I've never been what you would call a handy person. I can't build things, I have absolutely no patience when it comes to reading instructions, and for many years my tool box held only a butter knife and a meat mallet, both of which worked just fine as substitute screwdriver and hammer, thank you very much.
But this weekend I managed to put together, all by myself, not one, not two, not three, but FOUR flat pack items.
You see, last weekend I went shopping for a new couch, something I'd been needing for a while, and in true Kelliesque fashion I ended up buying a couch, a fridge, a set of drawers, two entertainment units and two side cabinets.
And this, my friends, is why I try to minimise my shopping adventures to once every few years.
Through some smooth talking and a touch of intimidation, I managed to convince all of the places I bought them from to deliver on the same day (a small miracle when it comes to delivery guys, let me tell you), but there was something I hadn't realised when I'd placed my order. The entertainment units and the side cabinets didn't come assembled.
Oh crap.
So when the guy delivered them to me in four nicely packed boxes, I have to admit I had a bit of a meltdown. How the hell was I supposed to put them together? I'm not one of those people who can do things like that! That's what handymen and male relatives are for!
But I didn't have either on hand right then, and I really REALLY wanted to finish putting all the furniture in place, so I gave myself a good shake and approach it logically. Surely if I just pulled out the instructions and followed them step by step I'd be fine. I'm a grown up, I should be able to do things like putting together furniture.
And I did! I inserted screws into holes, hammered plugs into gaps, and wielded an allen key like I was a freaking pro! I assembled the hell out of those cabinets!
I'm so proud of myself I can barely stand it!
Now if only these newly discovered skills would translate to things like replacing washers and unblocking drains ... oh well, I guess you can't have everything.
Way to put those big girl pants on! Although, don't be getting silly and unclogging any drains. Those male relatives need to feel needed.
ReplyDeleteTrue ... and to be honest I'm not really interested in unclogging them. Icky!
DeleteCongratulations!! :D (You remind me so much of my daughter.. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! I was pretty chuffed, and I may or may not have done a lap of honour of the loungeroom when I was finished ;D
DeleteIt really isn't that hard if you follow the directions. It took me 30 years to learn that if you did A C B D E and then tried F you had to undo C B D and E and start over. FInally I started to follow the directions!
ReplyDeleteThat was my plan, just mindlessly follow the instructions. Seems to have worked out pretty well!
DeleteWonderful talent my friend. I AM PROUD OF YOU!
ReplyDeleteAw shucks!
Delete*blushes*
Well done, Kellie! I was wondering if you had to use one of those diabolical allen keys, LOL! Such a fancy schmancy name for a bent piece of metal.
ReplyDeleteYep, I spun that allen key like I was a DJ!
Deletegood job! i'm the flat pack furniture assembler in my household. i get a sense of accomplishment out of building stuff like that.
ReplyDeleteI did feel pretty accomplished afterwards. Now every time I walk in the room and see them I get a warm fuzzy feeling. So it's either pride or a stroke, I'm not sure which.
DeleteI can't even tell you how many times a week I have to remind myself that "I'm a grown up dammit!".
ReplyDeleteNice job. That really is pretty awesome.
I try not to remember it too often. If I did, I'd feel pretty ashamed of my television habits. No grown woman should be as obsessed with Glee as I am.
DeleteVery awesome Kellie and I've learned something.... Reading instructions? Who knew!
ReplyDeleteI know, I was sceptical at first too, but it turned out to be the way to go!
DeletePlumbing-related issues are definitely a different kettle of fish that I wouldn't touch. But constructing furniture is an important life skill. Good job!
ReplyDeleteOh goodness I can imagine the shock of receiving flat pack when you were expecting already assembled. Well done putting them together yourself.
ReplyDeleteIt was a bit of a shock. I have to admit for the first few minutes I may have looked at the delivery guy, hoping desperately that he'd offer to put them together for me. Of course he didn't, and he gave up a chance to be lauded in my blog as a hero and rescuer of damsels in distress! Well, Mr Delivery Guy, you snooze you lose!
DeleteYOU ROCK!!!! And there weren't even any leftover parts huh?
ReplyDeleteNup, not a one! I was surprised, I totally expected to have half a dozen screws left over but I ended up using every single thing in the box!
DeleteYou need congratulating, I am useless, usually end up breaking a bit....despite all the loveliness I can do in other parts of my life! X
ReplyDeleteWho knows, maybe you'd end up with an entertainment unit covered in feathers! It's be gorgeous!
DeleteGreat job!! I know that panicky feeling when you stare at something and it looks impossible. Congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteTa muchly!
Delete*takes a bow*
I don't want to brag but I'm pretty good at assembling stuff from directions too. One time I bought a dinning room table and after following the directions I finished with an entertainment center. Talent.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, that is a talent!
DeleteWell done, Kellie ! And all by yourself too ; us women have a tendency to underestimate ourselves on the building things front !
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you!
Delete*takes a bow*
Congrats! As for me, I am kind of like Tim Allen on Tool Time. I sometimes succeed, but often fail.
ReplyDeleteAh yes, commonly known as the chaos method of home improvements!
DeleteCongratulations! You...finished directions? Come on! I insist you cut down a tree, shape the wood, fashion a frame, pluck the goose feathers, stuff the pillows and upholster it yourself if you're going to feel accomplished. Demand it! No, I'm kidding, good job and sit happy knowing you put that sucker together yourself.
ReplyDeleteI know, it was copping out. I should have pulled down the tree with my bare hands, stripped the bark, sanded with the abrasiveness of my steely gaze, and lovingly crafted it using my fingernails as screwdrivers.
DeleteWell done! I have problems putting batteries in things, so I'm very impressed!
ReplyDeleteI'm okay with batteries, it's lightbulbs that seem to baffle me.
DeleteMy Dad is not handy, all the tools in the house belong to Mum. So when I moved out she gave me a power drill and a socket set - and made sure I could use them! Thank goodness to because I've managed to find myself a completely un-handy partner. Good thing he is attractive because that is the only decoration he is bringing to the house.
ReplyDeleteLOL! I think all boyfriends/husbands should be able to do handy stuff, mostly so I won't have to. That and moving heavy objects.
DeleteOne of my classmates- a total prat- couldn't ever stop saying how women were completely useless when it came to tools and stuff. Your post makes me feel so proud. Go, girl!
ReplyDelete(And take that, you big-talker. *throws a punch*)
Ugh, I hate guys like that! I'm normally pretty bad with tools because I have awful hand/eye coordination and no sense of proportions, not because I'm a woman!
DeleteThere is no better feeling than putting some stuff together... And it not falling apart. Except for the part where you buy it.
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Valerie
I was so relieved when I put the TV on the unit and it didn't immediately collapse into a pile of plywood and screws!
DeleteAmazing!!~~ what a accomplishment!
ReplyDeletecongratulation!
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