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Put Down Your Phone AND START LIVING!
f you watched the Super Bowl halftime show this year, I’m sure you noticed the moment when Justin Timberlake went into the stands.
in a picture. If you think about it, taking a picture can be exchanging a real-life moment for an artificial one. Recently, I thought of it this way: Which will my children most likely remember, the posed photo in winter gear on our snowcapped lawn or when Daddy took ‘em on in a snowball fight?
I
He stopped in front of a young man, and the kid froze up for a second. But he quickly recovered and did exactly what many of us would do to make the most of an unexpectedly fantastic moment: He pulled out his camera for a selfie. Forevermore, he will be known as “selfie kid.” I don’t shame the young man for his behavior. But it is evidence of a disturbing trend I’ve noticed recently, where we are living through our cellphones. I’m guilty of it myself. My children have the habit of being hopelessly adorable at a moment’s notice. When that happens, I reflexively reach for my phone to take a photo of them. What I’ve realized is this: I’m lost in my cellphone instead of soaking up the moment. And that’s where life is truly lived — even glorified — in these unexpected, joyous moments we never get back. Whatever the outcome, the moment has passed, and I’ve spent it fumbling with my phone instead of reveling in how incredibly blessed I am to have that moment and maybe even share it with them. Don’t get me wrong, photographs are important. We all appreciate having permanent keepsakes of once-in- a-lifetime experiences. The problem comes when we prioritize the photos of the experience more than the experience itself. If your trip to the beach or Gatlinburg disintegrates into an endless series of photo-ops, you risk losing the magic of moment by trying to capture it
Come to think of it, maybe the biggest change cellphones brought to taking pictures isn’t how we take them, but why . They used to be something we kept for ourselves
— stored in books, only to come out on those rare occasions when we feel like reminiscing about the good ol’ days. Now, we take photos to show everyone else what we’re up to, so we can blow up Facebook with our total awesomeness, which has a tendency to look like everyone else’s. I guess what it comes down to is whether or not our phones are enhancing our experiences or distracting us from them. Technology marches forward, and that’s a great thing for the most part. But it becomes a problem when you pursue life more on a screen than in the real world. So here’s what I decided: Given the choice between sharing joy and capturing the moment on my phone, I’m committed to sharing joy. While pictures can be lost or destroyed, moments we hold in our hearts don’t fade away. And yes, there’s a balance to be struck. Don’t think for a second we’re giving up every photo-op for Lent! I just don’t want to be preoccupied with my phone when the majesty of real life is unfolding right in front of me.
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I don’t shame the young man for his behavior. But it is evidence of a disturbing trend I’ve noticed recently, where we are living through our cellphones.
Spring’s coming! Put down your phone and live!
–Rob Usry
864.582.0416
YOUR DINNER TABLE MIGHT BE THE KEY TO A HAPPIER FAMILY
The family dinner is a staple of years gone by. These days, the only time you see a family sit together and break bread seems to be at Thanksgiving. This is a shame, because regular family dinners are incredibly important! It’s a time to bond with your loved ones that can have a positive impact on your kids’ lives. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that kids who regularly partake in family meals are less likely to experience depression or engage in drug use. Furthermore, The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University determined that kids who eat family meals five to seven times a week bring home better report cards.
why not break out the healthy snacks and make dinner happen a little later or earlier? Plus, the meal you share as a family doesn’t have to be at dinnertime. If there’s time in the mornings, sit down for breakfast. If you have the opportunity on weekends or during a school break, grab lunch together. CALL ALL HANDS ON DECK Mom or Dad shouldn’t be expected to cook by themselves for every meal. This is family time, after all, so call in the kids! Make sure their tasks are age-appropriate — leave sautéing vegetables to the high schooler and let your first-grader set out the cups instead. This is the perfect opportunity to teach kids valuable kitchen skills and to take some of the burden off your plate. Plus, if your kids are picky eaters, inviting them to be part of the cooking process can make them more inclined to try the finished product. DON’T STRESS YOURSELF OUT It’s okay if you’re too busy on a Monday to cook dinner. There’s always Tuesday. Or you can take a trip to your favorite family restaurant. Family meals should be fun, and that can’t happen if you’re stressed. Don’t feel pressured to make each meal perfect or to prepare a three-course dinner every night. Chicken and rice can get the job done as long as you’re all sitting around the table as a family.
Even when schedules are busy, you can make family dinners fit into your agenda with these tips.
BE FLEXIBLE ABOUT MEALTIMES
Dinner doesn’t have to be at 6
p.m. on the dot. If Kamala has a karate tournament in the evening or Peter needs to stay late at school for art club,
No matter how hectic your schedule may be, making family meals a priority is always worth the investment. Who’s in the mood for meatloaf?
Client Testimonials SEE WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US
“Rob was my lawyer for a paternity case. I expected a competent lawyer, but I got a lawyer who is one in 1,000. Rob exuded confidence and a calmness that came from his thorough preparation for court. The opposition folded and gave up as soon as we entered the courtroom. It took 10 minutes for us to win. It was the fastest hearing in family court history. I owe Rob one huge pat on the back. Rob is a great lawyer and a stupendous person.”
“John Holland represented me in a custody case that was recently settled. There are no words to convey how well I feel John and his dad, Bob Holland, did in helping settle my case. John’s knowledge of the law and its processes is second to none. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation where you need an attorney, John Holland would be my first recommendation.”
–C. Smith
–Howard S. Tom, family court client
www.bhollandlawfirm.com
What You May Face During Divorce HOWWE CAN HELP
Divorce is one of the most challenging experiences anybody can experience. It’s an overwhelming, emotional, and confusing process that can leave you feeling hopeless. You may know that the decision to part ways is the right one, but the emotional wounds you’re facing are still difficult to handle.
There are a few ways we can help your family find a fair resolution. We will work with you to find the grounds for your divorce and annulment while also assisting you throughout the process of filing a lawsuit to request the divorce. Our skilled attorneys can also help guide you through the difficult process of alimony and separation. The division of assets can be complex, but we will work hard on your behalf to ensure you get what’s fair and just for your situation. Regardless of whether or not you’ve been married, the family court will determine what is best for your children when it comes to custody. This is where we come in. Our attorneys at Holland & Usry will be your voice and clearly state why you are the best parent to care for your children. Visitation is another matter that rests on what is best for the children. We will help you find the fairest solution to your visitation battle. Sometimes, a family court order must be modified due to changing circumstances. This can become an overwhelming process. With our help, you can find the best resolution to modifying your family court order. You have an advocate in us! The team at Holland & Usry knows how heartbreaking a divorce can be. With us as your voice, you can get the comfort and legal guidance you need to find the best resolution to your case.
When going through a divorce, you must consider who will get custody of your children, the rights to marital assets, and more. The support of a family lawyer in Spartanburg can strengthen your voice and make this process easier. From start to finish, we offer compassionate legal guidance to help you navigate this strenuous experience.
Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Psalm 138:3 “When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.” Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Good News
BRAISED CHICKEN AND SPRING VEGETABLES
This simple and delicious one-pot recipe is perfect for a weeknight. It only requires about 15 minutes of hands-on work, but will taste like you spent all day building flavors. It’s a hearty comfort food that’s sure to delight eaters of all ages.
Ingredients
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4 large carrots, cut into sticks
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon sugar
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8 small bone-in chicken thighs
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2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
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1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
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12 radishes, halved
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Salt and pepper
Directions
1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. 2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown in pan for 6 to 7 minutes per side. 3. Remove chicken from pan and scrape off excess fat. Add broth and stir in radishes, carrots, and sugar. 4. Return chicken to pan, placing on top of vegetables. Gently simmer with lid on pan for 15 to 20 minutes. Finish with chives.
Recipe inspired by Real Simple
864.582.0416
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
* This newsletter is intended to educate the public about personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, and family law issues. You can copy and distribute it as long as you copy the entire newsletter. But the newsletter is not intended to be legal advice; you should ask a lawyer about your specific case. Every case is different, and all case outcomes depend on unique facts and laws.
101 W. St. John St., Suite 206 Spartanburg, SC 29306
INSIDE this issue
1
Screen Life Isn’t Real Life
2
What Every Parent Needs to Know About Family Dinners Testimonials
3
We Can Help Ease Trying Family Matters Braised Chicken and Spring Vegetables
4
Spring Clean Your Utility Room
If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, call Pam at 864.582.0416 or email rob@bhollandlawfirm.com
THE IMPORTANCE OF SPRING CLEANING YOUR UTILITY ROOM Don’t Forget to Clean the Heart of Your Home
The start of spring brings everyone’s favorite seasonal chore — spring cleaning! As you dust, vacuum, organize, and declutter, don’t forget about the one room that often gets neglected. This year, give special attention to the utility closet or the area’s housing. The utility closet houses your furnace, boiler, water heater, A/C junction, and other similar large appliances. Homeowners often forget about these appliances because they are out of sight and out of mind, and this can cost a lot in the long run. Like all the other rooms in your home, this space needs to be kept clean. Dust, for instance, can be hard on HVAC systems. Over time, it accumulates in the HVAC intake and clogs the air filter, reducing its effectiveness and efficiency. This results in a short lifespan for your system, higher power bills, and a poorly heated or cooled home.
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Family homes with at least one pet or minor allergies: 2–3 months.
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Family homes with multiple pets or allergies: 1–2 months.
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In addition to changing the air filter, it’s important to schedule a routine inspection of your home’s HVAC system. This includes an inspection of the appliances themselves and any connecting ducts. Dust, dander, and mold can accumulate in the ducts and spread throughout the home, which can lead to health issues, including respiratory problems.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR AIR FILTER?
• Homes with minimal foot traffic (single or double occupancy) and no pets or allergies: 6–12 months.
A routine inspection will identify potential problems in your HVAC system. On top of that, you can get these systems professionally cleaned and maintained. These are simple steps that will keep your home’s air systems running smoothly for years to come. Plus, you’ll be ready for the summer months ahead!
• Family homes (three or more occupants) with no pets or allergies: 3–6 months.
www.bhollandlawfirm.com
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