Brauns Law - November 2020

Brauns Law - November 2020

404-418-8244

Nov 2020

WWW.BRAUNSLAW.COM

3175 SATELLITE BOULEVARD, SUITE 330, DULUTH, GEORGIA 30096

You Never Forget Your First Car No Matter How Badly You Might Want To

Everyone has a “favorite car” story. Some people found sheer joy in just being able to buy their first junker as a teen, while others relish in finally saving up for their dream car many years down the road. But for some, like me, car stories are a little more convoluted. I’ve had a lot of cars in my life, but not for the reasons you might initially assume. For starters, I’ll admit that I didn’t buy my first brand-new car until I was 41 years old. My car-buying journey started in the category of “hunk of metal in my teens” because my family didn’t come from much at the time. If I wanted to get to school and my various extracurricular activities, I had to find my own wheels. So at 16, I bought my very first car: a Volkswagen Scirocco. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone. I think they stopped making them en masse in the 1990s, and they were a sight for sore eyes. The car was a tiny little two-door thing, and at 6 feet, 5 inches tall, I had to drive around with my head sticking out the window like it was some kind of clown car. That first car really set the trend of my car-buying experiences for the next few decades. It started a chain reaction of one car breaking down, then me trying to scrounge together a couple thousand bucks to purchase another cheap bucket. There was one without any working air conditioning, another with windshield wipers that never turned on, and one that

would overheat so badly that I had to run the heater in the middle of summer and crank the windows down so the car wouldn’t just explode. There was even an old Saab I drove from my home in Maryland to Clemson University before the start of school. Less than halfway through, all the wheels of the car started shaking so violently that I was sure every single one

of them was about to fall off. So, for the last five hours of the trip, I had to travel at a maximum of about 35 mph down the highway and just hope I would make it to my first year of school in one piece. Even though my cars never functioned quite right, they always got me to where I needed to go. In some cases, it took a little longer to get there or a little extra cash and fixing up to make it through, but it always worked out one way or another. And no matter what the car looked like or how it drove, there was no taking away the freedom of having my own four wheels to hit the road whenever I had the need or felt the urge. Not to mention, having to fix up those cars taught me essential mechanics I may never have learned otherwise, like how to patch a

tire or change a spark plug. I guarantee you not every guy in a suit you pass on the street knows how to do that. But above all else, driving those cars taught me how valuable patience is, working hard toward a desired result, and how much sweeter the reward tastes at the end of the road. After decades of rough riding, there was nothing quite like purchasing my very first brand-new, never- been-owned-by-anyone-else car at 41 years old. It was a long time coming, but I know the moment was made even more special because of every car I’d owned before, and every lesson those clunkers taught me up until that moment. -David Brauns

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AND HOW DO I PREVENT IT FROM AFFECTING MY FAMILY? What Is Family Burnout

According to one study from 2018, over half of all parents surveyed were experiencing some form of burnout (i.e., exhaustion, cynicism, lack of professional satisfaction, etc.) — and that was before the pandemic. Now, as the world enters the eighth month of the coronavirus pandemic, many parents are working from home or dealing with unemployment, and many children are doing school online. Families are spending a lot of time together at home, balancing new routines — and that’s led to family burnout. When you experience “family burnout,” the kind of exhaustion that comes from spending too much time with family, it manifests itself as physical and emotional exhaustion, an inability to handle usual tasks, and increased irritability. The more demanding your work and home responsibilities are, the more susceptible you are to family burnout. Single parents are especially susceptible, but burnout can drastically affect romantic relationships and even children. Most people are not used to spending so much time together at home.

With all that in mind, don’t worry — family burnout is preventable. It starts with creating a balance between work and rest. While it might feel like you don’t have a moment to spare between work and taking care of the kiddos in the house, identifying those spare moments in your day is absolutely necessary for your health.

or a 30-minute stretch with a good book in a comfy chair. Find time to let your kids have a break, too, like playing their favorite games, reading their favorite books, or playing outside. You’ll all feel more refreshed to tackle the remaining tasks of the day. Even though you can prevent or minimize burnout through a more balanced routine, sometimes that’s not enough. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Family therapy can be immensely helpful for maintaining your mental health when your own attempts need a

Establish a routine that defines time for work, sleep, studying, and other tasks. You’ll then move from task to task easier, leaving less room for conflict between others in the household. You’ll also see more clearly when you can rest!

boost. These are unique times, so be patient with yourself and your family as you cope with new challenges and routines. Burnout doesn’t have to be inevitable.

Those breaks don’t have to be anything special — a 15-minute

walk by yourself outside

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Testimonials

“David and his team are not only professional but also provide great customer service. I truly appreciate Haley responding to all of my questions in such a timely manner. David assisted me not once but twice, and both experiences were truly superb. I was very happy with the outcome. They truly care about their clients. Thank you!” –Shae S.

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Fried Turkey Safety Tips Don’t Let the Bird Get the Best of You

Whether it’s a tradition in your family or you’re braving it for the first time, deep-fried turkey is a special treat that makes everyone more thankful for the Thanksgiving meal they’re about to indulge in. But delicious dishes take patience and care, and deep-fried turkey is definitely delicious. Make sure you follow these recommended safety protocols so you can have your bird and eat it too. • Purchase a fryer with temperature controls and keep a careful eye on the oil temperature. If the oil heats beyond its smoke point, it can catch fire. • Use your fryer outdoors only. Also keep it out of the garage, off the deck, and a safe distance away from trees or structures. • Make sure your turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. Mixing ice or water with hot oil causes flare-ups. • Place your fryer on a level surface and avoid moving it once it’s in use.

• Leave at least 2 feet between the tank and burner if you’re using a propane- powered fryer. • Read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them carefully to avoid overfilling your fryer. Oil can ignite if it makes contact with the burner. • If you notice the oil smoking, turn the fryer off and let the temperature cool. • Choose a smaller turkey for frying, preferably a bird that’s under 12 pounds. • Skip putting stuffing inside your bird and avoid liquid marinades. • Turn the burner off before lowering the turkey into the oil. Only turn the burner back on after the turkey is fully submerged. • Wear proper protective gear when frying your turkey, like goggles and oven mitts. • Keep a grease-rated fire extinguisher close at hand. If a fire starts, do not use water to put it out.

• When your turkey is finished, remove the pot from the burner, place it on a level surface, and cover it to let the oil cool overnight before disposing. The speed of cooking, the rich flavor, and the juiciness of the meat make deep-fried turkey one for the books. So make this Thanksgiving extra special by safely getting your main dish from fryer to table for your whole family to enjoy.

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ZESTY ORANGE CRANBERRY SAUCE

Skip the can-shaped cranberry sauce this year and bring a jar of homemade sauce to Thanksgiving instead. This easy recipe can be made ahead of the big event and keeps for 10 days in the fridge.

Ingredients • 1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed • 1/2 cup water • 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp sugar

• 12 oz fresh cranberries • 2 tsp orange zest • Salt to taste

Directions 1. In a medium saucepan, heat the orange juice, water, and sugar to a boil. Add other ingredients, then bring mixture back to boiling. 2. Reduce the heat to medium and cook gently for 10–12 minutes, until the cranberries burst. 3. Transfer the sauce to a bowl or jar, cover, and refrigerate until serving.

COBBLER CRANBERRY ELECTION FOOTBALL

NOVEL SAGITTARIUS THANKSGIVING TOPAZ

TURKEY VETERANS VOTING WINDY

Inspired by OnceUponAChef.com

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404-418-8244 | WWW.BRAUNSLAW.COM 3175 SATELLITE BOULEVARD, SUITE 330 DULUTH, GEORGIA 30096

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How Junky Cars Taught Me Valuable Lessons What Is Family Burnout, and How Do I Prevent It?

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What Some of Our Clients Are Saying

Deep-Fried Turkey 101

Zesty Orange Cranberry Sauce

3 Memorable Thanksgiving Day Football Plays

3 Memorable Thanksgiving Day Football Plays

Lawrence Taylor New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor was said to have “single-handedly” beat the Detroit Lions in this memorable 1982 Thanksgiving Day matchup. The game was only the fourth of the season for Taylor, who had just recovered from a sprained knee injury suffered in a previous game. With the score tied at 6-6 in the fourth quarter, Taylor intercepted the ball from the Lions quarterback, Gary Danielson, and ran it 97 yards for a touchdown. Leon Lett The Miami Dolphins were up against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day in 1993. This game was marked by its strange weather: Snow covered the field in Dallas, and temperatures reached only 26 degrees F. But that wasn’t what made the game memorable. In the last 15 seconds of the game, the Cowboys blocked the Dolphins’ last 40-yard field goal attempt.

Thanksgiving is all about good food, family, and football. Each year, football fans look forward to sitting down and watching the game with their family, regardless of whether or not their team is playing. While many games have been played over the years, some stand out more than others because of some major players and their quick actions. Here are three individuals who made their Thanksgiving Day games ones to remember.

As the ball was rolling on the ground, Cowboys defensive tackle Leon Lett dove for it but slipped and missed. The Dolphins recovered the ball and were given the chance to kick another field goal at the 1-yard line. The attempt was successful, and they won the game. Phil Luckett One of the most memorable moments during a Thanksgiving game took place in 1998, when the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions entered overtime in a 16-16 tie. Referee Phil Luckett oversaw the coin toss, and that’s when things became tense. Steelers running back Jerome Bettis appeared to call tails, but Luckett said, “Heads is the call.” Upon review later, officials discovered that Bettis changed his mind mid-toss and had indeed called heads first. The Lions got first possession and scored a field goal to win the game.

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