The Art of Living: Laundry, Layers, and Lazy Days

There’s nothing more gratifying than reflecting on your day and thinking, “Well, that was a day well spent!” Even if all you did was stare at the ceiling, let’s at least call it meaningful contemplation, shall we?

The Great Laundry Adventure

Speaking of meaningful accomplishments, let’s talk about a recent triumph in my life: laundry. Johannesburg, as you may know, recently subjected us to a relentless 10-day downpour, leaving the city and, more importantly, my washing, in a perpetual state of damp misery. Ever the optimist (and, apparently, a budding Martha Stewart), I seized the first streak of sun to rectify the situation. Towels, duvets, clothes- back into the wash, onto the line, dried, ready for ironing. It was a production worthy of an Oscar.

Now, I take pride in efficiency, especially when it comes to household chores. It astounds me how some people can take an entire day to unpack the dishwasher or iron a single shirt. My philosophy? Just get it done. Ironing is one of my least favourite tasks, but small tricks help. Shake out your clothes before hanging them, peg them properly, and fold them neatly when you take them down. This small effort saves you a world of pain later (or at least gets your helper through the ironing faster). Efficiency, my dear friends, is key to domestic bliss.

Weather, Wardrobes, and the Art of Layering

Did you know we might have just crossed into spring? I say “might” because I have zero certainty but full enthusiasm. The recent cool weather had me in a state of wardrobe limbo- one day it’s shorts and t-shirts, the next it’s jeans and a woolly throw. This is why layering is essential. If you work in an air-conditioned office, you’re lucky- you’ve got a uniform climate all year. But for the rest of us, layering is a lifesaver. A lightweight jacket, a good cardigan, and suddenly, you’re prepared for whatever mood the weather decides to throw at you.

While we’re on wardrobe matters, this is the perfect time to declutter. Pack away summer things, bring out winter essentials, and give everything a good wash. There’s something deeply satisfying about refreshing your space with things that actually serve a purpose. And speaking of decluttering- if it doesn’t fit in the dishwasher, do you really need it? I’ve recently had an epiphany about wine glasses with impossibly long stems. If they can’t survive the dishwasher, they don’t belong in my life.

The Joy of a Schlumpf Day

Now, let’s talk about one of my favourite pastimes: the art of the perfect schlumpf day. This isn’t laziness, dear reader. No, no. This is a refined, structured experience that requires a careful balance of comfort, minimal effort, and maximum enjoyment. The rules?

You must get out of bed (this is not a depressive episode, it’s self-care).

You must shower and brush your teeth (bare minimum, people).

You must wear outrageously comfortable attire- think tracksuit bottoms, an oversized sweater, and those magical sock-slipper hybrids that should never be seen in public but make you feel like royalty at home.

Then, and only then, do you engage in your chosen schlumpf activities: binge-watching a TV series, devouring a book, taking a luxurious bath (with bubbles, oils, and essential self-pampering), or, if you must be social, pulling out the board games. Monopoly, Cluedo, and Scrabble are excellent choices; anything resembling snakes and ladders is for amateurs.

And let’s not forget food. This is not the time for a sensible meal plan. This is the time for biscuits, ice cream, and possibly an entire bucket of chicken. If you’re cooking, make it indulgent. If you’re drinking wine, make sure the glass fits in the dishwasher.

How Journaling and Personal Writing Can Transform Your Thoughts

It amazes me how many people don’t write, probably because they believe they’re not good writers. But I highly recommend it to anyone- think of it as homework, like having to send an email or write an essay back in school. I’ve always enjoyed writing. Start a journal, start a diary. Pick up paper and pen. There is something about writing with paper and pen that, for me, just commits your thoughts to paper. It’s the physical act of writing something down.

I often make notes on my phone, but I find it’s not the same as picking up my journal and a pen. Admittedly, I have terrible handwriting, but I say, “I’m a writer!” If you saw my handwriting, you’d probably wonder. But that’s the thing- I’m a writer, not a calligrapher. It’s something I’ve started doing recently. As I mentioned at the beginning of the show, I’ve been doing a lot of personal writing and entertaining writing, not always work-related writing and not yet for my blog.

I do a lot of blog writing, which, to me, feels like work now. But I want to write something different. The interesting thing I’ve discovered- and I explained this in a conversation with a friend- is that my blog is not truly my writing. I write my blog for other reasons: to promote businesses, promote events, or cater to my readers. I don’t write for myself. That’s the big difference. Sometimes, when you’re writing something, you realize that what you’ve just written isn’t necessarily relevant to the reader. Or, in my case, I think, “Nobody’s paying me enough to read this for free!” I save that kind of writing for paid assignments.

If you enjoy writing, even if it’s not for a blog or for public consumption, I highly recommend picking up a journal, grabbing a pen, and starting to write. One of the most interesting things I’ve found is how your thoughts and opinions can change over time. Things I wrote a year, two years, five years, or even ten years ago- and journals I’ve had for 30 years- are eye-opening to me. I read them and think, “Wow, you’ve really changed 360 degrees on that particular opinion or thought.”

Speaking of writing, I was telling people on Facebook (and anyone who would listen) that I’ve started writing a novel. I began it over 30 years ago and got to about 110 pages. I could never figure out how to finish it. So, I’ve carried that novel with me over the years- from Port Elizabeth to Humansdorp, to Durban, and then to Johannesburg. Along the way, I occasionally made notes or added updates. In the back of my mind, I always thought, “I’m going to toss it, because it’s never going to go anywhere. It’s never going to be finished.” I didn’t know how to finish it, even though I had some very interesting characters.

Recently, I pulled it out, dusted it off, and thought it was so hysterical. I think it’s genuinely funny, so I decided to expand upon it and modernize it. It amazes me how much the world has changed in the last 30 years. I wouldn’t have to change the story at all. Instead, I can just change the situations and circumstances. I’m not going to give away too much here; I’m just building up intrigue.

Don’t forget, you can always listen to me on Radio Today via DSTV Audio Channel 869, live stream from www.rt1485.com, and follow my adventures on JoziStyle via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Until next time- happy schlumping!