Where's the Lemonade‪?‬ Darren & Paige Pulsipher

Darren and Paige delve into the topic of True Crime entertainment, including podcasts, documentaries, and books. They discuss the reasons behind the fact that women make up the largest demographic of listeners and viewers in this genre.
 Encountering Evil from Safety

True crime stories echo our deepest fears and curiosities about the most disturbing aspects of human behavior. In a controlled and safe environment such as a book, a podcast, or a TV show, we become observers on the sidelines of evil, weighing in on the battle between right and wrong. Our fascination with these narratives, thus, could be understood as an exploratory mechanism - a means of understanding the extremes of the human psyche.

The fight between good and evil has been a staple in story-telling for centuries. It allows us to confront our fears and anxieties about crime and punishment in a relatively safe environment without the direct threat of physical harm. By examining the mind of a criminal and witnessing their eventual punishment, we can vicariously experience the thrill of danger, all while huddled comfortably on our couch.

 Discovering the Dark Side of Human Behavior

True crime stories also satisfy an inescapable curiosity about aberrant human behavior. What prompts someone to plot and commit a dreadful crime? Why would someone feel the justification – or even the entitlement – to cause harm or take lives? These narratives delve into the psyche of the criminals, offering us unique insights into the murkier side of human nature – an aspect that most of us would generally prefer to avoid contemplating.

Understanding such boundaries of aberrant behavior also serves as a potent reminder of the thin barrier that separates civility from chaos. It's a stark homage to our capacity for good and a powerful reminder of the dark side that lurks within the spectrum of humanity. 

 The Impact of Over-indulgence

With an ocean of true crime content available, however, there's a risk of developing a skewed perspective of reality. Consuming an excessive amount of this type of content can generate a false impression that gruesome crimes are rampant, thus possibly inflating fear and anxiety levels.

Maintaining a balance is key. Moderate consumption and an alternating between consuming a true crime series and lighter, more uplifting content are essential. Such balance can help avoid creating an atmosphere of paranoia or fear that can come with prolonged exposure to violent, gruesome content.

 The Charm of True Crime

Our fascination with true crime is a mix of curiosity, fear, empathy, and the need to traverse the extremes of human behavior. True crime stories serve as a pathway, enabling us to experience the darker side of human nature vicariously and from a safe distance. They allow us to navigate the peripheries of danger without physical risk and force us to grapple with the unfathomable acts that some are capable of. Remember to watch in moderation and mix the viewing schedule to maintain a healthy balance!


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Darren and Paige report on a trip with their 18 year old getting ready to graduate this spring. His last spring trip before we send him off to college in the Fall. Listen to their tips and tricks to travelling with teens in Europe.
We all know that family vacations are meant to relax, unwind, and spend some quality time with our loved ones. But, how do you ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip when your travel companions are unpredictable, opinionated, and passionate teenagers? Based on the experiences of one family who recently traveled abroad during their spring break to Italy, we reveal some important tips that could make your next family overseas trip a lot easier.

 Involving Teens in Travel Planning: Fostering Excitement and Learning

Traveling with teenagers is all about giving them a sense of ownership and understanding their unique perspectives and interests. This starts right from the planning stage. By involving teenagers in decision-making, you not only allow them to contribute meaningfully but also keep their enthusiasm and interest alive throughout the journey.

Guiding them to form opinions about various options in different cities gives an opportunity for everyone to learn about new locations together. Keeping room for flexibility can ensure that the plans are adjusted as per the evolving interests and energy levels of young travelers. By doing this, you make them feel considered and in charge, reducing their possible resentment of being dragged into the trip.

 Handling Different Personalities: Striving for Balance

Handling different personalities during a vacation is another challenge that requires both patience and strategy. Your stoic bookworm may want nothing more than to quietly immerse themselves in the intricacies of the local culture and history, while your fiery, outgoing teen could want to try everything the locale has to offer.

The families who experienced these personality differences amongst their children when abroad highlighted the importance of personal space and independence. Allow your children the time and room to follow their own interests, within reasonable boundaries of safety and time. Allow them to play games, read books and even explore museums independently. This way, they can enjoy their vacation in their own ways.

 Optimal Vacation Planning: Balancing Preferences and Participation

To foster an environment that encourages both - enjoying the moment and creating unforgettable memories together, it is necessary to ensure everyone's preferences are considered and everyone feels involved in the planning process. 

This family’s experience teaches us a significant truth - to have a memorable and enjoyable family vacation, especially with teenagers, it's important that we listen, compromise, and accommodate everyone's preferences and styles. The objective should be to create a balance between group activities and individual exploration. 

Traveling offers an excellent opportunity to bond with our children, understand them better, and make unforgettable memories together. Remember, the success of your family vacation largely depends on how open, flexible, and considerate you are during your travel planning and execution stages. Don't forget to involve your teenagers in the decision-making process and you will enjoy a smoother and memorable journey together.


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In the world of blended families, navigating issues related to co-parenting adult children can be complex and challenging. Some familiar questions might center on the financial responsibility of each parent in relation to costs like college fees, health insurance, and other unforeseen expenses. This post examines the convolutions faced by co-parents, particularly with regards to shared-cost decisions and financial commitments to their adult children.
 Financial Responsibility and Legal Gray Areas

The transition of children from dependents to independent adults sometimes leaves co-parents in gray areas regarding who pays for what. For instance, health insurance is a significant aspect that often falls into this gray area. Under Obamacare, children can retain their health coverage under their parent's insurance until they are 26. This is a great relief for parents who, like Darren, incurred no additional cost in providing health insurance for their older children.

However, the issue of who should handle unexpected medical bills is more complex. A real-life example shows that deciding who should foot the bill can be contentious when an adult child falls sick while visiting one parent. These kinds of situations can cause disagreements and stress for both parents and the young adult. Therefore, the need for clearly delineated responsibilities in such scenarios is very apparent.

 The Shared Cost Concept

The challenges encountered in dealing with unexpected bills for grown-up children may require parents to rethink the tenets of sharing costs. A couple of questions arise in such situations. For instance, do both parents have equal decision-making rights? And does who pays what influence these decisions? These issues can be pretty knotty, with the child often stuck in the middle of the confusion.

As Paige discovered, the problem of how to split costs for adult children among divorced couples needs to be more well-researched. An apparent solution is to specify how to share financial responsibilities for adult children in the divorce decree. Despite its obvious benefits, the downside to this idea may be its potential to hinder the young adult's drive towards financial independence or completion of college.

 Maintaining Financial Integrity among Co-parenting Adults

Recognizing that co-parenting doesn't necessarily end when a child turns eighteen is critical. More than ever, co-parents must set clear boundaries and communicate effectively about their financial responsibilities towards their adult children. Doing so removes any ambiguity and reduces the chances of misunderstanding. As Paige emphasizes, drafting these boundaries can help keep the young adult away from the potentially negative impacts of financial disputes.

 Conclusion

Navigating financial responsibilities toward grown-up children as co-parents requires a delicate balance. Parents must consider fostering their children's independence while maintaining fairness and equity in shouldering expenses. The entire process is a learning experience, but ultimately, it underscores the need for clear communication and mutual understanding among co-parents.

 Lemonade Moment of the Week

 We went to Texas to see the total eclipse. The skies were covered in clouds, and we thought we were not going to see the eclipse after all. Then, the clouds parted just in time, and it was cloudy again right after the eclipse. We were ready to find lemonade even if we didn't see the eclipse. One cute baby made the trip-- totally worth it!

 Links

https://newdirectionfamilylaw.com/blog/child-support/what-happens-when-a-child-of-divorced-parents-turns-18/

 Outline

* Typically when kids turn 18 and graduate from high school, child support and co-parenting ends. What is in your divorce decree for when the kids turn 18? Is that important to add? 

* Just David left at home. Still has a custody schedule. What about when college kids come home? Do they follow the schedule? What about ne

For this episode, Darren and Paige discuss strategies for cultivating a supportive atmosphere in personal relationships. They highlight the importance of active listening, respecting personal space, regular check-ins, physical affection, self-care, and effective communication in maintaining a healthy and supportive relationship. Through their conversation, they provide insights on how to overcome common relational challenges and foster a nurturing environment in personal relationships.
# Cultivating Supportive Atmosphere in Relationships

In the ever-evolving digital world where distractions abound, maintaining the role of a supportive partner can often present itself as a challenging pursuit. However, based on insights from a recent podcast addressing this common relational adversity, this blog post intends to outline strategies for fostering a supportive environment in personal relationships.

The Value of Active Listening

A critical virtue highlighted during the discussion is active listening. This practice entails more than just hearing the words spoken by the other person. It requires one's full concentration on the speaker, thereby nurturing an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Simple habits such as putting your phone aside during conversations and engaging in eye contact signify your willingness to engage in active listening.

Respecting Personal Space

Preserving personal space is another crucial aspect of sustaining a healthy relationship. This aspect involves mutually understanding and respecting each other's personal areas. Unclear about when your significant other may need some space? Simply asking them can shed light on this matter.

Importance of Regular Check-ins

Frequent 'check-ins' or short, casual conversations about each other's day or emotional state help in enhancing connection and understanding in a relationship. The benefit of these check-ins is not solely felt during challenging times but also serves as a tool to foster closeness and cultivate trust on ordinary days.

Physical Affection

The conversation also touched upon the role of physical affection in relationships. While not all individuals appreciate physical affection, for those who do, expressing love through physical touch offers comfort, diminishes stress levels, and reaffirms the bond of love and care. Physical affection isn't merely restricted to sexual intimacy; it also encompasses gestures such as holding hands, cuddling, and hugging.

The Need for Self-Care

A healthy relationship does not solely revolve around meeting your partner's needs. Rather, it also involves acknowledging and addressing your needs. Attaining balance between these two aspects is vital for the longevity of the relationship. Notably, communicating your boundaries to your partner can inhibit the possibility of resentment building up in the long run.

Communication: The Key

Above all, the necessity of effective communication in successful relationships was underscored. As long as partners keep the channels of communication open and reach out to each other during times of distress, any hurdles encountered can be resolved. A supportive relationship essentially involves an equal measure of giving and taking. This balance, intertwined with respect and understanding, fosters a nurturing atmosphere of mutual support. Remember, being supportive also includes allowing your partner to be your rock during tougher times.




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As Paige was searching for a current event to talk about this week, she kept seeing in the news and on social media the debate about plane etiquette. Even Paige and Darren disagree on some plane etiquette. Let’s delve into what the “rules” are for flying. 
## Middle seat gets dibs on the armrests
The middle seat sucks. You’re constantly worried about encroaching on your neighbor’s side, fearing you’ll fall asleep and drop your head on their shoulder. For this reason, the person in the middle seat gets dibs on the armrests.
## Stand up to let your neighbors through
Don’t do the half lift; it's awkward to lean back. Stand up, unbuckle your seatbelt, and wait in the aisle until your neighbor returns. It’s a good excuse to stretch your legs at the same time. 
## Keep your belongings to yourself
I still remember trying to push someone else’s shoes back onto ‘their side’. Yes, there’s not a lot of room, but manage your belongings and keep them in the pocket of your seat, under the seat in front of you or stowed overhead.
## Say hello, but read the room
It’s always nice to greet your neighbor but gauge whether they want a conversation. Earphones generally mean they have zero interest in chatting.
## Don't recline on short-haul flights
Unless you want your neighbor’s coffee or meal to end up in their lap, be mindful and resist reclining on short-haul flights. I know it’s tricky when the person in front of you reclines; it often creates a domino effect with everyone reclining to create more space. But think about that person in the last row who can’t recline at all. It’s 6 hours or less, suck it up.
## Odorless food only
The rules of the office microwave apply on the plane. No tuna, pungent curries, or oozy cheeses – save anything smelly for your home.
## Have all your stuff ready before the plane lands
We all want to desperately get off the plane and you have hours to get your stuff together. Don’t hold everyone up and decide to pack your belongings after the plane lands. Get it done before the descent.
## Wait your turn to exit the plane
Don’t you love it when people from the last row jump up and try to get as far ahead as possible? Getting your bag from above becomes impossible because everyone is blocking the aisle. Just wait till your aisle is up to grab your bag and exit.
## Just be nice
We’re all in the same confined space together so let’s just all get along. Be respectful of the crew and fellow passengers, and we’ll all have a more pleasant journey.
## Lemonade Moment of the Week
Paige goes to Disneyland with her siblings. Sibling Rivalries popup and they have fun reliving childhood memories.https://www.delicious.com.au/travel/travel-news/gallery/10-plane-etiquette-rules-everyone-should-know-before-boarding/uhpb48u4?page=10



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Is your marriage stuck in a rut??
Darren and Paige have been talking recently about being stuck in a rut, kind of bored, and very predictable. When they aren’t traveling or at something for the kids, they watch a show. Until the show ends, they are in a show hole. Or they go out to dinner, but what else can you do…
A few weeks ago, they would go out on a date. Paige made 2 jars with restaurants to take the “where should we go” out of it. Then Paige had an idea for a date. Head to Kohls and you each pick out two outfits for each other to try on, something you would like to see your partner in (Paige said no lingerie). Then they went into a big dressing room and had a lot of fun trying on clothes together and seeing what each other would pick out. 
What else can we do to not be bored:
Could you ask yourself why you feel bored?-It's important not to try to fix boredom but to consider the reason behind your feelings.You can take responsibility for changing.- Now that you’ve assessed the issues around why your marriage has become stale, maybe it's time to make a change. Babysitter for young children, dinner, day trip, weekend getaway. Make it your job to think outside the box and step out of the ordinary.Consider what you used to do when you weren't bored. - When you first got married, you probably made eye contact in conversation and focused on one another. Sometimes, familiarity needs to be revisited. There are emotions and stories that only you share. You can take a trip down memory lane.Be Spontaneous.Change up your routine. Have a picnic. Instead of turning on the TV, turn on some music and dance. If you are bored with your routine, change it. You do that when you decide to be spontaneous.You can start a new habit together.To avoid a boring marriage, it might be time to do something exciting together. Maybe decide to make one day a week special, like Milkshake Monday. Take a class together. Grow and learn together. 
The article used in the podcast. https://www.markmerrill.com/5-things-boring-marriage/


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