ME AND IKEA ARE BEST FRIENDS!!!

 This one deserves a post of it's own!  

We ordered this unit back in October when we first arrived in Ireland, knowing that we would need more dresser space than what had been provided in our turn-key apartment.  When it arrived (in two huge boxes), we set it in the guest room and waited for the perfect Saturday to tackle this project together--only that perfect Saturday never came.  This island always has a way of luring us out into the countryside to see what awaits outside the city limits.  

As the weeks progressed, my belongings continued to pile on the chairs and in the corner.  So one day, I decided to open the boxes and give it in a shot.  Upon opening (actually ripping) the first box, it was evident that the wrong dresser had been sent.  Plus, it clearly said it was a job for TWO MEN, and I knew I wasn't qualified.  So I taped it all back together and set the box back in the guest room.  

I finally called IKEA to come and retrieve the dresser and give us our refund 'because they sent the wrong item'!  They checked their records and informed me that they had, indeed, sent the right order.  They very kindly walked me through opening the 2nd box, and WA-LAH, it was all there.  They didn't even make me feel stupid---bless their hearts!

I thought to myself, Can one woman do the job of two men? (Don't answer that ladies!).  I felt up for the challenge, and I was confident I could put it together in one day if I started early.  So once Shannon left for work, I pulled everything out of the boxes and organized everything so it would go smoothly.  I thought I would get a good start on it and then get dressed for the day.  Well, that didn't really go as planned.  Nine hours later when Shannon walked in the door,  **I was still in my pajamas, hair tied on top of my head, and the dresser looked like this...

**Don't even think about asking for a photo of what I looked like.  Yes, I have one.

Needless to say, I didn't finish it in a day.  I didn't finish it in two days.  The important thing is, I did finish it!  After three months, 42 phone calls to IKEA, 858 bolts/screws, 2 trips to the hardware store, and a ton of sweat and tears, WE HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WHITE DRESSER!  And I have to say, I've never been more proud of anything I've accomplished in my life--save birthing 7 perfect humans.  

            TA-DA

And this is how IKEA became my new best friend!