I finally took the time to find a solution to how my cats can sit by an open window (now that it’s winter of course). Cardboard boxes just weren’t cutting it anymore, so I decided to upgrade to a pair of affordable bookcases that I found at Ikea.

I love Ikea, but there needs to be an easier way for a single girl like myself to pick up furniture. It would have been a lot easier if I could have just ordered the bookcases online so that they were waiting for me when I got there. I even called ahead of time to rule this out as an option because I just couldn’t believe it wasn’t offered. They do offer furniture delivery, but that would only work with large orders. When I got there the store was extremely crowded. I had to fight my way through all the gaukers to get to what I came for. Fortunately, the associates were very helpful at loading the boxes onto the cart for me, but with my luck the cart that I was given was very uncooperative. I was now stuck with this broken cart! Not only did all four wheels turn, but my cart kept veering a hard left. So instead of going straight, I had to constantly go in CIRCLES in order to successfully travel in the direction that I wanted to go in. I must have looked so ridiculous, and I realized the next day that I had strained my back, but I did it!

Please note, Ikea furniture does not come pre-assembled. When I got home, I had to take the slats of wood out of the boxes and carry them up three flights of stairs, piece by piece. That was not pleasant, and every time I set the pile down to open the door, my next-door neighbor (the one I still haven’t met) would yell at me through his closed and unwelcoming door. And once I got them all inside, I had to assemble them. That part was fun and easy in my opinion! The directions were very easy to follow, and I got them up in time for the first snowstorm of the season! Of course, I couldn’t keep the windows open, but I can tell that my cats appreciate their new window perch.

When I have company, I replace the cushions with magazines, candles, and plants. They frame the room nicely and allow me to put my trinkets on display.

Although Ikea was not a pleasant experience, I consider this a mission accomplished!