My boyfriend, Kyle and I went to Ikea.  A huge megastore that offers furniture and décor at a low price because you have to build everything together.  It was a Sunday when we went.  The store was full of pregnant women, families and soon-to-be college students.  All searching for the latest treasure or solution they could add to their house or apartment or dorm. 

Ikea sells plants.  On the ground floor hundreds of plants sit, patiently waiting to be taken home.  Now, its important to know I don’t do plants.  I kill nearly every plant that has the misfortune of coming into my care.  As much as I follow the directions and care for it, it always passes on to the next level of plant life.  I killed three orchids last year when I last had the urge to embrace my inner horticulturist.  I decided to splurge on a $1.99 piece of lucky bamboo.  A little luck could do me well, right?

Kyle and I were moving up on the escalator toward the vases to find my bamboo a house.  I like to name my plants.  Maybe it’s so I can talk to them or so they can have one last right before I kill them. Kyle spouted off the name Walter and it instantly stuck.

As soon as we got home, we moved Walter into his new digs.  I carefully followed the instructions.  “Take bamboo out of plastic vial.” Check.  “Remove rubber lip from bamboo.” Check.  “Place in a container with 5cm of water.” What? This took a little time considering the vase was not clear.  I had to put water in, Place Walter in, pull him out and then measure his stem to see if it was 5cm.  This tactic was suggested by Kyle…leave it to a scientist to find the perfectly logical way.  After a few water adds, he was sitting comfortably.  I gently placed him in indirect sunlight.  His water must be changed every other week.  I pencil “Walter’s water” into my planner so I remember. 

Now I wait…I look at Walter and wonder how he will bring me luck.  This odd looking little green stem…high maintenance and yet comforting at the same time because I know Walter needs me. He really needs me not to kill him. Hopefully he can survive being cared for by me.

 I will continue to write about Walter’s progress and the luck that is supposed to come my way.  Although, I must say, if this $1.99 plant survives more than a week with me as his caregiver…I would say he’s the one with the incredible luck, not me.

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