Check out our February newsletter!
February 2025
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PERPETUAL PAGES THE PRICELESS POWER OF READING
“Sleep is good … and books are better.” — George R.R. Martin
Not too long ago, one of my daughters gave a friend a virtual tour of our home. I didn’t realize it until my daughter’s friend mentioned it, but every room in our house has a bookshelf. Honestly, she only saw the tip of the iceberg, as I have more books than shelves to display them. It always seems like there are 100 more books to read for every one that I finish! I can’t recall a time when reading wasn’t a significant part of my life. Long before I learned to read on my own, I’d often hand my mom a book to read to me at night — which she was always kind enough to do, no matter how tired she may have been at the end of the day. When I got a little older, I attended a private school in downtown Fort Worth. Every day, when school got out at 3:30, my sister and I would take the subway to the library, where we’d read as much as we could before Mom came to pick us up when she got off work at 5. In addition to loving Agatha Christie’s detective novels, I was an avid fan of Arthur C. Clarke, Robert Heinlein, Isaac Azimov, and other science fiction authors. I’d read books in my bedroom when I was supposed to be asleep. Although my parents eventually caught on to what I was doing, I would still read with a flashlight under the covers until 2 or 3 in the morning. I have a very special reason for bringing up the topic of reading in this month’s newsletter, as Robinson Crusoe Day is in February. Written by Daniel Defoe and published in 1719, “Robinson Crusoe” remains one of my all-time favorite reads. It chronicles the adventures of a man stranded on a Pacific island who has to figure out how to survive. The story has enthralled me since I first read it in elementary school, and I’ve always wanted to go sailing in the area depicted in its pages (but hopefully without becoming a castaway myself). Although I will always love reading, how I do it has changed considerably. Sacrilegiously, I’ve been getting into audiobooks lately. I used to be a real snob about not doing that, but I admit I enjoy the convenience of listening to books while driving. I’ve also become accustomed to reading books on my tablet, which can hold multiple titles at a time. I suppose the best thing about switching to that format is that I don’t get grief from my wife anymore when I purchase a new book!
As much as I still love reading fiction, I also explore a lot of business- related content these days.
One such title, “The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It” by Michael E. Gerber, explores how to identify and overcome obstacles to become the best leader possible. For example, a great baker who decides to start their own business may not realize the demands of wearing many hats or delegating. Being successful in business isn’t just about doing the thing you love — it’s about overseeing and managing every aspect that makes a solid business work. I’d recommend this book to anyone who dreams of transforming their skills into a profitable enterprise. Whether it’s a tale of a faraway world or a primer on professionalism here on Earth, a great book will open your mind to new and exciting experiences. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to figure out where I’ll find room for all of mine …
-Aaron Miller
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Become a Modern- Day Explorer HOW GEOCACHING LETS YOU HUNT FOR HIDDEN TREASURES Movies like “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “The Goonies,” and “National Treasure” have inspired generations to hunt for buried treasure. We’ve all dreamt of discovering a forgotten relic that would change the world and earn us fame and fortune. Most of us will likely never uncover any artifacts worth an article in our local newspapers, but that doesn’t mean we have to give up on the treasure-hunting dream. Going on your very own treasure hunt has never been easier, thanks to geocaching. For those unfamiliar, geocaching is a treasure-hunting game that invites people worldwide to search for and discover hidden caches. You can find hidden secrets around your community and beyond using a GPS and a geocaching app. Geocaching is the official app and one of the best places to start your geocaching expedition. From there, you just have to pick a cache nearby and start searching. There are a few different types of caches to discover. The most common is the basic cache, requiring you to go to a specific GPS coordinate. There, you’ll use observational skills to locate the cache. Inside, you’ll likely find a logbook to record your name before putting it back in place for the next explorer. Another type, an EarthCache, doesn’t involve a hidden object but instead leads you to a unique geographical
As we age, staying physically active whenever possible becomes increasingly important. However, many of us start to experience difficulties with our normal exercise routines as we approach our senior years. It’s not as easy to go for an extended run, lift weights, or participate in sports, so we have to start looking for less intense alternatives that still boost our physical fitness and keep us entertained. Electric bicycles, also known as e-bikes, are becoming a popular fitness trend for older Americans. When did you last take your bicycle from the garage or storage and ride around town? It’s probably been several years, but many of us have fond memories from our youth of biking to a friend’s house or a local hotspot. E-bikes are making it possible for us to relive those memories without risking injury or overexertion. The technology behind e-bikes has improved significantly in recent years. They’re now more user-friendly and accessible than ever before. Some models even have built-in GPS to ensure you never get lost, regardless of whether you’re riding through city streets, peaceful neighborhoods, or scenic nature trails. Many e-bikes are lightweight and easier to maneuver than traditional bikes. E-biking provides amazing physical and mental health benefits that are easily noticeable after only a few rides. You’ll see improvements in cardiovascular health, muscle strength, weight management, balance, and mood. Plus, it’s a low- impact activity, so you can explore to your heart’s content while also being kind to your joints. While e-bikes present opportunities to improve your physical fitness while limiting your risk for injury, they’re also a great way to meet like- minded people in your community. You can find e-biking clubs and events nationwide, and many host group rides throughout the year. It’s a great way to meet new friends! An e-bike can boost your overall well-being, but follow all safety measures, such as wearing a helmet and obeying road signs. Even though e-bikes are safer and more efficient than ever, you can still get injured while riding, especially if you are going too fast for road conditions — some e-bikes can get up to speeds of almost 30 mph. How E-Bikes Make Fitness Fun and Accessible for Older Adults REVIVE YOUR LOVE FOR CYCLING
feature. Those looking for a real challenge will enjoy finding mystery caches that require the discoverer to solve a riddle, cipher, or puzzle. Once you’ve discovered your fair share of geocaches, you may want to explore the other side of the operation and hide
some yourself. Most members of the geocaching community recommend that you discover and log at least 20 caches before hiding your own. That way, you’ll be familiar with the rules of hiding and maintaining a cache.
Geocaching is a great way to get outdoors and reignite your passion for exploring. You never know what you’ll find!
What are you waiting for? Get riding! Your body and mind will thank you!
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What Are Adaptogens? NATURE’S ANSWER TO ANXIETY, STRESS, AND MORE
We’re always looking for new ways to offset our stress. Some people change their diets, hoping that eating healthier will improve their mental health, while others include exercise in their daily routines. No tried-and-true method works for everyone, but a recent trend taking our country by storm might be the secret to healthily reducing stress. All we need to do is take an herb, root, or other plant substance called an adaptogen to melt away any long-looming stress.
adaptogens and helps reduce anxiety and depression. Ginseng helps combat fatigue and has other health benefits. Reishi is a type of mushroom adaptogen that can boost our immune system and even fight cancer. Schisandra, a fruit extract from the magnolia vine, helps with concentration, coordination, and endurance and may protect the liver and nervous system.
While adaptogens sound like an ideal solution for stress management, consider a few things before you start taking them. Adaptogens can negatively interact with certain medications, so you should check with your primary care physician before starting them. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate many adaptogen supplements, so do your research to ensure you choose a reputable brand. After talking with your health care provider and finding the right adaptogen for your situation, you may discover the key to managing or reducing your stress.
While adaptogens have existed for centuries, they are only now becoming more mainstream in American culture. Studies regarding adaptogens are still underway, but experts theorize that these unique plant substances directly interact with the body’s hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which controls and manages individual stress responses. In order for an herb or plant substance to be considered an adaptogen, it must be nontoxic at regular doses, support the body’s ability to cope with stress, and help the body return to a stable state.
Adaptogens are available at almost any pharmacy, each with a unique use. Ashwagandha is one of the most common
Fabulous Flourless Chocolate Cake
Inspired by EasyDessertRecipes.com
Ingredients • 1 cup chopped dark chocolate • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted • 3/4 cup granulated sugar • 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts • 4 large eggs, separated • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease a springform pan with butter or nonstick spray. 2. Place chocolate in a medium bowl. Pour warm, melted butter over it, wait for 2 minutes, then stir until chocolate is melted and smooth. 3. Add sugar, almond flour, and walnuts and stir to incorporate. Stir in the egg yolks and set mixture aside. 4. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip egg whites on medium until stiff peaks form. 5. Fold 1/4 of the whipped egg whites into the chocolate batter. Repeat, 1/4 at a time, until egg whites are incorporated. 6. Pour batter into springform pan and bake for 30–35 minutes. 7. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before removing from the pan. Dust with cocoa powder before serving. Directions
TAKE A BREAK
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214.292.4225 www.AaronMillerLaw.com 1400 Preston Road, Suite 118 Plano, Texas 75093
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Timeless Tales and True Treasures
2
The Global Game That Turns You Into a Real-Life Explorer The Ideal Fitness Trend for Aging Americans
3
Are Adaptogens the Secret to Better Stress Relief?
Fabulous Flourless Chocolate Cake
4
Celebrating Valentine’s Day as a Family
Heart-Shaped Pizzas, Scavenger Hunts, and Candy, Oh My!
Fun Valentine’s Day Activities for the Whole Family
Of all the people in the world, whom do we love the most? Our families. So, why not spend the one day of the year centered on love with them? That’s not to say a romantic evening with your significant other or a lovely Galentine’s Day is out of the picture. This is a great opportunity to have fun with your kids — before they reach that age when eye-rolling is a thing. So, parents, it’s time to make the most of your kids’ love and affection. Take a look at these family- friendly Valentine’s Day activities everyone will enjoy! Make heart-shaped pizzas. Everyone loves pizza, so this year, give it a Valentine’s Day twist. Gather all the ingredients your family enjoys. Then, shape the dough into a gigantic heart, spread the pizza sauce, and add the toppings. Once it’s done, slice it up and eat while watching everyone’s favorite movie! Hand out cards to local nursing home residents. Valentine’s Day is all about love, right? Well, show your kids how it feels to spread that love
and kindness to others by handing out cards to the seniors. If you have a particular senior community you’d like to visit, call to arrange a time. This allows you and the kids to get creative and craft personalized cards to hand out and make someone’s day special. Have a Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt. Scavenger hunts are fun at any age. Purchase different items to hide, like a pink teddy bear, purple hearts, candy, and other love-themed trinkets for everyone to find around the house. Be sure to set a time limit, and don’t forget to have a prize for the winner! Create a themed photo shoot. Have everyone get dressed up and take really nice photos. You can even buy fun props for everyone, like heart-shaped sunglasses or feather boas, or make fun cardboard picture frames to hold up for the photos. Say “Cheese!”
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