Law Office of Kevin Jensen - August 2019

Law Office of Kevin Jensen - August 2019

August 2019 480.632.7373 jensenlawaz.com

Small School Memories Growing Up in a Small Idaho Town

When I was growing up in Idaho, no age was as coveted as 14. Back when I was a kid, that’s how old you had to be in order to get your license, and as every teenager knows, a driver’s license is your ticket to freedom. But I was pretty young for my grade. So, while half of my friends were driving to school and toting our friends around, I was one of the last kids in my friend group to get my driver’s license. My birthday is in late summer, and when I started kindergarten, I just passed the cutoff age. I was tested to assess whether I could enter school early or if I should wait one more year, and I can still remember “studying” as a 4-year-old. My parents and I were so focused on my ABC’s and making sure I didn’t write “... w, x, y, N z.” Like most kids, I added the extra “N” before “Z,” since the song has you say, “and.” I went into the test that day determined to avoid adding a letter to the alphabet, but I never had the chance to shine. They never even asked me about the alphabet! Looking back, it wasn’t much of a test, but I still passed and was shuttled off to kindergarten just before I turned 5. I can still remember my first day of kindergarten. I was so nervous for that first day. I walked into Mrs. Christopherson’s classroom, clutching my backpack tight, and made my way to my cubby. After dropping off my stuff, Mrs. Christopherson

had the class break the ice with an air guitar competition. I think shredding the strings with fellow 5-year-olds was such a cool way to snap out of our nerves. (Not to brag, but I was awesome at air guitar.) Of course, no first day of school was ever complete without my mom’s coveted back-to- school pictures. We’d stand there in clothes my mom had sewn for us, with our new shoes and all our supplies, cheesing for the camera. My mom was very resourceful and saved our family a lot of money by sewing our clothes, but I was always so embarrassed that my clothes didn’t have a tag from a store. It was such a silly thing to be embarrassed about, but being a kid in a town of just 300 people can cause you to overdramatize everything. Our entire school fit into one building, and my graduating class was just 15 people. If I ever run into anyone from school, I enjoy hearing about what they have been up to all these years, since nearly all of us spent about 13 years of our childhood together. To this day, I’m still close with my core group of friends from school: Shad, Justin, and Don. (On a geeky side note, we nicknamed our group “The Committee.”) We don’t keep in touch as much as I wish we did, but whenever we link back up, it’s just like old times. I really enjoy seeing how our families and lives continue to grow each year.

This year, three out of my four kids will head off to school. I can still remember the anxiety we felt when my wife and I sent our eldest daughter to school for the first time. I raced home that day and asked my wife dozens of questions about how Olivia’s first day went and what she thought. Olivia handled it like a true champion, and now she’s starting her second year of junior high school. It will be bittersweet when the day comes that our fourth and youngest child heads off to school, but it’s such a joy to watch our kids grow.

Thankfully, we still have a few years before driver’s licenses become a priority.

-Brandon Yost

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Ride Into the Sunset

4 Tips to Maintain Your Bicycle

Fill your tires properly. Proper bike tire pressure can seem ambiguous; many people just inflate the tires until they seem plump enough to ride on. But a bike tire will typically have the recommended air pressure in psi (pound-force per square inch) stamped into the side of the tire. For example, your tire might say Min. 85–Max. 135 psi. This may seem like a broad range, but it all depends on what you’re looking for: A higher psi will increase speed, while a lower psi will give you a smoother ride. Keep it clean. Cleaning your bike regularly is essential in preventing premature wear and tear. When cleaning the body of the bike, use a damp rag with window cleaner or diluted dish soap to wipe it down, and take extra care not to get

Hopping on your bicycle for a family bike ride through the neighborhood is a great activity for beautiful summer weather, but nothing spoils a fun day of riding more than a flat tire or dislodged chain. That’s why it’s important to keep up with bike maintenance, even if you typically stay close to home. By following these four tips, you and your family can enjoy a smooth ride all summer long. Give your bike a once-over. The best way to avoid any problems with your bike while riding is to inspect it thoroughly before you head out. Check each component and make sure everything is in working order. If you notice your handlebars are loose or your brake pads are worn, you’ll be able to make adjustments or repairs before hopping on. Going back to school might be the last thing on your mind as you divorce. Your life may feel like chaos, and adding another bill and more stress may not be what you need. However, returning to school to obtain a new degree can be one of the best choices you make after a divorce. Below are a few reasons why. Judgment Call If your divorce makes its way to court, you will have a judge parsing out every component of your life. Unfortunately, divorce is a very personal process in a public forum. But you can make your situation better and show a judge that you are trying to improve your life after your divorce by obtaining another degree. This shows organization, responsibility, and respect for your own life and family. Despite any past wrongdoings or misgivings, this will only work in your favor in court. Get to Class!

any of it on the chain. If the chain is dry to the touch, remove any debris that may be caught in it with a small brush or old toothbrush before applying a good bicycle chain lube. Involve your kids. Encouraging your kids to maintain their own bikes will help them understand the importance of taking care of their possessions. Teach them to inspect their bike, clean and lubricate their chains, and regularly check their tire pressure.

This summer, set yourself up for cycling success and make bike maintenance a priority.

Returning to College After Your Divorce

Budget Shorttrack Nothing makes you tighten the belt more than a tuition payment, and college tuition is not cheap these days. However, returning to school can realign your priorities. It forces you to establish a budget, focus on what matters, and prioritize your schoolwork, and when it’s over, it provides you with the tools to create a better life. In addition, going back to school will set a good example for your children. Studies have linked higher wages to increased education, which gives you and your family a better chance to thrive. At the Law Offices of Kevin Jensen, our attorneys empower their clients to find solutions that work best for them, including encouraging them with their post-divorce life pursuits. Learn more about our resources and find out how our legal experts can help by calling 408.632.7373 or visiting JensenLawAZ.com.

Bettering Yourself The most important reason to obtain a degree after a divorce is simple: Do it for yourself! There are a bevy of benefits to returning to school. Despite the high cost of education, a degree can further your career, help you earn more money, open your mind to new passions, and help you meet new friends. For those who need to return to the workforce or want to make a lifestyle change, education is a great place to start.

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Why Mediation Can Be the Best Choice for Divorce Proceedings Agree to Disagree?

avoid court, but this does not lessen the need for an attorney. Mediation attorneys can help couples draft and file the proper paperwork, coach them through their rights and the process of mediation, and guide them through their next steps. Relying on this legal professional can set you up for mediation success.

Ending your marriage brings up a slew of questions: Who keeps the house? Where will the children primarily live? How do you divvy up your assets? The justice system has offered mediation as an alternative to court, so couples can swiftly and amicably answer these questions. But it does require work from both parties, and that work has established the following myths about mediation. Myth: Mediation will make my divorce process longer. Fact: Some couples believe hashing their problems out in court will save them time and money, but the truth is, going to court is expensive, time-consuming, difficult to schedule, and emotionally exhaustive. Mediation will always be faster and easier for each party. With mediation, spouses can avoid the wait for a court date, while also coming to an agreement together — not one a judge decides. Myth: I don’t need an attorney for mediation. Fact : It’s true that mediation can help couples move through the legal process of divorce quicker and possibly

Myth: Mediation only works when spouses are on good terms. Fact: A divorce will always be easier when the spouses are cooperative, and mediation is no different. However, mediation is designed to get couples on the same page as they move through a divorce. Let’s say there are six key points that need to be resolved in your divorce. Mediation is designed to resolve as many of those points as possible through communication and third-party input. You may not settle everything, but even if you can agree on three out of your six key points, you will be far better off as you continue to proceed in your divorce. You deserve to have your concerns heard throughout your divorce, and the legal experts at the Law Offices of Kevin Jensen can make sure the mediation process works for you. Learn more about the basics of mediation and review additional options by visiting JensenLawAZ.com or calling 408.632.7373.

Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine

LAUGH BREAK

Roasted Corn Salsa

Corn is plentiful during the summer months, and this easy-to-make salsa is sure to be a hit at your next get-together.

ingredients

• 1/4 bunch cilantro leaves, sliced • Juice of 1 lime • Kosher salt, to taste

• 2 medium ears of corn, shucked • 1 jalapeño or Fresno chile, seeded and thinly sliced • 1/2 red onion, diced • 1 large tomato, cored, seeded, and finely chopped

directions 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. 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.

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3740 E. Southern Ave., #210 Mesa, AZ 85206

Brandon Yost Reminisces about His Small-Town Schooling

A Biking Adventure

Tips for Returning to School After Your Divorce

Busting Mediation Myths

America’s Weirdest Airbnbs This Ain’t Motel 6!

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.

Brand New Studio Earthship Taos, New Mexico

Dog Bark Park Inn B&B Cottonwood, Idaho

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.

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.

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