Check out our July newsletter!
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JULY 2021
HERE’S HOPINGWE’RE BACK TO MORE THAN NORMAL EXPRESSING GRATITUDE AS THINGS GO BACK TO NORMAL
In case you didn’t know, July 1 was actually the exact halfway point through the year. Knowledge of that fact made me think back to the beginning of 2021, when things were far gloomier. There
dance class. Not too long ago, I took my kids to Chuck E. Cheese and had a ball — I think I was more pumped to be there than the kids were! On the way there, I was hopping around and dancing
was a hope that with the end of 2020 would come the end of the chaos and uncertainty that had been brought on by the pandemic, but to me personally, the first half of 2021 felt just as gloomy as the previous year. Still, there was hope for brighter days, and I think that halfway through this year, we’re starting to see them. While there was still a ton of uncertainty about the vaccines and whether or not they would work when the year started, now,
in my car, just so excited. Even though the pizza was awful, the mascot was nowhere to be seen, and there was no show on stage, it was still Chuck E. Cheese, and we were there together. We also are starting to have team lunches with everyone at our law office again, and we already have our holiday party scheduled. It’s surreal that we can have any parties anymore! As we enter the second half of this year, I think it’s going to be full of experiences like that, where we see the
“I hope that we’ll be able to see all the parties, concerts, sporting events, and family gatherings as more than just what’s normal. I hope we see them as blessings.”
As far as I can tell, the second half of this year will be all about getting closer and closer to normal. And with the return of “normal,” I hope the wealth of opportunities so many of us get to enjoy here in the United States will become something more than just what we expect. I hope we’ll be able to see all the parties, concerts, sporting events, and family gatherings as more than just what’s normal. I hope we see them as blessings. –Genet & Myles Johnson
most people would safely say they’ve helped things get back to normal. It was important to me to get my family and myself vaccinated (especially my grandmother). Since we’ve all been vaccinated, though, this summer has felt like a new beginning. I’ve taken my family out to restaurants to eat again. I’ve had friends over to our home for dinner. My kids are back in tae kwon do and
activities and pastimes we once took for granted as something to cherish. I’m looking forward to this upcoming football season, hopefully with more fans in the stadium cheering on my Oakland Raiders. (Yes, you read that right.) Just eight months ago, our mayor faced criticism for going to Thanksgiving dinner with his family. Hopefully this year, that concern won’t have to even cross our minds.
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FUN FACTS ABOUT THE FOURTH OF JULY
WHAT JARAH OQUIAS LOVES ABOUT W Meet Ja
You Can Share With Your Kids
What do your kids know about the Fourth of July? Do they know it’s a day when you have a barbecue, spend time with friends and neighbors, and watch a fireworks show? These hallmarks of the holiday certainly do make it fun and memorable, but they don’t really exemplify why we celebrate the Fourth of July, the anniversary of when the United States declared its independence from Britain. So, along with the sparklers and hot dogs, here are a few fun facts about Independence Day you can share with your kids to help them understand the significance of the holiday. The Fourth of July marks our country’s independence because it’s when the Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence. This fact might seem like a no-brainer, but it contextualizes the holiday for kids. It’s a great jumping-off point to talk about why the United States wanted to be its own country, what the Continental Congress was, what the Declaration of Independence said, and what it means to “ratify” something. Two future presidents signed the Declaration of Independence: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. They both died exactly 50 years later, on July 4, 1826. This fact is an interesting coincidence sure to fascinate both kids and adults. It’s also a great way to introduce kids to some of the Founding Fathers and share how they helped shape the United States today. In 1776, the year the United States was founded, only 2.5 million people lived here. Today, the U.S. population is 331 million. Lots of people have been born in the United States since it was founded, and millions more came here from other places, hoping to find a better life. Many succeeded, too. Many people want to call this country home! On the Fourth of July, around 155 million hot dogs are eaten in the United States. Okay, so this fact might not have anything to do with American history, but it’s still pretty funny! If anything, the fact that we have so many hot dogs to eat on that day is evidence of the prosperity so many people enjoy in the United States of America.
Jarah Oquias, Johnson Law Group’s Director of Finance, started her first accounting job when she still lived in the Philippines. She not only grew up there, but also earned her first bachelor’s degree there in development studies. While she didn’t have a background in accounting at that point, she found that she liked the work.
“I just like how there’s a science to it. If you put this number here, take it from there, it all works. It’s a logic field,” Jarah says.
Then, in 2013, her family moved to the United States. Her grandfather had lived in the U.S. for over 20 years at that point, and he had been working to get Jarah and the rest of her family (14 people in total) here as well. Shortly after settling down in Colorado, she spent almost four years doing accounting work for the local Boys and Girls Club. During that time, she decided to pursue a second bachelor’s degree in accounting, which she is pursuing while working full time.
Last February, Jarah found her way to Johnson Law Group after seeing that she could work fully
DOES DE HELP U
Many mental health experts blame the recent spike in mental illness on the DSM-5 (the standard classification of mental disorders) and the ever-expanding list of psychological conditions
it identifies. But others, like neuroscientist Stephen Porges, aren’t convinced we can attribute increasing mental health problems to just diagnoses — and new ideas about mental health are changing how we view depression forever. We used to think depression started in the head and presented physical symptoms as a result, a behavioral representation of the turmoil within. But Porges, and researchers like him, believe it’s actually opposite of that. They theorize that the body can take in stimuli and internalize situational data much better than we thought, and that — at least for the Americans afflicted with mild or moderate depression — the mental illness is an immune reflex, similar to the swelling caused when blood rushes toward an injury to flood it with nutrients and, in some cases, immobilizing the area. Of course, that swelling can be a serious health problem in itself, and the same is true for depression.
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THE GOOD NEWS! "And let us consider howwe may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching." – Hebrews 10:24-25
WORKING IN FAMILY LAW arah!
remote, and we are so glad she did. Jarah brings a calm and positive energy that is refreshing for those who interact with her. Being able to work from home has been very convenient for her, considering she has a newborn to look after. In leading the Finance Department, Jarah coordinates the status of accounts and often communicates with clients about their questions. She jokes that she’s often known as the “finance lady.” Jarah knows she plays an important role in helping our clients seek closure, and she understands that our clients
are going through a rough period. She finds joy in talking through clients’ questions and playing a role in their overall experience. “It’s very satisfying when clients say, ‘Thank you,’ and that we made their day,” says Jarah. Outside the office, Jarah spends a lot of time with her family going on hikes, baking, and reading – though right now, she considers herself more of a book hoarder than a reader. Plus, she is looking forward to her daughter turning 1 soon!
Mexican Corn Salad
EPRESSION US COPE?
Ingredients
• • • • • • •
1/2 tsp ground cumin
•
4 cups of fresh corn, cut from 5 cobs
1/2 tsp smoked paprika Salt and pepper, to taste
• • • • • • •
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
2 tbsp sour cream 2 tbsp mayonnaise
1/2 red onion, diced
However, the new school of thought points out the positive effects of depression in many situations. For example, when people are in long-term traumatic situations, depression takes them “out” of themselves, and researchers posit that this numbing effect allows them to survive their daily difficulties, and memories of the period may be less damaging once they escape it. The question, then, is what do these new theories mean about the epidemic of mental illness sweeping America today? At the base level, it indicates that many Americans find themselves in unpleasant living situations, at the least, and hope for a future where that isn’t the case. Perhaps, Porges’ group says, modern people feel trapped in a world where comfort and convenience are the highest priorities. Mass depression is the result. This means that to survive, depression may be our buffer until we can pursue a vastly different way of living — a societal dilemma of the first order, and one we cannot afford to ignore.
6 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1/2 cup cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
1 jalapeno, diced
1/2 avocado, cubed
1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice
Directions
1. In a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and corn. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3–5 minutes or until corn starts to char. 2. Add the corn to a large bowl and let cool for 5 minutes, then add the remaining ingredients and stir together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning. 3. The salad pairs well with grilled entrees and can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Inspired by JoCooks.com
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INSIDE
ExpressingGratitude as Things GoBack toNormal
Fourth of July Fun Facts to Share With the Kids
Spotlight on Jarah Oquias
Does Depression Help Us Cope?
The Good News!
Mexican Corn Salad
Local Events in July 2021
FUN IN THE HEIGHT OF SUMMER Denver Events in July 2021
Royal Street Ramblers
support the farmers right here in our community by shopping at the University Hills Farmers Market? When you buy your produce there, you can be sure your dollars are staying in the community! Royal Street Ramblers When: July 8, 6–7 p.m. Where: Dazzle @ Baur’s (1512 Curtis St., Denver, CO 80202) Admission: $20 With a sound straight out of New Orleans, the Royal Street Ramblers combine Dixie Swing and down-home blues for an unforgettable and energetic performance. This band has been making its rounds throughout the Mile High City, and this performance will feature brand- new arrangements created specifically for the
occasion. Don’t let your ears miss out on this incredible experience!
Even though the Fourth of July comes early in the month, there’s still plenty of fun to be had around Denver long after the last firework goes off. With the pandemic becoming more and more of a memory, take advantage of some of these events in the community going on both outdoors in the sun and indoors where it’s nice and cool! University Hills Farmers Market When: Every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: University Hills Plaza (2500 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80222) Admission: Free! (Just bring some money for shopping!) Even if you try to buy healthy food at the supermarket, chances are it is still coming from a massive farm thousands of miles away. Why not
Comedy Extravaganza 2021 When: July 21, 7:30–9 p.m. Where: Avanti F and B (3200 Pecos St. Denver, CO 80211) Admission: Free! (Just bring some money for food and drinks!) Laughing often is great for your mental and physical health. So, why not spend an evening in the same room as some of the funniest comics in town? This show will feature five comedians, each doing a 10-minute set. As if that weren’t enough, you’ll also be able to get some great happy hour drinks and good eats. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., so get there early to reserve a spot!
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