I am rarely accused of being a spontaneous person. Bring on the spreadsheets and checklists! I like to think it makes me handy to have around. But I also have to be cautious that I’m not thinking so far ahead I forget what I’m doing today.

Since Road Trip 2024 is supposed to be about simplicity and tradition, it should also be “low-stress.” I’ve been working on what I call “positive apathy,” which I define (simply) as zero-based caring. It’s sort of like zero-based budgeting. You start with nothing (no worries) and selectively decide what to add. It helps to see it as having a worry box that is of limited size. You can only put so much in it.

There’s a lot of apathy these days, but who cares?”

“Mr. Boomsma”

Knowing the Amish has helped with this. They tend to be selective and deliberate. While we are worried that we don’t have the latest technology, the Amish think about whether or not it contributes to their lifestyle. I wonder how they pack and decide what to bring when they go on vacation? I may have to ask about that!

In my days as a road warrior, I was a bit of a minimalist but also thorough. I tend to be attracted to the travel size section in stores. While getting ready for this trip, I realized I’m still using the same toiletry bag I used decades ago. Back then, my goal was “what’s the smallest size suitcase I can get away with?” and I never checked luggage. Today, I remember our financial planner’s wisdom. “At this point in your life, the two most important words are comfort and fun.”

The Ram 1500 with a cap affords a lot of opportunity to carry creature comforts. Totes are my friends. Age is not. In anticipation of this trip I bought a pill box that accommodates thirty days worth. A separate Ziplock bag carries the “just in case” stuff. My toiletry bag now goes in a bigger bag.

And I remind myself that I’m a problem-solver. Running out of shaving cream won’t constitute a crisis. (Did you know that shampoo or conditioner works for shaving in a pinch?)

“Getting ready” includes a bit more abstract mental preparation. It might be more important than packing enough shaving crema. In the past, when we’d rush around to pack and take care of things before leaving, I’d joke, “We have to hurry up so we can slow down and relax!”

It’s funny but also wrong, really. Steven Covey says, “The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” A schedule is a bit like the worry box–you can only fit so much in it. My Amish friend Rachel has it figured out.

We leave tomorrow morning. I like that deadline! The truck will be pretty full. The worry box is almost empty. The schedule is relaxed and leisurely.