This one is just for fun because we all need a laugh sometimes. It popped up in my Facebook Memories today, so I knew I had to share it. I am so grateful that I still have my parents, especially for things like this…
When I was working asset protection for Wal-Mart in Georgia, my dad loved to call me with random questions about where a specific item was located in Wal-Mart in West Memphis, AR.
Dad: “Standing in Wal-Mart and I’m trying to find a cooler… Where would I find one?”
Me: “If they don’t have them in the Garden Shop, go to sporting goods by the camping stuff.”
When I started working loss prevention for JCP in VA, Dad would call me to help him navigate JCP in Memphis.
Dad: “I’m at JCPenney, and I’m trying to find a belt. Where would the belts be?”
Me: “Go to the underwear and pajamas, and they are probably near there.”
Now that I’m the Security Manager for IKEA Industry, our conversation has progressed to…
Dad: “I’m trying to build this Besta TV shelf that I bought, and it’s not making any sense. I’m stuck on Step 3, and it’s not going to work. Can you help me figure this out?”
Me (grabs iPad and finds the PDF for the shelf on Ikea.com): “Did you do Step 1 and 2?”
Dad: “Yes, but this doesn’t look right to me.”
Me: “Lay the little pieces flat side-by-side with the holes facing up and the groove toward you. You’re going to put a bracket in the bottom right of the little piece on the left, with the flat side of the bracket facing out.”
Dad: “No, that’s not right. The bracket is going to cover the groove.”
Me: “Yes, it will, but it’s supposed to. You will put a bracket in the bottom left of the little piece on the right, so they look like a mirror image.”
(Studies iPad while Dad screws in the brackets whilst grumbling some Navy words)
Dad: “Okay, I did that. Now what?”
After several more minutes of discussion about why it wouldn’t work. (Dad), and why it will work (Me), and a picture text so I could assess the scene, Dad has gotten off the phone to build some more, with the caveat that he might be calling me back!
I am going to wait by the phone and do some more reading for class, and I’ll probably check on him in a bit. Nothing like building furniture from 750 miles away!
Oh, and as PSA to all my friends and family, always go step-by-step when building IKEA furniture. If you jump ahead, it won’t work.
I used to call you for Walmart items too and you were right on with what and where! A fun memory I will always cherish is our rifling through the hair dyes in search of RED! Who else would climb onto a buggy to get to the top of the row?
Your Friend, Mom