Settle...

I marveled at the thirsty patrons when I was in Ireland, admiring their patience as the bartender poured the Guinness. Slowly and methodically he would spin the glass until it was not quite half full then he would set it on a special mat and give it time to settle. This would take easily 5-7 minutes before he would then top it off and let it settle once again. The end result was always perfect with just the right amount of head and a silent nod from the publican indicated it was now time to enjoy.

I found myself trying to rush some very important decisions ( an apartment, a car ) and then I remembered the pouring of Guinness. Some things just take time. I did go for my long walk last Sunday and discovered tables with linen cloths on the walking trail that surrounds Lake Seewoog. There were locals standing at a high bar in the woods having their morning bier, other locals sitting at the tables drinking coffee while the dog laid obediently beside the master, and I took the time to sit and have a cappacino. I gave myself time to "settle." And I observed a 5 year old boy riding bikes with his Opa, and I saw black ducks with white faces, and I saw empty picnic tables waiting for a party. I saw a red haired woman walking a golden retriever and other locals playing fetch with large dogs, and after I had given myself time to settle I knew this was where I wanted to live.

With one thing resolved, I started test driving autos from the Ramstein Lemon Lot. BMW's, 300 series, 500 series, VW polo series. As hard as I wanted it to be, nothing fit. I argued with myself, $$$, miles miles miles, expected time of service, color vs performance. It was time to "settle." Put me on that special mat and just let me be. It would all come to fruition if I didn't force it. It just takes time.

I bought my dream car of 7 years. A Mini Cooper. 2009, pepper white with black leather interior, sky roof and in-put for my I-pod. I drove that baby and thought
" should never have driven this car. It fits like a glove and I'm not even afraid of the traffic circles." No! I SHOULD drive this car. It fits like a glove and I'm not afraid of traffic circles!

Dreams. Wants and desires. Fears and thoughts of selfishness. Romance and practicality: all of these things need time to settle and come together in a cohesive manner. I have a place to live; I have a car to drive; I have reconciled my internal gas bubbles. For right now, I am settled enough. The publican has nodded. Cheers!