In April 2005, I noticed that I needed more storage space around my desk. I then went to where I usually go whenever I have an unfilled need. I went to the Internet. Here I found some modular storage units. There were many different kinds that I could use to meet my storage needs. I ordered eight of these units. Some were open shelves and some had two or three drawers. I was naively expecting something resembling the pictures on their web site. However, when they arrived, I noticed that my 15 inch storage cubes came in flat three inch high cartons. My first thought was that they had made a mistake. I quickly looked at the carton. There it was, a picture of the 15 inch cube with three drawers that I had ordered. I quickly opened the carton. Out fell numerous assorted pieces of wood and a hodgepodge of nails, screws, and other bits and pieces. There were 150 pieces for this one unit. Included were six pages of instructions of how to transform all of these pieces into the unit pictured on the box. I was horrified. The instructions began with a warning that failure to read the instructions thoroughly could result in many problems during assembly. After looking over the 150 pieces on the floor in front of me, I was sure that they were right.

At that time, I couldn't handle what felt like an impossible task. So I went into the kitchen and began compulsively eating potato chips. I had gone to groups where I was taught that I could have anything I wanted. All I had to do was to visualize that I already had it. So I started to visualize that the 150 pieces were assembling themselves into a completed three drawer storage unit. Then I visualized myself going into the next room and seeing the completely assembled unit. I was beginning to feel pretty good. This visualization stuff was fun. So I stopped visualizing and excitedly hurried into the next room to see my finished unit. As I looked into the room, my heart sank. Instead of seeing the completed unit, I saw all of the 150 pieces still lying where I had left them.

I then realized that it would probably take a very long time if I waited for the units to assemble themselves. So I decided to give up on this visualization stuff and assemble them myself. First I thoroughly read the instructions. I then learned the names of all of the 150 pieces and carefully arranged them so that related pieces were together. I then painstakingly put every board, screw, dowel and nail into its proper place. After what seemed like many days of tedious work, I finally put my completed units where I wanted them.

I then began to think about the trend to selling unassembled pieces instead of assembled products, and to expect customers to build their own products. I shutter with fear when I think about where mankind is headed.

There is a popular book entitled, "Build Your Own Personal Computer." Currently only a few people are interested in buying computer parts and building their own computers. However, I can imagine a time when all of the computer stores will show me pictures of completed computers but when I buy one, they will give me a box of computer parts and expect me to assemble the parts into a working computer.

There is another popular book entitled, "Build Your Own Sports Car." Currently only a few sports car enthusiasts are interested in building their own automobiles. However, I can imagine a time when all car dealers will show me pictures of completed cars but when I buy one, they will give me huge cartons of automobile parts and expect me to assemble my own car.

Then there is a book entitled, "Build Your Own Low Cost Log Home." Currently only a few people are interested in spending the many months required to build their own homes. However, I can imagine a time when all realtors will show me pictures of homes but when I buy one they will send me truck loads of building materials and expect me to build my own home.

I even found a book entitled, "Brain Surgery for Beginners." On the cover is a Swiss pocket knife. I can imagine a time in the more distant future when I will be expected to do my own brain surgery using only their book and a pocket knife.

All of this will give a new meaning to the old phase, "making it from scratch."