This past year has been momentous for Half a Bubble Out. If you have been following us at all, you know that we checked off 20 years in business. Just writing that causes me to want to pause and simply say thank you to all of you: our clients, friends, vendors, and others who are part of our larger community.

Thank you for the gift of allowing us to partner with you in growing your companies, in developing your leadership, and in managing the day to day opportunities that running a business or leading a team brings to your doorstep.

When Michael and I got married, we made a deal: I had to learn to like the drums, so that I could fully appreciate my husband’s percussive skills, and Michael had to learn to like football—specifically, the NFL. I fell in love with the NFL long before I fell in
love with Michael. I’m a 49ers fan first but root for Green Bay on the back end.

Michael thinks I got the easier part of the deal. Drumming seasons come and go, but the NFL is relentless.

One of the great stories of the NFL—especially for 49ers fans—is a story about how Coach Bill Walsh turned the struggling 49ers around with his leadership and management during the late ’70s and ’80s. Humor me for a second—I just have to geek out a little.

Do you find yourself thinking “how is it 2022 already?” Time is relentless and the older we get, the faster it seems to tick along! We've been thinking a lot about how we frame up our reality. How we see and perceive the world we live in these days, and how we lead well with all that is swirling around us.

I just finished watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” with that handsome Jimmy Stewart and the lovely Donna Reed. Best Christmas movie ever! I know, “Elf” fans might take exception, but we are talking 1947 so some respect is definitely due this old classic. It is Christmas tradition for my family because I love the reminders about recognizing and celebrating in life the things that really matter.

I have a confession to make. I struggle with an over developed need to be honest and transparent. While that can be a good thing, it makes writing a reflection letter summing up any year rather difficult. I read these incredible Christmas letters that come in the mail from friends and family across the country and around the world, and invariably I am struck by the consistent highlighting of only the good stuff. Little Joey learned to walk, we took an amazing trip, Suzie won the spelling bee, John won an award. Sound familiar? Worth celebrating to be sure, but is that all? Really?

Let’s be honest, microwave cooking is insanely fast. I’m hungry now…and in less than three minutes I can have a hot microwaved meal at the ready for consumption. Fast, efficient, hot and ready to go! When I was in graduate school that was a lifesaver!