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April 2024
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FROM WELLS TO WILLS An Oilman’s Journey Into Estate Law
Our firm anticipates any and all eventualities so our clients don’t have to. Thanks to our legal team’s knowledge, experience, and attention to detail, we can provide the best possible outcome for all who come to us for help. It is our privilege to introduce you to associate attorney Cody Rogers, a born-and-raised Texan, whose unique background, expertise, and attention to detail make him a man with an incredible story to tell. “I am from West Texas, which is known for its oil and gas,” Cody tells us. “That’s the main industry there, and most people there make a living working in it.” Oil is in Cody’s blood: First starting as an engineer, his father worked his way up to becoming an executive for Occidental Petroleum. His father’s position would see Cody’s family uprooted from West Texas. “Gas is kind of everywhere in the world, and wherever it was, that’s where we went,” Cody says. “Kind of like the military, we just got transferred. But it was never any place cool like Paris.” Instead, just like back home, wherever they went, the oil had left its mark. “The water was gray, and the air smelled like rotten eggs,” Cody shares, “but we always came back to West Texas.”
always a torch burning. What they are doing is burning off that HS2 as stuff is being drilled.” If they don’t manage to sort out and burn through the HS2, the results can be catastrophic. “It’s poisonous,” Cody tells us, “kind of like mustard gas in WWI, you know, it would just kill everything.” Because of the danger, everyone working on the site would wear protective equipment, and the company put sensors in place to detect the presence of HS2. They wore old-school beepers that would go off at the first hint of exposure to HS2, and employees kept their eye on the windsock if the worst did happen. Above ground, the windsock waves with the breeze, indicating the direction the air is blowing. “Wherever it’s blowing, you run the other way,” Cody explains. The dangers Cody had been warned about would suddenly make themselves known in a real way. “There was a pivotal point when my life trajectory changed,” he tells us. “It sounded like a rifle, like a gunshot sound. We looked around to see what had happened, and then all our beepers started going off.”
It sounded like a rifle, like a gunshot sound. We looked around to see what had happened, and then all our beepers started going off.
Once back in Texas, Cody studied at the University of Texas, where he followed in his father’s footsteps. As a student, he also worked at an oil and gas company. “I hated every minute of it, but it paid well,” Cody tells us. “The downside is the risk, the danger,” Cody says. “I was thinking of following in my dad’s footsteps, but first, I had to pay my dues. When drilling for oil and gas, you punch through layers of things. You are going to go below the water table, and you’re going to keep on going.” What the companies are looking for is usually buried deep underground, which brings its own set of perils. “Once you hit natural gas, because of the amount of pressure, it is actually liquified,” he tells us. Natural gas isn’t the only thing the drill brings to the surface. “Above all, there may be a layer of hydrogen sulfide gas, or HS2, which smells like sulfur,” Cody explains. “If you ever see an oil derrick or a refinery, there is
To be continued in May’s newsletter …
-Aaron Miller
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Achieving a healthier you is within reach, regardless of age or fitness level. Mark Wahlberg, the Hollywood icon renowned for maintaining impeccable physical fitness over the years, has a routine that can help you. So, grab your sneakers, lace up, and explore the path to achieving fitness like Mark! Rise and Shine Wahlberg is known for his early morning workouts, but there’s no pressure to set your alarm for dawn. Morning exercise has many benefits, including boosting your metabolism and mood, but the key is finding a routine that suits your lifestyle. Whether you prefer sunrise workouts or hitting the gym after work, consistency matters most. Work Smarter, Not Harder Wahlberg’s secret isn’t about spending countless hours at the gym; it’s about high-intensity interval training (HIIT). HIIT workouts involve short bursts of intense exercise followed by rest. It’s an efficient way to burn calories and build muscle without feeling overwhelmed, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned gym-goers. Draw Inspiration From Mark Wahlberg Fitness Knows No Age
Welcome to the enchanting world of board games, where fun competition and family bonding intertwine to create unforgettable memories. Here are four new board games that offer unique experiences to spice up family game nights. Pandemic — Work Together to Stop the Spread Pandemic is an intense cooperative board game for 2–4 players in which players work together to stop the spread of four diseases. Players fight the viruses by drawing cards to stop the spread of the disease (with a cure, for example) or trigger a deadly outbreak with epidemic cards. Pandemic is challenging for young or inexperienced gamers but has introductory, standard, and heroic difficulty levels so all players can enjoy fighting back against fake COVID-19! Ticket to Ride — A Journey of Strategy and Collaboration Ticket to Ride transports players across continents via an enthralling railway adventure. In this strategic board game, collect train cards to build routes connecting iconic cities worldwide. Every player’s decisions can impact others, making it a great lesson in strategy and cooperation. As players traverse this make-believe world, they pick up geographic knowledge, making it educational and fun for the whole family. Azul — A Colorful Challenge for All Ages Dive into the artistic world with Azul. Players compete to embellish the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora with ornate tiles. The game combines aesthetics with strategy, as players select tiles to complete patterns on their boards. Azul is a feast for the eyes and a test of tactical thinking, appealing to the young and the young at heart. 7 Wonders Duel — A Dynamic Game for 2 7 Wonders Duel offers a compact but profoundly strategic experience, perfect for two players. You’ll navigate your civilization through various stages of development, engaging in scientific, military, and cultural pursuits. It’s an excellent way for siblings, FAMILY GAME NIGHT MAGIC Discover 4 Captivating Board Games
Keep It Varied and Enjoyable Variety is essential to make fitness fun. Wahlberg keeps things interesting by incorporating weightlifting, boxing, yoga, and swimming into his routine. You don’t have to try every
exercise in existence; the goal is to find activities you enjoy. Make exercise a part of your life that you look forward to. A Positive Mindset Wahlberg’s journey is about more than
physical strength; it’s about mental resilience. Staying motivated doesn’t require superhuman determination, just achievable goals and believing in yourself. Visualize your success, big or small, and watch your confidence grow.
Nourish Your Body Wisely Fitness is more than just exercise; nutrition also plays a crucial role. Wahlberg focuses on balanced eating: lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and veggies. Staying hydrated is just as important. Good nutrition and proper hydration are the fuel that powers your fitness journey. Wahlberg’s routine isn’t limited by age; it applies to everyone, regardless of where you are on your fitness journey. There’s no need to feel overwhelmed or pressured. Take it one step at a time, embrace the process, and work toward your fitness goals at your own pace. These practical yet effective tips can unlock the secret to staying in great shape. So, lace up those sneakers and join the club — it’s an adventure worth pursuing!
friends, or a parent and child to engage in an intellectually stimulating and entertaining head-to-head challenge.
These board games bring a new flavor to your family’s gaming collection. From mythical adventures to artistic endeavors and strategic conquests, they promise entertainment and opportunities for learning, collaboration, and creating cherished family moments. Get ready to roll the dice and let the family fun begin!
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GET ‘BACK TO EDEN’ IN YOUR YARD
With Regenerative Gardening
Why choose regenerative gardening? It’s low-maintenance, serving as an effective weed barrier and moisture retainer, reducing the need for constant weeding and watering while maintaining soil health. Additionally, this method promotes
Regenerative gardening, often called the “Back to Eden” method, is a game-changer for gardeners. This approach harnesses the power of nature to create a thriving, sustainable garden with minimal effort. We’re here to share what regenerative gardening is, why it’s an excellent choice for gardeners, and how to implement it yourself.
sustainability by removing chemical additives from your garden. The gradual decomposition of wood chips enriches the soil naturally over time, yielding impressive harvests without synthetic fertilizers. How to Get Started Clear existing weeds to prep the garden, then apply a substantial layer of chemical-free wood chips, at least 4–6 inches deep. Adding a layer of compost atop the wood chips will initiate the natural decomposition process. For planting, create holes or trenches within the wood chips and place your seeds or seedlings directly into the compost layer. To maintain your garden, top the wood chip mulch layer as needed, and continue adding compost annually to nurture your garden.
What is regenerative gardening? Paul Gautschi’s documentary “Back to Eden,” featuring his transformative garden, put regenerative gardening on the map. The concept is based on replicating natural ecosystems within your garden by following three basic steps: Wood Chip Mulch: The garden bed is covered with a thick layer of wood chips, mimicking the forest floor. This mulch conserves moisture and slowly breaks down, providing nutrients to the soil. No Tilling: Unlike traditional gardening, regenerative gardening encourages minimal soil disruption. No digging or turning of the soil is needed, reducing weed growth and preserving beneficial soil organisms.
Regenerative gardening is an innovative approach that can transform your green space into a thriving, low-maintenance oasis. Embark on your regenerative gardening journey and witness the magic for yourself!
Natural Composting: Instead of chemical fertilizers, composting is used to enrich the soil naturally. Nutrient-rich materials are added on top of the wood chip mulch, allowing rainwater to help leech the nutrients into the soil.
TAKE A BREAK
MARRY ME CHICKEN Inspired by HealthyLittlePeach.com
Ingredients
• 3 boneless chicken breasts • 1 tsp salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream • 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Directions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over high heat, add olive oil and allow it to heat up. Then add chicken. 2. Let cook for 6 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat on the other side. Remove cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir sauce for 1 minute. 4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the mixture. 5. Bring sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Add chicken back to the skillet, coating each side. Cook until chicken reaches 165 F.
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214.292.4225 www.AaronMillerLaw.com 1400 Preston Road, Suite 118 Plano, Texas 75093
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Meet Associate Attorney Cody Rogers
2
Family Game Night Magic
Mark Wahlberg’s Fitness Tips
3
The ‘Back to Eden’ Method for Your Garden
Marry Me Chicken
4
3 Reasons to Take a Cat Nap
THE POWER OF POWER NAPPING
A 15-Minute Nap Can Boost Your Mood, Happiness, and Health To some, a nap is a vital part of a daily routine. To others, naps are accidents and should be avoided. Power naps — also known as “cat naps” — are short, usually around 15–20 high-stress situations. Consider taking a cat nap if you’re under a
the REM sleep stage. However, peer-reviewed studies show power naps can have many benefits for their minimal time investment. Here are three ways you benefit from adding a 15-minute sleep session to your daily routine.
tight deadline. Doing so can boost productivity and lower stress levels.
minutes, and many believe such a tiny amount of sleep can’t be helpful. You can’t even get to
Think Clearer Napping is excellent for sharpening your
Live Longer Power naps help more than just the brain. They also benefit the cardiovascular system, as regular naps can lower blood pressure, which means you’re at a lower risk of a stroke or heart attack. People who don’t get enough sleep have more frequent headaches, immunological issues, and an increased appetite. Gaining weight then leads to many other health problems, so those who want to lose weight should also watch their sleep schedule. In short, fit a power nap into your schedule regularly. Cultures around the world take midday naps for a reason. If power naps don’t help you feel better, consider visiting a doctor. Constant exhaustion — especially insomnia — can indicate other health problems lurking.
cognitive powers. High sleep quality leads to better memory, fast response times, and mental clarity, so a power nap is perfect for fitting a little more into your schedule. But while a cat nap can sharpen your focus, a longer nap might hinder you. Long naps go through the entire sleep cycle and result in grogginess, impairing brain function for a short time. Lower Stress People get cranky when they’re tired. Less sleep causes aggression, emotional outbursts, and mood changes. Adequate sleep makes you feel a lot better — emotionally and physically. While power naps aren’t the solution to every problem, they can be a lifesaver in
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