Vermeer

Here are four quick tips on making a project plan.

1. Identify all your tasks.
2. Note all the dependencies between those tasks.
3. Put the tasks into a logical order, taking into account those interdependencies.*
4. Try and think of any assumptions that you've made.

That last one is, I think, the hardest.

So, for example, when the Minx and I planned our trip to Amsterdam, and bought plane tickets and booked a hotel, it didn't occur to us that the exhibition would be sold out: we had assumed tickets would be available.

We were disappointed but philosophical and consoled ourselves with the facts that we like Amsterdam - although we've never been together - and that we might be able to get to the van Gogh Museum.

But perhaps the Minx is less philosophical than me, because, unbeknownst to me, she carried on looking for tickets and, in the end, Ticket Swap came good and provided two tickets for the 9pm viewing. Hooray!

And so it was that, in the end, and thanks to the Minx, we did get to see the Vermeer Exhibition. I'm always wary about commenting on art - except music, of course - but the portrayal of light was just as stunning as people say.

*Those of you with experience of project management may be familiar with Hofstadters Law, and if you aren't, I think will raise a wry smile:

It always takes longer than you expect, even when you take into account Hofstadter's Law.