Challenge Sophi

If one was to set the syllabus for ‘Widow 101’ DipEd. BSc. PHD, the subject ‘How to put together bits of pre cut flat-packed wood’ should only be attempted once modules such as ‘How to sleep more than 4 hours’ and ‘How to remember where you put your glasses/car keys/phone’ are completed. And if you are anything like me, don’t ignore the instruction bit where it clearly states that the assembly requires two people.

Because I knew the extension floors were going to be laid at the end of the week, I had tasked myself with the above design challenge. I love the pictures IKEA put in their vague leaflets, especially the almost identical but used in completely different places nuts and bolts. This of course you don’t realise until you have deep welts in your hands and a serious case of boiling blood pressure. I could hear Tony tutting at my usual instruction booklet reading (scan through at rapid speed) which only increased my swearing to the heavens. It didn’t help that several pages were literally eaten by the dog(s), probably the ones with the correct screw sizes. But I won, ha IKEA! I won and I’m so impressed with myself. Not only do I have a great chest of drawers for the dog stuff, I also have two glass cabinets which look dead posh in the now floored extension. I have also moved a two seater sofa between rooms and heaved an armchair downstairs. Who says yoga doesn’t give you muscles?

I’m still getting my head around the fact that I can put stuff wherever I want, wear whatever I like and do things whenever I want without having to compromise or argue. It’s not easy. Tony and I bought this house together 22 years ago and every room design was discussed, disputed and mutely agreed upon. And we had very different tastes. Now it’s all up to me. Me and a whole lot of cupboard space……

“Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.” (Robert A. Heinlein. Author)