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BERT’S BUZZ JULY/AUGUST 2024
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Seasonal Work, Lasting Lessons FROM BRICK LAYING TO STEAK SEARING
locals, heading to dance parties in the countryside, and learning a whole new way of life. Years later, I even returned to Le Buffalo Grill and Hotel with my wife to show her the spot that left such a mark on my spirit. As for other summer jobs, I once found myself in San Francisco working in masonry building chimneys. During those misty San Francisco mornings, the job taught me about hard work and resilience alongside some of the hardest, salt-of-the-earth workers. Hauling stones and bricks wasn’t just a physical challenge but a mental one that taught me the value of perseverance. These experiences were instrumental in earning some extra cash and shaping my approach to life and work. They taught me that the principles of hard work and dedication remain the same whether you’re drafting a legal document or laying bricks. Looking back, each summer job was a chapter of my life that taught me lessons integral to my work as an attorney today. The discipline of my academic focus, the resilience of masonry, and the cultural immersion in France all play a part in how I approach my practice and relate to my clients. Just as those summers taught me, it’s not just about the work you do; it’s about the lessons you’ve learned in working for past customers and bosses and how you apply them to the work you’re doing for people today.
We’ve reached the summer’s peak, and it reminds me of days long ago when I would work at my summer jobs, whether it was in the far-off mountains of France or the rooftops of San Francisco. Despite my focus on competitive sports such as swimming and football (including camps during the summer), I did have some memorable summer jobs during my college years that provided valuable life lessons. My most unforgettable summer job was halfway across the world in the French countryside at an American-style steakhouse. If you’re wondering how I ended up in the middle of the mountains, well, it’s simply because I couldn’t find any work in Paris! I remember being in the City of Light, strapped with a work visa and thirst for experience, struggling to find any job for an American like me. Fortunately, I managed to find the perfect spot: Le Buffalo Grill. The American- themed steakhouse was out in the French countryside next to Geneva, Switzerland. I went from the bustling Parisian streets to country fields and the Swiss Alps. This job wasn’t just about waiting tables. It was a crash course in French culture, culinary skills, and the art of living. I learned to cook classic French desserts, worked long hours, and practiced French with my colleagues, immersing myself in a new language and way of life. I was probably the slowest waiter they’d ever hired, but hey, I was a hit for adding authentic American flair to the place! With my long hair and boots, I definitely brought the American style that the restaurant chain was looking for.
—Bert Parnall
I’ll never forget that summer, working from sunrise to sunset, making friends with the
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Visit New Mexico’s Best Campsites for National Campfire Day Unwind Under the Stars
Brushy Point Campground Brushy Point Campground, nestled in the serene Heron Lake State Park, offers a tranquil retreat for campers seeking to immerse themselves in nature. Heron Lake, known for its no-wake boating, provides a peaceful fishing and kayaking environment, making it an ideal location for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. The campground boasts spacious sites with stunning lake views, perfect for wildlife watching and stargazing. Morphy Lake State Park Morphy Lake State Park, tucked away in the secluded Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico, is a hidden gem perfect for anglers and nature lovers alike. This small, rustic park centers around Morphy Lake, a serene spot ideal for trout fishing and canoeing. The park’s remote location ensures a peaceful camping experience, with basic facilities that encourage a true back-to-nature visit. Accessible only by a winding road, Morphy Lake State Park offers a pristine, undeveloped setting perfect for those looking to disconnect and enjoy the quiet beauty of the great outdoors. Each site offers a unique way to experience the beauty of New Mexico’s outdoors. So, pack your camping gear, gather some firewood, and prepare to celebrate National Campfire Day at one of New Mexico’s premier camping destinations. Whether looking for a tranquil escape or an adventurous outing, these campsites promise unforgettable experiences and cozy campfire nights.
Aug. 5 marks National Campfire Day, a perfect opportunity for families, friends, and solo adventurers to gather around a warm blaze under the stars. For those of us in Albuquerque, the enchantment of New Mexico’s landscapes offers an exceptional backdrop for camping. Here are some of the best campsites around Albuquerque where you can pitch your tent, roast some marshmallows, and make lasting memories.
Jemez Falls Campground Just an hour’s drive from Albuquerque, Jemez Falls
Campground presents one of the most picturesque settings for a campfire. Nestled in the heart of the Santa Fe National Forest, the area is surrounded by tall pines and offers stunning views of the Jemez Falls. The nearby trails lead adventurers to explore the lush landscape and natural hot springs, making it a perfect spot for those who want to combine relaxation with a bit of exploration. Cochiti Lake Recreation Area For those who love having water nearby, Cochiti Lake Recreation Area is an ideal choice. Located between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, this site features a lake formed by the Cochiti Dam. It’s great for fishing, boating, and swimming, with plenty of picnic spots perfect for a campfire evening. The tranquil water against the backdrop of the surrounding desert makes for a serene camping experience.
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SUDOKU
Fluffy’s Heroic Deed Saves a Veteran
In 2020, Ron Williams, a Korean War veteran in his mid-80s,
lived alone. His only lifeline was his Life Alert, a small device designed to alert healthcare officials if an emergency occurred. That was until he was gifted a black-and-white spotted cat named Fluffy. From the moment they met, it was clear the two would make a
perfect pair. But what Ron didn’t know was that he had been given more than a companion — he had been given a savior.
Solution on pg. 4
Quinoa Veggie Bowl This recipe is packed with protein-rich quinoa and a colorful array of vegetables. It’s ideal for a healthy lunch or a quick dinner!
Feline Friend While Ron did not have many people to talk to, he did have Fluffy. The two shared mostly one-sided conversations, likely interspersed with the occasional meow. Whenever Ron received a call on his cellphone, he got in the habit of saying, “Ring-a- ding.” While the two shared a deep bond, Ron never considered that Fluffy was actually listening. “I just fell in love with him,” Ron said of Fluffy in an interview with FOX17 in Michigan. As it turned out, Fluffy loved him back. Fluffy to the Rescue One fateful day, at around 8 a.m., Ron slipped and fell on his way out of the shower. He landed on his arm, which became pinned under him. His Life Alert, which he had relied upon for situations like this, was charging in the other room. His cell phone, his only other means of calling for help, was on the bathroom counter, out of reach. The hours ticked away, and Ron lay in agonizing pain on the bathroom floor. At just past midnight the next day, Ron had an idea. Fluffy had wandered into the bathroom to check on his friend. “Ring-a-ding,” Ron told him, and Fluffy knew to retrieve his phone and bring it to him. Ron was able to call for help in time to save his life. Fluffy’s quick thinking prevented tragedy. This heroic act is a great reminder that our pets care — and listen — more than we may ever give them credit for.
Ingredients
• 1 cup diced mushrooms • 1 tsp dried oregano • Salt and pepper, to taste • 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 red bell pepper, diced • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced • 1 cup diced zucchini
Directions 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 3. Add oregano, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
4. Add the cooked quinoa and mix thoroughly. 5. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then serve.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Summer Jobs That Prepared Bert for the Courtroom (and Life)
2
Discover Where to Pitch Your Tent This National Campfire Day
3
Take a Break!
Quinoa Veggie Bowl
How a Cat Saved an Army Veteran in Need
4
3 Tips to Protect Your Mental Vitality
BRAIN BOOST
GUARD YOUR MIND, IGNITE YOUR LIFE
Avoid your smartphone when you wake up. The brain is highly suggestible upon awakening, and “the content you consume … will have a greater impact on your mindset,” says McDonald, who is also a mental health coach on top of her doctoral work. Studies show that while waking up, the brain transitions from theta waves, a deeply relaxed, inward-focused state, to alpha waves, which promote alertness. Reaching for a smartphone to look for texts or other content often triggers a dopamine release in the brain, encouraging the user to repeat the activity. If this occurs first thing in the morning, it can disrupt your dopamine levels for the rest of the day, leading to a continuous need to check our phones. Resist negative self-talk. Repetitive thoughts about ourselves get wired in over time, and “what gets
wired in is what we manifest,” McDonald says. A 2021 study in Scientific Reports shows that brain scans of people who recite scripts expressing self-respect and self-confidence exhibit stronger connectivity in regions associated with motivation. However, it’s important to note that positive self-talk can also trigger overconfidence, leading to impulsivity and inaccurate responses on cognitive tests. Avoid highly processed foods. “There is plenty of science to show that what we eat affects our brains,” McDonald says. An eight-year study of 10,775 people showed that the cognitive functioning of people who ate highly processed foods, including hot dogs, pizza, pastries, white bread, cakes, and instant noodles, declined 28% faster than that of people who ate more fresh and unprocessed foods. A diet of highly processed foods speeds the aging of the brain, which no one wants.
The fast-paced modern lifestyle many subscribe to nowadays has lasting effects on our mental health — from broken sleep to chronic multitasking. A graduate student at the University of Arizona has ideas for protecting our brains from stress created by life’s hustle. Emily McDonald, a doctoral candidate in neuroscience who posts health advice as EmonTheBrain on TikTok, lists these three things to avoid.
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