Un-Homed But Not Unhinged: Laundry Day

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Yesterday was time for that ritual of dragging the clothes over to the laundromat on Campbell Avenue. Two loads of clothes and towels later, and I鈥檓 fabric soft once again. Or at least my clothes are. I suppose I can only be as skin-soft as the cold showers can manage.

Now, we all know that the normal cycle of laundry contains many perils: that forgotten tissue in the pocket; forgetting the clothes in the washer for too long so that even when dry they smell musty; or worse yet, the dreaded Bermuda Triangle Effect of laundry鈥 missing socks.

Nobody has ever proven whether the sock phenomenon is man-made, gnome-made, or some supernatural force for unspeakable, voodoo actions. Needless to say, there is an undeniable attrition rate. It鈥檚 one part perplexing, and one part heart-wrenching as those solo socks hang out in the drawer hoping for their partners to return. At least in some cases, similar socks can be united with new partners and go on to live happy and fulfilled lives until they unravel.

But here is the thing, I鈥檝e been un-homed for just about a year now, and most of the time I get to wear the eternal symbol of Hawaii living: a pair of slippers. So why are my socks disappearing at a rate faster than the earth鈥檚 gravitational rotation?

I know that having a mobile closet presents added challenges to clothing and upkeep. And I鈥檓 willing to bet that there is a chance that some socks might have migrated from their designated area. They鈥檙e supposed to stay in the nice green, cotton, shopping bag I鈥檝e set aside for them. So if they are migrating I don鈥檛 know how they鈥檙e managing to trek around the van.

One thing seems certain though, I鈥檓 pretty sure I鈥檓 not so forgetful that I have orphaned socks on the side of the road woefully watching me drive away. Sheesh, I sure hope not.

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About the Author

  • Joe Bright
    Joe Bright
    Joe Bright is a graduate of Iolani School and went on to study art at The Cooper Union School of Art in New York City, and later Chinese medicine at The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco. Joe currently runs a small acupuncture clinic, Kama鈥檃ina Acupuncture in Kapahulu as the first dedicated low-cost 鈥渃ommunity acupuncture鈥 clinic in Honolulu. Joe has a varied background that has included working as a bicycle mechanic, freelance artist, teaching calligraphy and Tai Chi, a nanny, and even a CEO of a small entrepreneurial company. He continues to create art, even having work recently appear at the Honolulu Academy of Arts as well the Bishop Museum. He also continues with entrepreneurial projects when possible and serves on the Board of Directors for a local Buddhist meditation organization, Vipassana Hawai鈥檌.
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