. Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken skin-side down until crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook 2 more minutes; remove from skillet and set aside. 3. Melt butter in skillet, then sauté garlic until fragrant. Add broth, cream, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 3 minutes. 4. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and bake in oven for 15–20 minutes or until cooked through (165 F internal temperature). Garnish with parsley before serving.
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161 N. Clark, Ste. 1700 Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 488-1938 rbbfirm.com
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IN THIS ISSUE
1.
The Sun’s Grand Return
2.
The Mental Load of Parenting: You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone
A Springtime Soul Shift
3.
Operation Homefront Honors Remarkable Kids
Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
4.
A Pizza Delivery Nightmare in Florida
When Delivery Disputes Go Too Far
A $2 Tip Turns Violent
What started as a birthday celebration for a 5-year-old girl quickly took a dark turn when a Florida delivery driver
The attackers fled the scene, and Irizarry was taken to a local hospital. In addition to 14 stab wounds, Irizarry suffered a ruptured lung during the attack. While receiving treatment, she also discovered she was pregnant. Alvelo was later arrested and charged with multiple counts, including attempted murder, kidnapping, and home invasion with a firearm. Her accomplice remains at large. UNUSUAL NATURE OF THE CASE This case stands out not only for its brutality but also because it flips the typical narrative involving delivery drivers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, delivery drivers are more at risk of assaults than other professions. While disputes over tips are not unheard of, they rarely lead to violence. However, reports of assaults among delivery workers, particularly in the gig economy, are surprisingly common. Studies show that 1 in 5 food app workers are assaulted on the job, and over one-third of delivery drivers feel unsafe. Regardless of who is on the receiving end, cases like these underscore how everyday activities can lead to life-altering events with serious consequences for all involved. Always be vigilant.
stabbed a woman multiple times over a bad tip. According to court documents, the December 2024 incident occurred at a Central Florida motel where the victim, her
boyfriend, and daughter were staying.
THE INCIDENT After placing a $33 delivery order from Marco’s Pizza, the victim, Melinda Irizarry, tipped the delivery driver $2. Dissatisfied with the tip, the driver, 22-year-old Brianna Alvelo, reportedly returned to the motel with an unidentified male. Alvelo and her accomplice allegedly forced themselves into Irizarry’s motel room, brandishing a revolver. The attackers forced Irizarry’s boyfriend into the bathroom, and Alvelo produced a pocketknife before rummaging through the group’s belongings. Irizarry turned to shield her daughter and reached for the motel phone when Alvelo allegedly began attacking her with a knife, inflicting multiple stab wounds to her legs, arms, chest, and abdomen.
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