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The Bledsoe Firm JustFamilyLaw.com | 949.363.5551 JUNE | 2025
FROM BLOCKBUSTER NIGHTS TO AI DAYS
HOW FAR WE’VE COME (AND WHAT’S NEXT)
Do you remember heading down to your local Blockbuster on a Friday night? Wandering the aisles
Our first cellphones were bricks. The antenna alone looked like a weapon. Now, we’re carrying sleek, palm-size supercomputers that do everything from paying bills to checking our heart rate. It makes me wonder what our kids’ phones are going to look like in 10 years. Will they even be “phones”?
with a bag of popcorn already in hand, trying to decide between a comedy or action movie? Maybe you’d finally settle on something, only to find that all the copies were rented out — classic. And let’s
And what about cars? We’re already seeing cars that park themselves, detect traffic, and can be summoned from a phone. It’s not a stretch to wonder if flying cars or fully autonomous vehicles are just a few years away. Imagine your teenager never having to take a driver’s test because their car just ... drives itself. Today, AI is moving faster than we’ve ever seen. It’s amazing what it can do already. AI can write, generate images, drive cars, diagnose health issues, and even recommend what movie you should stream next (Sorry, Blockbuster). But with all this advancement, we have to ask: Will we ever become too advanced for our own good? Technology is great — until it’s not. As we hand over more and more decisions to machines, it’s important to think about ethics, privacy, and control. Will our kids grow up in a world where AI does everything for them? Will they even know how to do things without it?
not forget the true struggle: rewinding the VHS tape before returning it. Well, June 7 is National VCR Day, and it certainly brings back memories. I can
still picture the old bulky TV in the corner, the VCR on the shelf beneath it, and the clunky remote. Those were the days of Walkmans, pagers, and first-generation home computers that took 10 minutes to boot up and made a symphony of screeching sounds just to connect to the internet. Now, streaming a movie takes five seconds. With a couple of clicks, you’ve got hundreds of films at your fingertips without any rewinding, dealing with checkout clerks, or late fees. And don’t even get me started on DVDs — do you remember trying to figure out those menus? We’ve certainly come a long way!
It’s wild to think about how much has changed in just the last 20–30 years. From rewinding VCR tapes to streaming on demand, from floppy disks to cloud storage, and from Walkmans to wireless earbuds, we’ve come a long way. Technology has absolutely made life easier and more connected, but it’s up to us to balance convenience with responsibility. So, here’s to National VCR Day with a little nostalgia, laughter, and awe at what’s next. Just don’t forget to rewind … your memories. —John Bledsoe
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BEFORE YOU FILE 5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN FACING DIVORCE
Deciding to file for divorce is never easy. Whether it’s been a long time coming or a more recent decision, it’s a personal choice that comes with a lot of emotion and many questions. Before you take that first legal step, here are a few things to keep in mind to help you prepare and protect yourself through the process. KNOW YOUR FINANCES One of the largest issues in any divorce is the financial piece. Before filing, gather key documents like bank statements, tax returns, mortgage info, retirement accounts, and credit card balances. Having a clear picture of your income, debts, and assets will help you (and your attorney) make informed decisions about dividing property or requesting support. THINK ABOUT THE KIDS If you have children, your top concern should be them. Start thinking about what custody might look like and how you and your spouse can co-parent. Courts typically prioritize the best interests of the child, so showing a willingness to cooperate goes a long way. UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS Not all divorces have to be battles in the courtroom. Mediation, collaborative divorce, or even just working out terms amicably through your attorneys can save time, money, and stress. It’s important to note that if things are contentious, be prepared to stand your ground and have the right legal support on your side.
PROTECT YOURSELF EMOTIONALLY AND LEGALLY Divorce can bring out the worst in even the most level-headed people. It’s helpful to have a support system, whether friends, family, a therapist, or all of the above. Also, don’t forget to be careful with your communication, especially over text and social media. What you say (or post) can come back to bite you. TALK TO AN ATTORNEY EARLY If you’re considering divorce, giving us a call can be incredibly helpful. We can walk you through what to expect, what documents to prepare, and what your rights are before things get messy.
Decode the Label!
Learn to Read Nutrition Facts Like a Pro
Reading a nutrition label might seem like deciphering a secret code, but once you know what to look for, it’s a game-changer for healthier food choices. Let’s break it down so you can shop like a pro and fuel your body with the nutrients it needs. SERVING SIZE Before diving into the details, start with the serving size. This tells you how much of the product the nutrition facts apply to. For example, if a bag of chips says 150 calories per serving but contains three servings, eating the whole bag means you consume 450 calories. CALORIES Calories tell you how much energy you get from one serving. The trick is to balance what
you eat with what your body burns. If you want to maintain or lose weight, keeping an eye on calorie intake is key. Want to know how many calories you should be consuming based on your age, height, and weight? Visit MyPlate.gov/ myplate-plan to find out! PERCENT OF DAILY VALUE The Percent of Daily Value (% DV) helps you quickly determine whether a food is nutrient-rich or lacking. Want more fiber? Look for a high % DV. Trying to cut back on sodium? Choose products with a low % DV. WHAT TO CUT BACK ON Some nutrients are better in small doses. Keep an eye on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, as too much can lead to heart disease,
high blood pressure, and other health concerns. If the % DV is 20% or more, that’s high; if it’s 5% or less, that’s low — so aim low for these! WHAT TO LOAD UP ON Not all nutrients are harmful — some are essential for good health! The average diet often lacks fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium. These powerhouses support everything from strong bones to better digestion and heart health. The higher the % DV, the better! With these tips, you’ll never look at a nutrition label the same way again. Empower yourself with knowledge, make smarter choices, and enjoy a healthier, more balanced diet!
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W ord S earch
TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH YOUR CHILD THIS SUMMER This summer, traveling solo with your child as a single parent can be both exciting and a little intimidating. On one hand, it’s a chance to create special memories, bond one-on-one, and experience new adventures together. On the other hand, you may feel like you’re doing everything on your own. But don’t worry — with a little planning (and a lot of patience), it can be well worth it. PACK SMART, NOT HEAVY When it’s just you and your kid, less really is more. Bring what you need, but don’t overpack. Think in terms of essentials, not “what ifs.” While snacks are important, three pairs of shoes may be overdoing it. Solo Parent, Big Adventure
Adventure
Barefoot
Father
Gemini
Hiking
Juneteenth
Park
Picnic
Pride
Sandals
Sunburn
Volunteer
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
If your child is old enough, it’s also helpful to give them a small backpack with their own things to carry on!
Simple Summer Garden Pasta
PREPARE FOR THE JOURNEY Whether you’re flying, driving, or taking a train, prepare your child for what to expect. If it’s their first time traveling, talk through the steps. Security lines, airplane rules, or long car rides are a lot easier when your child has an idea of what’s coming. A few familiar comforts (a blanket, tablet, or favorite toy) can go a long way. PLAN, BUT STAY FLEXIBLE It’s good to have a rough plan: places to visit, places to eat, nap times, and downtime. However, expect surprises. Your child might not love that museum you were excited about. Or maybe they’ll want to ride the same carousel four times. Roll with it. Some of the best memories come from unplanned moments. KEEP SAFETY A PRIORITY When you’re the only adult, keeping your kid safe is everything. Write your phone number on a card and put it in their pocket or backpack. If they’re old enough, go over what to do if you get separated. And don’t be afraid to ask for help — most people are more than willing to lend a hand to a solo parent. GIVE YOURSELF SOME GRACE You’re doing something amazing. You’re showing your kid the world, even if it’s just the next city over. It might not be perfect, but it’ll be memorable. Take the pressure off, breathe through the tough moments, and enjoy the adventure.
This light, flavorful dish with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese is a fresh, satisfying weeknight meal.
INGREDIENTS •
4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 4 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
• • • •
1/2 tsp black pepper 1 lb angel hair pasta
• •
1 cup fresh basil
2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese Cooked, chopped chicken for serving (optional)
•
•
•
1 tsp kosher salt
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper and toss until well coated. 2. Cover and let the mixture sit at room temperature while the pasta cooks. 3. Add pasta to a pot of boiling water and cook per package directions until al dente. 4. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water to add to the tomato mixture. 5. Coarsely chop the basil leaves. 6. Add the pasta, Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil to the tomato mixture and toss again until combined. 7. Serving suggestion: Add cooked, chopped chicken for more protein!
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Inside
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Remember VCRs, Walkmans, and Brick Phones?
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Filing for Divorce? Read This Before You Take the First Step
What’s Really in Your Food?
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The Single Parent’s Guide to Stress-Free Summer Travel With Kids
Simple Summer Garden Pasta
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New Family Aquatic Sports for Summer Fun
Water Fun for the Whole Family MAKE A SPLASH!
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.
bigger than surfboards and are stable enough to hold a picnic in a waterproof bag!
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. 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!
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
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
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
stand upright on a flat, buoyant board and propel themselves over lakes, rivers, and oceans with a single paddle. Paddleboards are
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