Izquierdo Law Firm August 2019

IzLegal Illustrated

TELEPORTATION AND TRAFFIC Helpful Techniques We Can Use in the Meantime

psychological well-being. People can experience stress, anxiety, and anger from sitting in traffic, which is not only detrimental to health but can also lead to poor road choices. The new school year means that we’ll all be spending a little more time in traffic than we’d like, but there are a few ways we can counter the stress that comes with it. I’ve found one of the best ways to reduce the stress caused by moving a few feet every 30 minutes is to avoid traffic as much as you possibly can. This might mean finding alternative routes to work, school, the gym, or any other destinations you have, but the benefits mean less irritation and more productive time spent elsewhere. But even with the best planning in the world, no one can avoid traffic forever. You’ll find yourself stuck in several miles of backed up traffic more than once in your life. Situations like this can be extremely aggravating, but, as I wrote earlier, our reactions to them are important. Just as no one wants to sit in traffic for hours on end, no one wants to get into an accident either. There are several methods people can use to turn this otherwise awful circumstance into one that, while not necessarily positive, is much less bleak. One of the best ways to approach traffic congestion is to look at it from another angle. While you’re stuck in traffic, you can enjoy listening to a book from Audible or on tape, finish up the latest episode of the podcast you’ve been following, or continue to jam out to some of your favorite tunes. If you’re growing impatient or

If I could have any superpower in the world, teleportation would be my choice, hands down, mostly because traffic is so bad. I joke about having the ability to teleport with Melissa all the time. It would be so much easier to just blink and be at a place without having to commute for two hours. I find myself wanting this power more and more as traffic gets worse and worse, especially around this time of year. We’ve had a bit of a reprieve over the past few summer months with the kiddos being out of school, but now it’s officially back-to-school month, which means we’re looking at traffic picking up. No one enjoys sitting in traffic, and I think that teleporting would take the edge off of everyone who would otherwise be sitting in their cars for hours at a time. According to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, Americans spend relatively 42 hours a year stuck in traffic. So many hours being spent in congested traffic often impacts a person’s

angry, blocking out the traffic noise around you can be a great way to calm yourself down. Try listening to calming music or ambient sounds while taking deep breaths and relaxing any stiffness in your body, like the tight grip on the wheel. Typically, traffic is one of the most unpleasant things everyone will experience, but we can also try to do our best to make the most of it. While having the ability to teleport would remove traffic entirely, sadly, it isn’t something we can enjoy – yet. In the meantime, we’ll make do with what we have to make our commutes as enjoyable as possible. Drive safe out there, and good luck to all the students starting a new semester!

“We’ve had a bit of a reprieve over the past few summer months with the kiddos being out of school, but now it’s officially back- to-school month, which means we’re looking at traffic picking up.”

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YOU’RE GETTING VERY SLEEPY ... Establishing a Bedtime Routine for the School Year

the home should be a quiet zone after bedtime. No one wants to sleep while everyone else is having fun, so it’s important that everyone in the home is quiet at bedtime. JUST RELAX This is a rule your family should follow year-round, not just when you want to reestablish a routine. At a certain time each night, begin the nightly wind- down. For example, at 8 p.m. shut off your screens, put on pajamas, and engage in a relaxing activity, like reading a book or doing some yoga. Signaling to your body and your family that it’s time for bed will help your kiddos, and you, fall asleep at an appropriate time.

Between vacations, bonfires, and sporting tournaments, your children’s sleep schedule probably went on break when they did this summer. With school fast approaching, it’s vital to get your kids back on a proper sleep schedule. In fact, according to the National Sleep Foundation, getting enough sleep can significantly improve a child’s growth and cognitive function.

bedtime to 9:45 p.m., and then push it back to 9:30 p.m. one week later. Slowly work your way back to an appropriate time, and bedtime will be easier when school starts. MAKE IT EASY Though the days may be getting shorter, it’s still relatively light out at night, making it nearly impossible for your kids to doze off when they should. Sleep experts recommend creating a sleeping space that mimics a cave: dark, cool, and quiet. This means sunlight shouldn’t sneak into the room, and

But getting a restful night’s sleep is easier said than done when kids have had almost complete freedom for three months. Try these tips to get your kids snoozing through August and prepared for school. START EARLY AND GO SLOWLY When practicing this tip, think of the old adage: “It takes 21 days to break a habit.” If your kids have been going to bed late this summer, set a time when they must go to bed, but don’t make it too far off the time they have been regularly hitting the hay. If they shuffle off to bed around 10 p.m., push their

4 HELPFUL TIPS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS PREPARING FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

STUDY SMART Studying doesn’t mean that you should lock yourself in your room for hours on end. Instead, you should keep study sessions short enough to be manageable and be in a space you feel comfortable in. Focusing requires comfort, minimal noise, and, of course, access to the information you need. If you’re not sure which setting is best for you, try out a few different places like the library, your favorite coffee shop, or a bookstore. TRACK EVERYTHING In order to avoid unnecessary stress, be sure to track everything in a planner or calendar. When you diligently keep record of homework assignments, projects, tests, extracurricular activities, work hours, and social engagements, it makes the juggling of school, work, and friends much easier to handle. STAY ORGANIZED In addition to organizing your schedule, you should also prioritize keeping an orderly space. Having a

neat binder and desk is key to staying motivated and focused. And don’t forget that whatever system you use should be simple; the simpler the method, the easier it is to maintain organization and cleanliness. BE REALISTIC WITH YOUR TIME The college experience is really a juggling act of myriad responsibilities, and good time management skills are crucial for higher education success. For every project, homework assignment, or study session you have, be realistic about how much time each task will take you. This effort will help you keep stress levels down and finish your assignments without having to rush. If something is taking you significantly more time than you think it should, talk to your professor to gain some insight. You’ll probably face many different challenges this semester, but with these four tips, you’ll be ready for them!

Students are preparing for the new semester this month, which means handling the hustle and bustle of gathering school supplies, checking class schedules, and picking out a new school outfit. In addition, the start of a new semester can be a source of anxiety and stress for students. Here are a few strategies that can help you prepare for a successful semester.

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TEXTING AND DRIVING The New LawThat Aims for Change

officer sees a person texting or on the phone while operating a moving vehicle, they have the right to stop that vehicle. Additionally, starting on Oct. 1, drivers are prohibited to hold a wireless device for any reason while entering or driving through a construction zone or school zone. Law enforcement will be handing out warnings up until Jan. 1, 2020. THE FINES THEY FACE A first stop offense warrants a $30 fine, but with additional surcharges and court costs, it can increase to well over $100. If a driver is charged with a second offense, the fine is raised to $60 in addition to other charges. Points against your driving record won’t be applicable to first-time offenders, but three points will be added for the second offense. A driver who uses their phone while driving through a construction zone or school zone will be immediately fined $169 and three points. In addition to these fines, drivers will face a steep increase in their insurance payments each month.

Safe driving is attentive driving, and you can’t be attentive if you’re not paying attention. No one can predict what will happen once they get into their car; a vehicle may cut in front of you or stop short. Situations like these require a driver’s complete focus to act accordingly, but if a person is using their phone while driving, their attention is going to be split. Texting and driving has become a serious problem within the U.S.; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that distracted drivers caused almost 8.5% of all fatalities in 2017. To counter the problem, nearly all states have created laws that put severe fines on individuals who are caught texting and driving, including Florida. As of Jan. 1, 2020, Floridian drivers can be stopped for texting or use of phone while driving. THE NEW LAW On July 1, 2019, Florida officially marked texting and driving a primary offense. This means that if a police

Texting and driving is never a good idea, and now Florida aims to reduce the number of people who engage in this dangerous behavior. The objective of this law is not to take rights away from people, but, as the statute states, to “improve roadway safety for all vehicle operators, vehicle passengers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and other road users.”

Laugh Out Loud

Roasted Corn Salsa Ingredients

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1 large tomato, cored, seeded, and finely chopped

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2 medium ears of corn, shucked

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1 jalapeño or Fresno chile, seeded and thinly sliced

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1/4 bunch cilantro leaves, sliced

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Juice of 1 lime

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1/2 red onion, diced

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Kosher salt, to taste

Directions

4. Add jalapeño, onion, tomato, and cilantro. Mix to combine. 5. Top with lime juice and season with salt. 6. Serve alongside your favorite tortilla chips.

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet to high. Char corn, turning occasionally, for 10–14 minutes until kernels begin to blacken in spots. 2. Using a sharp knife, remove corn kernels from cobs and transfer to a large mixing bowl. 3. With a wooden spoon or potato masher, gently crush corn to release starch and juices.

Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

2655 Le Jeune Road Suite 805 Coral Gables, FL 33134

INSIDE this issue

1

Having the Best Superpower in Florida

2

Get Your Kids Back on a Sleep Schedule

Tips for Students Heading Back to School

3

Putting a Stop to Distracted Driving Roasted Corn Salsa

4

Not Your Average Vacation Lodgings

This Ain’t Motel 6! AMERICA’S WEIRDEST AIRBNBS

MANCAVE APARTMENT/AIRPLANE HANGAR Geneva, Florida

When Airbnb was founded a little over a decade ago, the developers hoped to provide an alternative to traditional travel accommodations.Today, with annual revenue in the billions, the service is an industry unto itself.While most people use Airbnb to “live like a local” while traveling, you can find some truly wacky lodging options if you spend some time searching the platform. Here are just a few of the many contenders for the title of “Weirdest Airbnb in the U.S.” For ease of searching, the listings here have the same titles as they do on Airbnb.

Airbnb super hosts Dan and Deborah have no shortage of quirky properties for rent — including yurts and treehouses — but their apartment fashioned out of an airplane hangar surely takes the cake.You’d be forgiven for thinking it was a theme restaurant featuring eclectic aviation. Memorabilia lines the walls with a bar front and center, and the bed is in a loft high above the ground.

DOG BARK PARK INN B&B Cottonwood, Idaho

BRAND NEW STUDIO EARTHSHIP Taos, New Mexico

As you approach the Dog Bark Park Inn, you won’t have to guess if you’re in the right place. After all, how many buildings are shaped like beagles? When describing the space on Airbnb, the hosts make no bones about who this rental is aimed for. “Stay in a giant dog!” they say. In addition to being inside a massive wooden dog, you’ll find canine-themed games, books, and more. Talk about ruffing it.

Earthships, houses run by clean energy and featuring reused materials, are a fixture of the Taos area. This one, which looks almost like a crashing wave with a living space in its undertow, combines the rustic charm of truly getting away from it all with modern amenities like Wi-Fi and in-home laundry. It’s a truly unique living space surrounded by pristine nature and not far from the historic Taos Pueblo.

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