A Twist in the Road

I never thought to use this blog to make announcements about what is really going on in my life. As I continue on my journey, both spiritual and otherwise, the decisions that are being required of me seem to have an outcome far different than that which I anticipated.

What got me here? Well, for starters the many decisions that I've made to this point. The most interesting thing I've found is that my choices to end or initiate events in my life, are taking on a life of their own.

The quickest way between 2 points is not necessarily a straight line. Sometime the detour takes you so far off course that you begin to believe you've lost your way. But here is the underlying truth. The adventure can only begin when you've veered off your course.

The past year has been a year of endings for me and with each one, there has been zero remorse. Some confusion...OK, a lot of confusion (left brain syndrome at work) but zero remorse.

One of those endings occurred on Thursday, July 3rd. I closed on the sale of my beloved bookstore. I thought I'd have mixed feelings about it given that I built it from my heart but the truth is...as with every relationship...if it cannot grow, it will die.

I chose to let it go because I knew that I could not take it to the next level in order for it to flourish to its full potential. It is now in the hands of a fabulous couple who will love it and nurture it as I have since inception. Again, because of who has chosen to committ themselves, I can, as any proud parent would, let it go because it was time.

Zero remorse.

This leads to the next chapter of my life which is still being written. A friend who owns the pub I frequent (not much else to do around here) was concerned that now I would have way too much time on my hands. She asked me if I would consider bartending one night a week. I know NOTHING about the bar biz except which stool to sit on when ordering my beer so the idea that I would be suited to do this was ridiculous. I was urged to give it a shot...I look at it as keeping me off the streets one night a week.

Since I am a very social person and love the idea of being around people and the party atmosphere I thought...Well, Why not? It might be fun.

So last night was training day one. I got the beer bottles opened pretty quickly. I still can't pour a draft beer without 4" of foam...but that is not bad given that it was 6" the first time. Maybe by the end of tonight I'll get it down the perferable 3/4". Time will tell.

It was a lot of fun. It was INSANELY hard work. Hey you guys...tip your barkeeps well, because you have NO idea what goes on behind the bar to make it function seamlessly. I was probably more in the way than helpful at the beginning of the evening..but that did change as the night progressed. To say I was overwhelmed would be the understatement of the year. This is trial by fire...there is no other way. As in my old career, you can only learn as you do and the mistakes are the most valuable lessons.

So here I find myself, with a completely unexpected turn in the road which I have taken just to see where it leads. Sometimes its best to leave the GPS at home.