Local Couple Still Happily Married After Assembling Several Pieces of IKEA Furniture

We went on an IKEA binge on Sunday. I am almost embarrassed to say that we were in the store for FOUR HOURS. It was insane. I am outfitting one of our bedroom walls with a new closet system, which is sooooo fantastic. I got three of the tallest, widest wardrobe cabinets, and am installing four hanging rods, several drawers, etc. I had gotten accustomed to my throw-everything-in-a-huge-pile-overflowing-the-laundry-basket system but I must say that it is heavenly to have a place to store my clothes that does not involve heaving forty pounds of miscellaneous outfits just to dig out, say, a tank top that is hiding beneath them. I feel like an archaeologist as I excavate this pile, uncovering my Law Prom dress, a particular sweater I remember wearing in January, etc. (No passport, though. I checked that two weeks ago.)

As for today's headline, experts say that the following are the top issues that put a strain on marriage: finances, communication issues, infidelity, lack of commitment to the marriage, different priorities (kids, job, etc.) and sexual problems. I respectfully submit that "Assembling IKEA Furniture" ought to be added to the list. I hate assembling the IKEA furniture. Hate it hate it hate it hate it. I get really short-fused and flip out and curse like a sailor when I can't find the damn screwdriver or if a dowel goes rolling off into parts unknown or if I can't figure out the picture-instructions. Happily, Shad is patient with my crankiness and assembly yesterday mostly went off without a hitch. Things got a little tense halfway through the second cabinet when I *allegedly* failed to hold the thing at precisely ninety degrees when we were moving it and I *allegedly* moved too fast and *allegedly* ripped some pieces out due to my inability to move the thing in a cooperative fashion. But we moved past the issue without any hard feelings and within minutes had begun construction of the third wardrobe. In full disclosure, the arrival of my brother-in-law (Cory, who is staying with us for a couple of weeks) helped with my temperament as I basically handed the screwdriver and instruction sheet over to him when he walked in the door and he and Shad spent the next several hours slaving away whilst I occupied myself with less annoying projects. Like laundry.

I am excited to try making Sopa de Lima tomorrow, which I was introduced to while staying with that Mayan family in Merida. It was soooo delicious and I ordered it several times while in Mexico. Tomorrow is the test run, and--because I figure if I go down, I may as well fall hard--I have invited 15-20 people over to share it. Wish me luck!