In case you haven’t noticed we have almost barreled through this year. The end of year does indeed bring a change to the practice in numerous ways. The holidays are practically upon us, and, oh yes, we have to get those end of year billings out and accounts receivable paid up. Cases are harder to schedule and try. Staffing shortages often arise. Focus becomes difficult, for it seems we are pulled in so many directions. And with all of this comes stress, which the holidays are supposed to relieve in the first place. Go figure.

You might also wish to remember that as stressed as you may be this time of year so is your staff and that in the court house. This, of course, is highly unfair, for from a purely personal point of view I find it very difficult to be civil when I am stressed, and find it highly unfair that others should be similarly stressed so that my stress issues can not receive the attention I think they deserve. I think that two year olds have the same frustration. As my kindergarten teacher told me, “Life is just that way.” Civility, however, is difficult during this time of year, and our humanity is often tested. Of course, your Association is here to help with some “civilizing” efforts.

It does seems like piling on to call your attention to a number of events that deserve your attention, but they may serve to “humanize” a time of year that seemingly becomes less personal with the passage of time. First and foremost is the annual memorial service on November 18. As I have grown older, more and more familiar names and faces are added to the list of members who have passed away. I can only tell you that this service means so much to the families and friends of the members. After all, we spend most of our waking time engaged in our profession. A scary thought to be sure, but for our families this profession becomes a part of their lives as well. This year a number of individuals who have touched the lives of most of us will be remembered, and their services to the bar and community deserve our attention. Please try to attend.

At Thanksgiving we are all reminded of how fortunate we are. This year with all the problems abroad we are reminded of our troops overseas and the fact that no matter how stressed we are, we are floating easy by comparison. We also want to remind you that an awful lot of folks still are displaced in Florida due to the hurricanes. If you can donate a book to the children’s book drive that we are having in conjunction with the Florida Bar, that would be wonderful.

The holiday party will be upon us before the next Advocate. If you have not already done so, please mark your calendars and plan to attend. We are doing it again this year at the Still. The food is wonderful, and we simply could not beat the price. Attendance was great last year, and who wants to come back to the office afterward anyway? It has become an annual favorite, and frankly is a great place to take care of some business as well as to socialize and relieve that stress in a truly civil atmosphere.