A Closetmaid Conundrum.
Received this lovely organizer as a gift. Unassembled.I am going slightly bonkers. The instructions seemed well written but poorly illustrated. Until I got to the planks. There are six plank pieces that fit for the top, bottom, sides, middle supports. In sets of 2, there are drill holes as follows: 4 holes, 6 holes, 8 holes. The planks are equal in length, width, thickness. The instructions tell me that I can easily recognize the plank that begins the ENTIRE project because it has drill holes that go "all the way through." "How simple!" I squealed.
Until I looked at the planks. Okay. ALL the holes go "all the way through" on ALL of the planks. There is a little package filled with 2 size dowels, 2 size screws, and nails. Yes. Nails. My mind went "Oh crap. Nails." That means hammering. Not easy to undo.
So, you see why I'm here procrastinating. lol
I feel a slight headache coming on. I rarely buy anything unassembled unless it's easy-peasy, as in snap together. If the instructions have exceptionally well done photos, I'm in like flint. These instructions were written by a Closet 10-year-old Geek. In pig Latin German. I'm sure of it. I'm mildly dyslexic and a total visual learner! If I start with the wrong piece, which requires dowels - meaning extreme difficulty in undoing it - then the entire Cubical (tm) will be done wrong. I'm actually sweaty. This is not fair. lol
No wonder they designed it to go in a closet. Hidden away with the other poorly constructed items that sway and topple in my *not* childproof nightmares. Yes, I know children are starving in Africa and global warming is barking it's moist, warm breath on our necks. But, just once. I ask for the help of the Assembly gods for this project that will make my life a little more organized. Simpler. Less stressful. I could ask to win a million dollars in some contest or world peace, but right now - all I ask is that I start with the correct plank.
19 comments:
I wish you luck, Tink.
I had to put this type of crap together for years when I worked in retail. All kinds of displays, etc. that were clearly designed by idiots to be put together only by geniuses. Half the time I just improvised and made it work. A staple here, some tape there, I usually made it happen. Just go for it. Like you said, it's going in a closet anyway.
Sadly, I'm stumped: I'll never find a Phil Hendrie bit that related to this post:(
Rob
lol thanks Rob :o)
We did it! Yep. You know who helped?
My 8-year-old daughter who is in specialized education services for severe learning disabilities. She's not yet able to go solo past K-1st grade reading/writing levels, but she is gifted in pattern and design recognition. She literally guided me through the construction. Without being able to read the instructions. I just laid the darn pieces out in a grid and we went from there. Amazing!
We had 2 small dowels leftover and about 18 nails. lol But, it's sturdy, does not wobble, and looks good enough to put out in the living room. So we did!
SO. Thank you to God (or the Assembly gods - whichever you prefer) for giving us Sarah, who is going to be Queen of Something at some point. :o)
Rob ... surely there MUST be a Hendrie on inferior products with huge markups! This "Cubical(tm)" system is actually constructed from painted pressboard. The only solid wood was found in the dowels. I should be thankful for that. They could have been plastic ... I'm pretty sure my sister paid a small fortune for it. And, of course, the fabric drawers that fit inside the cubbies were each sold separately. Like - batteries not included! With six you get eggroll! No warranties implied! Figures on this 500 dollar Barbie car, made with cheap plastic molds, not included! No tickie, no washie!
p.s. you are welcome to expound on your thoughts about Yoko in the "It's So Lennon" post. After thinking a bit, I realized that It's NOT so Lennon. A tower of light (that's weird in itself. A tower. Sounds like a prison.) The actual wasteful consumption of energy for this thing made me re-think it all. The more I think about it, the more I think maybe Yoko's intent is not so lovely. But, again, I'm hesitant to wonder aloud on the blog about that, because it does seem opposite to peaceful solutions. I don't know.
I'll get back later to thoughts on that one.
:o)
O.K. Tink, I expounded. Maybe more pounded than expounded on Yoko actually. Anyway, glad you got your contraption together. I actually had a feeling one of your kids would help you figure it out. I swear I did...I should have mentioned it in the last post but I didn't.
And as far as the Phil Hendrie thing, I'm drawing a blank still. He does have many bits regarding autism and stuff like that though. I haven't brought any of them to your attention though for fear you might find them quite offensive. I'll send you a great bit called "Plane Go Boom" if you'd like. It's about a guy who hires kids with autism, etc. to check in/search luggage at airports for bombs and stuff. He says they do a better job than the airport security people we have now. I suppose it is meant to make fun of the idiots we have doing airport security rather than to make fun of the autistic, but I could see it being taken the wrong way by people.
Just for the record, I think what you do with your children is wonderful. Personally, I think people like you have done a hell of a lot more for the world than Yoko Ono has ever done! I'd rather see a full page story on YOU than on Yoko and her peace tower.
Not that it means anything coming from me (a complete stranger) but I truly respect and admire what YOU do!
Rob
Hi Rob!
Yep ... just read over the O-No! post. Glad you held back some. lol
I have a long-time online acquaintance who worked in the field of developmental disabilities (long-term adults in residential settings.) He's the huge Hendrie fan. You can go ahead and send Plane Go Boom. I won't be offended. I understand Phil's intent, but it's dicey. A fine line. Not all autistic people are mentally retarded and vice-versa. I know that by outward "behaviors," noises, apparent lack of awareness on their part ... it would seem that there is mental retardation. Even in those who are "MR" - you'll always find a good dose of sunshine along with the challenge! I've learned more about God and spirituality/purpose from my children than from anybody or anything. Ever. Period!
Truly .. I understand Phil's line of thinking. (that in itself might be scary or retarded.) lol
Even in the autistic people who have tested off the charts UP on IQ scores, their challenges in motor skills (much like cerebral palsy kids) makes 'em look to be and judged to be cognitively impaired.
I figure we're all "retarded" in some fashion. I am painfully shy at times. I'm socially retarded in that manner. You get the idea ;o)
That Dr. Gupta dude on CNN just attended a conference in Canada and is reporting on autistics once thought retarded who are finally able to point to letters and spell with some arm guidance or hand guidance. Much of what you see in autistics (from a muscle/motor perspective) is like cerebral palsy. The neurons that fire off our ability to move, plan our movement, touch, grasp, etc. are impaired in some way.
Like this: my son will just be walking along and get stuck. He suddenly will just stop. As if he doesn't remember how to move again. It's weird. I have to touch his arm and say "go" or "walk" or something to help his brain/body work together. Anyway, same as communicating verbally. Most cannot. Hence, the letter boards and typewriters. But, they need help to get started usually.
I've been working for 5 years with my son intensively on using a letter board.
Just yesterday, he consistently and accurately answered "Yes" and "no" to about 10 questions by pointing to "yes" or "no" on a sheet of paper. It was SO COOL. I asked if he was 6. HE touched "No." I asked how old? He touched the letter 9. (correct.)
Actually, I should do a whole autism/MR/communication post. I think I'll get one together.
Thanks Rob!
Tink!
I seem to have missed something...
Happy, Happy belated Birthday!
Hope it was a good one.
As far as the project goes, I say
Just Go For It!
Live on the edge!
Hammer away!
and see what comes of it.
;)
Dale
Thank you Dale!
It was a fine birthday. :o)
Yes ,,, we did exactly that. My little Sarah had absolutely no fear. A little of this, a little of that, an adjustment here and there. And it was done in less than an hour.
Aren't kids the most amazing people?
xo
Tink
Tink:
I had forgotten but I think you told me that your son was autistic, great that you got him to use the board. I have a highly funstioning autistic friend who is about 27 now, knew him as a kid. Would love to compare notes on behaviour and whatnot if you email me privately. also had a Q for you about what you wrote on Rachel's blog
email link is on my blogpage and also at Rachel's on my profile
I could not find a link to your email anywhere
if you get a sec
CHEERS
-Lin
hi Tinky Winky!
Glad you got the Cubical (I'll be brave and leave off the tm!!) together. (subversive, I know)
Funny how many nails are usually left over.
I once put together a pair of stilts for my kids at Christmas and we laughed because the instructions (for getting the hang of walking on stilts) kept referring us to pictures, saying, "Do as the boy...(this).." "Do as the boy ... (that)"... etc. "Do as the boy".
Must've been written by a German.
Hi Tink!
At least you got it together now. What would we do without our kids? If you could see some of my "carpentry" skills as far as put together projects, sad...
Have a great weekend. Stay away from any more of those closet furniture projects.:)
XO
Zoe
I think the people that write the instructions have too much fun with it, knowing we will be completely frustrated!!
xx
Hi Tink
Glad you got it sorted, dear! Amazing how kids have this uncluttered view of things that makes it all so clear to them - even if they have other problem areas. Ever noticed how children are always brilliant at anything to do with puzzles, and even computer problems. I guess your conundrum in wood was literally child's play to yoru daughter.
Have a great weekend xxx
Yes, kids ARE amazing.
We can learn so much from them.
I miss mine...
Hi Tink, I most of the time do not have alot of time on the computer, but I was just reading through all the comments on my blog of previous posts, and I read your comment on my passing of my last dog, I too at different times, smell cigarette smoke, my parents smoked, Dad especially, and every once in awhile I'll look around for someone smoking and there is no-one there. They look after us, even after they are not here. I never got to say goodby to Dad, I did to Mom, so I don't see her so much, I think that makes a difference. Hope not being to weird here.
take care
Hello! This is your slouch blogger finally getting back here. :o)
Well, Lin .. I've enjoyed the mail chats! More to come :o) Lin has a FABULOUS pic up on her blog. I believe it is from the Chez de la Day Spa.
:::guffaw:::::
Lucy ... LOL! I remember that from a blog post you made. Do as the boy... it *does* sound German. Or Chinese. If I did as the boy on stilts, I'd probably break an ankle. ha!
Zoe So nice that you're back home. I know you'll miss your family, tho. Getting settled back in the U.S. grind? We keep trying, though, don't we?!! There's something way too satisfying about pounding nails in wood. ;o)
Grace I've puzzled over that very thing. I do that ... picture the direction writers laughing in hysterics as they write up useless directions with dead ends and wrong illustrations. haha! Take that stoopid consumer. haha!
Aww Vally Conundrum in wood. That's a beautiful turn of phrase for the thing that made me sweat in terror. lol It was a lovely weekend. Weather, fall festival, the kids. Exceptional ... all 3 :o) I showed the kids the photos of your barge. They are completely fascinated that you live on the water. They are getting *big ideas* and making a seasick-prone Mother nervous. hehe.
Aww Dale I know. (((((HUG 2 U))))) You're such a wonderful Mom. I know they love you so much too. Hope this week is a better one for you. I'll be over to catch up later 2nite.
..and Grace Not weird in any way. I smell roses sometimes and know that one of my Grandmas is trying to communicated. It happens when there is going to be a trauma in the family. So, it's a bittersweet herald. Lots of people have these experiences with loved ones who've passed over. Not long after my Dad passed, my Mom awoke in the night, with the pressure on her shoulder of my Dad's hand. She FELT his ring and smelled him. I completely believe these things happen.
Say, that might make an interesting round of blog posts ... Spiritual experiences after loved ones have passed over.
Have to finish getting dinner.
Love,
Tink
NEW POST NEW POST NEW POST we are all chanting...
I like reading your blog but you have left us hanging for a coupla days, what are ya? busy?
J/K
how about a pic of your feet with Queen Helene on them?
TTYL
-Lin
think every flat surface is a table, and you will have plenty of space for your stuff. perhaps even room for your unassembled organizer.
Ahhh Lin Mine feet are the children of a lesser god. You do not want to see them. In any photo. (argh .. A Dr. Seuss overtake coming on!) Covered with goo, covered with poo, covered with rot, you will see them not.
No. I'm not busy.
lol
I do have 3 or so posties that I'm cookin' up. Just can't do justice to any of 'em right now. Your comments are like posts in and of themselves! I love the extension of thoughts, ideas, etc. HOWEVER! My copy of Lifehouse arrived yesterday! By the end of the reading of the Introduction, my head was spinning and swimming in inspirations. To note: Pete Townshend signed that Introduction page (#19) on October 8th, 1999. My 43rd birthday. It was really weird in many ways. Especially the paragraph that preceded it. I shall post haste make one. heh. ;o)
The BAM 1993 double-CD came alongside it. My 9 y/o autie son is COMPLETELY taken with Pete's English Boy and Let My Love Open The Door. He's playing them over and over and over and over. I'm trying get him to play them in order of the radioplay script; but, he's got his own order and plan. ha.
Hiya Paul! I loved the concept there. I loved that the 3 children made a perfect, simple utensil place setting. Do you think I should let them up now?
:o)
Seriously, that was interesting. Have you ever hung upside down, looked at the ceiling and decorated or rearranged the room according to planes of the ceiling? It's fun and reminded me of your thinking.
p.s. .. we did get the cuboid put together. My 8 yo dyslexic daughter figured out the grid design w/o being able to read instructions. It was amazing.
Keeping So. Cal. in thoughts/prayers ... Nature has made an erratic path of change and reversal of landscapes this week. It might be a sign. Of many things. Not necessarily biblical or endtimes stuff. Not that dramatic. Simple human SNAFU and stoopidity. In planning, development, carelessness with lack of regard for natural design and thought to the Earth. The usual suspects. I feel badly for people who are losing everything. Some deservedly. Most not. Lessons everywhere. It sucks.
On to the rest of the morning for me!
bbl
Yeah the whole world is burning down all around me right now here in SoCal, Tink. It really smeels here right now I must say. I feel like I'm at a campground.
Oh man does Phil Hendrie have a ton of bits over the years about Ca. wildfires. Too many to pick one (lucky for you)lol. I think the fires should start dying down now though; I'm all out of matches. Before anyone comes knockin' on my door, I was kidding.
Take care,
Rob
lol ... Rob. What a character. Are you SURE you're not Phil Hendrie? haha.
It must feel like the world is burning. Scary but glad your sense of humor is intact! My bro is out that way. His home is, so far, safe. He's just outside L.A. (more northerly) but said that the air is thick.
Yech. You're all in my prayers ..
Post a Comment