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Louisiana Trial Attorneys
New Orleans • Covington
www.ScottVicknair.com (504) 500-1111
May 2022
It’s Graduation Month!
Advice for New Graduates
As we enter the month of May, many young adults will be looking toward the future as they finish up formal education. High school graduates will have their eyes set on college, trade school, or joining the workforce. College graduates will be applying for jobs, hoping they’ll get an opportunity in their field. No matter what level of education you or your child have achieved, plenty of opportunities to grow and reach new levels of success await. Since it’s graduation month, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share some advice for new graduates entering the workforce. One thing many people fail to realize is that just because you’re done with school does not mean you are done learning. We have the ability to continue learning throughout our lives and should take advantage of every opportunity. The most successful people in life are usually avid readers and never forgo an opportunity to improve themselves. You should continue learning about things you’re passionate about, your career, or something that serves as a productive outlet. One of the best things you can do to encourage lifelong learning is to find a mentor, someone who has done the things you want to accomplish. A mentor can provide a wealth of knowledge and may help you reach your goals much faster. Additionally, don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is an important part of the learning process. In most cases, the faster you fail, the faster you learn. It’s one of our best teachers in life when you look at it from the right perspective. Another important piece of advice is to set daily routines and habits. I believe you can look at someone’s routines, habits, and rituals and determine whether or not they’ll be successful in life. The little things we do throughout each day eventually add up; results are often not instantaneous. Take going to the gym, for example. If you work out today, you’re not necessarily going to see results the same day or even the same week. Doing the same routine consistently will help you achieve your end-goal results.
We aren’t always going to hit home runs and see the big wins. People who do the small things often succeed and reach their goals quicker, and it’s important to make conscious decisions rather than rely on autopilot. My final piece of advice is to always set goals. Yogi Berra once said, “If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” If you don’t have a plan, you actually have a plan to fail. Sit down and think about what you want to accomplish in life. Figure out where you need to be in five years and plan goals to get there. Once you create your goals, develop routines and habits that align with them. Write out your goals every morning so they stay in your conscious mind. I’ve done that for years, and it has helped me achieve whatever I hoped to accomplish. Everyone’s circumstances may be different, but as you enter the next level of education or join the workforce, keep in mind the things that will bring you success. Create a plan, live life with a purpose, and don’t be passive and allow life to take the reins. I wish you all the best as you start the next chapter of your lives. -Brad Scott
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A Timeless and Influential Book It’s Time to Read or Reread This Classic
“How to Win Friends & Influence People” by Dale Carnegie has stood the test of time. Published in 1936, this book has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. Relating to the key relationships of humans, the book embodies self-improvement, communication, relationship building, and compassion. Every working professional or individual rubbing elbows in their social group needs it in their toolbox! If you haven’t already experienced the influential and game-changing words of Dale Carnegie, it’s time to pick up a copy. If you’ve already read it, it’s time to give it another read to review and remember because there is still much value to unfold. Embedded within each page of this easy- to-read book are recommendations for creating, building upon, and improving successful and positive relationships within your life,
years ago, its life lessons and thought-provoking suggestions still apply today because, while technology, education, and infrastructure have all advanced, our basic human tendencies and the way we interact remain the same. “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you,” Dale Carnegie states. In “How to Win Friends & Influence People,” he explores the importance of putting the needs, interests, and values of others before your own and how to handle situations for the best possible outcome. It takes a deep dive into getting to know yourself before learning how to bond with others on a personal and/or professional level. This book, a brilliant study on human nature, will have you wondering why you didn’t read it sooner while reflecting on situations and interactions you could have handled differently. But most importantly, Carnegie’s pointers are sure to provide amazing insights while you learn to get along with just about anyone.
whether it be with friends, family members, coworkers, network professionals, or supervisors. Written and published more than 85
Back in 2005, a woman became imaginative and filed a claim against the owner of a Wendy’s franchise in San Jose, California, stating that she was served a bowl of chili with a human finger in it. Her allegation cost the fast-food chain millions in damages, and as it turns out, the woman’s claim was false. She was eventually arrested and convicted of attempting to extort Wendy’s. On March 25, 2005, Wendy’s was put in the spotlight under false allegations. A woman, Anna Ayala, visited a Wendy’s with her family and ordered a bowl of chili. She then made a large scene, claiming that she bit into something crunchy and discovered that it was the fingernail of a human finger inside her chili! All of the employees in that particular Wendy’s were astonished because they each had all 10 fingers still attached. Even more, all Wendy’s employees at other locations who handled raw materials still had all of their fingers. When a forensic investigation was done on the finger, it was found that the finger was not cooked at 170 degrees F for three hours, like the rest of the chili was. Eventually, it was discovered that Ayala had 13 different lawsuits open against different companies, and when her story began to waver, she dropped the lawsuit on April 12, 2005, claiming it was putting too much pressure on her. But Wendy’s, having already lost millions of dollars, was hard-pressed to prove this was not negligence on their part. They set up a tip line and offered $50,000 to anyone who had information on the owner of the finger. Eventually, after genetic testing, authorities discovered that the finger belonged to a Nevada man who was a coworker of Ayala’s husband; the man had recently lost a finger in an industrial accident and had given it to Ayala to settle a $50 debt. Both Ayala and her husband were charged and ordered to pay restitution. It was quite the finger feud!
For an Alleged Finger in Her Chili Woman Attempts to Sue Wendy’s
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THE ART OF QUIETING YOUR MIND BEFORE BED
All day long, thoughts run through your mind, and by the end of the day, your head is probably ready to explode. After all, it’s estimated that in 24 hours you can have between 60,000–80,000 thoughts. At some point, your brain needs a break, and that’s especially true before you try to go to bed. Here are some ways to quiet your mind, so you can get a full night’s sleep!
IT’S GRADUATION TIME! Life is full of big moments like this; marriage, birth, and even death as well. No matter where you are in the process, THE TIME IS NOW to plan for your, and your family’s, future. The Scott | Vicknair, LLC, estate planning process is tailored to your exact needs, whether you want to prepare for possible future disability, create trusts and guardianships for your children, or plan for the distribution of your assets. IT’S GRADUATION TIME!
Keep your bed for sleeping. If you aren’t sleeping, get out of bed! Getting in the habit of scrolling through your phone, watching TV, reading, working, or even
Leave your family peace of mind, not questions and concerns. Call us TODAY to plan for the FUTURE. (504) 264-1057.
eating in bed teaches your brain that your bed is for things other than sleeping! If you find yourself tossing and
turning, get out of bed and try a relaxing activity such as reading, journaling, listening to music, or meditating. When you
get tired, try getting back in bed.
MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH RAINBOW FRITTATA
Breathe deeply. Breathing exercises can not only help calm your mind and spirit, but they can lower your heart rate, which is especially beneficial in relieving stress or anxiety when things are upsetting you. Write it down. Instead of letting thoughts fill your mind right before bed (such as the next day’s tasks or any worries you have), set aside time before bed to write it out. Whether you are a fan of journaling, writing letters, or simply just listing out your problems, goals, and thoughts, grab a pen and paper and make it a nightly routine. This way, your thoughts will be freed before your head hits the pillow. Try a light snack. When you can’t sleep, the last thing that you want to do is eat something heavy. In fact, when you eat a large meal right before bed, your digestive system can become overwhelmed. But, studies have shown that eating a light carbohydrate snack such as crackers or popcorn when you can’t sleep may be helpful. Turn your room into a sleep haven. Keeping your bedroom neat, relaxing, and calm can help improve your sleep! Keep all televisions, computers, and screens out of the bedroom and furnish it with soft colors and textures that are tranquil and soothing to you. Pumping the brakes on worrisome thoughts racing through your mind can be tough, but trying these tips and tricks may earn you some relief and much needed sleep.
Impress Mom with this delicious breakfast recipe!
Ingredients
• Nonstick cooking spray • 1/4 cup sweet potato, diced • 1/4 cup yellow pepper, diced • 1/4 cup broccoli, chopped • 8 eggs
• Basil, thyme, salt, and pepper, to taste • 1/2 avocado, pitted, peeled, and thinly sliced • Cherry tomatoes, halved • Sriracha hot sauce (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F and coat a cast-iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray. 2. In the skillet over medium heat, cook sweet potatoes, yellow pepper, and broccoli until soft. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 4. Pour egg mixture into skillet with vegetables. Don’t stir but instead use a spatula to lift the edges of the egg mixture until it is evenly distributed. 5. Transfer mixture to oven. Bake for 5 minutes or until the dish sets. 6. Top with avocado and tomatoes. Drizzle Sriracha on top (if desired).
Inspired by EatingWell.com
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
(504) 500-1111 www.ScottVicknair.com 909 Poydras St., Suite 2025 New Orleans, LA 70112 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Important Advice for Recent and Future Graduates
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This Book Has Stood the Test of Time Liar, Liar, Fingers on Fire
Mother’s Day Brunch Rainbow Frittata 5 Solutions for Quality Sleep
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A Blessing for Foster Families
Aiming to Keep Them Together Nonprofit Builds Free Homes for Licensed Foster Families
Studies show that over half of the children in foster care also have a sibling in the foster system. Of those children, more than 75% are separated. In North Carolina, Fostering Hopes joined forces with another nonprofit, H3 Collective, to build foster homes so they can keep large sibling groups together. Some of these homes are big enough to house five children, which is usually the maximum number of children the foster system allows under one roof. Alex Williams, the founder of Fostering Hopes, explained that the need for foster homes and foster parents is so high that, many times, children are sent out of their home county. He estimates that roughly 50% of the 20,000 children in North Carolina’s foster program will be placed outside of their home county. Adam Ponder of H3 Collective was proud to announce that Fostering Hopes and H3 are currently working together on a 3,600-square-foot, five-bedroom home for a licensed foster family, and the group hopes to have it ready for occupancy this summer.
counties away from their brothers and sisters — is traumatizing. The goal is to provide children a home where they feel comfortable and safe with enough room for all siblings. Once this initial build is complete, Fostering Hopes and H3 plan to build many more large foster homes in Western North Carolina. They’ve even made the goal of expanding into 10–15 counties in the western part of the state!
“The intention is to provide hope to children who
typically find themselves without it,” Alex Williams told Fox News. “We hope to keep siblings together, to keep children in their home communities, and to provide dedicated families or parents for children who need them the most.” There is no better feeling than helping children grow, thrive, and flourish. The efforts of Fostering Hopes and H3 Collective are inspiring, heartfelt, and are bound to make a difference in the lives of many children and families.
As if living in the foster program isn’t hard enough on a child, being packed up and moved across the state — sometimes
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