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May 2025
A Stress-Free Wedding in Paradise
Your wedding day is one of the most exciting moments of your life. If you are married and reading this, take a moment to reflect on your big day. You likely went through a gauntlet of feelings as you put on your suit or dress and talked with your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and parents. Some might even have been shaking with nervousness, but all those worries, feelings, and concerns go right out the window the minute you see your partner. I love reflecting on my wedding day, and since my anniversary is right around the corner on May 21, there’s no better time to share the story! Destination weddings have grown in popularity over the past decade or so, but back in 1994, it was a relatively unknown idea. My wife and I had started planning a traditional wedding, but it quickly dawned on both of us that this what not what we really wanted. Instead, we decided we wanted to get married at our honeymoon destination, Grand Cayman. Our original plan didn’t involve anyone else. We would go by ourselves, have a nice and easy ceremony, and enjoy our honeymoon. As we told our families about our intentions, they made it clear they very much wanted to attend. Only one airline flew to Grand Cayman at the time — and only two days each week. We told the family they could come, but that they would have to stay in a different hotel and that they would take the flight home the day after the ceremony. Booking a destination wedding is much easier now than in the ‘90s, as the internet was still in its early stages and email and cellphones weren’t mainstream yet. I somehow found the name of Vernon Jackson, an officiant who did weddings in Grand Cayman. I set up the wedding date but didn’t hear anything else for months. A couple of months out, I called him to ensure we were good to go. In a thick Caribbean accent, he responded, “Why are you calling me, man? Call me when you are here, and we will have the wedding.” To say the trip was a success would probably be an understatement. We flew down to Grand Cayman with about 15–20 family members, and we were more boisterous than normal since the airline served free rum punch for our flight. Everyone who came had a great time and those who couldn’t joined us for a reception at the old Shoreline Grill, where we replayed the ceremony on video. Looking back, I don’t think we would have done anything differently. It was incredibly easy and relatively stress-free. I set up the wedding with two phone calls, which is pretty hard to beat! It was also a special experience that provided many fond memories for all who attended. I highly encourage anyone with a marriage on the horizon to consider a destination wedding.
One of the good things about a destination wedding is that it sets up the location as a special place. Grand Cayman has remained a special place for us, and we returned to visit for several anniversaries, especially before we had kids. Our last trip was for our 20th anniversary, and the kids came with us, so we’re probably due for another visit. May 21 actually provided many influential events while I was in law school. During my first year, I had to have knee surgery on May 21 after tearing up my knee snow skiing during Christmas break. The following year was my wedding, and my law school graduation date was on May 21 the year after. Now, every May 21 is a celebration of my anniversary! Happy anniversary, Heather! Every day with you is just as special as the day we said, “I do.” - Brooks Schuelke
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Woman Arrested After K9 Sniffs Out Her ‘Innocent’ Tote Bag Criminal Mastermind? Not Quite
There are bad decisions, and then there are “ Florida-level ” bad decisions. And right at the top of that list is walking around with a bag that literally announces your crime in bold letters. That’s exactly what 31-year-old Teryn Acri did when she was caught with a tote bag that read, “ Definitely Not a Bag Full of Drugs ” — which, naturally, was full of drugs. You can’t make this stuff up. Acri’s latest brush with the law happened when the car she was riding in got pulled over by deputies in Brevard County. The driver, clearly possessing a stellar decision-making record, assured the
officer that “nothing illegal should be inside.” Unfortunately for her, Aurora, the department’s drug-sniffing K9, had other ideas.
When the deputy searched the vehicle, Acri’s ironically labeled tote bag was sitting there like a neon sign screaming, “ CHECK ME IMMEDIATELY. ” Inside? Allegedly, police found meth, needles, Narcan, digital scales, small baggies, cut straws — pretty much everything except what you would usually find in someone’s bag. What makes this situation even more ridiculous is that this isn’t even Acri’s first run-in with the law this year. She was arrested on Jan. 6 for — you guessed it — drug trafficking. But after making her $15,500 bond just two days later, she was out and about, making more exceptionally bad life choices. Now, she’s back behind bars, and something tells us she won’t be meeting bail this time. If irony were a crime, Acri would be serving a life sentence. Carrying drugs is bad enough, but labeling them like a cartoon villain? That’s next-level absurdity. The universe has a sense of humor, but so does law enforcement, and they love an easy arrest. If nothing else, let this be a PSA: If your bag screams, “ I’m guilty, ” expect to be treated accordingly.
Outrageous Etiquette Rules From the Past WHEN LAUGHING WAS SCANDALOUS
Etiquette has always been an ever-changing game, but some rules from the past are so bizarre that it’s hard to believe anyone actually followed them. From mandatory gloves to rain-soaked gentlemen, let’s take a trip back in time and appreciate just how far we’ve come in the world of social graces. Imagine being a Victorian woman at a fancy gathering. You spot someone across the room and want to strike up a conversation — but wait! If you weren’t spoken to first, you had to stay silent. Initiating conversation could ruin your social standing because heaven forbid a woman has an independent thought. And if you did manage to chat with someone, you had better keep your laughter under control. Women were expected to cover their mouths when laughing because too much joy was unacceptable. Speaking of controlling appearances, let’s talk about the ultimate fashion injustice — men and umbrellas. In 18th- century England, a man carrying an umbrella was seen as weak. A true gentleman had to brave the rain with a stiff upper lip and a soggy coat. Meanwhile, women had their own list of fashion do’s and don’ts. Gloves?
Mandatory. Hair up at all times? Absolutely. When crossing the street, a lady could only lift her dress with one hand because lifting with two hands was just too scandalous and might show off too much ankle. Photographs were another place where emotions were strictly off-limits. Smiling in photos was considered undignified, and people had to remain as serious as possible. So, if you’ve ever wondered why your great-great-grandparents looked like they just lost a bet in every old photograph, now you know! Fast forward to the 1960s, and while some rules relaxed, others remained oddly specific. Holding your drink in your right hand at a party? Absolutely not! Your right “social” hand had to stay free to shake hands and light cigarettes. And if you were a dinner guest, you had better prepare a toast — because nothing says party etiquette like being put on the spot for an impromptu speech.
So, the next time you see someone laughing freely or using an umbrella without shame, take a moment to appreciate just how much times have changed!
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TAKE A BREAK
For families, “sick season” can seem never-ending. Just when it feels like the sniffles are gone for good, someone else comes down with a cold. Even though the weather’s getting warmer, germs have not taken a vacation. Keeping your family healthy requires extra precautions, no matter the time of year. Keep your hands clean. Focusing on everyday hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent illness, and it all starts with hand-washing. Soap and water are the go-to combo, but hand sanitizer is an excellent option for cleaning on the go. Teach kids to wash their hands before eating and after using the restroom, playing outdoors, and visiting crowded places. You can even turn this habit into a fun family ritual by having your little ones sing their favorite song while scrubbing for 20 seconds. Fuel up with healthy choices. A strong immune system is also key to illness prevention. Getting adequate sleep and eating a nutrient-dense diet provides natural immune-system support. The kids and adults in your family can boost immunity by loading up on fruits and vegetables; focus on those full of vitamin C, such as strawberries, citrus fruits, and bell peppers. Lean proteins like chicken and fish and fiber-rich foods like avocados and broccoli also support a robust immune system. Stay on top of surface cleaning. Germs love high-contact areas like countertops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, and light switches. Cleaning these surfaces daily reduces germ exposure and complements frequent handwashing. If someone has been sick, more frequent wipedowns will help prevent others from getting sick. And don’t forget about phones, tablets, and remote controls. These devices harbor bacteria and viruses and come into contact with our hands and some of them, our faces. See a doctor when symptoms linger. Unfortunately, even the best prevention habits can’t guarantee an illness-free household. If a family member has a fever lasting more than two days or cold and flu symptoms lasting longer than 10 days, it’s time to visit your health care provider. When in doubt, trust your instincts — early treatment can be key to ensuring quick recovery. Healthy Families Start With Smart Habits Tips for Fighting Germs Year-Round
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Ingredients
• 1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 2 lbs) • 3 medium carrots, peeled, chopped • 2 medium sweet red peppers, chopped • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1 8-oz can unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce • 2 tbsp packed brown sugar • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/2 tsp pepper • 3 tbsp cornstarch • 3 tbsp water • 24 lettuce leaves for serving
Directions 1. In 4- or 5-quart slow cooker, combine roast, carrots, peppers, and onion. 2. In small bowl, stir together the next 6 ingredients; pour over roast. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Remove roast, let cool slightly, then shred. 4. Skim fat from cooking juices, then transfer juices and vegetables to a small saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. 5. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water, stir mixture into juices, and cook 3–4 minutes until sauce is thickened. 6. Return beef, sauce, and vegetables to slow cooker; cook for 10–15 minutes. 7. Serve beef in lettuce leaves.
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1100 B Guadalupe Street Austin, Texas 78701 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
A Simple Island Wedding Was the Best Decision We Ever Made
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Florida Woman Takes the Title for World’s Worst Criminal
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Etiquette or Absurdity? The Most Ridiculous Social Rules From History
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
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Everyday Habits to Keep Your Family Healthy
Too Heavy? Detroit Rapper Takes Legal Action Against Lyft
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RIDESHARE REFUSAL Detroit Woman Sues Lyft Over Driver’s Discriminatory Behavior
Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber have become popular ways for Americans to get from point A to point B. Most drivers are courteous, kind, and conversational as long as you return the favor and respect their vehicle. However, not every ride will be perfect. Every once in a while, you encounter a rude, unaccommodating, or disrespectful driver. A Detroit woman
recently found herself in a disagreement with a Lyft driver who was unwilling to provide service, resulting in a lawsuit. This past January, Detroit rapper Dajua Blanding, known on stage as Dank Demoss, requested a Lyft to drive her to her cousin’s house so she could attend a Detroit Lions watch party. The driver arrived at her home 10–15 minutes later in his Mercedes- Benz sedan but locked the doors upon seeing Blanding approach his vehicle. The driver, identified as John Doe, refused to let Blanding in his car. Realizing something wasn’t right, Blanding pulled out her phone and started recording. The driver claimed that Blanding was too big to fit in the back seat and that his vehicle’s tires could not support her weight. Blanding assured the driver she could fit, but he responded, “Believe me, you can’t.”
He encouraged her to order a Lyft XL before apologizing, canceling and refunding her ride, and driving away. Blanding, who says she weighs about 490 pounds, has since obtained legal counsel who stated the Lyft driver’s actions were against the law. Michigan is the only state where weight is a protected characteristic. Her attorney claims that denying someone a ride based on their weight is the same as denying them due to their race or religion under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. Lyft released a statement afterward, stating that it “unequivocally condemns all forms of discrimination.” Blanding is currently suing Lyft and the driver for damages, including stress, humiliation, embarrassment, outrage, mental anguish, fear, and mortification, as well as emotional, economic, and noneconomic damages.
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