Enjoying the Journey

While we were in Ireland last week (did I mention I was in Ireland?) we took the kids to a mall to do some shopping for souvenirs and the like. They each had money burning a hole in their respective pockets and a deep desire to bring something home to remember the trip by.

So, a mall.

Dividing to conquer, the big kids took off to search and spend while Andrew, Don and I wandered the mall together. Okay, really, we manhandled this ridiculously awkward car-cart which we rented to make the transportation of he-with-little-legs more manageable as we navigated the shops, but certainly meandered all the same.

As part of the bribery inspired motivational learning parenting we do, Andrew was in search of a "prize" which was being rewarded for having tried scrambled eggs for breakfast (trust me, this is a VERY big deal). His search led him to the video shop, which in turn led him to finding not one, but two DVD's of his latest children's show obsession: FIREMAN SAM. (don't ask, I won't tell)

Upon approach to the counter, Don and I were distracted by not one but two impulse purchases. The first being a CD of Irish ballads (Emma queried later: "So, are they all about beer?") and the second being, wait for it, a discovery of throw-back memories-- of the make you feel 17 years old again, arms wrapped around your deep crush at the prom, memorizing lyrics by heart kind-- in a JOURNEY'S GREATEST HITS CD. Because, really, what's not to bring back some sweet, sweet memories if not a vision of this:

And being able to belt out (without mistake) every word to the quintessential love-me-as-I-am-my-heart-bleeds-for-you ballad of the 80's while driving the roads of Ireland?

Lying beside you, here in the dark
Feeling your heart beat with mine
Softly you whisper, you're so sincere
How could our live be so blind?
We sailed on together
We drifted apart
And here you are by my side

So now I come to you, with open arms
Nothing to hide, believe what I say
So here I am with open arms
Hoping you'll see what your love means to me
Open arms.

That, friends? Is an impulse worth following.

*****************************************

Belt it out with us. Come on, you know you want to.