Unleash Your Inner Rock Star

We all have an inner rock star, right? I hope it's not just KW and I. As mentioned in our fairytale, music was something that brought us together and still helps us keep the love alive.

Even before we started dating, we made mixed tapes (CDs) together. We call them our Innerconnection Kelsey/Eric Collection. We would burn two CDs, and each of us would keep one in our car. The first edition was created when we were just friends, and we continued to add to the collection as we dated. We would rock out to these CDs for months (remember, we spent a lot of time traveling almost each weekend to see the other one).

And then, as we discovered new bands, we would create the next edition. As our relationship grew and we went more and more places together, we started to create special edition Innerconnection Collections for traveling (e.g., Innerconnection Okoboji Collection, for our four-hour trip to Okoboji). It became a part of our packing list. However, now that we share a vehicle, we only have to burn one copy.

A few weekends ago, we skimmed through most of them (there are at least 10) as we drove back to KW's hometown for a wedding. We had so much fun trying to remember song titles and bands that we have slowly forgotten about. Once I get this all organized, I will share them all with you on our Fairytale page.

So, that's the history behind our road trip music, but let's talk about your inner rock star.

Do you ever get so immersed in the music that you envision yourself on stage in front of thousands rocking out as a part of the band? I do this in the car most of the time on long trips.

I can't imagine how this will change as we have kids. Either they will think we are crazy, like Russ and Audrey in Christmas Vacation ("Take it Russ...Fa la la la la..."), or we're going to be on the verge of creepy, sort of like a family band, only with very little talent and just make-believe electric guitars and air drums.

There have been dozens of time where we arrive at our destination and I have nearly lost my voice from singing at the top of my lungs. I wonder how many people have passed us and think we're loony for playing air drums or air guitar.

It helps us pass the time in the car, though, and it's one of the many things I love about our marriage. Sometimes I feel like we are getting old, though. Recently we started to listen to audio books on our long drives. I'm all for learning, but I think this is a sure sign of getting older. When the music is too loud, I guess we are too old, right?

Kels, I don't ever want to stop having rock concerts in the car. They are so much fun!

Note: The photo of Kels was taken while we were stopped at a red light. And yes, that's her on lead guitar and vocals and me on the steering wheel drum singing back up. We were covering "Strong Enough to Save" by Tenth Avenue North.

Do you have any fun traditions with music or road trips?