Last weekend, Chris, Maggie and myself had a family day out in Burbank. The 'media capital of the world' (so says the City of Burbank website) is certainly a hotspot of entertainment. It's the home of Walt Disney Studios and Warner Bros. It's where some of the most iconic films of the last century - from Casablanca (1942) to Grease (1978); Reservoir Dogs (1992) to erm, Dude Where's My Car (2000) - were made. And it is home to the largest IKEA in the United States.
That 'family day out'? Fine. We went to IKEA.
Alas, it is a truth universally acknowledged that if you're neither in the industry, nor a wide-eyed tourist, the only reason to - in the words of Cher in Clueless (it's been a while) - “haul ass” to Burbank, is if you're in the market for a Billy bookcase. Or a plate of meatballs.
I LOVE going to IKEA. I don't know why but it feels weird to admit that when you live in LA. Maybe because it's so not LA? (And we have The Container Store, after all). But that could be why I love it so much. Because it reminds me of home. It makes me nostalgic for university and the navy blue throws we bought to cover the hideous sofa in the lounge of our student house in Leicester. Or the bright pink cushions we bought to match the bright pink LACK table our box TV sat on. Shout out to Jo and Hannah if you're reading this. Guys, it was a vibe.
It goes without saying Chris and I have spent a fair amount of time in IKEA over the years, from shopping for furniture (and let's face it, probably throws) for our first flat to stocking up on decorations and lights to accessorise the room where we hosted our wedding party.
And while part of me wishes I could say, 'We're grown ups now! With grown up furniture! We don't go to IKEA anymore!' The other part of me is embracing the joy and contradiction of being a grown up, who lives in LA, and goes to IKEA. And I'm not alone, if the orders placed by friends when I so much as mention I'm going to the land of $1 hot dogs and Hej! are anything to go by.
A toddler protest at the IKEA check-out. Chris is looking on with dismay. But secretly he wishes he could fling himself on the ground too.
Every once in a while I'll find an excuse for an excursion. This is essential for non-drivers relying on somebody (ie, Chris) to drive them there. Also - bribery. Chris doesn't relish the ritual of shopping, like I do. He's a let's-not-f**k-around kind of guy. There's no point me dressing it up as a 'fun day out' because he has been married to me long enough to know that the reality will be far from it.
As soon as I get up those escalators, I'm like a wild animal unleashed; my eyes popping out, my brain overflowing with ideas, speeding around talking a mile a minute. I'm possessed. And it's a lot. So the way I frame it, is, we're going to a cafe where you can drink bottomless soda and eat processed meats (each to their own) and while we're there, I'm just going to pop and get a couple of things. $600 later...
Last weekend's trip was much like any other. Maggie loved sitting in the trolley. For the first five minutes. She did a poo in her nappy just as said trolley was getting too heavy to manage. Chris did a lot of sighing and standing around. Standard stuff. But there was more of a spring in my step than usual. Why? It was my first time in IKEA since I qualified as a Professional Organizer.
That (aforementioned) career rut I was in? The reason I stepped back and now write posts every other week? I took a course and it was life-changing. It turns out I not only love organizing people's homes, I'm good at it. I'll still write of course, it's part of who I am. I'll take on writing commissions that interest me and I'm committed to That's So LA but I'm excited to see where this new business will take me. I'm not the same person I was 10 years ago and I want a career that reflects that. The best part? I now have the perfect excuse to go IKEA.
If you want to know more about my home organizing services, find me on Instagram at Rework The Room. Enough with the self-promotion! Normal service will resume next time.
You are not only a brilliant writer that always makes me laugh out loud, but an excellent organiser. ( I hope you noticed how I spelled that!) I love how passionate you are about your new career. You will do well.
Love this and imagining you storming round Ikea! And congrats on being organised in a world where so many others (me) aren't xx