After my cultural confusion on Sunday, I made it back to IKEA on Monday for a very expensive (and heavy!) shopping trip. (Happy Birthday to Me!)

Much like Target, IKEA is infamous for getting you to spend more money than you planned. This was absolutely the case. I went in expecting to buy a couple pillows, some tupperwear, a laundry bin and a few small items. I walked out with three very large bags of “essential” items.

Now that the more-than-successful shopping trip was over and my wallet was a lighter, I just had to figure out how to get it all back home. I was hoping I could find a taxi. Hell, I considered hitching a ride. But no such luck or stupidity, so I set out on foot to make the dreaded trek back. I managed to carry everything home in a reasonable (ie under two hours) amount of time. A two mile walk with a large backpackers backpack and two large market totes makes for a very red face and removes any need for a gym.

After I finally made it home, I dumped everything on my bed and promptly got in the shower. Because lets face it – I needed second one that day. (I should have shelled out the 10 Euro for the little grandma cart that was at the checkout stand.) That evening I did begin to open everything up and start getting organized but after my trek it was a half-hearted effort at best.

Tonight I finally finished hanging things up, putting things away and getting organized. Only to realize that I probably need….to go back to IKEA. I could use a few more organizers, a couple extra pillow cases, and some additional hangers. And of course what other additional surprises IKEA has in store. Now the question is: When do I work up the courage to go back?