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JULY 2023
Cruel Summer The Best and Worst of My High School Jobs
I wish I could tell you I had an industrious spirit in my early years. But I had no greater desire to make something of myself than any other teenage boy. Like many other high school students, I worked jobs during my summer vacations because my parents made me. My first real job was at an Acura dealership. I was responsible for washing and vacuuming all the cars after service. It was a miserable experience, not because of the work, but because of a particular senior coworker. Brandon was several years older than me and never missed an opportunity to be a jerk. He wasn’t my supervisor, and he certainly couldn’t fire me. But you wouldn’t know that from the way he behaved. I was a good employee; I took pride in my work and showed up on time every day. But he found a way to nitpick every single thing I did. I’ve never forgotten the way he would talk down to me and how frustrated it made me feel. I tried to comfort myself with the knowledge that I’d never have to deal with him again once the summer was over. I can’t say I decided then and there that I eventually wanted to own a business where I made the rules, but it did plant a seed. I learned I didn’t like being bossed
around. I also remember thinking all those years ago that if I were ever in a position of authority, I wouldn’t treat people the same way Brandon treated me. The following summer, I worked at a TCBY serving yogurt at the mall. It was much better than washing cars all day. My friends would often hang out at the mall anyway, and I’d get to chat with them all day between serving customers. For better or worse, it was uneventful. Then, there was the summer I spent working at Kim’s Landscaping. I worked with my best friend, Jason, and I loved driving with him all over town to work outdoors. There were a lot of older guys on the crew who were far more experienced than us. But unlike Brandon, they were kind. They showed us the ropes, gave us life advice, and built camaraderie in our team. Kim, the owner, did his part, too. Once a month, he let us stop work early on Friday and took us all out to lunch. It was a welcome treat to get out of the hot sun and bond with each other. Even as a teen, I noticed the gesture. It was nice that he took the time to appreciate his team and how it helped keep us motivated and engaged. Looking back, I wish I’d been more intentional about my summer jobs. I should have sought roles that would give me experience in work I was more likely to do as an adult. I encourage today’s youth to give a bit more thought to their summer employment rather than taking the first job that comes their way as I did. But I still learned a lot over those summers. While I’m glad I spent time doing manual labor, those jobs helped me realize that blue-collar work wasn’t for me. I wanted a career that would stimulate my mind a bit more, and I realized I had to take my studies seriously. More than that, I learned that the people you work with can make or break a job. Every job has challenges, and running a business has more than its fair share. But I’ve found remaining upbeat to be essential. As our team has grown, I’ve seen that it’s easy to be critical but much wiser to be supportive. People’s work improves when you build them up. I never want to treat anyone the way Brandon treated me. It’s a lesson that almost makes that awful summer worth it.
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WANT TO ENTERTAIN THE KIDS THIS SUMMER?
CREATE A SLIP-AND-SLIDE!
During the summer, there’s nothing better than jumping into a pool to cool yourself off. However, if you don’t have a pool, the next best thing might just be creating your own slip-and-slide! Here’s how you can make yours so you can keep having fun in the sun while staying cool. STEP 1: PURCHASE THE NECESSARY ITEMS. You can buy a 10-by-25-foot roll of plastic sheeting at home improvement stores for under $30. Choose 6 mil so it can withstand everyone running and sliding on it. Then, you want to get 10 regular-size pool noodles and one large pool noodle. Construction supplies you’ll need are Velcro tape, scissors, two hose sprinkler attachments, and several landscape staples.
plastic sheet onto a relatively flat surface free of rocks, sticks, and any debris that could puncture the plastic or injure you and your family. You can cut the plastic to any length you like — you may want one long slip-and-slide, or you can create several smaller ones so you can play games. After rolling out the plastic sheeting, lay the pool noodles down on each side of the plastic and place the larger pool noodle on one end of the sheet. Wrap the plastic sheet around the large pool noodle, use Velcro tape to secure the plastic around it, then do the same for the other pool noodles. These will act as barriers so people won’t slide off the plastic. Once everything is wrapped and taped, place landscape staples on the four corners of your waterslide and a few along the sides to secure it. Finally, set up your sprinklers on either side of the slip-and-slide. If you want the surface to be extra slick, drizzle some dish soap onto the plastic. STEP 3: SLIP, SLIDE, AND SPLASH! Now, it’s time to have fun in the sun! The possibilities are endless regarding what you can do with your DIY waterslide. So, let your creativity flourish! Will you be creating your own slip-and-slide this summer? We would love to know the games you and your family play on your DIY waterslide!
STEP 2: BEGIN BUILDING YOUR SLIP-AND-SLIDE. Once you have all the needed supplies, start by rolling the
A Better Way to Divorce
THE BENEFITS OF MEDIATION
Marriages don’t often end amicably; even when they do, there are almost always points of contention regarding dividing child custody or assets. With many disagreements between them, people often feel certain their divorce case will end up at trial. But there is another way, and Tennessee Courts usually require divorcing couples to try it first. Most judges require divorcing couples in Tennessee to attend mediation before proceeding to a trial. A judge may waive mediation in cases of alleged abuse or willful abandonment of a child by one parent. They may also forgo the requirement on a case-by-case basis when there is sufficient evidence that mediation will result in a stalemate or would create a significant financial burden. Fortunately, mediation benefits most couples and helps bring closure to contested divorce actions. The process has a high success rate for resolving disputes, and research indicates compliance with the divorce agreement is higher when couples decide the terms together.
Some of the most significant benefits of mediation involve time and money. Mediation generally leads to a much faster resolution than adjudication of a divorce at trial. Litigants who resolve their matters at mediation can sometimes save money and avoid paying expert witnesses to testify at a deposition or trial. Additionally, trials are expensive and result in
significant attorney’s fees as well as requiring the participants to take time off of work to attend.
Most importantly, mediation also gives people more control of the outcome of their case than going to trial. The process allows the participants to give and take on the matters most crucial to them, something they lose at trial. An experienced mediator will often point out the strengths or weaknesses of the parties’ positions as well as provide insight as to potential outcomes at trial. When you submit all of your issues to the trial judge, the judge’s word becomes final, whether the people it affects like it or not. While it’s sometimes a necessary part of the process, it should rarely be a first step. Crucially, you can and should still have legal representation during the mediation process. If you’re considering a divorce, ensure an experienced family law attorney is at the bargaining table to represent your interests. The team at Douglass & Runger has successfully settled many divorces in mediation and would love to take a look at your case. Call us today at 901-388-5805.
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The Truth About Alimony
Sazon Grilled Chicken Thighs
Who Receives Spousal Support
Inspired by AmbitiousKitchen.com
Among many other things, marriage is an economic partnership — but not all partnerships are equal. When one half of the couple earns significantly more than the other, the economically disadvantaged spouse faces extra challenges during a divorce. Tennessee aims to rectify this problem with alimony, also known as spousal support. Alimony is far from a guarantee in divorce, but Tennessee has four types that may be awarded during the process. Lump-Sum Alimony or Alimony in Solido typically reflects a larger one-time payment from one spouse to another, while Periodic Alimony refers to ongoing monthly payments for an established period. Transitional Alimony is short-term and helps one spouse adjust to a one-income household. Rehabilitative Alimony lasts while the receiving spouse gets the education or training needed to be economically independent.
This versatile summer chicken recipe is packed with warm flavors to keep your tastebuds on alert. It’s perfect for family BBQ nights or as a protein for meal prepping!
INGREDIENTS • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp cumin • 1 tsp ground coriander • 1 tsp turmeric • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp oregano • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) • 1/2 tsp salt • Freshly ground black pepper
When determining whether or not alimony is appropriate, Tennessee courts first determine whether or not there is an economically advantaged spouse who is capable of paying alimony and an economically disadvantaged spouse who has a need for alimony. Spousal Support is often appropriate in situations where one spouse works and
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large bowl, add chicken, olive oil, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne pepper (if desired), salt, and pepper. Toss together to coat chicken; let it marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. 2. Preheat grill to 400 F. Grill chicken thighs for 6–8 minutes per side or until fully cooked and an internal thermometer reads 165 F. 3. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm, then chop into bite-size pieces to use in salads, tacos, bowls, and more! INSPIRATION “There is no such thing as a perfect parent. So just be a real one.” —Sue Atkins
the other stays home. The reasoning is multifold. First, couples with this arrangement usually base it on give and take — one person earns a paycheck, while the other looks after the children and household. It’s unfair to suddenly leave the unemployed spouse without an income. Furthermore, someone who has been out of the workforce for years is more likely to have limited earning potential and may struggle to pay bills independently. Finally, having a spouse at home to care for personal matters may have improved the working spouse’s market value, and the at-home spouse deserves a share. In some cases, couples may come to an agreement on alimony at mediation. But if the matter goes to Court, a judge will weigh several factors in their decision. While Tennessee does not require a couple to be married for a certain length to award alimony, the longer the relationship, the more likely an alimony order becomes. The Court will also consider the spouses’ respective education and work histories and any disabilities that could limit one’s earning potential. A spouse who receives more assets in divorce may be less likely to receive Alimony and vice versa. Someone who believes they are entitled to Alimony or wants to fight a Spousal Support request has no time to lose. Couples must resolve this matter during the divorce; it cannot be reexamined at a later time. Douglass & Runger has extensive experience with both sides of an Alimony dispute. Call us at 901-388-5805 to discuss the options in your case.
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2820 Summer Oaks Drive Bartlett, TN 38134 901-388-5805 www.DouglassRunger.com
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Advertising Material
1 Lessons From Curt’s Summer Jobs 2 Make Your Own Slip-and-Slide! Divorce Better With Mediation 3 When Is Alimony Awarded? Sazon Grilled Chicken Thighs 4 Sandy Toes, Sunny Skies, and Beach Bliss Inside This Issue
Discover Your Ideal Seaside Retreat FIND THE PERFECT BEACH RENTAL
One of the most important decisions anyone will make regarding their vacation is where they stay. This is especially true for summer vacations at the beach. Everyone has a different idea of
their ideal vacation, and where you stay can make or break the trip.
the ocean worth the cost, or is one without quite the view (but less expensive) still acceptable? You’ll also need to examine the surrounding area to ensure it has everything you need. If you don’t want to drive much once you settle in, choose a rental within walking distance of the beach, shops, and restaurants. THE EXTRAS You should consider a couple of other things when booking a beach rental. If you plan to bring your pets, ensure the rental you book is pet-friendly. It’s also worth investigating if the beach itself is dog- friendly, as bringing your furry friend to the beach can make the vacation even more enjoyable. Many rentals also provide beach toys, body boards, and more so you don’t have to spend money buying or renting them at shops. Read through the rental description, and don’t hesitate to ask the owner any questions.
Here are a few things to consider before booking a beach rental for your vacation.
SIZE MATTERS How many people are coming on your trip? Is it just you and your significant other, or are children coming? You will want to pick a rental to fit your family’s needs. If your traveling party is small, a condo or apartment overlooking the beach will likely work. If your family is large or you’re worried about the kids being too loud, consider a single-family beach house instead. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION You probably already know what beach to visit, but choosing a specific unit can be challenging. Is a rental with a grand view of the beach and
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