This Friday’s Five is a break from the normal legal update – I’m asking you a few questions.  Hopefully the questions will help you reflect on 2022, what you are most grateful for, and what you are looking forward to in 2023.  I cannot claim credit for many of these questions, as many of them have been asked during various meetings I’ve recently attended.

What is the thing you are most grateful for in 2022?

My terrific family, great coworkers, awesome clients, and the opportunities that have been provided to me this last year.

What is your favorite thing to do over the holidays? 

I enjoy going somewhere with snow with my family.  We spend some time skiing and have a lot of down time to hang out.  Usually we get snowed in, and it is nice to spend the time with family with no outside obligations.  I told a group of colleagues recently that while it is strange not to be at home during Christmas, it is nice being away so that I can spend time with my family and everyone is not preoccupied with presents and other obligations.

If you were to have a famous singer visit your house for a concert during the holidays, who would you like? 

This was a question asked during a board meeting I had recently – the responses were awesome.  For me, I recently took my family to see Walker Hayes.  I really enjoyed the concert, and think Walker would be a great musician to have over for a holiday party.  My favorite song of his?  Probably “Country Stuff.”

What is your favorite food during the holidays?

I’ve had some great tamales given to me from a restaurant client, and I look forward to them every year.  However, my best friend/roommate from college and his mom make a cookie plate with a variety of cookies, and these are by far my favorite (if I can fend off my family members from eating them before I can have a couple).

What is the coldest place you’ve ever traveled to during the holidays?

This year I’m easily in the coldest place I’ve ever traveled (or ever been in for that matter) to for the holidays.  I’m in Montana, and as I’m currently writing this, it is -8 degrees outside, and the low today was -21 degrees (and yes, this is Fahrenheit).  Tomorrow we are getting some relief from the “arctic blast” and the high will be 12 degrees.

I hope these questions help you review what is important to you and reflect, even if it is only for a minute (feel free to email me any of your responses if you wish – I would love to hear them).  I hope you are staying warm and wishing you the best over the holidays and have a Merry Christmas.