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Is Laundry a Love Language?

I’m reading this book called “Laundry Love: Finding Joy in a Common Chore.” Does the mere title of this book make you chuckle or snort indignantly?

Is it even possible to feel happiness while sorting, washing, drying, ironing, and putting everyone’s clothes away? I was intrigued but skeptical.

I don’t see laundry as a sparking joy in my life. If I had to “Marie Kondo” household chores, cooking would come in first, laundry second, and decluttering a distant third. But then, I’d be hungry, naked, and up to my eyeballs in junk mail. So, I’m willing to keep an open mind.

Right now, I am backed up on laundry. I recently had a knock-down, dragged-out fight with the garbage disposal and lost. Apparently, the combination of green beans, carrots, and corn kernels does not go down easily. I managed to clog up the pipes, which turned out to be connected to the basin, making it impossible to run laundry. We tried to resolve the problem ourselves with Draino and that sink snake thingy. When that didn’t work, we called the plumber to come and fix the sink. (Are there any Electric Company fans out there?).

Anyway – $175 later – I now have a working drain and started to do the first of several loads of laundry. My family is happy to know that they will be able to start the week with clean underwear.

Wait a minute…

Is this why laundry could be considered a love language? Is it because I show the people I love how much I care for them by ensuring that they have clean clothes to wear? Is agreeing to take on such a long and thankless (not to mention never-ending) chore really an act of kindness? I suppose it’s possible.

As I read more about love languages, I found out that “acts of service” like lightening the load (not the laundry load – but the workload) or doing something helpful without being asked is indeed an act of love. So, maybe fluffing towels and changing bedsheets is my way of telling my family that I love them.

Ugh, couldn’t I just take them out for a nice dinner or buy them something they really want instead? Like a pony or a car?

Whether laundry brings me joy or not – as the book promises – remains to be seen. But this epitome that I have come to as I write this blog makes me want to keep reading.

What do you think? Does laundry bring you joy? Is it your family’s love language? Do tell in the comments below.

#ProudandJewish

This evening, I am glued to my television watching a hostage situation unfold at a Reform synagogue in Colleyville, Texas. As a woman of the Jewish faith, I am saddened and horrified at what is happening right now. So much so that a light-hearted blog post seems impossible for me to write this evening.

No one should have to fear that something like this may happen in their place of worship. And during a Shabbat morning service. And yet, the Jewish community – my community – has seen this happen way too often. Antisemitism is real. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.”

May our world, our country, our communities, and our own circles grow toward more love, light, tolerance, and harmony.

I am praying for the safety of the rabbi and congregants being held hostage at Congregation Beth Israel and hope for a peaceful resolution to the situation. I am also so thankful for the members of law enforcement who help keep our communities safe.

Reading Resolutions

Can you stand to read another book-related post from me? Good, because I want to talk about my 2022 reading goals. And because it is close to 9 pm and I’ve had a long day, I’m just going to get right to them.

Resolution #1 – Read More Books

Last year, I read 30 books. I didn’t plan to, but it just happened. Now that I’ve reached that milestone, I want to set a new record. Although my resolution specifies 35 books, I hope to reach 50 titles. On average, I read four books a month, which would add up to 48 books by the end of the year. But in all seriousness, I’m not putting that kind of pressure on myself. It isn’t the number of books that matters to me.

Here’s the catch – and this is what is important – half of the books I read this year must be ones I already own. Between my Kindle, my Audible and Libro accounts, and my bookshelf overflowing with physical books, I have close to 200 titles currently collecting dust.

There was a reason that I had to have these books, but because I bought them a while ago, I don’t remember that reason. Did I find the blurb on the back cover compelling? Did I read a fabulous book review in O Magazine and decide I had to have it? Did it come recommended by a friend? Or did I simply fall in love with the front cover?

Regardless of the reason, now is the time to dive in and find out. And if I’ve outgrown that reason, resolution #2 gives me the perfect out.

Resolution #2 – DNF More Books

As I go through my TBR list, I need to DNF more books. Therefore, if I read 50-75 pages and am not enjoying the book, I will put it in the “did not finish” bin. I will be ruthless about this. It isn’t a failure if I don’t finish a book. It is actually an accomplishment because, little by little, I am tackling my books and making decisions about each one.

Besides, there are too many books that I want to read. Why waste my time on books that no longer interest me?

Resolution #3 – Visit and Support More Independent Bookstores

One time, I was in Kutztown, PA, for a college tour with my daughter. My family decided to have lunch at the local brewery, and I noticed the Firefly Bookstore across the street. I remember the cheerful windows and holiday lights waiting to welcome me in. I wanted to check it out so badly, but I was also hungry. We walked around the entire campus and worked up an appetite. I decided to eat first and stop by the bookstore when we were done.

By the time we finished lunch, it was getting late, and it looked like it was about to rain. We stepped outside and felt the instant chill in the air. I glanced over at this quaint bookstore and reluctantly decided not to go in. I was so disappointed. I still haven’t forgotten about that place, and I hope someday I’ll get back there.

To make up for it, I haven’t passed up on entering an indie bookstore again. Ever since I was little, bookstores have been like a place of worship for me. (But, please don’t tell my rabbi I said so.)

Inside a bookstore, I find inspiration, enlightenment, and a sense of belonging. I’m with my people who share a faith in books and honestly believe they are a gateway to fulfillment. In 2022, I will not deny myself the opportunity to be a part of that community.

What are your reading resolutions for 2022? Let me know in the comments, and happy reading!

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