Unbeknownst to the other tenants of my house, there is a raging battle taking place in my apartment. While from the outside, it may appear to be just another row home, once inside the carnage is evident: I am at war with Ikea. I'll be the first to admit that it was my naivety that cause this epic clash. I was actually excited about furnishing my first apartment and gleefully trekked down to Columbus Blvd to purchase all the fixings needed for a perfect HGTV home. $350 later I was still happy, but as soon as the first box opened, all hell broke loose. First came the futon with 64 plastic nails and no hammer and closed up "pre-drilled holes." Then came the wrong sized mattress cover followed by the incorrectly labeled shelving unit. Upon return to enemy grounds only one day later I discovered they no longer stocked my needed mattress cover and the shelving was entirely too heavy to be carried on my own. After cramming the boxes into my too small car, I grudgingly headed back to the battle ground. I surveyed the scene, and conceded defeat...but just for the night. Today I return with renewed vigor and a time deadline. My subletter moves in Saturday and by Jove that apartment will be furnished before her arrival. Come hell or high water I WILL defeat Ikea. The battle has only just begun.
-- Amy Starosta
