Berlin Law Firm - November 2019

Berlin Law Firm - November 2019

LEX CANIS THE Lee Berlin Kyle Killam

Happy Days The Problem With ‘TGIF’

Well, Thanksgiving is here again, when friends and families come together to count their blessings. I certainly have a lot to be grateful for. I have my health, my family, my wonderful team members at the firm — and of course, our favorite weenie dog, Junior Oscar Meyer Tank Berlin! However, there’s one thing I stopped being grateful for last year, and I don’t plan on picking it back up any time soon: Fridays. Hear me out. The “Thank God It’s Friday/Living for the Weekend” attitude may be one of the most harmful belief systems a person can have. After all, this way of life isn’t about a particular reverence for the last three days of the week; it’s about loathing the first four. Friday worship comes from the attitude that to work is to suffer, meaning people can only find happiness in those brief moments when they’re “off the clock.” It’s a depressing outlook when you think about it. Obviously, people are going to love their weekends. That’s when we get a chance to spend time with the folks we don’t see at work and go out and do the fun stuff that is too time-consuming or unavailable to enjoy during the week. But talk to any self- described working stiff in America, and you’ll know that they see their weekends as the only time to “have a life” before they return to another soul-sucking Monday.

So what’s the alternative? Just buck up, force a smile, and learn to love your job? Hell no! The answer is to stop accepting the weekend as your savior and start looking for a living that allows you to be happy for most, if not all, the days of the week. I’m not saying that everyone can quit their jobs and become rock stars, but finding work you love is possible. Again, this isn’t a call for you to just make your hobby your full-time job. Often that’s unrealistic, and even when it’s not, it’s a great recipe to make your hobby feel less like fun and more like, well, work. Sometimes, even staying in the same field you are in now is fine; you just need to find a better employer with more opportunities or sharpen your skill set to delve more deeply into the work you actually enjoy. I know it’s possible because I did this myself. As I mentioned at the top, I gave up thanking God for Fridays around this time last year. Our firm has enjoyed some incredible growth. Everything was going well numbers-wise, but that’s not the way we humans felt. I’ll admit it. I was making bad decisions for my health, well-being, and the well-being of my team members because I was chasing a buck. I wasn’t enjoying my work, and I don’t think many other members of the firm were enjoying theirs, either. As I started to reflect

1 Berlin Law Firm • DefendingTulsa.com So, as we approach a particularly special Thursday, I urge you to examine the ways you approach your work life and look for ways you could make many, many more happy days to come. – Lee Berlin Many of our initiatives this year, and certainly the ones planned for 2020, represent fundamental shifts in how I run my practice. We have put so much more focus on the people who work here and what they get out of it. The difference has been night and day. I no longer find myself longing for the weekend. In fact, there are days I can’t wait to get to the office. Were these changes easy? No. But they’ve been more than worth it. Think about the weekend-worshiping alternative: Spend 71% of your waking life miserable and suffering while you wait for the other 29% to enjoy. When did that become acceptable? I’m not saying we have to love 100% of every week, but we can sure as hell try and do better than 29% on gratitude and what I was thankful for, I realized how little of it had to do with my job besides “putting food on the table.” That’s when I started to shake loose many of my old ideas and make changes.

Taste Test With Lauren My Own Veggie Skeleton Happy Fall, y’all! I hope you all had a great Halloween! What did you dress up as? Somehow, my daughter convinced my husband and I to dress as Ana and Olaf from Frozen. Stella, of course, was Elsa. This is just one of the many reasons why I love Halloween. You can dress up as whatever or whoever you want to be. I wanted to bypass the candy and desserts as much as possible this year, so I was eager to make this veggie skeleton for our Halloween gathering. With all the junk food in the house this time of year, it’s nice to focus on a healthy alternative. The best part about this dish, aside from being vegan- and paleo-friendly, was that there is no right or wrong way to make it. Every skeleton is going to be different! Don’t focus on making it perfect. As you can see, mine certainly was not! But I sure did enjoy being silly and making it with my daughter. You can make one big skeleton for everyone to share or have your guests make individual skeletons for themselves. The first thing I started with was the head. I used vegan- and paleo-friendly ranch dressing in a small bowl. There are several options available such as Primal Kitchen, Tessemae’s, and Walden Farms, all of which can be found at your local health food store. Although it’s not paleo-friendly, this would be great with hummus as the dip too. Next, slice up the vegetables of your choosing and start assembling! I sliced zucchini and stacked it down the center for the vertebrae. Cucumber would also work well here! From there, just add some ribs (sliced bell pepper), arms and legs (carrots and celery), and hands and feet (broccoli, cauliflower, and/or snow peas). How cute is that!? And who says it has to be a skeleton? I’ve seen veggie pumpkins and skeleton kitties too! The possibilities are endless! This will definitely become a Halloween tradition in our home.

The 2020 presidential election is heating up, but Election Day 2019 still requires citizens’ voices to decide the fate of their cities, counties, states, and judgeships. As the U.S. enjoys a relatively quiet election day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, use the opportunity to teach your children about their civic duty and the power of voting. Teach a Lesson About Voting This Election Day! YOUR VOTE MATTERS, AND, SOMEDAY, YOUR KID’S WILL TOO! FOR THE YOUNG KIDDOS There’s no reason why children can’t be involved in local elections. Let your kids tag along to the voting area, and ask for help from city workers and local representatives to answer your kids’ questions. You can even set up your own family election by holding a vote over what to have for dinner or where the next family vacation should be located. If you’re looking for bedtime books to feed their curiosity, try out fun reads like “O, Say Can You See? America’s Symbols, Landmarks, and Inspiring Words” by Sheila Keenan. Various websites, like KidsVotingUSA.org, also have ample resources for educators and families. FOR NEW VOTERS Turning 18 comes with the newfound responsibility of voting for our country’s leaders, and, for new voters, the system, ballots, and restrictions can be confusing. Start by walking your teen through the registration process, which can be done in person at your municipality’s office or online at USA.gov or Vote.org. Next, talk with your teen about what’s at stake in the upcoming election. Be careful not to seed your language with opinions so your teen can develop their own view. Direct them to resources like Ballotpedia. org, where they can find information, practice voting, and see local sample ballots. And, of course, when Election Day rolls around, celebrate their first vote! DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOU! Voting is a right and privilege that comes with U.S. citizenship. Don’t miss your opportunity to have your voice heard. Learn more about your local election by visiting Ballotpedia.org or contacting your municipality, and be sure to register to vote if you haven’t already. Remember, your kids learn by watching what you do, not just by listening to what you say. Inspire them to get involved and, when the time comes, exercise their right to vote!

BONE appétit!

2 Berlin Law Firm • 918-770-0172

MEET TINA & LANCE PARKHILL

Of Parkhill’s Liquors & Wine South and Parkhill’s Warehouse Liquors & Wine

As part of our new monthly section, we highlight and feature, FOR FREE , local small businesses that “get it.” These great small businesses are maxing out on customer service, living with an abundance mindset, and crushing it by example. This month’s featured local business is owned by some great friends of my wife, Tina and Lance Parkhill.

world-class liquors, and fine wines. We leverage local, national, and international industry experts to make our events a fun learning experience for everyone. Please visit our websites at ParkhillsSouth. com or ParkhillsLiquor.com and select the Club Parkhill tab to register. Another core value that drives our business is philanthropic involvement in our community. We have a strong sense of giving back and have actively supported over 100 local nonprofit organizations personally and through our businesses. We believe in serving by using our resources and time to participate on boards and committees that create a better community.

Parkhill’s Liquors & Wine was started 56 years ago by Fred Parkhill in 1963. Since then, “Fikes,” as many long-time customers call it, has grown to become one of Tulsa’s premier liquor stores. Another location, Parkhill’s Liquors & Wine South, opened in South Tulsa in 2011. Over the last decade, our businesses have persevered through strategic challenges like road developments, construction, economic recessions, and state liquor law changes. Our motto has always been that Parkhill’s is not your ordinary liquor store. The engagement of our experienced staff members in all aspects of our operations, sales, and expansion has created a devotion to always serving our clients at the highest level. In addition, the comprehensive customer experience is enhanced by the implementation of our educational tastings and seminars through the Club Parkhill membership. The program offers access to information and knowledge about an amazing variety of spirits, unique microbrews,

Parkhill’s Warehouse Liquors & Wine 2432 E. 51st Street Tulsa, OK 74105 918-742-4187

Find us on Facebook and ParkhillsLiquor.com

Parkhill’s Liquors & Wine South 10018 S. Memorial Drive

Tulsa, OK 74133 918-528-6700

Find us on Facebook and ParkhillsSouth.com

Inspired Be

The Best Leftover Turkey Sandwich

Inspired by FoodNetwork.com

Ingredients

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1/3 cup leftover dressing or stuffing

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2 slices sourdough bread

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2 tbsp Dijon mustard

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2 tbsp leftover gravy

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2 slices Swiss cheese

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1 tbsp butter, room temperature Note: Don’t worry if you don’t have all the leftovers required.

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1/3 cup shredded leftover turkey

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3 tbsp leftover cranberry sauce

Directions

1. Coat inside of each bread slice with mustard and a slice of cheese. Place turkey and cranberry sauce on one slice and dressing and gravy on the other. 2. Combine sandwich and spread butter on both sides. 3. In a panini maker or large skillet, grill until crispy and golden brown. 4. Slice and serve.

3 Berlin Law Firm • DefendingTulsa.com

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

8516 E. 101st Street, Suite A Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133

Phone: 918-770-0172 DefendingTulsa.com

Inside This Issue

What I’m Not Grateful For Page 1

Teaching Kids the Power of Voting Taste Test With Lauren Page 2 Local Business Highlight The Best Leftover Turkey Sandwich Page 3

CELEBRATING GIVING TUESDAY Supporting the People You Believe In

ORIGIN AND GOAL Giving Tuesday is celebrated every year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, and this year, the holiday lands on Dec. 3! It was established in 2012 by the United Nations Foundation and New York’s 92nd Street Y as a response to consumer-driven holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The purpose of the holiday was to spread the spirit of giving, not only for the people in our nation but individuals across the world. The goal is “to create a massive wave of generosity that lasts well beyond that day and touches every person on the planet.” TECHNOLOGY AT ITS BEST Through the use of social media and technology, the organization hopes to encourage and spread generosity on a global scale using the hashtag #GivingTuesday. The website states that “... technology and social media could be used to make generosity go viral; that people fundamentally want to

give and talk about giving.” Through massive social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, the individuals and companies participating in Giving Tuesday can spread their missions and messages all over the world, encouraging others to do the same. HOW YOU CAN CELEBRATE Now is the perfect opportunity to support your community and the causes you believe in. The best part of this holiday is that “giving” doesn’t just refer to donating money. People can give back by volunteering their time to help a nonprofit business, donating goods and food, or just buying a stranger some lunch. Even the smallest actions can have the biggest impact. If you’re interested in participating in Giving Tuesday, get together with your friends, family, sports team members, or neighbors to brainstorm on how you can give back. To learn more about how you can participate, visit GivingTuesday.org .

November is usually all about Thanksgiving, but it isn’t the only holiday that encourages generosity. Giving Tuesday is a phenomenal celebration in which millions of people from across the globe are inspired to spend 24 hours giving back to the communities they love.

4 Berlin Law Firm • 918-770-0172