FAREWELL TO 2020
Judge Maryann Boehm Chief Judge Kimberly Bonner Judge Andrea McHugh Judge Donna Padar Judge Gilbert Smith
Judges tell how they coped with difficult year
In the spirit of the new year , The
Docket reached out to our judiciary to get their insight on how they managed the struggles of the past year and to hear their tips to make 2021 a great year !
On what they are doing to stay healthy and relieve stress :
I find that being outdoors is the best way to keep mentally and physically fit . We are so fortunate in Sarasota to have the beaches of Siesta Key and the big hill at the celery fields as options to get outside and stay fit . Now that the weather is getting cooler , I really enjoy going for a run or long walk . It clears my head and is the ultimate way to relax .
A couple of months ago , I turned my home office into a music room . It has been years since I ’ ve had any extra time to sing or play my piano . Having my music room set up , I can now sneak in a few minutes of singing or piano time learning a new song . The challenge of learning new music is proven to relieve stress and induce a positive mood . Adding music to my life is a lifestyle change that has brought so much happiness during this stressful pandemic time .
— Judge Maryann Boehm
Wellness for me is the overall balance of living so that you feel the best you can each day by staying positive , keeping busy , eating well , sleeping enough and getting plenty of exercise . In the COVID world that means staying safe at home as much as possible . And if there is a chance to eat out , go to a restaurant with outside dining where Judge Henderson is playing bluegrass music . Walking reduces stress if not around your yard at Robinson ’ s Preserve . Mentally , I continue to research local
From stress management to Zoom fails
history online and in the historical library and then write about it . Connecting the dots is always interesting . Just start studying the obituaries . Finally , Blade , a 2 year old 110 pound Dogo Argentino , makes sure that I have plenty of distractions from the COVID news .
— Judge Gilbert Smith
Exercise . Hands down it ’ s cardio . — Jude Donna Padar
Working out at home rather than the gym was a big adjustment at first , but really is much more convenient . I miss the energy of group classes sometimes , but inviting friends over for an outdoor , socially distanced streamed class has filled that void .
— Judge Andrea McHugh
On eating healthy ( or trying to !):
Make your lunches for the week on Sunday and freeze them so there ’ s always something healthy and already cooked to eat . Having some frozen protein portions to thaw and heat along with a container of microwave minute rice and some greens will help keep you out of the drive through .
— Chief Judge Kimberly Bonner
I admit that when leaving work late some evenings , my attempts at healthy eating are overcome by hunger . Some of the best COVID meals have been a Big Mac and fries after going through the drive thru .
— Judge Donna Padar
On working from home :
I personally dislike working from home . I have needy pets who interrupt Zoom hearings ( nothing like a cat walking across your keyboard during a divorce trial ) and it is too tempting to try and multitask . The lines between being at work and being at home are difficult for me to manage .
— Chief Judge Kimberly Bonner
On Zoom fails :
Not technically a technology fail , but my pro se Zoom dockets have been very amusing at times , like the husband who zoomed in on his phone while he was clearly performing clean up work outside wearing a probationer vest , or the couple who were both furtively ( so they thought ) vaping during their final hearing . Also , remember if you don ’ t mute your audio and video , we can hear you discussing strategy during the breaks !
— Chief Judge Kimberly Bonner
Inadvertent pet appearances are always entertaining ... I ’ ve seen dogs , cats , and learned to listen to testimony through a squawking bird !
— Judge Andrea McHugh
Some of my favorite Zoom moments have been seeing people ’ s pets – dogs and cats mostly . One of these days , my own dog ( Max , a Yorkie ) or cat ( Keanu , a black cat ) may make a Zoom appearance if the conditions are appropriate and they ’ re not camera shy .
— Judge Donna Padar
On staying present when technology is everywhere :
No phones during meals and designate other “ phone-free ” family time ... even glancing at a quick text can disrupt important bonding moments .
— Judge Andrea McHugh
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