There are two sides to every story. That is how the old saying goes. I chose to explore a story told by two different people. I wrote a paragraph from one story then jumped to write that same paragraph from the other story. This is the second story, check out last week for the other side of the story.
We spent a month planning our anniversary trip. There would be a mix of activities to do and times to just sit and be lazy. We planned where we would eat between laid back diners and fancy dinners. We both planned activities we would enjoy together, like a spa day and riding go-carts, but also a shopping trip Jenny will enjoy more and time at the batting cages that I will enjoy more. Jenny normally would fret about the small details in the days leading up to the trip, but we had planned so well. I asked her to relax a bit and she did.
The train was leaving at nine in the morning. Jenny wanted to wake up at 6:30, but I didn’t want to wake up that early. I like my sleep. I heard Jenny’s alarm. I rolled over and went back to sleep. I got up just before seven and went to the bathroom and took a shower. We had plenty of time though. I knew Jenny was probably already irritated with me. I have known from the start that she is a planner, but she also knows that I am more easygoing. She promised me she would relax more on this trip, so I hope she won’t say anything.
I got dressed and went downstairs for breakfast. Jenny had it ready and was cleaning up the kitchen. She looked at me and asked me to throw out my trash and take out the garbage when I was done. I could hear her moving around the bedroom and bathroom. The eggs and bacon were a bit cold, but I decided to let it go. No need to start an argument now. I sat there enjoying the food and scrolling on my phone when Jenny started bringing the bags out. I cleaned my plate and started to put on my shoes then I realized I still needed socks.
When I entered the bedroom, I didn’t see any bags sitting out anymore. That meant Jenny got all the last-minute items while I was eating. I put on my socks and shoes and went back out to the kitchen. I see Jenny putting a bag in the car. I’m about to grab the suitcases when I remember about the trash. Jenny hasn’t nagged me all morning, so the least I can do is remember to take out the trash as she asked me to do. Jenny followed me back inside and we determined that we were ready to go. I don’t say it aloud, but I think we would be fine leaving in another 30 minutes, but Jenny will just get anxious if I delay.
On the drive to the train station I think about everything Jenny did this morning. The only reason I got breakfast is because she made it. and when we get home, we won’t have to clean anything up. It was a quiet drive to the train station, but I had time to appreciate what she accomplished this morning.
Getting through security took longer than I anticipated, but as Jenny planned for, we had time and made it on the train. When the train took off, I looked at Jenny and apologized for sleeping in. I acknowledge all that she has done for us and thanked her for not nagging me. Together we agreed there needs to be a balance between over planning and over relaxing.
We spent the vacation reconnecting and when we got home, we worked much better together.
A Writer's Starting Line 
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