Check out our January/February newsletter!
Justice MONTHLY
229-888-0888 • www.puttingpeoplefirst.law
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025
How to Strike the Perfect Work-Life Harmony Through Hobbies Balance the Scales of Work and Play
I’ve spent a large chunk of my life immersed in the legal world. There was even a time when I thought I would dedicate all of my time to my work. However, as January is National Hobby Month, it’s the perfect time to share some insights on why indulging in hobbies isn’t just for leisure but for our mental and physical well-being. Years back, fresh out of law school, I was driven by a singular goal: to be an exceptional lawyer. This meant long hours and sacrificing personal time — all for the badge of being the best in the courtroom. It was a relentless pursuit until life, as it does, offered a broader perspective, especially after starting a family. It was during one lecture by an appellate judge to us, young attorneys, where he emphatically advised, “There’s a life outside of the office. Get one.” That message truly hit home. My father, an avid aviator, was the epitome of someone who mastered the art of balancing a demanding career with personal passions. From a young age, his dedication to flying enamored me — something he pursued with vigor yet never imposed upon me. While I dabbled in flying lessons in my later years, it wasn’t until much later that I realized the value of having a pursuit outside the professional sphere. While invigorating, flying lessons taught me more than just the mechanics of operating an aircraft. They offered a mental breather, a challenge that demanded my full attention and temporarily distracted me from the usual stresses of legal work. I would give anything to go back in time and have my father give me a few flying lessons like his father did for him. But by the time I was old enough to join him in the cockpit, he had to put flying on the backburner. And honestly, I’ve had to do the same! I now see why he paused his passion since flying is costly and time-consuming. Due to several constraints, flying became an untenable hobby, but it paved the way for other interests like tennis and music — activities I now share with my daughters. Tennis, for instance, has become more than just a physical exercise; it’s a way to bond with my family. I’ve been taking tennis lessons, and so has my wife, Priscila. Soon enough, Isabella will
be old enough to take her swings on the court. I honestly can’t wait for Isabella and Rebecca to get older and for all of us to play matches with one another. Music, too, has woven itself into the fabric of our family life. My grandfather’s musical legacy lingers in the melodies I strum on my guitar, often crafting silly songs that become the soundtrack of our home. They may just be humble, spur-of-the-moment songs, but they have my daughters dancing, singing, and laughing along. While Isabella prefers to sing, the guitar strings always fascinate Rebecca, and I’d be surprised if she doesn’t pick up an instrument in the future. While I certainly don’t have as much free time as I’d like to spend on these hobbies, I do my best to make time. Unfortunately, that means forcing myself awake bright and early at 5 a.m. to practice my guitar and lift weights, but it works ( so long as I get to bed by 10 p.m. ). As we step into the new year, I encourage everyone, regardless of profession, to embrace hobbies. They remind us that in the relentless pursuit of professional excellence, we should also cultivate the passions that keep our spirits high and our minds engaged.
—William F. “Trey” Underwood III
Published by Newsletter Pro . www.NewsletterPro.com
www.puttingpeoplefirst.law | 1
Beat the Indoor Blues
Turn Your Living Space Into a DIY Obstacle Course This Winter
As the winter weather confines us indoors, transforming your living room into an action- packed obstacle course can turn dreary days into dynamic adventures. Here’s how to create a playful paradise right in your home, ensuring the kids (and maybe even the adults) will have a blast while staying active. Start with a plan. Kick off your indoor fun by sitting with your kids and brainstorming a list of challenges. The possibilities are endless! The key is to tailor the course to your space and the ages of your participants. The planning part of the activity will spark creativity and build anticipation for the fun ahead.
Create engaging obstacles. Now for the fun part: building your course! Use simple household items to create engaging stations: • Balance Challenges: Lay a strip of painter’s tape on the floor to serve as a balance beam, or use a two-by-four if space allows. • Crepe Paper Maze: Stretch crepe paper across a corridor to create a thrilling laser maze. Cranking up some spy-themed music can enhance the atmosphere. • Sack Races: Use pillowcases or sleeping bags for sack races across the living room. It’s a fantastic way to burn off some energy! • The Lava Floor: Arrange cushions for the classic game where the floor is lava, encouraging kids to leap from one safe spot to another. • Crawling Challenges: Set up an army crawl zone with streamers for kids to maneuver under.
Time it for excitement. If kids start losing interest or finish the course too soon, introduce a timer to add a competitive edge. Time each round and challenge the kids to beat their previous scores. This will keep the excitement levels high! Wrap up with a race against the clock. Finally, make cleanup fun by setting it to music or turning it into a timed challenge. Who can put away the most items before the buzzer goes off? This helps with the inevitable mess and teaches responsibility in a fun, engaging way. Turning your living room into an obstacle course is a delightful way to enhance physical activity, creativity, and family bonding during those long winter months. So, why not start planning your adventure today?
Safety comes first, and fun comes second.
Before the wild rumpus starts, safety-proof your space. Clear away fragile items and sharp corners, and lay down cushions and yoga mats to soften the landscape. This ensures everyone can enjoy the course worry-free.
From Pain to Proof
How to Properly Document Your Injury for a Successful Claim
securing essential evidence for your case. The resulting medical records are invaluable , detailing the extent of your injuries and the treatments you receive. Keep every piece of documentation — bills, prescriptions, and treatment plans — as they are vital in demonstrating the impact of your injuries. If your condition requires consultations from specialists, document those results thoroughly to confirm the severity of your injuries further. Gather visual evidence of injuries. Visual documentation can powerfully convey the impact of your injuries. Take clear, dated photographs and videos from multiple angles right after the accident and throughout your recovery. This visual proof is compelling and depicts the progression of your injuries over time. Ensure you back up this crucial evidence to safeguard against any technological mishaps. Journal your recovery and pain. A detailed journal documenting your daily pain levels, emotional well-being, and how the injuries affect your daily life can be pivotal. This personal account helps quantify non-
economic damages like pain and suffering, which are significant parts of your claim. Document the scene and damage. Capturing the scene is equally crucial in cases like car accidents. Photograph everything — from traffic lights to stop signs and general road conditions. These photos provide context and can help reconstruct the accident scene. Also, document the damage to all vehicles involved; comprehensive photos from various angles can be critical in determining fault.
When you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, the steps you take immediately after can seriously affect the outcome of your personal injury claim. Accurate and complete documentation can help strengthen your legal case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Here’s how to thoroughly document your injuries and the scene to build a robust foundation for your claim.
Obtain immediate medical documentation.
Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial, not only for your health but also for
Secure your rights with expert guidance. Documenting your personal injury
accurately and comprehensively sets a strong foundation for your claim, but navigating the legal landscape can still be daunting. We understand the intricacies of personal injury law and will ensure we leverage every piece of evidence to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Don’t go through this challenging time alone — contact us today for expert guidance and to ensure your rights are fully protected.
2 | 229-888-0888
Georgia’s Winter Lineup
Honor MLK, Savor Tchaikovsky, and Cheer at Rodeos
Nonviolence,” inspires over 175 entries to parade down Telfair Street through the historic Bellevue district. Don’t miss this profound community event dedicated to remembering and advancing Dr. King’s message of peace and service.
presented by the CSO. Revel in the elegant “Polonaise” from “Eugene Onegin,” followed by the mesmerizing Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto by the talented violinist SooBeen Lee. The night crescendos with the powerful strains of “Symphony No. 4,” bringing a dramatic close to a night of musical splendor. Experience this tribute to Russia’s celebrated composer and experience the sheer beauty of Tchaikovsky’s work live. 29th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. VisitDublinGA.org/event/ martin-luther-king-jr-parade Before you delve into Tchaikovsky, head to downtown Dublin for the 29th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade at 11 a.m., as the community honors the legacy of Dr. King with one of Georgia’s largest and most vibrant celebrations. This year’s theme, “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of
From the vibrant streets of downtown Dublin to the thrilling rodeo rings of Perry, Georgia is alive with a spectacular array of events this season. As winter unfolds, the excitement continues beyond the holiday season for classical music lovers, history enthusiasts, rodeo connoisseurs, and anyone looking for family fun. This season, Georgia offers a diverse palette of cultural and adrenaline-pumping activities sure to create unforgettable memories. Total Tchaikovsky With the Columbus Symphony Orchestra Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, 7:30–9:30 p.m. CSOGA.org/concerts/total-tchaikovsky
Georgia National Rodeo Feb. 20–22, 2025 GeorgiaNationalRodeo.com
Experience the thrill of a top-tier rodeo event this February at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, a proud Top20 Southeast Tourism Society Event! Witness a spectacular display of rodeo prowess officially sanctioned by the PRCA, featuring cowboys and cowgirls from across the nation competing in events from Saddle Bronc Riding to Barrel Racing, all contributing to qualifications for the National Finals in Las Vegas. Don’t forget to explore the countless vendors available from morning to night. Mark your calendars for a day of daring skills and fun in Perry!
Immerse yourself in an evening dedicated to the masterful compositions of Tchaikovsky,
Winner Winner Potluck Dinner Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
We Value You! At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., the trust we build with our clients is our most valuable asset. To show our appreciation, we would like to thank our clients who have referred others to us since our November newsletter:
Ingredients • 1 lb ground beef • Salt and pepper, to taste • 3 tbsp butter
• 1 cup finely chopped onion • 1 cup water • 2 cans (10-3/4 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted • 1 can (5 oz) chow mein noodles, divided • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Gwenda Mosley Corey Gardner Patricia Barber
• 2 cups sliced, peeled potatoes • 2 cups finely chopped celery • 1 cup finely chopped carrots • 1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
Your recommendations are treasured by everyone at our office. Clients can also leave their comments about our services through Google Reviews! These statements give us critical feedback and help other clients who are facing stressful life situations so they can find dependable lawyers. Previous and current clients can also receive free notary services at our office. Learn more about this service by giving us a call at 229-888-0888.
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble beef until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. 2. In the same skillet, add butter and sauté potatoes, celery, carrots, green pepper, and onion for about 5 minutes. Add water, cover, and simmer for 4–5 minutes. Stir in soup and beef until well incorporated. 3. Sprinkle half the chow mein noodles into a greased, shallow 2-qt baking dish, and spoon meat mixture over noodles. Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Top with cheese and remaining noodles. Bake, uncovered, another 10 minutes or until heated through.
Thank you for trusting us to serve you!
www.puttingpeoplefirst.law | 3
229-888-0888 www.puttingpeoplefirst.law
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1918 DAWSON RD. ALBANY, GA 31707
Embrace Hobbies This New Year for a Better You PAGE 1 Create an Indoor Obstacle Course This Winter! A Lawyer’s Guide to Documenting Your Injury PAGE 2 Historical Parades, Musical Masterpieces, and Rodeo Excitement Winner Winner Potluck Dinner PAGE 3 6 State Laws You Won’t Believe Exist! PAGE 4
Unpack America’s Quirkiest State Laws From Forbidden Fortune Telling to Sandwich Shop Silence
Every state has its own bizarre laws, and while they make for a fun read, the fact is that these rules were once created to address some specific “problem!” From unusual dress codes for hot dog vendors in Florida to bizarre regulations about fighting birds in Indiana, every state has its share of head-scratchers. Let’s take a stroll through six of the wackiest laws — you can’t make this stuff up!
Quiet Hours for Sandwich Lovers In Arkansas, think twice before honking your horn at a sandwich shop after 9 p.m. This law might have stemmed from one too many late-night sandwich cravings disturbing the peace. So, keep your sandwich enthusiasm to a respectable volume! Dress Code for Hot Dog Vendors In Florida, hot dog vendors must think twice about skimpy wardrobes as a marketing tactic. Dressing provocatively is a no-go, as it’s considered a serious traffic hazard. So, those planning to sell hot dogs should keep their attire conservative to avoid stirring up more than just appetites. Fight Back Birds in Indiana In Indiana, you can only throw a rock at a bird if you’re defending yourself. Hopefully, you’ll never find yourself in such a peculiar predicament (or Hitchcockian nightmare), but it’s good to know the law’s got your back — just in case.
No Clairvoyance in Cedar Rapids Fancy yourself a fortune teller in Cedar Rapids, Iowa? Think again. Practices like palm reading or phrenology are off limits, preserving the town’s focus on the tangible here and now rather than the mystical future. Grease Is the Word in North Carolina In North Carolina, stealing over $1,000 of used restaurant grease is a felony. Yes, used grease! As biodiesel’s popularity rises, so does the value of this slippery commodity — so keep your hands away from the grimy fryer vats. Oklahoma’s Animal Antics And finally, in Oklahoma, you’d better not find yourself tripping a horse or wrestling a bear. Engaging in or even promoting these dangerous and unusual animal antics is illegal. It’s all fun and games until someone gets a bear hug they didn’t ask for! So, next time you think you’ve heard it all, remember: The law books might have a few more surprises waiting for you.
Published by Newsletter Pro . www.NewsletterPro.com
4 | 229-888-0888
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator