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Monday, March 17, 2008

Ikea, Say What?!

Okay - Inaugural visit to Ikea - 12 Hours

I know it's just a big warehouse store filled with inexpensive, mostly particle board furniture and other cheap stuff. I know I've passed the point in my life to be obsessed by Ikea's low prices and sleek design. However, Ikea contains an allure that is undeniable and a pull that is irresistible. At first you feel like you have a special secret source of streamlined Scandinavian furniture which can be both classic and modern, then you discover that you too can be a part of this enigma that is called Ikea.

When we arrived, we were told by a sweet but jittery employee no carts allowed and to strictly adhere to the map provided - 25,000 people in the club store right now @ 11:45! The masses were flocked together in the cleverly compiled spaces of Iiving rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms & kitchens. Everyone was giddy with excitement, smiling and laughing with one another, conversing as if they were gathered for a lively and enchanting cocktail party. (not random groups of shoppers, badly dressed - for comfort of course-in a superstore in suburban Cincinnati) These groups moved together from space to space in a convoy, because they understood that they must move to the next room, that their time in this locale was over and that the eager onlookers had been invited to enjoy these tiny soirees as well.

We were all, for a time transformed into avant garde members of a chic, romantic underground society, moving in unison envisioning how wonderful our lives would be if we lived in this world. When suddenly, the enchantment comes abruptly to an end as the beeps of the registers jar you out of your spell. You check out, still in a daze, and then realize that the Marketplace is only steps away and there are souvenirs you can take home to remember this lovely day! You pick up a few items to share, carefully avoiding anything that looks or sounds like fish jelly, and are on your happy way.

Settling into the rhythm of the expanse of highway you face, you bite into the delectable, steaming cinnamon roll. That is when you realize that you have not wasted a day merely shopping for cheap home goods, you have taken a part in a day that encompasses some of the great simple lessons that life should hold.

1. Each of us is special and unique in your own way.
2. Play nice, even in challenging situations.
3. If you are playing and someone new comes along, go somewhere else so they don't bother you.
3. If you are playing and someone new comes along, make them feel welcome and invite them to join your game.
4. Never underestimate the power of your imagination.
5. You don't have to spend a great deal of money to have fun.
6. Those Sweeds make some some damn fine chocolate!!

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