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BERT’S BUZZ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025
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When Fate Steps In How a Quick Trip to Walgreens Led to Wedding Bells
completely absorbed in picking out a card. I tried to get her attention, hoping she’d notice me also looking for a card or maybe end up behind me in the checkout line. When a family decided to queue up behind me instead, I took matters into my own hands. I went looking for her in the store and found her again in another aisle. Not one to give up on what felt like a fated moment, I approached her as she picked another item. We struck up a conversation, discovering common ground and an effortless rapport. As we talked, the conversation flowed naturally, and I was about to suggest grabbing coffee when she beat me to it, asking if I’d like to have dinner instead. But first, I needed to quickly stop at home to let Buddhi out — a giant dog who’d been alone a bit too long. She agreed to follow me to my place, down a road ominously marked “Dead End,” which later she’d confess almost made her turn back, her grandmother’s worried voice echoing through her phone. At home, Buddhi’s urgent need corroborated my story, and after a quick detour, we headed out for dinner. Again, the conversation continued with ease. It was over dinner that I noticed the unique ring — not on her wedding finger, and not yet knowing it signified her title as Miss New Mexico, a fact I discovered only after our date when I glanced at her business card in disbelief. Later, I learned she was at Walgreens purchasing nearly 20 thank-you cards to show her gratitude to those who supported her on her journey to the Miss America competition. Our connection deepened rapidly, and within two weeks of meeting, the topic of seriousness arose. Marta, fresh out of a relationship, needed assurance of my intentions. Little did she know that the day after that conversation, I went out and bought a ring. Then, exactly two weeks
“I met her in the card aisle. It was a Hallmark moment.” That’s my go-to line whenever I’m asked how I met my incredible wife, Marta. With February being the month of love, I thought I’d share our story and how it really did seem fated from the start. Back in 2000, as the world ushered in a new millennium, I realized it was time to anchor my life. I needed a stable career, a home, and maybe, just maybe, start a family. This moment of clarity guided me back to my roots in Valencia County, Los Lunas, where I embarked on my journey as a prosecutor. By April 2001, I had settled into a house in Bosque Farms and adopted a giant schnauzer named Buddhi, a gentle giant who weighed 135 pounds. My living quarters were simple — sparsely furnished with a pillow for meditation in each room and a green couch I had found at a local yard sale. Life was routine, revolving around my job and quiet evenings at home. The mundane continued until an ordinary trip to Walgreens on Oct. 22, 2001, disrupted my usual solitude. I was there to buy a birthday card for my neighbor’s daughter when I noticed her — Marta Strzyzewski. She was stunning and
after we met, I surprised her with a proposal under the stars on a simple walk in her neighborhood. This swift decision was underscored by a list I had penned weeks before meeting her, detailing the qualities I hoped to find in a partner. Not only did she check off every single (and sometimes ultra- specific) box, but apparently, she had written a list of her own not long before we met. We married in June 2002, a week after she handed over her crown, in a ceremony that was a true community celebration infused with the values of family and gratitude we both cherished. It all took place in a chapel at her old school, with catering done by her mother, and we were married by my grandfather, a Presbyterian minister. I even had a friend in a band who played at our wedding! From swing dancing at our reception to the heartfelt vows that bound us, our union was a testament to the unexpected twists of fate that can lead to a lifelong partnership. Looking back on how our story unfolded — from a chance encounter in a card aisle to a shared life built on mutual respect and shared values — I’m reminded of the power of serendipity and the beauty of embracing life’s surprises, opportunities, and adventures.
—Bert Parnall
Finale of Chopin’s Revolutionary Étude, performed at Miss America 2001.
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Steer Clear of These Errors to Protect Your Legal Rights Don’t Make These Post-Accident Blunders
Don’t ‘tough it out.’ Even if you feel completely fine after a wreck, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately but can have severe consequences if left untreated. Also, medical records serve as vital documentation of your injuries, which is crucial for your legal case. Don’t “tough it out,” as many of our clients have tried — that never ends well. Remember: Inaction can be costly. The moments after an accident are paramount. If you know what not to do, you can protect your legal rights. If you find yourself in an unfortunate accident, remember these tips to avoid the all too common pitfalls that could hinder your recovery or legal claim. If you’ve been in an accident, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Contact our experienced team at Parnall Law for expert advice and representation. Protecting your rights is our top priority. Call us today to schedule a consultation, and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.
of fault. In a legal setting, this can be used against you to attribute blame, potentially reducing your compensation. So, remember that silence is golden, even if it’s a seemingly harmless apology on the tip of your tongue. Pause before chatting with adjusters. Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after a car collision to get a statement or offer a settlement. It’s important to understand that their only goal is to save their company money. Discussing your accident or agreeing to a settlement without working with an attorney can lead to you accepting less compensation than you deserve or inadvertently saying something that harms your case.
After an accident, it’s easy to make missteps that could undermine your legal rights. That’s why, this Opposite Day on Jan. 25, we’re flipping the script to focus on what you should absolutely avoid doing after an accident. Here are crucial blunders that could significantly impact your case. Resist the urge to share on social media. With our smartphones glued to our hands, our first instinct might be to update our social media accounts after an accident. Yet, posting about your accident on social media can be highly detrimental. Remember, once it’s posted online, anyone can see it! Insurance companies and opposing attorneys may dissect your posts for evidence to minimize your claim. What may seem like an innocent update could be interpreted as an admission of liability or could suggest your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim. Hold off on apologies. Saying sorry is often a reflex response, especially in stressful situations like accidents. However, even if you believe you’re being courteous, apologizing can be misconstrued as an admission
Don’t delay legal consultation. With that in mind, time is of the essence
after an accident. Contacting an attorney immediately can help
preserve critical evidence and witness testimonies. Additionally, attorneys can navigate the complex legal pathways and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring you don’t make any statements or decisions that could jeopardize your case.
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SUDOKU
Photo: Matthew Fox Recolored from original
Nashville is known as “Music City” because of its role in the birth of country music and its centuries-old Ryman Auditorium. Famous performers like Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding, and Dolly Parton have performed in venues on the city’s iconic Jefferson Street. As amazing as their live performances are, they are nowhere near as impactful as Jon Bon Jovi’s was on Tuesday, Sept. 11, last year. I Don’t Want to Live Forever On Wednesday, Sept. 12, Jon Bon Jovi, frontman of the rock band Bon Jovi, became the unwitting star of a viral video released by the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department (NMPD). The day prior, while filming a music video for his upcoming album on the public Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, Bon Jovi came across a woman standing on the ledge overlooking the Cumberland River. He quickly acted to ensure she didn’t get “One Step Closer” and did his best to provide her with “Something to Believe In.” Over several minutes, Bon Jovi evoked his song, “I Got the Girl,” and successfully convinced her to step away from the ledge to safety. Nobody’s Hero The NMPD was impressed by Bon Jovi’s selfless act. After YouTube took down the video of Bon Jovi’s rescue, the NMPD reposted it on their Facebook page and lauded the singer’s achievements wherever they could. Jon ‘Bridge’ Jovi Rock Legend Saves Woman in Peril
Solution on Pg. 4
ONE-POT CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com Ingredients
• 4 medium
• 2 1/2 lbs skinless,
carrots, chopped
bone-in chicken thighs
• 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp dried thyme • 3 cups uncooked egg noodles (about 8 oz) • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley • 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp pepper • 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 10 cups chicken broth • 4 celery ribs, chopped
Directions 1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In an 8-quart stockpot over medium-high heat, add oil and chicken and cook until golden brown, 3–4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. 2. Add onion to drippings; cook over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add broth and bring to a boil. Return chicken to pot. Add celery, carrots, bay leaves, and thyme. Reduce heat and cover; simmer until chicken is tender, 25–30 minutes. 3. Turn off heat. Remove chicken to a plate. Add noodles and let stand, covered, until noodles are tender, 20–22 minutes. 4. Shred chicken meat into bite-size pieces, and return to pot. Stir in parsley and lemon juice, and discard bay leaves.
“It takes all of us to help keep each other safe,” NMPD Chief John Drake said of Bon Jovi on X (formerly Twitter).
Bon Jovi is no stranger to altruism. His nonprofit organization, the JBJ Soul Foundation, assists those suffering from homelessness, poverty, and hunger. His foundation’s food and affordable housing programs have aided the less fortunate since 2006. It sure seems like Bon Jovi is committed to “Work for the Working Man.”
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If you are a medical professional or a lawyer practicing in another area of law, we welcome you to refer your patients or clients. We know you want the best for your patients and clients, and so do we. Call us today at 505-268-6500 or visit HurtCallBert.com for more information on our services.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Bert Shares the 2-Week Whirlwind Before Proposing to His Wife
2
Opposite Day Advice: Common Missteps to Avoid Following an Accident
3
Take a Break!
One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Bon Jovi Saves Woman on Bridge
4
Smart Snacks for Stress-Free Family Travel
SNACK SMART
Healthy Munchies Ease Travel With Kids
“Ants on a log” is another entertaining snack: Stuff celery sticks with nut butter, hummus, or cream cheese and line the filling with raisins or nuts. The most satisfying, energizing snacks combine protein, healthy fat, and fiber. Making your own trail mix enables you to select high-fiber, low-sugar ingredients such as nuts, dried fruit, whole-grain pretzels, and unsweetened dry cereal. Legume-based chips such as Harvest Snaps or Hippeas chickpea snacks can add novelty. If you’re short of time, consider assembling some ready-to-grab items such as RX Bars with Nut Butter, high-protein Chomps meat sticks, dried fruit, rice cakes, and portable tubes of low-fat yogurt. Fresh fruit and handheld cheese sticks or Babybel mini-snacks are spill-proof protein sources. A few hard-boiled eggs, perhaps with a
“I’m hungry” may be the second most common complaint parents hear when traveling with kids — right behind, “Are we there yet?” Children need to eat often because they have small stomachs and high energy needs. Running on empty can cause irritability and fatigue, tempting many parents to resort to fast-food drive-thrus. A healthier, thriftier route may be to invest time upfront in planning and preparing snacks to keep your kids happy. Some snacks can occupy preschoolers with counting, sorting pieces, or assembling their own treats. For example, preschoolers handed a bag of rainbow-colored Goldfish crackers may be tempted to sort and count by color. Kids can create mini-sandwiches from homemade “lunchable” bags with high-fiber crackers, Artisana nut-butter packets, lean deli meats, and cheese.
little hot sauce or ketchup, can calm hunger. And for youngsters in a growth spurt, some rolled-up slices of deli meat with cheese can satisfy their boundless appetites. Finding the right container or bag can make portable snacks easier to manage. If you have room among your belongings for a small cooler, keep yogurt, fresh veggies, and other perishables handy. A small, inexpensive tackle box or zippered tote can be another space-saving solution. Once all the preparations are behind you, you can relax knowing your kids will be well-nourished and ready to enjoy the trip!
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