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MARCH 2024
Declutter Your Space, Declutter Your Mind
Every day brings us closer to warmer temperatures and sunny days. Before we know it, winter will be a distant memory as we start participating in our favorite outdoor activities again. While many of us are excited to get back outside, others are tackling the spring-cleaning. The transition of seasons allows many to clean up around the house by putting away winter clothing and decluttering any areas that became untidy during the cold winter months. Spring-cleaning doesn’t always appear on my radar, and I don’t necessarily wait for a specific day or the start of spring to clean up around the house and office. Instead, I wait until the weather has started to warm up or cool down since I need to get clothes out for the changing seasons. Once I bring out my summer clothes and put away my winter, or vice versa, I take time to clean up around the rest of the house. I go through my junk drawers and throw away stuff I don’t use and just takes up unnecessary space. I go through closets and find any clothing I no longer wear or that does not fit me and make drop-offs at Goodwill. Cleaning out drawers and closets is incredibly therapeutic and always brings me satisfaction, but there have been times in my life when cleaning became an immediate need after an unexpected situation. We’ve all experienced situations where a 2-liter bottle of soda exploded all over the place or the kids or pets made a mess that required all hands on deck, but I had a truly unique cleaning experience in my early 20s. The dishes in my apartment had piled up, and I didn’t have dishwasher soap. Instead of doing the reasonable thing — going to the store to purchase dishwasher detergent — I looked around the house for a substitute and ultimately decided that the Palmolive
around their homes. In some instances, we must hire cleaning crews and host estate sales to put the estate beneficiaries in the best position going forward. It makes things easier for everyone when a home is kept tidy and clean, but that’s not always feasible for everyone. Plenty of apps, books, and programs are available to help you if you struggle to keep your space clean. One thing that was highly beneficial for me was a program I joined in 2023 called Practical, Profitable Mindset or PPM. Every day for an entire year, we participated in PPM calls, learned various mindset hacks, and completed weekly exercises. One of the exercises required me to inventory everything in my life, including personal property and physical possessions. The proctor encouraged everyone to assign a value (useful, not useful, or ambivalent) to various items of property and to get rid of anything that wasn’t useful or needed in their life. During the exercise, I realized how much “junk” had accumulated in my home and office that stressed me out and provided no value whatsoever. It felt great to discard those items, and the organization and cleanliness of everything really improved my mood and productivity. When the time for spring-cleaning arrives, understand that it’s more than simply having a clean home or office. It’s a way to refresh your mindset and improve your mental health. Don’t wait until summer arrives; start picking up and decluttering now! You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel after you’re done!
degreasing dish soap was the best option. Back then, smartphones and high-speed internet weren’t prevalent, so Googling the answer on a cellphone was impossible, so I forged ahead with my plan. Unfortunately for me, I quickly learned that Palmolive was an unsuitable replacement for dishwasher detergent when I became immersed in an immediate bubble party in my kitchen, which I had to mop away immediately. Needless to say, I’m glad nobody was around to see that happen! I also do my fair share of cleaning as a lawyer, just not in the traditional sense. Over the past 20 years, I’ve cleaned up messes and problems in my clients’ lives. A lot of what lawyers do involves problem- solving and cleaning up messes. I often say that, sometimes, lawyers are simply “white-collar janitors.” Not only do we clean up legal messes, but in some instances, like estate administration involving a house, we even help clean up houses. When we serve as a personal representative for an estate in which the decedent owned a house, we often must visit those homes to take inventory of the condition of the property and household furnishings. Some of the properties are in rough shape. I’ve been in homes where the owner hoarded items or never attempted to clean up
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3 FURRY HEROES
JACK, TOGO, AND BANDIT WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND
Sometimes, heroes come sans cape but with fur, paws, and a keen sense of smell. We’ve heard the stories of police dogs, bomb-sniffing dogs, and the German shepherd Trakr, who found the last survivor on 9/11. But even untrained pets and strays can be heroic. Meet Jack, a stray dog in New York City known for scavenging through dumpsters. One early morning, his routine search for food took a life-saving turn. Behind one of these dumpsters was a baby, wrapped in a blanket, vulnerable and alone. Instinctively and with remarkable gentleness, Jack picked up the baby in the blanket with his teeth. Whether guided by fate, an extraordinary sense of purpose, or just because it was the closest open business, Jack took the baby to the hospital. The nurses tried to shoo him away when he first ran through the sliding doors. One nurse, noticing the bundle in the dog’s mouth, was able to get close enough
to retrieve the baby. Thanks to Jack, the baby received life-saving medical attention.
tugging at its owner’s blanket finally woke him. Then Bandit led his human downstairs to discover the attempted break-in, which also scared away the intruders. Bandit proved that size and species don’t matter in heroism.
In the 1920s, the remote town of Nome, Alaska, grappled with a deadly diphtheria epidemic. Children were dying, and the icebound city was inaccessible by plane or boat in the winter. The only way to deliver the needed antitoxins was by dog sled on the Iditarod Trail. Balto, a Siberian husky, received most of the fame, but Togo, another husky, led the team across the most treacherous part of the journey. These dogs delivered life-saving medicine in time and saved many of Nome’s children. Cats can be heroes, too, as proved by a calico cat who lived up to his name in the most unexpected way. One night in Mississippi, intruders were trying to break into a home. The house cat, Bandit, sensed the danger and sprang into action. The cat’s relentless scratching and
In moments of crisis, these four-legged heroes rose to the occasion, not for glory or reward but out of pure love and loyalty. They are potent reminders of the courage and selflessness that animals are capable of.
Steer Clear of Social Media Pitfalls PROTECT YOUR FAMILY LAW CASE IN THE AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
CHILD CUSTODY AND PARENTAL FITNESS Social media can also impact child custody arrangements. Posts that depict irresponsible behavior or an unsafe living environment can be used as evidence of parental unfitness. It’s vital to be mindful of the content shared and its potential implications. PROTECT YOUR CASE For those involved in family law disputes, we advise you to exercise caution with social media use. Consider the following tips: • Think before you post. Assume that the judge and the opposing party will see anything you post. • Adjust privacy settings, but remember that privacy on the internet is never guaranteed. • Do not under any circumstances make posts about your case or the other party on social media. • Consult with your attorney before making social media posts about your case or personal life. As family law cases unfold, the impact of social media cannot be ignored. Family law disputes are complex, and the advice and guidance of a knowledgeable attorney are invaluable in navigating these modern challenges. If you have any questions about your social media use amid a family law dispute, call our team at (901) 388-5805 .
Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. But social media can play a pivotal and often underestimated role when navigating the turbulent waters of family law disputes, including divorce, child custody, and alimony cases. According to a 2015 American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers survey, there was a 97% increase in evidence from smartphones, and apps like Facebook and Instagram made up 67% of that evidence. Social media use has only skyrocketed since then, so understanding the potential impact of your social media use in your dispute is crucial. THE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD OF SOCIAL MEDIA Social media can serve as a double-edged sword in family law cases. On one hand, it provides support and connection with friends and family during challenging times. On the other hand, it can become a treasure trove of evidence that might be used against you in court. Posts, comments, photos, and even location check-ins can be misconstrued or used to challenge claims about financial circumstances, parental fitness, or personal conduct. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE AND LIFESTYLE In divorce proceedings, financial disclosure is a critical component. Social media can inadvertently reveal details about your lifestyle, expenses, and assets that contradict statements made in court or provided in written discovery responses. For example, posting photos of luxury vacations or new purchases can undermine claims of financial hardship or the need for support.
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Uniformed Parents, Unique Challenges Family Law Protections for Those Who Protect Us Military personnel face unique obstacles that complicate family law matters, such as divorce, child custody, and spousal support. The transient nature of military service, deployment, and the stress associated with military duties can strain family relationships, leading to complex legal scenarios. Understanding the specific challenges and protections afforded to military personnel in family law is crucial for those navigating these waters. UNIQUE CHALLENGES FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL One of the primary challenges faced by military families is the issue of jurisdiction. Military personnel may have legal residence in one state, be stationed in another, and own property in a third, complicating divorce proceedings and other family law matters. Additionally, deployments and relocations can disrupt custody arrangements and parenting plans, necessitating flexible and adaptable agreements. Child custody becomes particularly complex in the context of military service. The non-military parent may argue that the military parent’s deployment schedule and potential for relocation make them less suited for custody. Conversely, military parents are often concerned about losing custody or adequate visitation due to their service obligations. PROTECTIONS FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL Recognizing these unique challenges, federal and state laws provide specific protections for military personnel in family law cases. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) allows for the postponement of legal proceedings if military service affects the servicemember’s ability to participate. This ensures military personnel are not disadvantaged in legal matters because of their duties. Tennessee law also acknowledges the unique situation of military families. The state’s approach to family law includes considerations for deployment and relocations in determining child custody and visitation rights. Military parents are afforded protections that prevent their service from being the sole factor in custody decisions. Additionally, when calculating child support and alimony, Tennessee courts consider the total compensation received by military personnel, including base pay, housing allowances, and other benefits. This comprehensive approach ensures a fair and equitable determination of financial support obligations. SEEK LEGAL GUIDANCE For military personnel facing family law issues, seeking legal counsel familiar with federal statutes governing military service is imperative. An attorney with experience in military family law can provide the necessary guidance and representation, ensuring that the unique challenges of military life are addressed with the respect and understanding they deserve. Military families can navigate these complexities with proper legal support, ensuring their rights are protected while fulfilling their service commitments. If you need legal guidance regarding your family law dispute, call our team at (901) 388-5805 to schedule a consultation today.
Sesame Garlic Ramen
Inspired by TheSaltyMarshmallow.com
This recipe will transform ramen into a main dish dazzler.
INGREDIENTS • 2 6-oz packages of ramen noodles • 2 tsp of sesame oil • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 2 tsp Sriracha • Chopped green onions, for garnish
DIRECTIONS 1. Cook the ramen noodles according to the instructions on the package. Toss the seasoning packet or save for another recipe. 2. Heat sesame oil in a small saucepan or skillet over medium heat. 3. Add garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. 4. Remove pan from heat, whisk in soy sauce, brown sugar, and Sriracha until well combined. Feel free to add more heat or sweetness to taste. 5. Drain noodles and combine with sauce, tossing gently. 6. If desired, add your choice of cooked meat or tofu and mix thoroughly. 7. Garnish with green onions. INSPIRATION “To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” —Oscar Wilde
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Inside This Issue
1 The Art of Spring-Cleaning 2 3 Pet Hero Stories
How Does Social Media Affect Family Law Cases? 3 Navigate Family Law Challenges Unique to Military Personnel Sesame Garlic Ramen 4 Shattering Myths About Growing Food From Food Waste
Can You Grow Food From Kitchen Scraps? SEPARATING FACT FROM MYTH
Viral videos on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram have spread the wrong- headed notion that you can grow food from kitchen scraps. The idea is to prevent vegetable and fruit leftovers from ending up in landfills. Instead, if you save the scraps, you can grow viable plants for renewable produce, which reduces waste and your carbon footprint. However, most of these videos exaggerate the effectiveness of this process and downplay the time and cost. We suggest ignoring those videos and investing time in more reasonable ways to use organic food waste. Here are some ideas. COMPOST Composting is a popular reason to hold on to organic scraps from your kitchen. Using a composter reduces the amount of waste you contribute to landfills. This is very handy for making nitrogen-rich soil for your garden. UNIQUE HOUSE PLANTS While apple and orange seeds may take a year or more to grow, many plants sprout within weeks. Keep them in the house as a unique house plant until they grow large enough to transplant outside. POTATOES Potatoes are an exception — they grow quickly and flourish from scraps. Get a glass of water and stick toothpicks in your hunk of potato scrap. Set the
potato on top of the glass so it is partially submerged. Within a week, you’ll have roots to plant outside.
FRESH HERBS If you want to grow herbs from food waste, your herb cutting must have a sizable stem with whole leaves. Trim the end of the stem and submerge the cut end in water. After a week, if the cutting has roots, you can plant it in a pot. So, salvaging food scraps to grow more food isn’t cost-effective outside of potatoes and herbs. But composting and propagating new fruit trees can potentially lead to valuable results from the remnants of your produce.
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