Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Instructions

Stream of Consciousness

 

Welcome to Stream of Consciousness Saturday. This weeks prompt is a little different. Here are Linda’s word describing the assignment “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “instructions.” Write instructions for anything you know how to do. As detailed or as rambling as you’d like. Enjoy!”

There you have it. If you would like to have fun with words, go to Linda’s blog and read how. It is real easy. Hee is the link:

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS July 13/19

Instructions by John W. Howell © 2019

“So what are we doing today?”

“Trying to get this IKEA chest put together.”

“You have the instructions, right?”

“Yeah, but look at them.”

“So, what’s the problem?”

“There are no words, only drawings.”

“Take each step. Here let me help.”

“Thank you.”

“Take part A. Put it on chest C with bolt A1.”

“Uh…How do I find part A?”

“There is a sticker on it with an A.”

“Here it is. How about bolt A1?”

“In the diagram bolt, A1 is this one.”

“Okay, now I got it. This wrench is a little difficult to work.”

“They all are. Just keep going.”

“There, finished. What’s next?”

“Repeat with part B and bolt B1.”

“Now I’m getting the hang of it. part C bolt C1.”

“Excellent. You’re on a roll.”

“Then you take part D and attach with bolt D1. First, you put your two knees close up tight you swing ’em to the left, and you swing ’em to the right. Step around the floor kinda nice and light. Twist around, twist around with all your might.”

“Okay, what’s that?”

“Instructions on Ballen’ the Jack. Spread your lovin’ arms way out in space. Do the eagle rock with a style and grace. Put your left foot out and bring it back. That’s what I call Ballin’ the Jack.”

“You finished with the chest?”

“Yup. Let’s stand ‘er up.”

“Goodness.”

“Hmmm. Looks like it is upside down.”

“You put the legs on wrong.”

“I don’t know, I think I like it this way.”

“Only you would.”

“I don’t think I can go through the process again.”

“How you going to fill the drawers?”

“Good point.”

“Tomorrow is another day. Can you help me with my IKEA bed?”

“I think tomorrow I’m going to have the flu.”

“Drink plenty of liquids.”

“Oh. I plan on that.”

 

 

46 comments

  1. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · ·

    My son put in all the cabinets in his kitchen – Ikea. It looks beautiful, but the cost in blood, sweat, and tears was mighty. I’m sure he had “plenty of liquids” as well. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Oh my. Sounds painful for sure. Have a super Saturday, Gwen.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. GP's avatar

    haha – we just had a similar situation with a kitchen cart – when all else fails, follow the instructions!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Or try to follow them. “By the way. What is with this left over screw?”

      Liked by 1 person

  3. John Hric's avatar

    I would opt for attending a flu prevention seminar. They are very much like garden hydration seminars. Only difference is that garden hydration seminars also include internal sun screen applied liberally.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Can’t be too careful on the fluorescents, John. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    So true! Great job, John. I enjoyed this. Happy Saturday!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jill. Happy Saturday to you * sung to the tune Wild World by Cat Stevens (Yusuf)

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Dan Antion's avatar

    Ha ha – plenty of fluids, indeed. I love the diversion to dance, John. That was a nice touch. I hope you have a great weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Dan. I hope the same for you.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. The Hook's avatar

    IKEA uses acolytes of the Marquis de Sade when designing all their instruction manuals, there simply isn’t any other plausible explanation.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I have to agree with you. The acolytes only speak Chinese as well.

      Like

  7. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    Hilarious, John, this gave me a jolly good laugh.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m glad. Thanks for letting me know.

      Like

  8. Maggie's avatar

    My favorite IKEA problem is when the Piece that makes it structurally sound (after much bolting to the earth that is) is mysteriously missing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. So often too. Thanks, Maggie.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Sorryless's avatar

    Boss,

    You’ve perfectly describe the IKEA post-purchase experience.

    I learned quickly not to consult the manual. What I would do is have plenty of adult beverages on hand. Lay everything out and then go all Picasso. My only rule. It had to be able to stand on its own. Probably.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Maybe. If so you have done your job. (Mine fall over sometimes. I hate that strap idea.)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless's avatar

        I don’t know whether it was a job well done, but it was done, so there’s that. And on the plus side, no collapses.

        Like

  10. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Ah, IKEA. The IQ Test of Do-It-Yourself Projects.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes for sure.

      Like

  11. Victoria Stuart's avatar
    Victoria Stuart · ·

    Thanks for the laugh. *Hereby resolving to include Ballin’ The Jack in every DIY project from here on.*

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you so much, Victoria. Great​ song for getting things done.

      Like

  12. bikerchick57's avatar

    LOL, John, funny story. I remember a project I put together for my mom and dad’s bathroom. It was a wicker chest of drawers for their bathroom. It came in what seemed like a million pieces and only had a diagram. I remember holding back tears, but I got it together! And I swore never again.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I can imagine tears. Been there myself. Usually midnight is the trigger. Thanks, Mary.

      Like

  13. Unknown's avatar
    Anonymous · ·

    Enjoyed this so much. Made we want to dance while steering clear of Ikea. Happy Saturday!!

    Liked by 1 person

  14. J-Dub's avatar

    I enjoyed this so much. Made me want to dance while steering clear of Ikea. Happy Saturday!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes steer clear. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

    DH and I almost come close to divorce whenever we work together, lol. Glad to see you fared better 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Close but no lawyer.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    Sounds like some of the things I’ve tried to put together…lol.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      😀 Thanks, Denise.

      Like

  17. coldhandboyack's avatar

    I am not handy at all. I would opt for plenty of fluids myself.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yeah, the fluid route is less pain and the outcome is probibly the same.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. coldhandboyack's avatar

        But the attitude is better.

        Liked by 1 person

  18. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    And that’s just about the way it goes! Thanks for the chuckle!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jan

      Like

  19. Dale's avatar

    Ikea furniture… Where one learns of the other’s patience. Probably a good test BEFORE saying “I Do”…

    Like

  20. circadianreflections's avatar

    LOL! Once long ago He-Man bought a gas grill, and the salesman told him to stop and pick up a 6-pack before getting home and tackling the assembly.
    He-Man got it home opened it up saw all the parts, and the poorly written and diagramed instructions then gathered it all back up and returned it to the store.

    Sometime later he bought another one only this time he paid to have it assembled and delivered. No drinks required. 😀🍻

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Jennie's avatar

    Brings back memories of the Hokey Pokey and furniture projects. Both were good…and bad. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person