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MAY 2025
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The Personality Puzzle Exploring the Traits That Make You Who You Are
May is Personal History Awareness Month, which feels appropriate considering I just took the Myers-Briggs test for the fourth or fifth time. I’ve always been fascinated by the puzzle of who we are and why we are that way. You could call me an extroverted introvert or maybe just a December Capricorn with a penchant for introspection if you are into astrology. Either way, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting upon my personality and digging into my personal history, from childhood quirks to family traits I may or may not have inherited. As the old saying goes, history repeats itself, so maybe an understanding of where we’ve been and what we’ve experienced can provide clarity on where we’re headed. In my early 20s, I became more introspective and aware of certain habits — past and present — and began reflecting on past experiences and how those experiences may have shaped me or impacted my decision- making or behavior. I’ve always had a touch of OCD, and I recall thinking back to my adolescent years to see if I could find any connections. Growing up, my parents had a set of National Geographic picture books. These books were short, contained beautiful pictures of wildlife, and were easy to read. I distinctly remember reading the books as a kid and recall that if I tripped over a word in the book, even if I was just reading to myself, I would go back and start from the very beginning. Obviously, this habit was a sign of some minor OCD tendencies I didn’t recognize and reflect on until I was in college. As I reflected more, I began to spot trends in my friendships and relationships
and saw patterns in myself. These patterns weren’t good or bad, per se, but they were interesting and useful. I also started exploring my parents’ personalities to get a feel for what traits I might have inherited from them. I got a bit from them both — my dad’s outgoing nature and drive and my mother’s focus on serving others. I went even further, looking at my mom’s side of the family, and the connections continued. My grandfather was a very well- respected lawyer; my uncle and cousins on my mom’s side were lawyers, too. Looking at our family tree, it was easy to draw comparisons and dive deeper into why I was the way I was and what traits were more innate. The last time I took the Myers-Briggs test, I paid a professional to administer it to me and provide detailed feedback about my personality (I was an ENTJ, if you were curious). It can be a helpful and instructive tool, helping you recognize your tendencies and how you can more effectively interact with different personalities around you. I also took the Predictive Index personality assessment at a conference a couple of years ago, and the results blew my mind. I’m what you call a “Maverick,” a person who processes information and makes decisions quickly, is highly adaptable, and looks at the big picture, but also has the tendency to become impatient. This was pretty spot on, but the most interesting part of the assessment was learning that my assessment can drive other people crazy, particularly those who are “Operators,” people who dislike rapid change, and who favor total stability. The
information is useful when applied to both personal and work relationships.
The man who presented the assessment was a former recruiter on Wall Street. His group uses these tests as part of its executive hiring process. It’s a way to ensure people get into positions they will enjoy and excel in and be around people who will naturally vibe with them. That felt like a game-changer because you could have an employee who appears apathetic on the job but is actually truly talented and just in the wrong position on the team or working closely alongside someone who has a completely different style. In the end, we can’t change where we came from, but we can use that knowledge to shape where we are going. Understanding our own tendencies isn’t about making excuses — it’s about learning, growing, and navigating life and relationships with more self-awareness. Harry Truman once said, “There’s nothing new in the world except the history you do not know.” So, whether it’s through personality tests, exploring your family history, or simply noticing the patterns in your life, taking the time to dig into your personal history might just be the key to a better future.
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Wave Pools, Water Coasters, and More! Experience the Best Water Parks for Family Fun This Summer
with heart-pounding excitement. The RiverRush water coaster and Big Bear Plunge deliver high-speed thrills, while The Cascades, an 8,000-square-foot lagoon, offers waterfalls, grotto slides, and geysers for endless family fun. THE BOARDWALK AT HERSHEYPARK — HERSHEY, PENNSYLVANIA When summer heats up, Hersheypark’s Boardwalk is the ultimate cool-down destination. With all attractions included in park admission, this 16-attraction water park is packed with thrills, like the heart-pounding Breakers Edge water coaster or the massive 378,000-gallon wave pool. It offers on-site dining and nearby resorts so you can turn your visit into a full-fledged getaway. No matter which park you choose, these destinations deliver the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation for the whole family. Whether you’re conquering volcanic slides in Florida, floating through natural spring- fed rivers in Texas, or enjoying the magic of Dolly Parton in Tennessee, each water park promises an experience like no other!
SCHLITTERBAHN WATERPARK — NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS Everyone should experience the water wonderland of Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Texas. Boasting the world’s largest collection of water rides, this legendary park is powered by the crystal-clear spring water of the Comal River. It features everything from thrilling uphill water coasters to a wave-filled “not-so-lazy” river. With four themed areas, swim-up bars, and endless tubing adventures, there’s something for every water lover. DOLLYWOOD’S SPLASH COUNTRY — PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood’s Splash Country brings a touch of Southern charm to waterpark fun. Inspired by the mountain watering holes of Dolly Parton’s childhood, this park blends natural beauty
Nothing beats a day with the whole family at a top-tier water park when the temperatures rise. Whether you’re seeking high-speed drops, wave pools, or just a relaxing float under the sun, these parks offer unforgettable experiences for kids and adults alike. Get ready to dive into the best water parks across the country, where big thrills and cool splashes await! VOLCANO BAY — ORLANDO, FLORIDA Universal’s Volcano Bay is an adrenaline- fueled oasis with heart-pounding thrills and resort-style relaxation. At the center of it all stands Krakatau, a towering 200- foot volcano that houses the Ko’okiri Body Plunge. This jaw-dropping 125-foot trapdoor slide sends you plummeting at a near- vertical 70-degree angle! Between thrills, unwind on sandy beaches, float through winding rivers, or sip on tropical cocktails at Dancing Dragons Boat Bar.
School’s Out, Teamwork’s In Co-Parenting Tips for a Stress-Free Summer
Summer break is fast approaching, and for co-parents, that means coordinating schedules, travel plans, and quality parenting time. Whether splitting trips or syncing up schedules, a little early preparation and communication can ensure everyone in the family has a stress-free vacation season. Get ready for a summer of family fun and teamwork with these tips to help you navigate the break as a co-parent while keeping things smooth, flexible, and focused on what matters most — your children. STAY ORGANIZED AND FLEXIBLE. A shared calendar can be a game-changer as you plan a summer full of vacations, summer camps, and other activities for your children. Include any important dates, recurring events, trips, and other commitments in a place where both parents can access it and make changes. Staying organized will help you manage custody
arrangements and vacations, but it’s also important to remain flexible. The summer can often bring surprises like last-minute changes, so be willing to adapt. You can find ways to plan out the summer so each parent has ample time to spend with their children and the kids get to enjoy the fun of the season. KEEP UP THE COMMUNICATION. Open, honest, and engaged communication is essential to get through the summer peacefully and stay on track. Discuss expectations and plans for the summer, determining who will have custody and when. It’s also important to share each other’s plans so each parent knows when someone will be out of town or busy. The more you can talk, the more smoothly things will go. You also need to communicate with your children, ensuring they know the plan and feel like they are part of the process. You can remain
connected with your children even if they are miles away on a trip with their other parent. Schedule times for phone or video calls so you still get a chance to participate and support them. At Douglass & Runger, we can work with you to design a custody plan that truly puts your children first and ensures both parents enjoy all the wonderful memories of summer and beyond. Contact us today for a case evaluation!
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Divorce is rarely simple, but when it happens later in life — often called a gray divorce — the stakes can be even higher. Couples over 50 face unique legal and financial challenges when they split, from dividing decades of shared assets to retirement accounts and health care considerations. It’s never too late for a fresh start, and knowing the unique circumstances of a divorce after 50 will help you make informed decisions to ensure a smooth transition into this next chapter of life. DIVIDING ASSETS Couples who are over age 50 have often been married longer than younger couples going through a divorce, making the division of assets and debts more complex. By this point, many assets are shared and could be something the couples accumulated over many years, like retirement accounts, IRAs, and pension plans. Making a fair and equitable distribution can be trickier at this age, and often, funds saved over the marriage, like 401(k)s, are split down the middle. Facing a financial reduction close to retirement age can cause some to delay their retirement. HEALTH CARE Health care becomes even more critical as we age, and a divorce later in life can affect your insurance coverage. Spouses are often on a plan together, and the cost of moving to an individual insurance plan can make medical bills or health visits more expensive. One partner may lose coverage or may not yet be eligible for Medicare. Both partners will likely face more long-term health needs than a younger couple, making changes to insurance an additional stressor. LIFESTYLE CHANGES Gray divorces also pose unique, non-financial challenges that can feel overwhelming. The end of a marriage that may have lasted for decades can cause both people to feel isolated, lonely, or like they no longer have support, even on daily tasks. It can be more challenging to find a social circle or to no longer have shared activities like clubs or even familiar routines. Living arrangements can be daunting, especially if the couple has lived in a home for many years, maybe raising children there. Divorcing later in life can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Douglass & Runger, we’re here to help you make informed decisions to protect your future. Contact us today for a consultation. A Fresh Start After 50 Gray Divorce Doesn’t Have to Be a Gray Area
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
Silky Chocolate Mousse
This light, airy chocolate mousse is flavorful and requires only two ingredients. It’s the perfect easy-to-make treat for a weeknight or special occasion.
Ingredients •
1 1/2 cup heavy cream, divided
• 1 cup milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips (6 oz) • Optional garnish: grated chocolate, crushed nuts, toffee, or brittle Directions 1. In a microwave-safe bowl, put 1/2 cup of cream in the microwave for 1 minute. 2. Stir in chocolate and let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth. 3. In a separate bowl, beat the remaining 1 cup of cream with a hand mixer or whisk until soft peaks form. 4. Set aside 1/2 cup of whipped cream for topping, and continue whipping the remaining cream until stiff peaks form. 5. Gently fold whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture in batches, mixing until combined but still light and fluffy. 6. Spoon into four ramekins or glasses, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. 7. Top with reserved whipped cream and garnish if desired. INSPIRATION “Summertime is always the best of what might be.” —Charles Bowden
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1 How Personal History Shapes Who We Become 2 Make a Splash at the Most Epic Water Parks Parenting Apart, Planning Together 3 Starting Over Later in Life Silky Chocolate Mousse 4 Record-Breaking Russian Mom Gives Birth to 69 Children INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Mind-Bending Mama Guinness Names World’s Most Productive Mother
You may have heard of Octomom, the California mother of 14 who gave birth to octuplets, or the woman in Morocco who gave birth to nonuplets in 2021, all nine of whom are alive and well. These record-breaking moms have nothing on Mrs. Feodor Vassilyev. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the 18th- century Russian woman gave birth to 69 children — including 16 pairs of twins, seven sets of triplets, and four sets of quadruplets!
contemporaneous sources” to back the story. The first was a monastery in the town of Nikolsk, northeast of Moscow, where monks recorded and reported the births to Moscow officials in 1782. The Lancet, a respected medical journal, recounted in 1878 an account by French researchers from the “Statistical Works of Russia,” showing that Mrs. Vassilyev’s husband had spawned 87 children by two wives. Separately, The Gentleman’s Magazine, an 18th and 19th-century English periodical, published a report by a writer claiming to have an original
letter, dated 1782, saying that O.S. Feodor Wassilief (sic), age 75, had 69 children via 27 births by his first wife and 18 children via eight births by his second wife, for a total of 87 offspring! Citing information from an English merchant in St. Petersburg, the writer said 84 of the children had survived, and the father had been invited to meet the empress, Catherine the Great. The first Mrs. Vassilyev’s remarkable record suggests that she was pregnant for 243 months, or more than 20 years, of her life — more than half the average life expectancy of Russian women in that era!
Even the Guinness editors admit the story seems unlikely, but they cite “numerous
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