OVERCOMING THE ROADBLOCKS OF DIVORCE
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As I look back on my time now raising my own children, I realize that some of the very best experiences I had with them were when we worked together on a project. Working hard and sweating with somebody really breaks down barriers and leads to honest conversation and real bonding. It works with your children. It works with neighbors. It works with the person at church who you barely know. Work hard for a few hours with that person on some kind of project and you will develop a strong bond with them. Thank you, Dad, for these experiences and all of the things that you taught me. Next month, I will write about the very unusual family I grew up in and the effect it had on the career choices of my seven brothers and my sister. —John Bledsoe
H ow M ediation H elps Y ou G et P ast the T oughest I ssues It’s no secret that going through a divorce is a complex process. When two people are dealing with intricate emotional and financial issues, divorce negotiations can come to a complete stop. If you and your former spouse hired separate divorce attorneys and keep hitting roadblocks, it might be time to seek out divorce mediation. Mediation can be the ideal way to overcome the emotional or financial barriers that prevent progress. The great thing about mediation is that you can take advantage of it at literally any time during the proceedings. Here are few of the common barriers it can help couples work through during divorce. CHILD CUSTODY When your child’s best interests are on the line, emotions can quickly spiral out of control. Through mediation, couples can better identify common goals when trying to preserve their children’s best interests. In any divorce, the child’s interests should never be forgotten or put aside. PARENTING TIME Children often thrive when both parents are actively involved in their lives. Mediation gives parents an outlet to discuss creative solutions for how children can consistently see both parents with as little disruption as possible. CHILD SUPPORT During mediation, couples can learn more about how child support works and how it might affect each parent. There is often a lot of misunderstanding about how child support works, and discussing it in this format can help ensure there are no surprises down the line. If you or your former spouse are not realistically able to make child support payments, you may be able to find an alternative financial solution during mediation. PROPERTY DIVISION In many instances, personal property has sentimental value, and during divorce negotiations, this value can create another major hurdle for divorcing couples. If you and your former spouse are struggling to divide jewelry, antiques, furniture, electronics, or other personal items, sitting down with a third-party mediator can bring you some much-needed perspective and help you to truly see the value of what you need to divide.
Inspired by CookingLight.com
Pesto Chicken With Blistered Tomatoes
Brighten up after a cold, dark winter with this fresh and flavorful springtime dish.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil, divided • 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, pounded to a 1-inch thickness • Salt and pepper to taste • 1/4 cup whole-wheat panko • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted • 6 tbsp spinach pesto • 2 cups cherry tomatoes • 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced • 1 tsp red wine vinegar
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and add it to pan. Cook chicken for 5 minutes on each side, then remove pan from heat. 3. In a bowl, combine panko, Parmesan cheese, and butter. 4. Spread pesto over chicken and top with panko mixture. 5. Broil chicken for 2 minutes on high heat until browned. 6. In a skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. 7. Add tomatoes and cook for 6 minutes. 8. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. 9. Season tomato mixture with salt and pepper, and add red wine vinegar. 10. Serve tomatoes with broiled chicken.
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