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JUNE 2024
Sunshine State of Mind Making Waves and Memories All Summer Long
Extra hours of sunshine, time outdoors with friends and family, and daily, relaxing dips in the pool — it’s hard to pick just one reason why summer is my favorite season. For me, summer is all about relaxing, recharging, and reconnecting with the people and hobbies we love most. Though I remain busy at the firm this time of year, I treasure the respite and fun that activities like barbecues, swimming, and long dog walks in the evening bring. This is a time to enjoy nature and the perfect opportunity to plan for my goals in the coming months. I’ve never been a fan of cold weather or short days. I will gladly take the sun over snow any day. Many of my favorite activities include time outdoors, so I live for the longer days of sunlight this time of year. I’m one of those “introverted” extroverts, so while I can easily carry-on conversations, I crave alone time to focus on self-care and self-reflection. My pool has become my private little sanctuary, and I never imagined how therapeutic swimming would be when my wife told me back in 2016 she wanted our next house to have a pool. When I leave the office during the summer months, I jump in the pool after a workout or long day and just decompress in silence as my dogs Birdie and Thumper relax nearby. Along with swimming, my wife and I enjoy visiting places like Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the entire country. Within its nearly 5,000 acres of green space and 20 bodies of water, there are plentiful hiking
trails, paddleboarding, fishing, and even a herd of resident buffalo to watch. We also enjoy biking on the Shelby Farms Greenline, a 10-mile bike path, and taking our dogs for strolls there as well. Summer is filled with holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July, and these celebrations encourage outdoor gatherings with friends and help us connect with the rest of the community. Like I said, I’m an extrovert, so I like that summer slows down a bit and allows me more space to see friends and loved ones. It’s just a great time to catch up with people. My wife and I love hosting cookouts with our friends and hanging out in the pool and chilling, but summer is also a great time to hit up local restaurant patios for food and drinks at the end of the day.
Summer vacations are always great, and while I don’t have anything planned, I definitely enjoy visiting places that are too cold to visit during the fall and winter.
I also like summer because it’s a great time to take inventory of where our firm is with respect to its goals. The benchmark holidays always remind me of how quickly time flies, and it seems like every year, that three month gap between Memorial Day and Labor Day goes by faster and faster. Because the second quarter ends in June, I always like to look back and check the progress over the first half of the year. Even if we aren’t where I’d like to be, there’s still enough time left in the year to hit the annual goals. We start construction on our new building in June, and I’ve been given a 20-24 week construction period from the contractors (which I’m sure means 30 weeks), but it will be fun to track the progress of the renovations of our new office this summer. Summer is 100% my favorite time of the year. This season brings a sense of renewal and connection, from the simple pleasures of cooling off in the pool to the excitement of outdoor adventures with loved ones. As I reflect on the past months and set my sights on new goals, I’m reminded of the importance of balance and time for relaxation and productivity.
So, here’s to soaking up every moment of sunshine, savoring every barbecue, and embracing the spirit of summer as we create memories that will last a lifetime.
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MOONLIT MOVIE MAGIC HOSTING THE ULTIMATE OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT
Whether it’s blocking pucks during a street hockey game or checkmating chess hustlers at the park, traditionally indoor activities take on an entirely new feel and flavor when taken outside. While a rare sight these days, movie-goers worldwide used to enjoy cinema from the comfort of their cars at drive-in theaters. These made a brief resurgence during the pandemic, but now that movies are rolling in theaters again, the fad has begun to die off. These days, if you want to watch a movie, it seems like you are limited to three options: Watching it at the theater, on your TV, or on your phone or tablet. Now, I think we can all agree that watching a movie outside on your phone does not make for a great cinematic experience. Debtrette, a TikTok influencer and mom, has a suggestion. She put a spin on an old classic — family movie night — by holding it in her
some necessities to make your moonlight movie night truly magical:
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A portable projector screen, like a sheet on a clothesline
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Portable movie projector
Candy, popcorn, and beverages Some outdoor seating and cushions
Lamps, lanterns, or candles
Warm blankets
The perfect movie to bring it all together
You can find screens and projectors to fit any budget, and your movie selection will depend on the crowd. Just make it fun: Lie back on the grass and watch “Antz” or lounge in the pool while watching “Jaws”! The key is to make the experience unforgettable, and all who share in it will be thankful for your effort to make it all possible.
backyard with all the conveniences you would expect at a movie theater — like an air mattress, pillows, and blankets! If you are looking for a fun way to spruce up a traditional movie night, what better way than to bring it outside under the stars? Here are
Family Feuds? Find Peace Through Mediation
TRANSFORMING CONFLICTS INTO COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS
Disputes involving family members can be emotionally draining and potentially costly. Finding an amicable solution is often challenging, and that’s where mediation can become a valuable tool for conflict management. Mediation creates a neutral ground for family members to work with a professional toward a mutually agreeable resolution. Here’s what you should know about the benefits of mediation in family disputes and conflicts. MEDIATION CAN LOWER YOUR COSTS. Traditional litigation for divorce or other types of family law can be expensive, including legal, court, and additional fees. When couples work with a mediator to create a divorce settlement agreement rather than going to court, they will likely save money. Of course, the cost of mediation services will vary based on the complexity and length of the case, the experience level of the mediator, and the communication between both parties. MEDIATION CAN SAVE TIME. Cases that go to trial will take longer and prolong an already complex or emotional situation. Litigation can lead to a loss of wages, take time away from children and work, and give you less space for healing. Though the length of mediation depends on multiple factors, it offers a more streamlined process for resolving conflicts. You will also have more flexibility and power to schedule mediation sessions at times that are most convenient for everyone involved. MEDIATION CAN REDUCE CONFLICT. Mediation can foster greater long-term results for a family and fewer conflicts in the future. Unlike litigation, where parties face off against each
other, in mediation, the goal is to work together to find the most agreeable and catered results for everyone. The idea is to find common ground that can help strengthen relationships and communication, leading to smoother co- parenting. Mediation provides a private setting and eliminates some of the stressors that result from court proceedings. Through mediation, families have the opportunity to preserve relationships and get to a solution everyone can feel confident in. If you are seeking a divorce and have concerns that you and your spouse will have trouble compromising, the team at Douglass & Runger can help. Contact us at 901-388-5805 to schedule a consultation today.
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Budget for Your New Beginning Financial Tips for Divorce Survival Divorce can be a complex situation, both emotionally and financially. While no two divorces are the same, there are steps everyone going through the process should take to prepare their new budget. From managing divorce-related expenses to gathering the proper documentation, we’re exploring the best strategies to set you up for financial success on your new journey. KEEP TRACK OF YOUR EXPENSES. As soon as you know a divorce is on the horizon, it’s essential to keep track of all your expenses and expected costs. Record what you spend on bills, food, home care, transportation, child care, and anything else you purchase. By clearly understanding your expenses, you can build a better budget for yourself. This information will also help your attorney and judge decide how to divide assets or calculate child support. Consider future potential costs you may incur, like car insurance as your child becomes driving age or one-time expenses. GATHER YOUR DOCUMENTATION. You should also provide your attorney with a history of your marriage’s financial health. You’ll need to have a number of documents available, including bank statements, loan ledgers, credit card statements, recent pay stubs, and tax returns. It’s wise to start collecting this early, as it can take some time to prepare. WAIT TO MAKE MAJOR FINANCIAL DECISIONS. As anxious as you may be to reach economic independence from a soon-to-be ex, it’s important to hold off on making significant financial changes. Upon the filing of a Complaint for Divorce, a mutual mandatory injunction goes into effect that enjoins the parties from dissipating or making significant changes to financial accounts, such as retirement accounts or dropping the other party from insurance. Navigating the financial aspects of divorce requires careful planning and attention to detail. By keeping track of your expenses, gathering the necessary documentation, and refraining from making major financial decisions prematurely, you can position yourself for a smoother transition into post-divorce life. If you need assistance navigating the divorce process, please contact one of our experienced divorce lawyers at 901-388-5805 .
Delightful Banana Bread
This comforting, fruity favorite transforms overripe bananas into a moist, delicious treat perfect for breakfast or a snack.
INGREDIENTS • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 tsp baking soda • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar • 2 large eggs • 2 cups mashed ripe bananas • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. 2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. 3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 4. Add eggs and mashed bananas and mix until blended. 5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until blended. 6. Stir in walnuts. 7. Pour batter into prepared pan. 8. Bake for 65–70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool before serving. INSPIRATION “Some of the best memories are made in flip-flops.” —Kellie Elmore
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2820 Summer Oaks Drive Bartlett, TN 38134 901-388-5805 www.DouglassRunger.com
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1 Soaking Up the Season’s Sweetest Moments 2 Host a Movie Night Under the Stars The Smart Strategy for Resolving Family Disputes 3 Divorce-Proof Your Wallet Delightful Banana Bread 4 How Science Reveals Our Sun’s True Color Inside This Issue
Shedding Light WHAT COLOR IS THE SUN?
Did you know the color of fire is determined by its temperature? For example, blue and violet flames are hottest at a scorching 2,900 degrees Fahrenheit, while red flames are considerably cooler at around 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. This may leave you wondering: If the hottest fire on Earth is blue, why is the sun yellow? For starters, it isn’t . The explanation is fascinating and may surprise you! WHAT COLOR IS THE SUN? A star’s color — like fire — is based on its surface temperature and the wavelength of colors perceivable by the human eye. Like with fire on Earth, the coldest stars appear red, whereas the hottest stars appear blue. Our sun’s surface is around 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit — a median temperature as far as stars are concerned — and emits light across the entire visible color spectrum. However, our sun actually emits the greatest
amount of light in a green wavelength, but not in great enough quantities for our eyes to perceive it. Because of this, if we were to look at our sun from space, the near-equal saturation of colors would cause us to perceive it as being white. Astronauts get the opportunity to witness the true color of the sun all the time — hopefully, they don’t stare for too long.
WE SEE FILTERED SUNLIGHT. The sun does not appear white from our
perspective because of our atmosphere: When sunlight reaches Earth, our atmosphere filters out a greater proportion of blue light than red light, causing our sun to appear yellow. Likewise, when sunlight has to penetrate a greater proportion of our atmosphere — such as during sunrise and sunset — the sun takes on a red, vibrant appearance. Hopefully, this information helps you see the sun in a new light!
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