One of my colleagues often uses the word “catawampus.” It is an apt word to describe the times we’ve been living in.

But in the last several months, dare I say, things are feeling normal again.

At the State Bar of Wisconsin, we have returned to in-person gatherings and meetings, allowing us to directly interact again with each other. Associations associate. We are in the people business, and reconnecting in person is something I greatly welcome.

However, moving forward, we have learned that there can be more flexibility and choice in how we meet and where we work. Virtual and remote work options allow us to save both time and money, as well as provide greater efficiency in how we organize our days. Regardless of the choices, we remain focused on how we can best serve you, our members.

When I am not on the road, I like to be in the office. It’s a chance to see my colleagues and members. I love my job, but there is something about the end of the day, in which I make the next day’s to-do list, turn off the lights, and head home, that allows me to leave my work (mostly!) behind me. Having my home as my office for nearly two years just wasn’t for me. I need closure each day, and I found that hard to do when working at home.

As we approach the end of the year, I have encouraged my State Bar colleagues to try and take some time off. For us, as I know for many of you, there no longer seem to be slow periods in the rhythm of the year. However, the second half of December still offers that rare time when there are fewer meetings, hopefully fewer emails, and a chance to take a collective breather as many of us take time to celebrate the holidays.

I find it a time to reconnect with life beyond my work and the office, to spend time with family and friends and hopefully enjoy a little down time.

I’m planning on taking off the last two weeks of December. Okay, I’ll admit it, I’ll stay in touch with the office and try and keep up with email, but those will have to compete with cookie baking and tinsel hanging while I spend time with loved ones.

Before I head out, I will throw a party for my colleagues. It’s something I do each year to personally express my profound gratitude for all they do.

Then I will go home, play some Ella and Bing, pour myself an eggnog and settle in. It will be a time to step back, celebrate the season, and reconnect with those I hold most dear. There will be plenty of work waiting for me in the new year.

However you mark this time of year, best wishes and good health to you and your loved ones. Together, let us raise a glass in a wish for a more peaceful, just, and tranquil new year.

The second half of December still offers that rare time when there are fewer meetings, hopefully fewer emails, and a chance to take a collective breather as many of us take time to celebrate the holidays.

» Cite this article: 95 Wis. Law. 5 (December 2022).