Gillian point blank says I am a control freak. In the kitchen it must be done my way - clean as you go. Loading the dishwater - there's only one way to do it - my way. Washing the dishes can only be done in the right-hand side sink. Driving home from the local interstate can only be done my way - why would you go a different route if it takes longer? And when we travel, we must have a rental car at the other end - I won't take the subway with my luggage in tow.

Until now. Today we are off to San Francisco for a weekend of dining, wine, and the circus (Cirque du Soleil - Kooza). We are flying to SFO and taking the BART to our friend's condo in downtown San Francisco, with luggage in tow. And then on Saturday, over to Berkeley via the BART to visit our son.

"Can you imagine Pierre giving up control?" - Gillian and our friend Paul muse over the decision.

"My Dad is going green for the weekend!" my daughter Rebekah exclaims to Gillian.

Yep, I am giving up control - no car for the weekend. Just the subway and walking. No hassles parking in the City. No rental car bill. Oh how my views are changing in my attempt to live smaller. What control will I give up next?

Pierre Cutler
The Sacramento Executive