Two Girls, One Guy, 9,000 Lamps

So, IKEA. That's some place. I could move in there, couldn't you? When we first walked in (after some very aggressive parking-lot maneuvering) there were women tap-dancing to the right of the front door, welcoming us in style, and I sort of paused, looked at Crystal (who served as our seasoned tour guide) and said, "That overwhelms me a little bit." But after only a few minor freak-outs -- "Baby! You have to stay close! You can't wander off like that! Wait, should we have a meeting place if we get separated?" -- Mike and I felt like regulars, making notes of what things we liked, easily navigating the lighting section. It also wasn't long before we were elbowing our way through the display rooms like pros, oohing and ahhing over the spice racks! And the funky place settings! And the slow, self-closing cabinets! We didn't buy much -- giving us a nice reason to go back -- but we did wrap up our trip with a cinnamon bun from the bistro. (I'm not sure if you'll agree, but food just tastes better when it comes from a bistro.) Can I mention, for just a moment, that those gooey, sticky, DELIGHTFUL cinnamon buns were only $1 a piece. THAT'S ALL. One. Measly. Dollar. Why I didn't buy eight six-packs is beyond me. Oh! Yes! Because they're 400 calories. Each. I'd also like to mention that Mike was such a sport. He didn't say a word about anything I picked up and shoved into our hefty yellow IKEA bag -- that he somehow got stuck carrying -- because he is just that supportive of me putting together my "writing room" (fancy name for nap room slash office slash where I keep my shoes), and he's also just a really good man. I've been known to give him a hard time because he's sort of a crappy listener and he farts a lot and also our DVR is spilling over with horribly boring Discovery channel shows, but I'm really, ridiculously lucky to have him. And just in case the Internet is fuzzy about it, I hit the jackpot with him. I really did.

So, moving along, I also saw Sex and the City this weekend. I was so excited I shook Natalie right before it started. She appreciated that, trust me. Now, I've read some of the ho-hum reviews out there, and I could see the validity in a whole mess of points they've all made but I still kind of loved it. I laughed. I cried. And, look, if I do both in the same movie, I can't walk out saying it was bad. There was this one emotionally charged scene where one of the four women screamed at someone else in defense of one of the other four women (the vagueness is painful, I know) and it just sort of beautifully occurred to me that a team of writers created some of the best friendships we'll ever see on television or the big screen. And it made me awfully sad to see them go when the credits rolled.

And that's really all I have to tell you from this weekend. Sure, I could mention all the laziness and the naps and the dirty house that stayed dirty because of all the laziness and the naps, but that wouldn't interest you, would it? So I'll skip all that and go right to the winner from this post. I didn't document the selecting because I didn't have a camera with me (NEED THE NEW IPHONE, BABY) and also let's revisit all the laziness one more time. WAS. LAZY. But I promise it was legit and fair. I'll pinky-promise even.

So, the winner of ten whole Amazon dollars -- you can buy at least one used book with that amount -- is Ali from Cheaper Than Therapy*. I'll send the gift card to you by Friday, Ali. If you haven't gotten it by then (via e-mail) please let me know.

::

*Her children! How freaking cute are they?!

Comments

[Rhi]

Um, please tell me you had the meatballs...

By far the best thing ever about my trip to IKEA with Kerri Anne and Chris is this: http://twitter.com/christophr/statuses/803462004

[jodifur]

I am desperately trying to convince Doug I need the new iphone. I'm not sure how it is going.

[Camels & Chocolate]

I'm so glad your virgin IKEA experience went swimmingly! I went back last week in preparation for the housewarming, and dude, I bought a table and set of chairs for the lawn that almost didn't fit in my medium-sized Altima. I had a brief panic in the IKEA monstrosity of a parking garage, then regrouped, moved my front seats as far forward as they would go and somehow managed to shove it all in. Who cares that I couldn't see out of my rear view mirror and that chair legs were poking me in the arms and sides the whole drive back? I've never given in to the cinnamon buns, but damn do they smell like heaven!

Also, I, too, loved SATC. I'm kinda pissed at all the critics who tore it apart. As much as I hate this cliche, it is what it is. Wasn't wild about the ending, but for the most part, I thought it was pretty fab. Glad we're in agreement on that.

And yay Ali! Way to go!!!

[Beth]

I want to marry Ikea and have Ikea's babies. Actually, it is a little sad how much of the stuff in my house came from Ikea.

[Christina]

I love Ikea but dont buy much on the first visit,I get a few small things and take notes and the current catalouge. After I get home I mark what I really want after thinking about where it will actually work.. otherwise I would buy EVERYTHING! TG for the bags, that helps from overbuying, too.

[Sharon]

Glad you enjoyed your first experience with Ikea and the deliciousness that is their cinnamon buns! I'm sorely tempted to make a visit to the store, even though I wouldn't be able to spend any money. It's virtually impossible to walk thru there and not come out with one or two things, and for a person on a budget who loves Ikea, that would be a dangerous thing.

[JennyL]

#1. IKEA is fun, on a week night. I stay away on the weekend - way too many people walking way too slow.

#2. I loved SATC. I had no real expectations, and I was honestly blown away by it. The highs, the lows, I was right there, loving every minute of it. And I agree - that emotional scene - OMG. It was really everything I hoped it would be. I'd see it again in the theater...it's that good.

[slynnro]

The Charlotte "NOOOO!" is the best thing in the whole movie.

[She Likes Purple]

Slynnro: God, I couldn't agree more. I love that you knew exactly what I was talking about.

[Jess]

I LOVED IT TOO. And I couldn't even believe how much I related to Charlotte and those worries about being so happy that something has to go wrong to balance things out. I couldn't believe how much I related to her because I never really did in the TV series. My god. QUALITY MOVIE.

[OMSH]

It is only by the grace of God that IKEA is an hour and 45 minutes away.

[ali]

ohmigosh! i won! i won! i never win anything!!!! thank you thank you thank you!

also...IKEA? love. $1 cinnamon bun...*swoon*

[britt]

yes, SATC was fabulous! and you are so right about the "best friendships we'll ever see on television" part, they truly do inspire me to be a better friend. i've been hesitant to talk about it because i don't want to ruin it for people that haven't seen it so i'm so glad you brought it up!

[Ashley]

Ohmygosh that scene from SATC?? I loved that, and i may have shed a few tears because of it. I think the best way to describe going to the movie was like going to see your really close girlfriends who you haven't seen in a while. I didn't think it was the BEST movie but it was pretty fabulous.

As is Ikea. I miss that place!

[Kristabella]

Oh, IKEA how I love you. I haven't been in so long because I refuse to go on the weekend. The one in the Chicago suburbs is in its like own parking lot, with one road in and one road out. It's a nightmare. Glad you enjoyed it!