Why did I come here?

I actually went to the mall today. It’s not the first time.

I guess I should say I went to the mall to shop! As we all know, shopping at the mall is different than going to the mall to buy something. Today I actually went to a mall not knowing what I was looking for.

It felt a little like trying to remember how to ride a bike after a long time. I remember that I used to do this, especially at Christmas but, man, how many years has it been?

You see, my wife has been buying the Christmas presents for the past…well, for quite awhile. When our children were very young, I did most of the shopping for gifts. But, responsibility overwhelmed me and I would find myself rushing out LATE on Christmas eve to buy something for my wife.

Well, today is my wife’s _ _ somethinth birthday. Since my youngest daughter got her wisdom teeth pulled today, my plans for a family night out have to be postponed until Saturday night.

When I got in the car to go home after work, I thought “I HAVE to give her something tonight. I at least have to get her a card.” (I know this sounds pitiful but it is the truth)

As I pondered where to get the card, the idea of a gift floated into my head.

“She is definitely not expecting an actual gift. Maybe, I could surprise her.”

Heck, the very thought was surprising me!

Thankfully, I got off work a little early today so I wasn’t in a hurry. That was a good thing because I didn’t have a clue what I was looking for. I just figured that the mall was the best place to find whatever IT was.

Once inside, all I could see were jewelry stores. I counted at least six of them and I wasn’t even looking for them. But then an idea popped into my head…

earrings! That’s a great idea!

I headed into Helzberg Diamonds. Little tiny diamond stud for ONLY $349-699!!!

The two women couldn’t understand why I wasn’t excited about spending $295 for diamond stud earrings that were so small they needed a magnifying glass to fish them out of the case to show them to me!

“See, this our brand new advertisement with our special Mother’s Day pricing!”

“Well, gosh, if that’s all they are, I guess I should buy three or four pair”…NOT!!!

Back out into the mall…

I remember why I don’t shop at these places!…

The air was slowly seeping out of my balloon. It was looking like shoes (???), clothes (“What size is she? Besides, once I know her size, that is going to be a lot of work!”) or…

more jewelry stores…

I texted my oldest daughter, the fashionista in Dallas: “Please call me. I need help.”

I resumed my aimless wandering. I was just killing some time until my daughter called and give me some fabulous idea that would save the day. After all, this is her home turf.

Another one of those dang jewelry stores…

The sign said 40% off…

“Yeah, right! That would probably put them right in there with the last place’s special Mother’s Day prices!”

Technically, I didn’t go into the store. I was still in the mall but I stopped to look at the outermost case. I saw a pair of diamond encrusted, pearl earrings!

I asked how much they were…

about twice the amount that I was thinking when I walked into the mall…

but…

less than half of the Mother’s Day special accross the way…

I bought them and put the box in my shirt pocket feeling like I had succeeded in doing a “Man” thing.

When I entered our apartment, I handed her the card and gave her a “Happy Birthday” smooch. She read it and when we hugged, I made sure that I gave her a good, firm squeeze.

Sure enough, she wondered what was in my pocket.

When she opened it, her reaction made me start wavering. She was so surprised that I began to wonder if she didn’t like them. She was really taken aback. She couldn’t remember the last time that I bought her jewelry. And they fit her ears perfectly and look great on her!!!

Anyway, I think I did good!