Ikea Experiment

I have a mad, crazy love for Ikea (post showing all things Ikea in my house will be coming). I had a craving for something spiff for my dining room space and a huger craving to get my ass to the Ikea so I decided to check out the breakfast they offer before the store opens.

No wireless connection for my netbook – surprising??

It is wild, crazy here. People were lined up outside the doors at 9:15. "What are they waiting for?" I am wondering. "Dry scrambled eggs? Loads of carbs?" I opt for coffee and take my cup to the cashier.

"Coffee only?" she asked.
"Yep," I reply.
"That’s free ma’am."
"Excuse me?"
"The coffee is free."

Jaw dropping on floor. I recover said jaw, walk away with my free coffee, and try to act non-clueless-like. I choose a table by the large, clean windows.

I’ve been sitting here, maybe 10 minutes. The place is filling up.

• Old men
• Old couples
• Young families – lots and lots of families with lots and lots of kids
• Moms with young daughters
• Moms with babies
• One dad with a baby
• Young couples with no kids
• A couple of women with their girlfriends.

I just might be the only women here without a companion. Just me and my trusty netbook. What a nerd.

Wait! Loudspeaker-woman just announced that the store is open and please stop in for Ikea’s 99¢ breakfast. 99¢? That explains all the old people yes? My dad is 80 years-old and he would LOVE him some 99¢ breakfast. Especially if the coffee is black, hot, and free.

The breakfast smells awesome, but I’m meeting Pupcake at the Mall of Excess, I mean the Mall of America, for lunch.

Sitting here, frankly, just might be better people-watching than at the state fair.

The young couples look hip and perfectly put together. How do they do this? I look down at my cropped cargo pants, black top, and gray hoodie. And I live in the city. WTH?

Lots of graphic Ts with banded hats (no baseball hats), lots of really good haircuts, Lacoste polo’s, lots of very expensive (I’m guessing here) denim.

A few of those bad suburban-mom haircuts (Kate-minus-asshole-type). Young suburbans just love that reverse mullet. Smooth in the front and crazy in the back. Shudder! I know I have hair issues, but please!

Oh, that’s just mean – I am going to hell.

Okay – I’m off to shop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I love this place.

I bought:

1. Pendant lamp for new gazebo.
2. Rug for basement area by tanning bed.
3. Tall, skinny, vase.
4. Tall, curly things to put in vase.
5. Rock for candle display on coffee table.
6. 10 - 59¢ glasses. 59¢!! These will be great for the party.
7. Plant and vase for me.
8. Plant and vase for youngest.
9. Wooden soap dish.
10. Water spray bottle for naughty cat, Calvin.
11. Jar with lid for Epsom salts in bathroom.
12. Mittful of weird kitchen utensils. I can’t ever resist the stuff in bins along the steps going down.
13. Egg chopper.

Spent $86.61. Reused an Ikea bag so I’m feeling very green.

Lovely day!