Those who know me know I don’t shop well. I have been known to walk into a large store, see all the goods and all the customers, and turn to walk out (both sisters have had to grab my arm and say, “don’t be silly, come on.”) I have driven all the way to Square One, driven around the parking lot, seen the crowds, and just driven home. Really.
But I was on a mission in Glasgow; first stop: Currys (think Best Buy). It wasn’t a quick process, but I walked out of there with everything on my electronic list. Then off to Ikea. Ikea: my sisters and I are convinced ‘Ikea’ is the Swedish word for hell. One of my big concerns was: how much could I fit in the car (including poor Scout) and still be able to see to drive? So I headed straight for the one item I desperately needed: a dresser. I bought it and took it out to the car – it fit! Returned to the store for another round of shopping. Then we headed to my Uncle’s.
The next morning my cousin drove me back to Ikea for round three. Had I mentioned the rain? Pouring again, and this time the added fillip of COP26 which was starting that weekend – we saw a lot of Glasgow as we tried to dodge the protesters and the usual Friday traffic. But she really didn’t seem to mind – so kind. More furniture and stuff, then back to Currys (did you know they now sell cell phones with the cable but not the plug? Or maybe that’s only a British thing. So stupid. I have no idea why the salesclerk wouldn’t have sold me one the day before?) I didn’t buy everything I needed this go round because of space limitations, but my intention is to have a bunch more things shipped to Ikea’s Aberdeen Pick-Up Centre and that will cut my next trip later this month in half.
We got home from my second day of full-time shopping and I was able to fit it all in the car, including a space for you-know-who (who was not impressed with her jury-rigged corner bed). God I was tired.