The planning autopilot

Jake asked me yesterday what I learned from planning our anniversary weekend, and I gave him some surface answer about restaurant research and booking timing. But sitting here with my journal tonight, I realize the real answer is way more complicated.

The planning autopilot

I planned everything. Not because he asked me to, not because we discussed it - I just automatically took over. Picked the destination, researched activities, made reservations, packed snacks for the drive. He offered to help a few times, but I was already three steps ahead with my color-coded spreadsheet. And honestly? Part of me liked being in control of making it perfect.

But then I watch him make dinner without a recipe, just tasting and adjusting as he goes, creating something delicious out of whatever’s in the fridge.

Processing mode activated.

He doesn’t need lists or research - he just figures it out in the moment. Maybe there’s something to learn from that approach, even if my Type-A brain rebels against the very idea.

We’re good at different things, and somehow that works. Even when I accidentally turn weekend planning into a military operation.